Chapter 1: 1st Outing

Nestled among the rolling mountain ranges, a bus full of energetic college students surged along the winding roads.

Today, the dance club had arranged for a trip during the summer vacation. Everyone was excited to explore the beautiful landscapes and cherish the joy and memories this journey would bring.

Gu Fan looked out at the scenery. While the bus roared along a viaduct built between mountains, he marveled at the breathtaking height and sweeping views.

Beneath them were lakes and forests; the magnificence of nature was utterly unobscured. With the bus swerving through one mountain after another, Gu Fan couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity and capabilities it took to construct such a marvelous architecture.

Just as he was lost in admiration, he suddenly felt a poke. With a smile, he turned around to see a pretty face on the other side of the aisle, which sent a quiver through his heart.

Just a month ago, Gu Fan had successfully won over Lin Xi, the beauty of the dance club. This achievement, he felt, was the most meaningful part of his college life. He was utterly devoted to the college life.

The guy and the girl exchanged glances. Though neither spoke a word, their eyes were filled with all the unsaid emotions. Similar to many young couples, their hearts were brimming with happiness.

After some time, Gu Fan and Lin Xi couldn't contain their laughter any longer. Noticing that everyone around them was asleep, Lin Xi inched her face towards Gu Fan.

Gu Fan felt slightly embarrassed. After checking to make sure no one was watching, he quickly planted a kiss on Lin Xi's cheek. The newness of their relationship made him blush, and he quickly retreated, feeling like a criminal.

Seeing Gu Fan's embarrassed look made Lin Xi feel shy too. But the joy in her heart made her giggle.

Truth be told, the kiss left Gu Fan spellbound by Lin Xi's porcelain skin and delicate touch. He was sure it was entirely worth it.

Now with Lin Xi by his side, Gu Fan's mind was filled with thoughts of marrying her, starting a family, and working hard to give her a comfortable life. He was daydreaming about their future together.

Just as the young lovebirds were locked in their silent exchange, a sudden voice intruded their tranquil ambiance.

"Lin Xi, you must be thirsty. Here, I have a bottle of water." A handsome guy sitting in the front seat handed her a sleekly packaged bottle of mineral water with English inscriptions. It looked quite different from the ones available in the local supermarkets.

"Okay, thank you!" Lin Xi politely accepted the bottle and expressed her gratitude.

"This water is brought from abroad by my father. It isn't available in our country. This mineral water originates from a never-contaminated mountain range and is naturally filtered for twenty years. It contains pure mineral ingredients, which are extremely safe and healthy for the human body. I don't even have many bottles of this," the guy introduced himself as Du Jun. He was a well-known wealthy lad in school, popular for his good looks and dancing skills, and he'd captured many girls' hearts. He was also a romantic rival Gu Fan had to wary of.

Despite his casual tone, Du Jun couldn't hide his sense of superiority, especially when he glanced at Gu Fan with a hint of contempt.

Compared to Du Jun's fancy water, the cheap mineral water in Gu Fan's hand appeared pretty insignificant. But Gu Fan decided to stay silent. Competing with this rich kid in terms of wealth? He simply couldn't. Plus, getting into a comparison with someone born with a silver spoon was just asking for trouble.

Seeing Gu Fan's silence, Du Jun's lips curled into a smile, relishing the feeling of having put someone down.

Lin Xi was a well-known beauty in school, and many were envious. Du Jun, being the president of the dance club, was one of them. His position gave him an edge over others to pursue Lin Xi.

However, Lin Xi and Gu Fan's relationship had always been solid, leaving no room for Du Jun. But he remained persistent, still thinking about Lin Xi, occasionally showing his concern and seizing any opportunities to impress her.

This outing organized by Du Jun seemed suspiciously like a deliberate effort to impress Lin Xi.

Gu Fan trusted Lin Xi and had faith in their relationship. But it did make him restless knowing an enemy was waiting for a chance to strike, trying to woo Lin Xi. It concerned Gu Fan what if Du Jun tried to force Lin Xi if his wooing attempts failed?

Gu Fan's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a soft snort. He looked at his friend Lu Yi sleeping deeply next to him and couldn't help but chuckle, recalling how Lu Yi had managed to sneak into this trip.

Originally, Gu Fan and Lu Yi weren't part of the dance club and hence, weren't included in this trip. But Lu Yi found a way, a rather shameless way, to help Gu Fan and accommodate his own interests

The trip demanded expenses, especially for a long-distance journey; it proved difficult for students, particularly those from less affluent families.

Du Jun, however, in an act of generosity, declared he would bear all the expenses of the trip. His actions certainly elicited admiration from many girls.

However, Du Jun overlooked the fact that many students valued their dignity. Instead of appreciating Du Jun's generosity, they felt humiliated by his help.

Subsequently, many club members rejected Du Jun's gesture and withdrew from the trip.

As a result, Du Jun's plan turned out to be awkward, jeopardizing the trip's possibility.

However, Gu Fan and Lu Yi claimed to know a tour planner who could provide discounts. The only prerequisite was their inclusion in the trip.

Since Gu Fan was Lin Xi's boyfriend and was often seen in the dance club, many club members didn't oppose their inclusion. So, many agreed to let them join the trip.

Du Jun wanted to refuse. But if he did, the trip couldn't happen, and his plan would fail. He was left with no choice but to let Gu Fan and Lu Yi join.

Thinking of this, Gu Fan wanted to thank his best friend for his help. It was indeed true, "Rely on parents at home, count on friends outside."