Chapter 999: The Ultimate Straight Man

Chapter 999: Chapter 964: The Ultimate Straight Man

Having an affinity for someone can be very strange. While Xue Anning is fairly decent-looking, she certainly isn’t considered a beauty. Plus, she’s a bit dark-skinned, acts quite carefree, and has a hint of boyishness. Yet, Wang Jinwu just happens to like this type.

During the time before dinner, Wang Jinwu even bought a new outfit to change into, since it’s said that the Buddha needs gold and people need clothes. Although he doesn’t look as good as Chunliang, he at least has to outshine him in attire.

But Wang Jinwu always feels like he’s missing something. As the person involved, he was confused, so he quietly asked Chunliang, “Bro, do you think I’m still lacking something?”

Chunliang took a glance at him. Wang Jinwu dressed like a nouveau riche, and if it were him, he would never put on a BOY T-shirt. This shirt was eye-catching, but when worn, it changed his whole demeanor, making him look untrustworthy.

“Looks good!”

Wang Jinwu grinned, “I also think it looks good, but I feel like when we’re standing together, I’m still overshadowed by you.”

Chunliang said, “Just say it clearly that you don’t want me to go, right?” He pretended to turn around to leave, but Wang Jinwu hurriedly stopped him, “No, if you don’t go, what will I talk about with her?”

Chunliang said, “Just directly say you like her, that it’s love at first sight.”

Wang Jinwu does have some self-awareness; this straightforward way works for Chunliang but not for him. In terms of winning women’s affection, he can’t compete with Chunliang. The same moves that always work for Chunliang would have him facing a hard time.

Chunliang said, “I’m curious, you just met her for a few hours, what exactly do you like about her?”

Wang Jinwu looked dreamily and said, “I like everything about her. Haven’t you noticed a kind of unique coolness in her that’s rare in women?”

“A tomboy.”

Wang Jinwu said, “Every one to their taste. Bro, I have to learn from you on this.”

Chunliang said, “Hold up, I’m saving it for my wife, can’t let you have it just like that.”

Wang Jinwu laughed out loud, “No way, I’m not into that—I am straight as an arrow.”

Chunliang said, “Finally figured out where your problem lies.”

“Where?” Wang Jinwu looked genuinely humble seeking advice.

Chunliang said, “Actually, most women don’t like guys who are completely straight.”

“You mean a bit of bending is needed?”

Chunliang purposely nodded, “You’re teachable.”

Wang Jinwu scratched his head, “Ask me to farm, fish, drive cars or boats, sure. But this? I’m really clueless, bro, teach me how to bend?”

Chunliang said, “Even if I teach you, you can’t learn it. You’re a natural born straight man. By the way, have you thought about what to talk about once you meet her?”

Wang Jinwu said, “That’s exactly what’s troubling me, so I’m banking on you for this.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll say too much and win her over?”

“Exactly, that’s why you should get going soon. I’ll send you a big red envelope later.”

Chunliang laughed, “No loyalty.”

Wang Jinwu said, “You’re not getting any younger, at least strive for your own happiness, don’t you think?”

Chunliang said, “How about this, I’ll give you a tip. What does Xue Anning do for work?”

“Archaeology.”

Chunliang said, “So, you should find common topics in that area to engage her, capture her attention, and explore her interests.”

Wang Jinwu said, “But I don’t understand that field at all.”

“No worries, the fact that you don’t know just means you can ask her, show her your shortcomings proactively.”

“You’re not trying to harm me, are you?”

They passed by an antique jade stall, and Chunliang pointed to the items on the ground, suggesting Wang Jinwu buy a few pieces to have Xue Anning appraise them later. Finally, Wang Jinwu seemed enlightened and admired Chunliang even more, thinking it only natural that someone with such tactics would have a way with women. How come he never thought of this simple trick?

Chunliang also sent Wang Jinwu a few images. With the necessary help provided, it would now be up to Wang Jinwu’s competence. However, Chunliang reminded Wang Jinwu that the Xue Family’s background wasn’t so clean; Xue Anning’s father, Xue Renzhong, had been imprisoned for dealing illegally in artifacts.

Wang Jinwu seemed to think that everyone makes mistakes; admitting them brings great improvement. Moreover, he’s interested in Xue Anning, not her father, and Xue Anning is a legitimate research scholar in archaeology.

The two arrived at Jinghu Hotel, where Xue Anning was staying.

They went directly to the Chinese restaurant, entered the reserved room, and found that Xue Anning hadn’t arrived yet. Wang Jinwu arranged the dishes first.

Xue Anning was very punctual. She entered the room on time with slightly damp, short hair as if she’d just taken a shower. She wore a black round-neck shirt, jeans, and sneakers, clearly someone who doesn’t care much about appearances.

Wang Jinwu extended his hand to her actively and Xue Anning showed her generous nature as she shook his hand. “What’s the matter? You could have just talked over the phone; why the need for a special meal?”

Wang Jinwu said, “I think the same, but Chunliang said it’s better to talk face to face.”

Chunliang was truly speechless, feeling like Wang Jinwu kept deflecting attention to him while he wasn’t the main character; he was only supplying backup.

Xue Anning smiled at Chunliang, “Go ahead, what’s the matter?”

