The spread was certainly generous, but the problem was that Wang Qiqi couldn't stand being in such a cramped environment. Deng Zhi, seated next to her, made her particularly uncomfortable. Though he presented himself as a gentleman, his occasional, appraising glances made Wang Qiqi feel like a piece of pork being sized up for sale. This left her distinctly displeased, thinking, Who does he think he is, looking at me like that?

On the surface, Wang Qiqi maintained a perfect composure, chatting cheerfully with everyone, especially engaging in lively conversation with Deng Zhi beside her. Only Zhang Yan, sitting right next to her, sensed Wang Qiqi’s underlying frustration and unhappiness. “Should we leave early?” Zhang Yan murmured.

Wang Qiqi shook her head. “If we leave now, someone is bound to be unhappy.” She glanced at the couple displaying affection nearby. “Besides, Gong Yiying hasn’t left; what reason would I have to go?” In truth, when Wang Qiqi had excused herself to the restroom earlier, she had retrieved a Chinese pager. Shi Man had left a message: Han Tao would wait for her by the restaurant entrance at 8:30. If not for that message, Wang Qiqi would have bolted long ago.

Zhang Yan shot a look at a certain person. “Don’t mind her; I think she’s just putting on a show for someone.” Although Zhang Yan participated actively in the table conversation, she kept a subtle watch on the dynamics unfolding at the table. In fact, Bai Ge and the others were doing the same.

Han Meina, despite projecting an image of happiness, harbored a deep hatred for Gong Yiying, who was overdressed and constantly interrupted her. Still, she sat up straighter, leaning into Zhang Han’s side, thinking, So what if you flaunt yourself? Zhang Han will never favor you.

Gong Yiying recognized that Han Meina’s constant affectionate gestures toward Zhang Han were meant to provoke her. She squeezed her hands, hidden under the table, fearing she wouldn't be able to restrain herself from dumping her drink onto Han Meina’s face. Hmph, 'pure and easily fooled'? It’s all an act; she’s slicker than an old fox.

The surrounding young men harbored no designs on Han Meina, who was already taken. Even if she weren’t attached, given her status as the campus beauty, they wouldn't dare pursue her; beauty was appealing, but only if accompanied by financial means. Many redirected their attention elsewhere. While some found the subtle sparring between Han Meina and Gong Yiying slightly inappropriate, who would bring it up with Zhang Han in this setting? Consequently, the atmosphere remained outwardly smooth.

After receiving a suggestive look from a friend, Zhang Han leaned in and whispered something to Han Meina. Then he turned to Wang Qiqi. “I must say, Deng Zhi, you’re being unusually quiet today, just chatting with the library beauty next to you. If those guys from the library saw this, they’d be jealous.” Zhang Han felt a touch of disdain that his roommate had so easily charmed Wang Qiqi. He remembered the effort he’d expended pursuing Meina, only for Deng Zhi to win her over so readily.

“We actually hit it off quite well,” Deng Zhi replied with a smile. “Especially since Qiqi is a beauty. You know I like talented beauties.” And even better if she’s wealthy, he added internally.

Wang Qiqi felt a knot tighten in her chest at such an obvious remark. Glancing at Han Meina’s unsurprised expression, she understood why someone had been so keen on hosting this dinner—it was an orchestrated matchmaking attempt. “Yes, we connect well. I didn't expect to find another person I could discuss travelogues with.”

Zhang Han had expected Wang Qiqi, being a modest girl, to blush slightly upon hearing his roommate’s veiled declaration. Instead, she showed no embarrassment and emphasized the situation further. “It’s nice when you share common topics. I just wonder when my brother here will finally win the lady’s heart.”

Han Meina chimed in sweetly. “Qiqi, Deng Zhi is very good. He’s interested in both travel and English original texts. Zhang Han mentioned Deng Zhi is considering graduate studies abroad, so you two could look out for each other then.”

Deng Zhi hadn't realized Wang Qiqi harbored plans to study abroad, which delighted him immensely. Studying overseas was incredibly expensive now; he’d have to think twice about his own plans. However, for finance, studying abroad was almost mandatory for significant success. If Wang Qiqi were going too, Deng Zhi became even more determined to win her over. Then...

“Look out for each other?” Wang Qiqi echoed, noting the ambiguity. “My only requirement for going abroad is securing a scholarship; otherwise, I won't go. I can't afford tuition plus living expenses.” Wang Qiqi didn't deny her ambition. She knew Han Meina was privy to this information because of her dorm mates. “Unless Juliana and I get into the same university, and she can cover my accommodation.” Wang Qiqi joked.

Deng Zhi wasn't disappointed by her words; she wasn't close to anyone present, so why would she reveal her family's financial situation? “It’s nice having a wealthy friend.”

Wang Qiqi smiled without answering. “So, I need to focus on improving my professional skills so that going abroad will be easier.” Wang Qiqi checked the time; it was already 8:25. Finally, I’ve endured until this hour—it wasn't easy. “It’s getting late; I need to go back.”

