Chapter 35: Teaching a Girl How to Pursue a Girl?

When this incident erupted online, there were countless people just like Xiao Lin.

Previously, they had smugly believed they were speaking up for justice against Su Chen, the "First Deep Affection," spewing vitriol and wishing they could kick or punch him to vent their anger. But once this video spread across the internet and the true nature of the situation was revealed, they were instantly stunned.

So, from the very beginning, Su Chen had been acting solely to help that mother and daughter? They had been cursing the wrong person the entire time—it was all a misunderstanding!

But why use such an extreme method? Wouldn’t it have been better to just speak out and call on netizens to donate? He had endured so much abuse for nothing!

In the video's comment section, those who had realized the truth provided the answer:

[If Su Chen hadn't staged this act, how many people would have paid attention to this matter? That mother had been posting pleas for help for dozens of days, and how many kind-hearted people came to assist them? Almost none! That’s why we can understand why Su Chen said what he said. He didn't bet on the kindness of human nature; he bet on its darkness. And the most ironic and ridiculous thing is, he actually won!]

This comment was instantly pushed to the very top, causing countless netizens to fall silent, feeling a bitter, shameful knot in their stomachs. Once they regained their composure, their feelings shifted toward admiration and awe for Su Chen.

[I can only say that this is the moment I’ve most profoundly understood the meaning of the word "strategist."]
[One cannot be without breadth of spirit and a vigorous drive; the burden is heavy and the road is long—he chose to carry the weight forward alone!]
[I’m sorry, I owe Su Chen an apology... I cursed you severely over this before; I was too shallow.]
[Count me in, joining the apology line. We wronged you earlier! I’m sorry!]

...

In just one day, this video from the *City Express* had surged onto the Douyin trending list with incredible speed. Everyone who watched the video and learned the truth was shocked and filled with admiration.

Public opinion underwent an extreme reversal in a very short time. Su Chen went from a despised, "human-scum" pariah to a man admired and respected by all.

Of course, human nature is always unpredictable. While the vast majority cheered, some netizens who had donated money felt indignant and even began to curse. As for this group, Su Chen welcomed their anger wholeheartedly. It was precisely because of these people that he could collect massive amounts of "Anger Points." He was overjoyed—how could he not accept them?

Seeing that he was about to cross the 100,000 mark for Anger Points, a delighted Su Chen couldn't help but rub his hands together. He even contemplated using an alt account to stir up a little more trouble to reach a round number; it would be too frustrating otherwise.

Just as he was pondering this, his phone rang. It was a call from Gu Yeling.

Su Chen answered with a smile: "Hello, Reporter Gu! Is there anything I can do for you? Just say the word!"

"How would a small-time reporter like me dare to order you around? You’re the most famous person on the internet right now!" Gu Yeling teased with a hearty laugh.

Su Chen chuckled and replied humbly: "That’s all thanks to your newspaper clearing my name. I’m truly grateful!"

"Cut the act, this was a win-win for both of us," Gu Yeling laughed, getting to the point. "I’m calling because I have a small favor to ask."

"Oh? Let’s hear it," Su Chen responded warmly. He wouldn't commit to anything until he knew what it was, leaving himself room to maneuver.

"It’s like this: are you free tomorrow night? Our newspaper would like to invite you to our Douyin livestream for a simple interview and chat. Feel free to state any conditions you might have!"

Su Chen paused for a moment before laughing: "You're being too formal. With our relationship, what conditions could there be? I’ll be there on time tomorrow night!"

He agreed for three reasons. First, they had cleared his name, and regardless of their motives, he owed them a favor—this was a perfect way to settle it. Second, the heat surrounding his video on *City Express* was at its peak; he could strike while the iron was hot. They would get the traffic, and he would gain exposure—a win-win. Third, such a situation required a third party to analyze and present the facts, much like a comedic straight man. He couldn't just stand there and praise himself; that would make him look like a petty man drunk on his own success.

As for the "conditions" she mentioned, Su Chen wasn't about to ask for money. They were all respectable people, and asking would have made things awkward.

Gu Yeling, who had prepared for a bit of a struggle, hadn't expected Su Chen to agree so easily. She felt a wave of relief.

"Great! We’ll come to pick you up. You can come a half-day early so we can discuss the flow and questions for the broadcast."

"That’s fine, but no need to pick me up. I’ll just take a taxi!"

"That works too. Whatever is convenient for you. We’ll see you tomorrow!"

...

The next morning, Su Chen went to the hospital to check on Chen Pingping. The anesthesia had worn off and she was awake. Though she was weak and had to be fed through a nasal tube, she was in stable condition.

Su Chen held her small hand and said gently: "Big Brother knew our Pingping was the bravest, strongest child. Once you’re fully recovered, I’ll take you out to play!"

Pingping looked at him with clear, watery eyes and nodded weakly: "Okay..."

After leaving the hospital, Su Chen took a taxi to the *City Express* office. As soon as he stepped inside, the staff surrounded him, which gave him a bit of a fright. It turned out they just wanted to express their admiration and respect. It was a false alarm.

Because everyone was so enthusiastic, Gu Yeling finally had to step in to rescue him and lead him to her office. After some brief pleasantries, a host named Chen Shuya took over to go through the livestream process with him to avoid any blunders.

Seeing them deep in discussion over the script, Gu Yeling decided to step out to fetch them some tea. When she returned, she found that Su Chen had said something that had Chen Shuya laughing so hard she was leaning back, tears streaming down her face.

Gu Yeling: "..."

"Yeling... you weren't here, you have no idea how funny A-Chen is," Chen Shuya said, reaching out to hook her arm around Gu Yeling's, still laughing heartily.

Looking at Chen Shuya, Gu Yeling sighed. Her beauty was undeniable; it was no wonder Su Chen was trying to make her laugh. It was a natural dynamic, but why didn't she get the same treatment? It felt like she was being treated differently, which was annoying!

"I won't disturb you two any longer. Enjoy your tea, I’m not going to be a third wheel here!" Gu Yeling huffed.

"What are you saying? We were just getting familiar with each other for the interview tonight," Chen Shuya said, her cheeks turning red as she glanced involuntarily at Su Chen.

Gu Yeling rolled her eyes and laughed: "Right, right, you're always right. You two keep getting 'familiar,' and I’ll go back to my life of hard labor!"

After Gu Yeling left, the atmosphere in the office became somewhat ambiguous.

"So... shall we continue?" Chen Shuya asked softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Su Chen smiled gently: "Sure, where were we?"

"You were just talking about how to pursue a girl!" Chen Shuya said, her face flushing as red as a ripe apple, looking quite alluring.

"Oh, right..." Su Chen said, feigning seriousness. "When it comes to pleasing a girl, you have to find the right balance. If you're too fawning, she’ll think you're a loser and you won't get anywhere. If you’re too cold, she’ll think you’re acting arrogant. It’s hard to master, but you have to find that sweet spot yourself.

"You have to know that no girl dislikes being complimented, but you can't be too fake or exaggerated. For example, if you tell a girl she’s pretty, she’ll think you say that to every girl you see. But if you walk up to her and say, 'Holy shit, you’re gorgeous!'—well, she’ll think that since you used a swear word, you must really mean it..."

"Hmm..." Chen Shuya looked up at Su Chen with a soft gaze: "And if it were me? What would you say?"

Su Chen laughed generously and then, with a completely straight face, shouted: "Holy shit, how are you so big!"