Han Meina dropped onto the seat beside Wang Qiqi, noticing the lack of any liquor on the table. She raised an eyebrow but kept silent. Although she and Gong Yiying had plotted to force Wang Qiqi to drink until she embarrassed herself, the table was filled only with soft drinks. In contrast, the table next to them was lined with bottles of alcohol and not a single soft drink. Han Meina wondered if Wang Qiqi’s group had swapped the drinks, or if Gong Yiying had her own strategy. Regardless of the reason, Han Meina wasn't going to say anything.

“That coat looks really nice, it fits you perfectly,” Wang Qiqi said, genuinely admiring the cut of Han Meina’s overcoat. “Simple and elegant.”

After getting Han Meina’s permission, Wang Qiqi reached out to touch the fabric. “It’s quite soft. Eighty percent wool?”

Hearing that, Han Meina knew Wang Qiqi was knowledgeable. “It’s actually ninety percent, though I agree it feels more like eighty. It is soft, though. Are you thinking of buying one?”

Wang Qiqi didn't have the possessive thought that if someone else owned it, she wouldn't buy it. “It’s lovely. Where did you get it? I might go buy one this weekend. Do they have black?”

Han Meina nodded. “They have black and grey. But why not red?”

“To avoid stealing your thunder,” Wang Qiqi chuckled. “Truthfully, I don’t really like bright colors. Plus, black coats are more durable. But if they have grey, I might consider that.” A grey coat wouldn't be bad either.

Han Meina gave an ‘oh’ sound and started discussing brands with Wang Qiqi. Wang Qiqi didn't know much about the so-called designer labels anyway. Besides, how many true international luxury brands had actually entered the domestic market? Even if they had, how many people could afford them, especially students like Han Meina? Furthermore, many of the current 'brands' would likely fade away in ten or fifteen years. Some labels might be considered top-tier in the North but barely known in the South, and vice versa. After Han Meina’s explanation, Wang Qiqi gained some understanding of certain Northern brands.

Bai Ge and the others hadn't expected Wang Qiqi and Han Meina to connect so deeply over an item of clothing. It wasn't just them who were surprised; Gong Yiying found it quite unexpected too.

Gong Yiying approached Wang Qiqi and Han Meina, holding a glass of beer. “Come, I want to toast my two dear friends and roommates.”

Wang Qiqi and Han Meina, who had been chatting happily, were surprised by Gong Yiying interrupting. “Congratulations, Yingying, on finding your golden bachelor,” Han Meina declared, generously downing the Coke in her glass.

Wang Qiqi raised her glass and finished her drink too. “Congratulations, Gong Yiying.”

Gong Yiying hadn't anticipated that after her single toast, the other two would already drain their non-alcoholic drinks. This left her no choice but to drink hers. “You two, you…”

“I know you’re excited right now, but it’s alright. We’re roommates, no need for such formalities. Also, thank you and classmate Deng for the hospitality.” Wang Qiqi knew Gong Yiying wanted to point out the asymmetry: Gong Yiying was drinking beer while they were drinking soft drinks, but so what?

Gong Yiying finished her beer. “Next time I offer a toast, I won’t be drinking soft drinks. Especially you, Qiqi, you’re the matchmaker; you should at least have some wine.”

“I don’t drink,” Wang Qiqi stated bluntly. “I won’t drink when I treat you to a meal either. I can’t drink, and Han Tao can’t drink. I’m sorry.”

Wang Qiqi shut down the conversation completely, signaling that even if she were the focus, she wouldn't drink. “Of course, if you and Deng Zhi want to drink that day, we’ll order it too.”

Stymied by Wang Qiqi’s final point, Gong Yiying didn't know what else to say. She let out a nervous laugh and, while keeping her back to Wang Qiqi, shot Han Meina a look, signaling her to say something.

Han Meina was internally wrestling with whose side to take. Finally, she reasoned, “Whether one drinks soda or alcohol is a matter of personal preference, don't you agree, Yingying?”

Fine, you win, Gong Yiying thought. She closed her eyes briefly to mask her true feelings. She realized Han Meina wasn't exactly siding with her, but she certainly wasn't supporting Gong Yiying either. “Yes, to each their own.” With that, Gong Yiying stood up and walked over to a nearby table.

Zhang Han, sitting next to Han Meina, looked at her with genuine surprise. Weren't she and Gong Yiying just happily plotting earlier that afternoon how to embarrass Wang Qiqi? Why had his girlfriend just killed the idea? Zhang Han hadn't felt it was necessary to create friction with Wang Qiqi, but he was also unhappy that Wang Qiqi wasn't giving his good friend face. Still, girls were girls; there was no need to take things so far. Now, at least, there was a semblance of peace.

Zhang Han glanced over at his roommates on the other table, who were enjoying their drinks, especially noting the unhappy expression on his friend Deng Zhi’s face. He raised his glass. “I’ll go join them over there.”

