Chapter 26: Preparing to Rent a Place

Of course, it felt familiar. After all, he had dated quite a few girls back in high school. He couldn't always go to the same restaurant; if he were recognized, the whole situation would blow up.

Gangan listened to Li Yan’s words and smiled sweetly. "You have such a silver tongue."

She pulled out her chair and sat down, gazing at the lake reflecting the night. "I've seen some of the photos you took this afternoon. I haven't watched the video yet, but it’s bound to be good. What kind of reward do you want?"

Li Yan laughed. "I wasn't thinking about any reward; it’s just one friend helping another. Besides, you’re a local influencer. If I help you create high-quality content, your popularity will grow, and you’ll have more resources. If I ever need you to introduce me to someone in the future, it’ll just be a matter of asking, right?"

Gangan nodded. "That sounds reasonable. I can help you connect with some local resources, like exhibitions or cultural exchanges; after all, I know plenty of people in the local short-video scene."

The dishes and watermelon juice were quickly served. Li Yan poured two cups of tea and handed one to Gangan.

"Soften your throat with some tea first, then take your time eating."

Gangan appreciated his relaxed pace. The two chatted as they drank their tea.

She asked about his plans for university. He answered frankly, "I’ve been accepted into the Advertising major at Sichuan University. I plan to head to Chengdu early to adapt to the environment and check out rental apartments around the campus. Freshmen dorms aren't always convenient, and I’d like to rent a place for more freedom."

Gangan was curious. "When are you planning to go?"

"Maybe next week or the week after," Li Yan replied. "Once I finish things up here, I’ll head out. My time is flexible anyway."

A look of surprise flashed in Gangan’s eyes. "How carefree. When I film videos, I’m either staying local or traveling within the province; I’ve never thought about going to Chengdu to get a head start on college life. But Chengdu is a great place—the food is amazing, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are warm."

Li Yan smiled. "Exactly. I’ve also heard that Sichuan girls are gentle and pretty; I’m looking forward to making a few friends."

Gangan teased, "Are you trying to upset me by saying that in front of me? You just met me, and you’re already thinking about even prettier Sichuan girls?"

Li Yan laughed dismissively. "You’re beautiful too; I was just stating a fact. I have a very open attitude toward making friends—no matter where they’re from, as long as we click, that’s all that matters."

The conversation between them was neither overtly ambiguous nor like that of ordinary friends.

As the night deepened, the waiter served the dishes: spicy sea snails, poached chicken, steamed sea bass, and wild mushroom soup, all beautifully presented and fragrant. Li Yan used serving chopsticks to place a piece of chicken on Gangan’s plate. "Try this; the chicken here is very tender, and the ginger-scallion dipping sauce is unique."

Gangan took a bite and nodded in admiration. "Mmm, delicious! Are you a food connoisseur?"

Li Yan smiled. "I wouldn't call it that. I just try different restaurants often and accumulate experience over time."

They ate and talked, the atmosphere relaxed. They didn't need flowery language; instead, they felt perfectly at ease.

Many of Gangan’s followers wanted to take her out to dinner, but most approached her with an air of urgency or excessive flattery, which made her uncomfortable.

Li Yan was different. He was natural throughout the entire process—from choosing the venue and ordering the food to the pacing of their conversation and the timing of his jokes. Everything was handled perfectly.

This type of man made her feel comfortable in a subtle way.

After dinner, Li Yan paid the bill. It came to over three thousand yuan, a high price due to the private room fee, the expensive wild mushroom soup, and the imported seafood, but it meant nothing to him.

He didn't blink while swiping his card, signing his name with a smooth, fluid motion. Gangan saw it all but didn't offer excessive praise. She knew that to Li Yan, this was a normal expense; there was no need for shock or sycophancy.

When they left the restaurant, a breeze brushed over the lake. The starlight in the night sky was faint but offered a sense of peace.

Gangan sighed softly. "Today was truly pleasant. You helped me shoot footage and treated me to such a wonderful meal. I’ll treat you next time."

Li Yan laughed. "No problem, I don’t mind if you treat. But don't feel burdened; I enjoyed the process too."

Gangan looked up at him. "How long until you go to Chengdu? Will I not be able to see you soon?"

Li Yan gestured helplessly. "Not too long. The current plan is to leave next weekend. When the time comes, you’re welcome to come to Chengdu for a visit; I’ll be your guide."

Gangan’s eyes crinkled with a smile. "I’ll hold you to that. If I make any travel plans, I’ll look for you."

When they said goodbye, Gangan took a taxi first. Li Yan watched the taillights disappear, his heart calm.

He felt no racing pulse, nor was he lost in fantasy; he simply felt that the evening had been fulfilling. He looked back at the lake and took a light breath of the cool air.

On his way home, Li Yan received a WeChat message from Wang Zhen: "Brother Yan, I'm almost at the restaurant. I’m so nervous!"

Li Yan replied, "Relax, just act naturally."

Wang Zhen sent another message: "Liu Yuting said she wants to take me to try some special desserts, and we might catch a movie after dinner. Do you think I should bring a small gift?"

Li Yan thought for a moment. "No need to overprepare. The fact that she agreed to go out with you tonight means she likes you. Just be yourself. Let me know how it goes later."

Wang Zhen sent a cute emoji: "Got it, Brother! I’ll do my best!"

Closing WeChat, Li Yan smiled. Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting were a well-matched pair; Wang Zhen’s family owned a supermarket, and they were comfortably middle-class.

Liu Yuting was a girl with a bit of a personality—not as quiet or pure as Shen Qingyue, nor as famous as Gangan, but she was easy to be around. For Wang Zhen, this relationship had the potential to blossom.

Li Yan returned home late at night. Seeing the light off in his parents' room, he knew they were already asleep.

He tiptoed into his room and copied the day’s photos and videos onto his hard drive for backup, then took a brief look through them. He always spent a little extra time reviewing his own work, partly to appreciate it and partly to look for room for improvement.

Flipping through Gangan’s photos, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Her smile was captured perfectly, embodying both her sweetness and a touch of maturity.

Thinking about the perfunctory meeting he might have with Shen Qingyue in a few days, he didn't care at all. He was the one in control, unbound by anyone. To him, Shen Qingyue was a finished chapter; he didn't need to reopen it just yet.

But with Gangan, there was deeper potential for interaction. She had resources, a fanbase, and a unique cultural niche—all the ingredients for a more interesting dynamic.

After washing up, Li Yan sat at his desk and opened his computer to look up rentals in Chengdu. Finding a nicely furnished small apartment near the university with a monthly rent of three to five thousand yuan wouldn't be difficult for him.

He found a nice residential complex with all the amenities, just a ten-minute walk from the main gate of Sichuan University—an ideal location.

He jotted down the agent’s number, planning to reach out tomorrow or the next day. Then, he would pack his bags, fly to Chengdu to view the place, sign the lease, and start enjoying his post-summer-vacation freedom early.