Xu Chen hastily waved his hands. "No need, Brother Zhao. They'll just cause you trouble. Goodbye then."

Xu Chen was eager to leave because she had already spotted Su Xue and Ouyang Qian coming out of the apartment complex. If those two firecrackers saw there was a meal invitation, they’d fight tooth and nail to go, especially when the person footing the bill was someone notable.

But despite their hurried pace, Su Xue and Ouyang Qian still caught sight of them. From afar, the two shouted, "Looking for Junior Brother Zhao Qian! Coming to find our Chenchen at this hour, are you treating her to a meal?"

I chimed in smoothly, "Yes, Chenchen was waiting for you both."

The two women clutched their heaving chests and rushed over. "Chenchen is truly our good sister! It's no wonder we always dote on her so much. Where are we going for lunch today? It had better be someplace classy, so we can get a taste of upper-echelon living."

Xu Chen knew I didn't care for such things. Fearing they might suggest somewhere grand like the Diaoyutai Guest House, she quickly interjected, "Let's not go to any far-off places. Let’s just go to Tianxin Restaurant like last time. We all have classes this afternoon, so we need an early start and an early finish."

I reached out to pull the pouting Li Qi to my side. Only then did Su Xue and Ouyang Qian notice there was someone else standing there. "Li Qi! What are you doing here? Why are you with him?"

Li Qi’s poorly trained temper finally flared up in a burst of rage. "Ouyang Qian! Stop seducing my Zhao Qian! Don't let me see you with him again, or else..."

I roared at Li Qi, "Or else what! Qiqi, can't you calm down and treat every classmate with respect? They have dignity and feelings just like you do. I don't know how to handle you when you're always this impulsive!"

Li Qi hadn't expected me to yell at her so loudly. Although she felt deeply wronged, there was a strange, inexplicable relief in it. Even her grandfather and father wouldn't speak to her like that; the students and teachers here certainly wouldn't dare. Being reprimanded like this for the first time, beyond the hurt feelings, was a peculiar experience.

Seeing Li Qi stand behind me quietly like a meek little rabbit, Su Xue gave me a thumbs-up. "Junior Brother Zhao Qian, you really are something. You’ve got the school's top figure completely subdued with just a scolding. From today onward, I am totally convinced by you."

Of course, I scorned Su Xue’s admiration. Knowing her, she was probably plotting some new scheme to trick me. I said to the four women, "Let's go, everyone's eating together. Whatever past grievances there were, let them go for my sake since I'm paying."

Ouyang Qian replied, "We actually don't have any real grudges. It was just those bored people at school who fought on the forums for a year."

I asked out of curiosity, "Why?"

Su Xue answered for them. "We don't know who started it, but Li Qi's supporters were calling Qianqian a homewrecker, a slut, and a promiscuous tramp. And Qianqian's supporters were calling Li Qi a venomous shrew, a transvestite, and a pervert."

I said, "I see. There’s no hatred between you two, so don't let me see this again when you meet."

Once Li Qi managed to soothe her mood, her more submissive side returned. She murmured, "Understood. But if she bullies me, you can’t stand by and do nothing."

Ouyang Qian was magnanimous in return. "It’s rare to see Chairman Li being this gentle today. Little sister apologizes to you first. Let's forget what happened before. I wouldn't dare bully you, but I'd be grateful if you don't bully me from now on."

During the meal, I asked Xu Chen, "How is your studying going?"

Xu Chen replied, "It’s alright. Since I just started, I need some time to adapt. How about you, Brother Zhao, have you picked up any work?"

I said, "Just focus on your learning. We have plenty of work. Let me know when you can work independently, and I’ll line up jobs for you immediately."

Xu Chen was deeply touched. "Thank you so much, Brother Zhao. I honestly don't know how to repay you; you’ve helped me too much."

Su Xue chimed in while eating, "Chenchen, it’s what he should be doing for you."

Li Qi was slowly learning to face these people with a calmer mind. She said faintly, "Oh? Why do you say that, Classmate Su Xue? Zhao Qian doesn’t owe Classmate Xu Chen anything."

Su Xue said, "Classmate Li Qi, you probably don't know yet. Actually, Chenchen and Junior Brother Zhao Qian have been secretly in love. You can see it too, even though Chenchen’s style is a bit outdated, her looks are in no way inferior to yours. Plus, she has a gentle temperament and a kind heart, so Junior Brother Zhao Qian cherishes her deeply. He beat up the Agricultural Bank teller to vent Chenchen's anger, bought her a thirty-thousand-yuan laptop to help with her animation studies, and is even finding work for her. By the end of the year, Chenchen will be a little rich woman."

Li Qi wasn't angered by Su Xue’s words. Instead, she asked, "May I ask where Classmate Xu Chen ranks in the Zhao family?"

Su Xue paused, "What do you mean? The Zhao family? Rank where?"

Li Qi scoffed, "You don’t even know these things, yet you dare talk so much about being in love? Aren’t you afraid of being ridiculed?"

Su Xue shot back, "And where do you rank? What do you know?"

Li Qi pulled out her phone from her bag. "I won’t be stingy with an old classmate. I have photos of their entire family here. Look for yourselves, but don't let your eyes pop out."

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian leaned in closest, while Xu Chen only peeked slightly. The very first photo was a major blow to Su Xue. The picture showed a young, beautiful, mature, and sexy female military officer, dressed in a uniform that was both imposing and subtly feminine—simply captivating. The most important detail was that her impressive bust was in no way inferior to Su Xue's.

Ouyang Qian said, "Su Xue, you finally see there’s always someone better, right? Hmph, let’s see if you dare use your own chest to put me down next time."

Su Xue didn't respond, flipping to the next photo, which startled her again: "Whoa, is this photo double-exposed, or are these twins?"

Li Qi explained, "They are twin sisters. The elder sister is Zhao Fen, 21 years old, and the younger sister is Zhao Fang, 15." Su Xue exclaimed in disbelief, "You’re kidding me. They look like they were carved from the exact same mold, even their busts are equally full. How are you supposed to tell them apart?"

Li Qi said, "Ask him."

Su Xue pointed at the photo and asked me, "Are they really sisters? Are they completely identical and impossible to distinguish?"

I said, "Yes, I can't tell them apart either. It’s easy to get them mixed up."

Ouyang Qian teased, "Su Xue, you're so dense. Why bother distinguishing? Taking both—who cares, either way works."

"This flight attendant is gorgeous!" the three women exclaimed in unison. Zhang Xiaoya truly looked refined in the stewardess uniform. Coupled with her face and figure that were every bit as stunning as Li Qi’s, she looked like an angel descended from heaven.

"Oh my, her chest is even bigger!" Su Xue always spoke without reservation. After seeing Cheng Susu's cleavage, she couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

Ouyang Qian commented from the side, "There’s always a higher mountain beyond the mountain."

The viewing of the photos ended shortly. Su Xue handed the phone back to Li Qi. "Where did you find these celebrity photos to trick us with?"