Xu Chunliang said, “You know about Qingya’s divorce, right?”

Xue Anning shook her head, “I haven’t heard about it. I don’t like meddling in other people’s family matters.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I didn’t mean anything by it, just hoping you could chat with her more, give her some guidance.”

Xue Anning said, “She seems fine, doesn’t need any guidance.”

Wang Jinwu asked the waiter to serve the dishes. Xu Chunliang discreetly kicked him, finally making Wang Jinwu realize, “Oh, right, Miss Xue, you’re an archaeology expert. I also like this field in my spare time.”

Xue Anning smiled, “Do you like archaeology or collecting?”

Wang Jinwu said, “Collecting, but I’m not a professional, so I can’t tell the real from the fake. I brought a few things today, could you help take a look?”

Xue Anning nodded, and Wang Jinwu opened his handbag, taking out some newly bought jade stones, mixed with a few poorly crafted artifacts.

Xue Anning glanced at them, not even interested in picking them up for a closer look, “President Wang, how many years have you been collecting?”

Wang Jinwu thought for a moment, “I’ve loved it since I was little, back then collecting marbles, cigarette labels, stamps, and later jade and antiques. It adds up to nearly twenty years.”

Xue Anning said, “Collecting is about having a keen eye, forgive me for saying, but it’s not really your thing.”

Wang Jinwu laughed, “That’s why I’m seeking your guidance.”

Xue Anning said, “Sorry, I really can’t help you.”

Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly, Wang Jinwu is just hopeless. I taught you the secret move, where is it now?

Wang Jinwu helplessly looked at Xu Chunliang, he remembered the move, but he couldn’t adapt to the situation. Xu Chunliang didn’t explain in detail, and Xue Anning killed the conversation right from the start. What’s next? I shouldn’t have listened to his advice, people pursuing girls usually boast, not expose their weaknesses. Now look, Xue Anning thinks I’m a big fool. She almost outright said just now that I’m unfit for collecting, that my eye is terrible.

Xu Chunliang thought, why are you looking at me? I need to keep a low profile, but if I don’t speak up, this will turn into an awkward silence.

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily, “Brother Jinwu, I already told you not to joke around like this. Miss Xue is a professional archaeologist, and you dared to test her expertise? Didn’t I say so, you’ve been discovered by Miss Xue.”

Wang Jinwu sighed silently, why didn’t I think of giving myself an out like that? This kind of response is so clever. He also started laughing, “Embarrassing, so embarrassing, I actually doubted Miss Xue’s professional level. I just passed by a street stall and bought some jade stones thinking…”

“Thinking about what?”

Wang Jinwu pursed his lips, “Thinking of testing Miss Xue’s professional ability.”

Xue Anning said, “President Wang, you’re about forty, right?”

Wang Jinwu’s face turned red, “Twenty-nine, I matured a bit quickly, but if you don’t believe it, I can show you my ID.”

“You don’t need to prove anything to me. Likewise, I don’t need to prove anything to you. Thank you both for the dinner, but I have another engagement, I’ll be leaving now.” Xue Anning stood up and walked away.

Wang Jinwu got anxious, “Don’t leave! The food isn’t even served yet.”

Xue Anning halted, turned around, and Wang Jinwu thought she had changed her mind.

Xue Anning said, “Oh, right, lunch this afternoon was five hundred total, one hundred per person. I said I’d treat Ye Qingya, but since I’m not familiar with you two, keep the money.” She took out three hundred in cash from her handbag and placed it on the table before turning to leave.

Wang Jinwu stood up wanting to chase her but stopped after a few steps, turning to Xu Chunliang, “You go after her.”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “What does that have to do with me?”

Wang Jinwu got angry, “Are you helping me or sabotaging me? This jade is obviously fake, she thinks I’m insulting her intelligence.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Where’s the secret move I taught you?”

Wang Jinwu rubbed the back of his head, “Damn it, I totally forgot.”

Xu Chunliang said, “That woman’s not simple. I bet she saw through your Sima Zhao intentions. My advice is to set your sights elsewhere.”

Wang Jinwu sat down, “No way. I’m finding myself more and more fond of her, just love that feisty spirit she has.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Brother Jinwu, how come I never realized you were such a diehard romantic?”

“Being a diehard romantic is better than being promiscuous.” Wang Jinwu took out his phone, remembering to look over the secret move Xu Chunliang sent him, “What’s this all about? Can’t make it out? Brewery hot springs.”

Wang Jinwu said, “Why send this?”

Xu Chunliang said, “Chat with her about the discovery at the brewery hot springs, invite her to check out the excavation site, maybe she would be interested.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Xu Chunliang said, “It’s all about your own comprehension.”

Wang Jinwu’s hand shook, sending all the images to Xue Anning. It’s not too late to fix things. Can’t wait, otherwise she might block me.”

Xu Chunliang opened a bottle of premium Maotai, “Brother Jinwu, you really went all out today.”

Wang Jinwu said, “Eating from me, drinking from me, yet only giving me lousy advice, don’t you feel guilty, huh?”

Xu Chunliang said, “If not a success, there’s still effort. Maybe she’ll have a change of heart and come back…” Before he finished, Xue Anning pushed the door and walked back in.