NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2:
Chapter 2: Love Should Be Said Out Loud:
It’s 2010.
For high school students at this age, pursuing romantic interests was common. In fact, even junior high school students had already started dating their classmates. However, at the Fourth Experimental Middle School, no one dares to openly admit that they want to pursue Yan Xinran. The reason was simple—she’s exceptional. Her excellence makes every boy in school feel discouraged.
So when Chen Fan declared that he wanted to chase after Yan Xinran, Zhang Jun’s immediate reaction was disbelief—he thought Chen Fan was just putting on an act.
Zhang Jun knew many boys admired Yan Xinran, but most of them only dared to talk about it.
Actually pursuing her?
Most didn’t even bother to consider their chances.
Seeing Zhang Jun’s skeptical expression, Chen Fan merely smiled without offering any explanations.
With over 30 years of life experience, he had learned one thing: trying doesn’t always guarantee success, but not trying ensures failure. After enduring many challenges, Chen Fan believed that sometimes taking bold risks was better than being overly cautious.
To Chen Fan, Yan Xinran had always been a high school dream.
Now that fate had given him a second chance, why not take it?
Even if he failed, he would have no regrets.
At the very least, he would have given it his best shot, and his future self would have no regrets about missed opportunities.
“Brother Zhang, I really don’t want to go to the internet café. Go on your own.” Chen Fan said.
Seeing that Chen Fan was determined, Zhang Jun stopped insisting. “Fine, if you don’t want to come, I’ll go alone!”
“But don’t get jealous when I get awesome gear!”
“Go on, I promise I won’t envy you!”
Zhang Jun hurried off.
After all, for a gaming enthusiast, playing games was the highlight of his day.
Once Zhang Jun left, Chen Fan was about to leave the school grounds when his phone lit up—someone had replied to his message on Penguin (the popular messaging platform at the time, since WeChat didn’t exist yet).
The friend’s username was “Don’t Talk to Strangers.”
After his rebirth, Chen Fan was determined to resolve the regrets of his previous life.
First on his list was to pursue Yan Xinran. Since he wasn’t personally acquainted with her, he couldn’t just go up and confess. Instead, through a mutual female friend, he had managed to get the contact of Yan Xinran’s dormmate, who used the name “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” He had assumed his earlier messages had scared her off, but to his surprise, she replied.
Don’t Talk to Strangers: “Do you really want to pursue Yan Xinran?”
Chen Fan: “Yes!”
She replied with a thumbs-up emoji.
“You’ve got guts, classmate! Which class are you in? What’s your name?”
Chen Fan: “Why do you want to know?”
Don’t Talk to Strangers: “Seriously? You’ve been asking me all about Yan Xinran, and I can’t even know who you are?”
Chen Fan: “Alright, I’m Chen Fan from Class 8. Ring any bells?”
“Chen Fan from Class 8? Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.”
“Well, I’m not exactly famous, so that’s fair.”
After a short pause, she sent another message.
“There are plenty of boys at school who have crushes on Yan Xinran. But you’re the only one I’ve met who openly says he wants to pursue her.”
“Do you really think you have a chance? Yan Xinran is incredible.”
Another person doubting him—just like Zhang Jun. Chen Fan wasn’t surprised. He knew how amazing Yan Xinran was, which was exactly why she had become one of his regrets in his past life. After thinking for a moment, he replied.
“I know how remarkable she is. That’s exactly why I like her. If you care about someone, you should give it your all. Even if you fail, at least you won’t regret not trying.”
“Do you agree?”
The chat went silent for a few moments before she responded.
“That makes sense! Don’t let your future self regret what you didn’t do today, right?”
“You’re surprisingly mature, classmate.”
Chen Fan chuckled. Years of hardships in his past life had taught him these lessons. Of course he was mature.
He found his conversation with Yan Xinran’s roommate—who seemed more open and friendly than expected—genuinely enjoyable. Just then, she sent another message.
“Mind if I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“You said you like Yan Xinran. I’m curious—what exactly do you like about her? Is it just her looks?”