Chapter 330: Lin Xiaoli's Shock - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 330: Lin Xiaoli's Shock After class, everyone exited the classroom together. Lin Zhenran stood at a certain spot on the campus. The three small ones surrounded him, with no one else around. He Qing nervously tapped her fingers in front of her: "Although I knew this day would come, I didn't expect I would have to share a bed with the director right from the start." Jiang Xueli inquired, "When exactly will the director move in? Are we starting on the first day?" Lin Zhenran replied, "Jiang Jingshi needs a couple of days to move out of her current place, so we might not be together the first night, but it could be soon. Once she's done moving out, she'll join us." Han Wenwen covered her face, silently staring at Lin Zhenran. Greedy Zhenran. Jiang Xueli whispered with a pout, "It's fine sleeping with He Qing the fox, but it feels awkward adding the director to the mix." "I know you three aren't that familiar with Jingshi yet, but she's really nice. Just take your time getting to know her. There's no need for you to become instantly close; that would be unrealistic. Just be yourselves as usual." The three nodded in agreement. Lin Zhenran's phone pinged—Jiang Jingshi had sent a message. She asked if he had informed his aunt and uncle, and mentioned that the day-school application was printed and ready to be picked up. After replying, Lin Zhenran found his mother's contact, heading to a nearby bench to sit: "You three don't have to stand; have a seat while I call my parents about the day-school thing. Jingshi's prepared the application form." The phone rang a few times. His mom's voice came through, accompanied by background noise, as if many people were talking. "Zhenran? What's up?" "Mom, are you at work?" Lin Zhenran sat on the bench with the three. "Yes, I’m working, compiling new makeup products with colleagues. Do you need something? Lin Zongranran, please speak!" Lin Xiaoli teased with a laugh. Lin Zhenran chuckled, explaining, "Mom, I'm considering applying for day-school status." "Day-school? As in not staying in the dorms?" "Yes, and the school requires a parent's signature for the application, so I wanted to inform you first." Lin Xiaoli thought briefly, "Sure, Zhenran, you're a big boss now, with many responsibilities. Staying in dorms isn't convenient. But where will you live—company dorms or rent a place?" "Renting a place with four others." "Oh, that's fine. Ha?! What did you just say?" Lin Xiaoli was taken aback, eyes wide and mouth agape, "Zhenran, did I hear that right?" Lin Zhenran: "Nothing much, just renting a place." "I meant, what did you say after that!" "Oh," he clarified, "I said I plan to rent a place with He Qing, Lili, Wenwen, and Jingshi, all four together." "Zhenran!" His mom's voice rose dramatically, alarmed: "Zhenran, where did this idea come from? I don't agree! Absolutely not! How can you let those girls live together? They'll fight for sure! Arguments would be minor; who knows what serious issues might arise." Lin Xiaoli shuddered over the phone, "Just thinking about it is frightening! Tensions among girls can be terrifying!" The three small ones next to Lin Zhenran overheard the conversation, their faces blushing with the realization that his mother had no clue about their interactions. Yet, in reality, if Lin Zhenran were inclined towards only one, things indeed could turn problematic. In a world of loyalty, all vying for one person's affection often leads only to mutual hurt and unresolved outcomes. Lin Zhenran sighed, "Mom, I—" But Lin Xiaoli cut him off, shaking her head insistently: "No way! Absolutely not! As a girl myself, I understand women's emotions well. This cannot happen; I disagree! Zhenran, even though I know you're quite capable, emotional matters can’t be handled this way!" She asked, "Are you coming home this weekend?" "Yes, as planned." "Great! When you come home, your father and I will discuss this with you," Lin Xiaoli softened her tone, as if comforting: "You should think about what you really want in the next few days. I know this might seem harsh because you’ve grown up with them, but choices have to be made—there can't be ambiguity now that you've grown up." Lin Zhenran glanced at the expressions around him. He sighed, "Mom, I've had thoughts on this for a long time.” "Ah?" Lin Xiaoli was surprised, "What do you mean... you’ve already made a choice? Is it Qingqing, Wenwen, Lili, or maybe Jingshi? Or is it Xiaomeng?" He Qing, Han Wenwen, and Jiang Xueli reacted instantly, in unison, "Why is Fang Meng included?!" Lin Xiaoli sounded flustered over the phone: "Zhenran, I hear Qingqing and the others. Are they around? Have you told them you plan to move in with them?" Lin Zhenran spoke clearly, "Yes, I told them. Also, to answer, it isn't any one of them specifically. I want them all, and they've agreed." A gentle breeze brushed past Lin Zhenran. His words left Lin Xiaoli dumbfounded, causing her, in the company, to fall silent, her mind in shock. Everything fell silent. "Zhenran, what did you say... I didn’t hear you clearly." Jiang Xueli suddenly clenched her fists, her cheeks flushed as she added, "Wait, Auntie, Zhenran didn’t clarify—Fang Meng is not involved! Why was she mentioned!" "Zhenran! Come home on Saturday to meet with your mom! And Lili, you all come along!" A few days later The weekend arrived. The three small ones headed towards the parking lot with Lin Zhenran. Jiang Jingshi waved at them from beside an Audi. He Qing and the girls greeted Jiang Jingshi. The five got into the Audi, with Lin Zhenran driving back to the small town. As he started the car, he remarked: "When we arrive, I'm sure my parents will have a ton of questions for you. Just say what you truly think. Though my mom may seem a certain way, she's actually very sensitive about these things. Trying to keep a story might cause more anxiety." The four agreed in unison. (End of Chapter)