Chapter 10: A Solitary Shadow on the Cold River

“Siyi, did you really buy this bracelet?”

In the girls' dormitory.

Several girls huddled around Xu Siyi, admiring the gold bracelet she had just purchased.

“What do you think? Is it pretty?”

Xu Siyi put the bracelet on and gave her wrist a little shake.

“It’s beautiful. How much was it?”

“Not expensive, just a little over seven thousand.”

Xu Siyi spoke with nonchalance.

That was correct.

The market price for this gold bracelet was indeed over seven thousand. The reason she only asked Jiang Chen for five thousand five hundred was that she felt that was all that was in that simp's pockets.

“You’re really willing to spend,” the girls said, expressing their envy.

Students in the arts usually don't come from poor backgrounds, but seven thousand was still a significant amount for them as juniors.

“I asked my family for it too,” Xu Siyi said with a smile, not mentioning a single word regarding Jiang Chen's "contribution."

“Your parents are so good to you. If I asked mine for something this expensive, I’d definitely get a scolding.”

“Guo Ran, stop it. You spent quite a bit on those cosmetics you bought last week, didn't you?”

“Aren't cosmetics a necessity? Don't you buy them too?”

“I don't insist on buying designer brands.”

“Alright, the one we should all learn from is Shurui. She stopped relying on her family a long time ago and is self-reliant.”

Hearing this, Xu Siyi looked toward Li Shurui's spot, only to find it empty.

“Where is Shurui?”

“She probably went back to her rented apartment. Everyone’s been gossiping about her and Jiang Chen today; she probably finds it annoying and doesn't want to stay on campus.”

By the junior year, school management was no longer as strict. Many students with the means rented apartments off-campus, either for the convenience of dating or to seek some peace and quiet.

Li Shurui had rented a single room nearby, with a monthly rent of over three thousand.

“Shurui is indeed impressive. She hasn't even been streaming for two months and already has over a hundred thousand followers. Who knows, she might become a major influencer before she even graduates.”

“Jingjing, aren't you filming videos every day too? How many followers do you have now?”

Clearly, Li Shurui's success had shown these girls a shortcut to success, and they all wanted to emulate her. But sometimes, fate differs even among those with similar ambitions.

“I’m just filming for fun,” the girl replied, looking a bit embarrassed.

After chatting for a while, the girls dispersed to attend to their own business.

After admiring her new bracelet for a bit, Xu Siyi, in a pleasant mood, lifted her foot to begin applying nail polish. At the same time, she casually opened the Xingkong APP to watch a livestream.

After finishing one foot, she looked up and swiped the screen, accidentally entering Li Shurui's livestream room.

They all knew Li Shurui was streaming on Xingkong, and they were also aware that she earned a considerable income on the app. They didn't have the nerve to ask for the exact amount, but judging from her spending habits, she certainly made at least ten to twenty thousand a month.

Jealousy is human nature.

Even best friends were no exception.

Looking at the two thousand-plus viewers online in the livestream room, Xu Siyi felt an inexplicable sense of irritation.

Then, she thought of that famous simp at school.

Although she knew very well that the simp could never succeed, as long as he continued to pester Li Shurui, it would at least make her the laughingstock of others, wouldn't it?

That simp seemed to have sent her a message this afternoon as well.

With this thought, Xu Siyi put down her foot and picked up her phone.

A moment later.

A fan named "Lonely Shadow of the Cold River" entered the livestream room.

By this time, the number of online viewers in Li Shurui's room was approaching three thousand. The entry of "Lonely Shadow of the Cold River" was like a pebble thrown into the ocean, causing no ripples at all.

Li Shurui was wearing a red dress, her long hair black and lustrous. She was already exceptionally beautiful, and with the enhancement of beauty filters, she was no less stunning than a celebrity.

Moreover, she knew how to utilize her advantages; the camera captured the proud curves of her chest and the glimpses of her snowy white thighs beneath the hem of her skirt.

"So this is what a heartbeat feels like, like a static shock to the heart."

"I strongly suggest the streamer doesn't go out for no reason. It's easy to be stalked by creeps. I lost one yesterday."

"If I could have a girlfriend like this, I'd rather live twenty fewer years."

"Stop dreaming. Without a fan badge, how could Shurui ever look at a poor loser like you?"

As he spoke, this "Wu Yanzu of the Inner Ring Road" sent a "Firework Tube."

A Firework Tube was a gift used to show affection for the streamer, valued at 200 Star Coins.

Based on the exchange rate of ten Star Coins to one RMB, one Firework Tube was equal to 20 RMB.

"Damn, twenty bucks? Stop acting so high and mighty."

The guy who had been mocked as a "poor loser" was instantly enraged and quickly sent a "Love Bicycle" worth 100 yuan.

Li Shurui continued singing, ignoring the bickering among the fans.

For a streamer, such conflicts were clearly a good thing, as gifts were a vital part of their income. The more gifts received, the higher the streamer's earnings.

"But the wind gradually blows the distance far away..."

Although her major was dance, Li Shurui's singing was indeed quite good. She sang "Sunny Day" effortlessly, with great charm.

"Rich Young Master Who Doesn't Lack Money" sent a "Private Jet."

As the song ended, a plane roared across the screens of everyone in the livestream room.

A Private Jet was worth 5,000 Star Coins, which was 500 RMB.

"Rich Young Master V5!"

"Rich Young Master is here!"

"It's always Rich Young Master!"

Suddenly, a long string of flattery appeared incessantly in the bullet comments.

Clearly, this "Rich Young Master" was a celebrity in Li Shurui's livestream room.

If one observed closely, they would find "Rich Young Master Who Doesn't Lack Money" near the top of Li Shurui's fan contribution list.

"Thank you for the jet, Rich Young Master."

This time, Li Shurui did not ignore it; instead, she gave a sincere thanks with a charming smile.

For those who send gifts, isn't it all for the streamer's attention?

The onlookers grew excited, and the comments became even more active.

"Rich Young Master Who Doesn't Lack Money" sent a "Yacht."

A Yacht cost 8,888 Star Coins, which was worth nearly 900 yuan.

"Thank you for your support, Rich Young Master. What song would you like to hear?"

Li Shurui maintained great professionalism. Although she was cold and aloof at school, she showed no airs toward such a powerful, loyal fan, her smile as bright as a rose.

"Anything. Everything you sing sounds good."

The Rich Young Master spoke.

The fans below continuously typed out song titles, hoping to "catch a break."

"Then I'll sing..."

Just as Li Shurui was about to speak, a notification popped up in the livestream room.

"Lonely Shadow of the Cold River" has activated the "Guardian" status for the streamer "Shurui Sonya."

A Guardian status was different from a gift; it was another form of support for the streamer, and it was quite expensive—one thousand yuan per month, requiring renewal upon expiration.

Therefore, unless one was extremely fond of the streamer, they wouldn't activate the Guardian status.

However, the number of Guardians was often used to measure a streamer's "strength."

Li Shurui had 140,000 followers, but there were only about twenty Guardians in her livestream room.

Sending occasional gifts was harmless. But to spend so much money to activate a Guardian status with no practical benefit—one was either a fool or truly wealthy.