Red Line Resurrection Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Game Skin.

Feeling annoyed was one thing, but his eating didn’t stop. The food in the cafeteria didn’t taste like mass-produced slop at all; the spare ribs weren’t tough, and the shrimp was fresh. Shen Lingjun ate everything cleanly, but Zhou Shunan across from him barely touched his food. Perhaps sensing Shen Lingjun’s fluctuating wariness, Zhou Shunan didn’t stare intently this time or ask too many questions. He simply told him that the teachers at City No. 1 High School weren’t strict, and students were allowed to bring phones, so he didn’t need to struggle to stay awake and listen to lessons.

Shen Lingjun nodded, thought for a moment, and asked, “Will there be many tests?”

Zhou Shunan replied, “There’s a Periodic Test at the end of the month, but usually, more than half the students don’t participate. As long as your parents agree, it’s fine.”

Shen Lingjun’s face fell, looking bitter. Liang Ji’an loved making him go to school so much that he would definitely want him to take the test. If he went back with a terrible, abysmal score, he had no idea how badly he would be scolded.

Although Liang Ji’an hadn’t interacted with him much yet, in Shen Lingjun’s mind, he had become the stuff of horror stories. Just thinking about it made him feel like the sky was collapsing.

When he frowned, he was clearly agitated, yet his expression somehow carried a hint of pitifulness. Zhou Shunan raised an eyebrow, “You’re worried about the test? Do you want me to tutor you?”

Shen Lingjun carried his tray toward the return area. After some thought, he decided to refuse for now, as they weren’t close at all. “I think I’ll try to study on my own first.”

City No. 1 High School had dedicated rest rooms for lunch breaks. Shen Lingjun specifically went into the restroom and looked around. Seeing that they were all separate stalls, he suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

From elementary school through high school, the school restrooms he attended were large open channels without doors. Because of his special physical condition, his grandparents had repeatedly told him since he was very young that he had to avoid people when using the restroom. Consequently, he never dared to go to the bathroom with others during breaks. He could only try to raise his hand and go during class, but after too many times, even the teachers found it strange. Since he absolutely didn’t dare to be conspicuous, he tried his best to hold it in.

Getting used to holding it in had caused a minor physical issue.

Fortunately, it didn’t affect his daily life. Shen Lingjun locked the door and pulled out the phone that had been vibrating non-stop in his pocket. It had been buzzing in the cafeteria, but his phone was so dilapidated that his pitiful self-esteem prevented him from taking it out.

A strange number had sent him five or six messages, but judging by the tone, it must be Ji Yuxuan.

Shen Lingjun, why did you inexplicably block me on WeChat and QQ? I had to borrow someone else’s phone card for this.

Did you leave home? Did you leave with the person who was driving that night? Didn’t you say you didn’t know that person?

You’re really living the rich life now, not even replying to my messages. Did you forget I’m your boyfriend?!

The messages paused briefly here, then continued ten minutes later.

You haven’t logged into the game these past two days. I logged into your account and did the daily tasks for you.

Oh right, the game had a big update these past two days and released new skins. The skill animations are super cool. Let’s buy the couple skins.

Shen Lingjun scrolled to the bottom of the messages, feeling a mix of emotions. Forget buying game skins, he didn’t even have the chance to play games right now. Moreover, Ji Yuxuan’s intention was clearly to ask him for money to buy the skins.

He thought for a moment, then slowly typed his reply: I didn’t block you. Thank you for logging into the game for me, but I really can’t play right now, and I don’t have money for skins. (Messages cost two cents each. Can’t you combine what you want to say into one message and save some money?)

The reply from the other side was very fast.

The messages are costing my money, why are you worried? Your broken phone needs replacing soon. I can’t add you as a friend no matter what I try.

What do you mean you don’t have money for skins… Didn’t you move to the city to live a good life? This skin only costs 128 yuan to top up. Since the game launched last year, we’ve had the Complete Collection. You can’t be serious, can you?

Don’t tell me you’re just putting on a brave face, and you don’t actually have any rich relatives who recognize you. Are you just hiding in some corner acting out a play?

Shen Lingjun felt inexplicably angry watching the messages pop up one after another, but he also hesitated internally. He was indeed vain, otherwise he wouldn’t have spent so much money on skins. Ji Yuxuan’s words hit him exactly where it hurt. He was so furious that he sent several messages back, cursing him.

Why do you care so much? You’re the one who spends all day chewing gum and messing around at the pool hall instead of trying to be cool.

You know you’re my boyfriend, so why are you talking to me so aggressively? Are you trying to pick a fight?

I’m telling you I will definitely buy this skin. As for whether it’s a couple skin, I don’t care about you.

Ji Yuxuan, far away in the small town, tore off a piece of paper to wipe his butt. Seeing Shen Lingjun’s tone, he could almost picture his puffed-up, angry look. His anger immediately subsided, and he quickly tried to placate him: Don’t be mad. I was just a little anxious because I hadn’t seen you or been able to contact you for days. I’ll buy the skin for you, okay?

Shen Lingjun: I don’t need you to buy it!!!

He didn’t respond to Ji Yuxuan after sending that message. He angrily left the restroom and returned to the classroom. But once his emotions calmed down, he quickly regretted it. Ji Yuxuan was such a cheapskate; if he was offering a freebie, he shouldn’t refuse it!

But lowering himself again felt truly embarrassing, and he had already made his declaration. If he didn’t buy the skin now, it would be even more humiliating. The next time he logged into the game, Ji Yuxuan would probably chase him down and ask about it.

He needed to get some money.

Shen Lingjun pondered for a long time, wondering if he should film another video and upload it to the website, but having just moved, he was afraid of being discovered. He couldn’t find anyone to borrow money from immediately. After rummaging through his bag for a long time, he suddenly noticed the Learning Device Liang Ji’an had prepared for him.

He could use the tablet and phone once he got the passwords, but the Learning Device seemed genuinely useless.

Less than half an hour later, the user “Little Shen is Very Bright” posted a message on the second-hand platform.

X-Family third-generation latest model Learning Device, top configuration, brand new, flawless. 75% off for 8600 yuan. Supports inspection, supports in-person local transaction. Note: Price slightly negotiable, shipping not included.

Shen Lingjun felt inexplicably sad looking at the note. He was a seller who couldn’t even afford the shipping fee…

He listened attentively during the afternoon classes, but with little success. During the last class, he successfully met with the Duke of Zhou (fell asleep) until Zhou Shunan woke him up after class.

His double eyelids had gained an extra crease from sleeping. This time, Zhou Shunan genuinely couldn’t resist pinching his face lightly. He squeezed his cheek and said, “City No. 1 High School doesn’t have evening self-study. Should I walk you home?”

Shen Lingjun instinctively dodged backward. “No need. My family is coming to pick me up.”