Cao Mingliang didn't rush to find Liang Yu, needing to do some preparatory work first.
As for Lü Yanran, Cao Mingliang followed her fabricated story, stating that Qin Tian had indeed said some nonsensical things, and while he outwardly agreed with Qin Tian, he inwardly believed her.
Furthermore, to placate Lü Yanran, Cao Mingliang deliberately told her that since Qin Tian chose to retaliate against her in this way, he would not apologize for her, considering it a mutual offset.
However, he also told her to stop badmouthing Xia Nuannuan behind her back from now on.
Lü Yanran, half-believing him, agreed.
Of course, she still felt uneasy, thinking the matter had been resolved too easily.
Therefore, she called Liang Yu several times, repeatedly cautioning him to cooperate with her if Cao Mingliang approached him.
Qin Tian paid no attention to Cao Mingliang's plans and didn't mention them to Xia Nuannuan.
He simply told her that Cao Mingliang had his own arrangements and that the matter was over.
Xia Nuannuan didn't ask any further questions, acting as if nothing had happened.
While attending classes diligently, in her spare time, she discussed renovation plans with Qin Tian.
They each searched for renovation style ideas and designs online, exchanging opinions.
Thus, a few calm and fulfilling days quickly passed.
In this world, money is certainly not everything, but it is the closest thing to being omnipotent.
As the saying goes, money makes the world go round, and as long as one is willing to spend, achieving certain goals is relatively simple.
That afternoon, after class, Cao Mingliang returned to the dormitory and closed the door, taking out a pack of cigarettes and distributing them to the three of them.
Qin Tian and Zhuang Zhe naturally refused, while Chen Zhuang took one.
"Is that matter ready?"
Chen Zhuang, with a cigarette in his mouth, asked with anticipation.
He had been eagerly waiting for a few days, his fists already itching for action.
Qin Tian and Zhuang Zhe said nothing, their gazes also questioning Cao Mingliang.
Zhuang Zhe had later heard about the matter and was astonished, clearly not expecting such a scheming woman to be so close to them.
Cao Mingliang, holding a lighter, lit cigarettes for Chen Zhuang and himself, took a puff, and then nodded slightly with a cold expression.
"Tonight, that scoundrel's dorm mates will all go to a bar. I already know the location and time."
"How did you manage that?"
Chen Zhuang's eyes lit up, asking in surprise.
"Very simple, one of his roommates was bribed by me."
Cao Mingliang sneered and said, "At first, I offered two thousand, and he refused, citing brotherhood. I directly added three thousand, and then it was settled."
"Good heavens!"
Chen Zhuang stared blankly, truly experiencing the power of money for the first time.
Zhuang Zhe beside him also had a look of surprise.
Only Qin Tian remained calm, having already guessed most of it.
Honestly, he was surprised that the other person could resist two thousand yuan.
After all, in those days, the living expenses for ordinary university students were only a little over a thousand.
"So, what do we do? Does the guy who tipped you off get beaten too?"
Chen Zhuang's eyes gleamed with eagerness.
"No!"
Cao Mingliang shook his head and said, "We'll all beat him. That was his own request."
"What?"
Chen Zhuang froze for a moment.
"He doesn't want to expose himself as an undercover agent!"
Zhuang Zhe suddenly interjected.
"That's right!"
Cao Mingliang nodded with a smile.
"Oh, I get it. Like those undercover agents in Hong Kong movies, who deliberately shoot themselves or something. So cliché."
Chen Zhuang nodded in realization.
"Are you all preparing to go? Actually, you don't have to. I can easily find some people to do it for money on the spot."
Cao Mingliang's gaze swept over the three of them.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I suggested this idea, so of course I'm going!"
Chen Zhuang glared at him indignantly.
"A place like a bar, a fight won't cause any trouble. I'm going too!"
Qin Tian added with a smile.
Finally, the three of them looked at Zhuang Zhe.
"Since you're all going, I'll go too!"
Zhuang Zhe gave a shy smile and added, "But I've never fought before. Brother Zhuang, please protect me later!"
"Hahaha... No problem, don't worry, you might not even need to make a move."
Chen Zhuang roared with laughter, patting his shoulder, and said excitedly, "Damn it, I've disliked that scoundrel since last time, but I didn't get to make a move. This time, I'll definitely let him know who's boss!"
"Thank you, brothers. Once this is over, I'll treat everyone to a meal. You can decide what to eat, whatever you want."
Cao Mingliang said with a hearty laugh.
...
...
"Nuannuan, I need to go back to the dorm to research the stock market after dinner."
Qin Tian told a small lie while having dinner with Xia Nuannuan in the cafeteria.
"Okay, you do your thing. I'm a bit tired from class today too, so I'll go back to the dorm to rest!"
Xia Nuannuan nodded obediently.
"Then eat more!"
Qin Tian put some vegetables into her bowl and casually asked, "How have you been feeling in the dorm these past few days?"
"It's alright, after all, I didn't talk much with her before."
Xia Nuannuan smiled, then added, "But Siqi and Lu Lei have noticed something. They privately asked me if something happened with Lü Yanran, but I brushed it off."
"Well, telling them wouldn't be a big deal, wouldn't it? Don't they have a bad relationship with Lü Yanran?"
"Let's still hold off for now, to avoid making things awkward when they interact with Lü Yanran."
"What a silly girl!"
Qin Tian smiled dotingly, thinking that after today, when Cao Mingliang broke up with Lü Yanran, things should be fine.
After eating their fill, Qin Tian held Xia Nuannuan's hand and walked her to the girls' dormitory building.
After saying their goodbyes, Xia Nuannuan went upstairs to her dorm, and Qin Tian headed to the parking lot.
He drove to the dorm building, where Chen Zhuang and the other two were already waiting.
Seeing his car pull up, they opened the doors and got in.
Knowing that Xia Nuannuan occupied the front passenger seat, they all chose to sit in the back. Due to Chen Zhuang's large frame, it was a bit crowded.
"Damn it, Brother Zhuang, you should sit in the front!"
Cao Mingliang said speechlessly.
"Why don't you go?"
"No, your butt is so big it takes up two seats. Is it appropriate for you to squeeze in with us?"
"Then you go to the front. Ah Zhe and I can sit in the back perfectly."
"Damn it, I'll save money and buy a car myself in a few days. Anyway, I'm not dating anyone for now, and I have nowhere to spend my money."
Cao Mingliang grumbled.
"You haven't even taken your driving test, what are you showing off about? Can you even drive if you buy a car?"
Chen Zhuang said dismissively.
"I'll go to the driving school to register tomorrow."
"I wish you many failed attempts."
"Get lost, it's just a driving license, do you think I'll fail? Ridiculous!"
"Heh heh! You were played like a fiddle by someone you were dating, but you're so capable."
"Get lost and shut up!"
Cao Mingliang shouted with a dark expression.
"Alright, you two stop arguing. It's giving me a headache."
Qin Tian interrupted the two clowns with a mixture of amusement and helplessness.