Wang Qiqi was leaving? Deng Zhi thought she might be fleeing in embarrassment. He certainly wouldn't let such a golden opportunity slip away. He stood up. “I’ll take you.”

Wang Qiqi pulled on her coat and shook her head. “No need. You all continue eating. My friend is waiting at the entrance.” Having finally found a way to escape this man, why would she allow him to escort her? Besides, Wang Qiqi had no desire for someone knocking on her door early every weekend to make a social call.

A friend? Everyone at the table pricked up their ears; this needed further investigation. “It couldn’t be Shi Man and the others, could it?” Han Meina thought. Even if their friendship was strong, who would venture out so late in the cold just to pick up Wang Qiqi?

“It’s not them. It’s a high school classmate giving me a ride home after tutoring.” Wang Qiqi grabbed her bag, bade everyone farewell, and walked out of the private room.

Wang Qiqi spoke casually, but everyone present suspected her classmate was far from simple. “Could it be a guy?” Gong Yiying voiced the question on everyone’s mind. Deng Zhi’s face darkened instantly; whatever he was thinking, no one knew, nor did they care, because Wang Qiqi’s roommates had already rushed out to see who had come to collect her.

By the time Deng Zhi snapped back to reality, only a few of his roommates remained. Zhang Han, the host, stayed put, but Han Meina beside him was gone. “That’s not—it’s not...”

“Meina also said she doesn’t have a boyfriend. You’ve known her since school started—you know she’s always out with friends, only interacting closely with that bespectacled guy from the Computer Science department.” Zhang Han was also feeling unsettled. What if that guy is Wang Qiqi’s boyfriend? “But even if he is, I doubt his circumstances are better. If someone comes from a decent family, why would they be tutoring freshmen?”

Deng Zhi immediately seized on that logic. How could I forget the most crucial point? “Forget it—it’s just some boy from a poor background who has to tutor to make money in his first year. Trying to steal my woman? Dream on.” Deng Zhi stood up smugly. “Brother, how about we go take a look and see which toad is trying to eat swan meat?”

Zhang Han saw his friend regain his composure. Even without Deng Zhi’s suggestion, he wanted to go out. “Let’s go see. Just don’t scare the poor guy off when you see him.”

Zhang Han and Deng Zhi reached the restaurant entrance and found only Han Meina and the others waiting. Wang Qiqi and her supposed classmate were gone. “Where are they?”

Han Meina shrugged. “By the time we got out, they had already left. We only saw a back.”

Saw a back? A flock of black crows seemed to pass over Deng Zhi’s head. Damn it, why rush off so fast? Are they rushing to do something naughty? The more Deng Zhi thought about it, the angrier he became. “If they’ve left, let’s go back and finish eating.”

“But the back view was definitely a man, quite tall, around 1.8 meters, and very considerate,” Han Meina noted. Though she hadn't seen his face, the fact that he carried Wang Qiqi’s heavy bag suggested he was a decent person.

“Carrying Qiqi’s bag, too? But why didn’t Qiqi introduce him?” Bai Ge found this inexplicable.

“We were slow coming out, and it was cold outside, so of course, they left immediately,” Duan Xiaomin admitted, slightly disappointed she missed meeting Wang Qiqi’s classmate. She was curious to know what sort of person could be so close to Qiqi.

“He must be broke; otherwise, why would he be tutoring?” Deng Zhi grumbled. “No matter how considerate a man is, it’s useless if he can’t provide a good life for a girl...”

Bai Ge watched the agitated Deng Zhi, whose tone dripped with condescension toward the unseen figure, while simultaneously boasting about his own superior qualities. Bai Ge thought, Based on this display alone, if I were her, I wouldn't choose you. Your heart is too narrow-minded.

Zhang Yan had already formed a negative impression of Deng Zhi, but now his despicable character was revealed. “It’s late; I should go back too. Are you all leaving?”

Li Xin and the others had intended to linger, but seeing Deng Zhi’s demeanor, they decided otherwise. “Yes, we should go first. Meina, Zhang Han, thank you for hosting us today.”

And so, Bai Ge and the others departed, leaving only Gong Yiying behind. “I bet Qiqi was completely won over by his punctual tenderness. But then again, Qiqi isn’t exactly short on cash...”

Zhang Han looked at Deng Zhi’s rapidly changing expression and sighed. “There’s still time. Are you really going to give up just like that?”

Give up? Deng Zhi gave a cold laugh. “Why would I give up? This just gives me motivation to fight for her, right? A prized beauty is sought by many.” But once I’ve won her, we’ll see how I deal with Wang Qiqi.

Han Meina felt a shiver run through her as the coldness emanated from Deng Zhi. She thought how deceptive his outwardly refined appearance was, given the chill she sensed now. Han Meina suddenly felt as if she had participated in something wrong. (To be continued)