Han Meina murmured an acknowledgement. She understood that it might feel awkward for him, a guy, to sit stuck among them, even though he was quite talkative. “Drink less. You have class tomorrow,” she cautioned. Then, glancing toward Deng Zhi, who was busy pushing alcohol on someone, she leaned in and whispered, “When you go over, don't play the hero, okay?”

Zhang Han grunted dismissively. “I’m not a child.” Even though he was close to Deng Zhi, he certainly wouldn't cover for him by drinking excessively.

Zhang Han’s inclusion, coupled with his engaging conversation style, immediately livened up the atmosphere at the other table, punctuated by bursts of laughter. The girls’ side wasn't dull either. Though Han Meina favored a sophisticated route, women generally shared common ground on good food and beautiful clothes. Before long, the seven of them were enjoying a lavish meal while discussing fashion or listening to Han Meina offer tips on skincare routines.

The boys had their topics, and the girls were chatting cheerfully. This only accentuated Gong Yiying’s growing isolation. She sat alone, listlessly eating, occasionally lifting her glass for a small sip. Overall, she was clearly a decorative fixture—a neglected one at that. Even Ren Zhixuan felt a pang of sympathy, but he couldn't bring himself to defend her in front of so many people. As for Bai Ge and the others, Gong Yiying's initial provocative air had morphed into something approaching dejection, and they certainly weren't going to speak up for her.

Gong Yiying looked forlornly from Deng Zhi, who was animatedly talking with his roommates, to the lively group of seven nearby. A sudden chill washed over her. She crossed her arms, as if to gather some warmth.

This gesture failed to draw any reaction from the slightly tipsy Deng Zhi, but Zhang Han noticed and kindly asked if she was cold. This small exchange made Gong Yiying feel her effort wasn't wasted—it was just a shame the person she truly wanted concern from remained oblivious.

Wang Qiqi wasn't looking toward the slightly inebriated men, but Bai Ge noticed something. She nudged Feng Yanjie beside her, indicating she should look across the way.

Feng Yanjie looked over, and her expression shifted to sheer astonishment. She didn't know what to say. The strange looks on Feng Yanjie and Bai Ge’s faces caught the attention of the others. When Wang Qiqi and the rest turned their gaze toward the other table, they too were stunned into silence.

Zhang Han and Gong Yiying were engrossed in drinking, taking turns slamming their glasses. However, from Wang Qiqi’s perspective, it looked like one person was enjoying the show a little too much. What shocked everyone even more was that Gong Yiying was practically leaning her entire body against Zhang Han, while Zhang Han appeared uncomfortable, actively trying to evade her persistent closeness.

Wang Qiqi watched the scene with playful irony. “How does that feel?”

Han Meina was furious, though secretly pleased by her boyfriend’s reaction. “I am truly impressed. She dares to throw herself at someone like that right in front of her boyfriend.” Even if she were drunk, she should have leaned on Deng Zhi, who was actually her boyfriend.

“Looks like you need to keep a closer eye on your man, otherwise…” Wang Qiqi felt defeated by the other girl’s audacity. Even if Han Meina had liked Zhang Han in the past, she was Deng Zhi’s girlfriend now and needed to remember her current status.

Han Meina snapped back, “I’ll make sure she understands.” She finished the last drop of her beverage. “I think I’ve eaten enough. I’m heading back.” Some things didn't require a public confrontation. Besides, just because the boys were drinking didn't mean all eight of them were clueless. She wanted them to witness Gong Yiying’s true colors.

It must be admitted that Gong Yiying was slightly drunk, or perhaps she was using intoxication as an excuse for bolder actions. To many observers, however, her behavior seemed strangely calculating. Jin Canrong, in particular, was dumbfounded by Gong Yiying’s unrestrained advances. He felt immense relief that his roommate Ren Zhixuan hadn't managed to win her over, otherwise, he might have passively ended up wearing a cuckold’s hat.

But perhaps the green hat would end up on Deng Zhi’s head instead—a thought worth savoring. They all tacitly agreed to remain silent and continued drinking with Deng Zhi, who remained oblivious to the situation unfolding nearby, engrossed in his own drinks. If he had noticed Gong Yiying’s actions, he certainly wouldn't be drinking so heartily.

Zhang Han’s initial impression of Gong Yiying had been favorable, but he was taken aback by how forward she became after drinking. If she had been this passionate in private, Zhang Han might have tolerated it somewhat, but doing it in front of so many people, especially with Han Meina sitting right there, meant Zhang Han wouldn't take advantage, no matter his inner thoughts. Yet, he couldn’t push her away too forcefully either, lest Deng Zhi notice and throw a punch—which would put Zhang Han in a terrible position with a ruined reputation. Thankfully, Han Meina ultimately rescued him. As for Han Meina’s clearly displeased expression, Zhang Han felt he could handle sorting that out later. (To be continued)