The Equation for Victory

“The creation of traditional novels, in its essence, demands that authors express their deepest selves.

This highly personal form of writing is also, undeniably, the most arduous.”

“For once an author ventures down this path, their innermost thoughts and beliefs are inevitably laid bare.

Should their intellect prove shallow, or their perspectives overly extreme, the outcome would be…”

Rinzi paused, lost in thought for a considerable time, yet she ultimately seemed unable to pinpoint the exact words to articulate her point, finally abandoning the search.

“In any case, it’s simply not good.”

The woman uttered these words, then turned her attention back to Chen Ran, who sat beside her, sipping red tea.

“However, a writer cannot merely indulge in self-expression.

After all… life necessitates financial stability, so they must craft narratives that resonate with their readers’ preferences.”

“How does that old adage go?”

“True writers or philosophers, it is said, are found only on sun-drenched, pristine beaches, idly observing slaves toil diligently, planting cotton, their sole concern being what to eat for today and tomorrow.”

When the conversation turned to her ‘profession’.

Rinzi, in an instant, became eloquently unstoppable.

Yet, the woman’s discourse abruptly ceased as she realized Chen Ran had remained silent for quite some time.

‘Was he bored by her topic?’

‘Ugh, why was she still so presumptuous!’

Rinzi, her thoughts consumed by anxiety, couldn’t help but ponder this, and so… she foolishly posed the question to Chen Ran once more.

“Xiao Ran, do you… do you find Auntie’s topic a little dull…?”

‘Fool!’

‘How could such a question escape her lips!!’

‘Didn’t that just make things infinitely more awkward!!!’

Rinzi was on the verge of tears, exasperated by her own foolishness.

A complete and utter failure—she had utterly ruined such a precious opportunity to be alone with Xiao Ran!

“No, I am listening intently.”

Chen Ran replied softly.

To Rinzi, however, the young man before her was nothing short of a ‘little angel’.

‘Indeed, a little angel!’

‘Xiao Ran is simply too gentle; it moves me to tears.’

Yet, Chen Ran genuinely wasn’t bored; rather, it was in his nature to find any topic Miss Rinzi chose to discuss perfectly acceptable.

He continued to sip his red tea.

Clearly, Rinzi had misinterpreted his silence, for the woman swiftly shifted the conversation.

“How long will Xiao Ran be staying here?”

The woman inquired with careful hesitancy.

This question reminded Chen Ran of his current official identity: a distant relative’s child of Jiang Ruohua, temporarily residing with the Jiang family.

Though Rinzi had only recently moved in next door, she would undoubtedly discover this fact with little effort.

“I’m not sure…”

Chen Ran could only offer a vague reply.

In truth, he himself was uncertain how long his stay with the Jiang family would last—neither Jiang Ruohua nor the Jiang sisters had offered any indication.

If he were to inquire…

A certain mature and alluring beauty would likely respond:

“Xiao Ran, just marry Zilin or Lengleng, and we can all live happily ever after as one big family~”

“Eh?”

“Xiao Ran, are you thinking of marrying Mama?

Well, that’s not entirely out of the question~”

….

As for Jiang Zilin, her response would likely mirror her mother’s, while Jiang Lengleng would probably express confusion as to why he would leave, then implore him to stay.

Alas.

Within the entire household, only the diligent and well-behaved Sister Lengleng seemed truly normal.

Chen Ran mused, then meticulously added:

“At the very least… through these few years of high school.”

He remained utterly uncertain.

Thus, Chen Ran swiftly redirected the conversation, stating:

“And you, Miss Rinzi, will you be staying here long?”

“Yes!”

Rinzi nodded emphatically.

The house she now occupied was an inheritance from her grandparents.

She herself had actually grown up in the East Country, accustomed to the tranquil pace of rural life where the air was perpetually cold, and the mountain peaks were eternally capped with snow.

There were also sturdy wooden cabins and warming hearth fires, along with exceptionally delicious roasted venison.

A biting chill permeated the air.

It stretched time itself, especially during the long nights, when the stars and moon hung unobscured, sprawling across the horizon, sometimes accompanied by a remarkably vibrant aurora.

Rinzi harbored a deep affection for her ancestral countryside home, finding herself less fond of bustling metropolises like Xijing.

But.

Now, things were different.

For now, the person she cherished was here.

Gazing at Chen Ran beside her, Rinzi found herself inadvertently drawn closer to the young man, inching nearer until their arms brushed, then their fingers…

“Ah! N-no… I apologize…”

With a jolt almost like an electric shock, Rinzi recoiled, stammering.

She tried to take a sip of red tea to mask her embarrassment, only to inadvertently spill a significant amount onto the coffee table, creating a widespread mess.

“It’s fine.”

Chen Ran spoke softly, yet an inexplicable chill suddenly enveloped him.

As he drew closer to Rinzi.

Chen Ran distinctly felt the temperature plummeting, as though he were seated beside a refrigerator with its door ajar, ceaselessly blasting cold air.

Moreover, the woman’s fingers he had just brushed against were incredibly icy…

“Miss Rinzi, have you turned on the air conditioning?

It feels a little chilly.”

“Eh?!”

!!!

Only now did Rinzi realize that her ‘old habit’ had resurfaced!!

This was her response to nervousness.

Her body would turn cold, become icy…

“Y-yes, I suppose so.

I’ll just go turn off the air conditioner…”

“It’s fine, this is actually quite pleasant.”

Chen Ran continued, his tone unconcerned.

“But are you alright, Miss Rinzi?

I just noticed your hands are quite cold.”

“N-no… I’m fine… I’m alright… I… I’m accustomed to it…”

She offered a sheepish smile.

Rinzi thought, ‘She almost exposed herself, didn’t she?’

“Miss Rinzi, you’re a foreigner, aren’t you?”

“Ah… mhm… yes…”

“Which country are you from?”

“Eh?”

‘Which country?’

‘I don’t know.

I’m not a foreigner, I’m…’

“I’m not entirely sure, it’s a matter from my grandparents’ generation… I… I don’t really know… Haha… Xiao Ran, would you like more tea?

Auntie can get you a refill…”

She was clearly desperate to change the subject.

“No, it’s time I headed back.”

Chen Ran rose to his feet.

It was nearing noon, and Chen Ran decided he would go to the convenience store to relieve Jiang Zilin, allowing her to return home and prepare lunch.

He had no desire to eat out, nor did he wish for instant noodles.

“Ah… I see…”

Rinzi spoke with a hint of disappointment.

The woman, clearly at a loss, had no idea how to proceed.

And so.

She could only accompany him to the front door.

“Xiao… Xiao Ran!”

As Chen Ran was putting on his shoes, he suddenly heard Rinzi urgently call his name.

He looked up, his gaze falling upon the beautiful woman whose face was etched with a conflicted expression, her alabaster skin, like ice crystals, almost radiating a delicate blush, giving her a captivating allure.

“Xiao Ran… are you free… at the end of this month…?

Auntie… Auntie has a book signing event… will you… come… with me… then?”

Rinzi stammered through her words.

Finally.

She had voiced the ‘date invitation’ she had meticulously planned for so long.

After all, she couldn’t rely on another appliance breaking down in a few days, could she?

It was time… it was finally time to ask Xiao Ran out.

A date, shopping, dinner, a movie…

And then, a hotel room!

This was… this was the equation for ultimate victory!!

!!!