Oh no! I've only been a freshman and I've already been targeted by a mean upperclassman.

Li Chen took out his phone.

I sent a message to Yan Xi.

The game was won.

Not long after the message was sent.

My phone vibrated.

【sharp.】

What about the reward?

Li Chen smiled.

What reward would you like?

The food you cooked.

Li Chen was stunned for a moment.

This woman.

They really can't forget it.

Okay, I'll make it for you next weekend.

[Keep your word.]

【certainly.】

【Then it's settled.】

Yan Xi sent me her location.

This is my apartment in Linjiang City.

Come over next Saturday.

【I'm waiting for you.】

Li Chen looked at the location.

My heart inexplicably quickened.

I went to her house alone.

I also need to cook.

Is this considered...?

A rehearsal for living together?

……

Inside a private room at Haidilao.

Four people sat around the table.

The table was laden with various meats and vegetables.

The red oil at the bottom of the pot was bubbling and releasing an enticing aroma.

Wang Qiang picked up a piece of tripe.

I dipped it in the pot seven or eight times.

It was dipped in a generous spoonful of sesame oil and minced garlic.

I stuffed it into my mouth.

"Cool!"

He spoke indistinctly.

"The hot pot we eat after winning the game is still the best!"

Zhao Zixuan was not to be outdone.

I scooped up a large spoonful of fatty beef.

"Old Li, you're really something else."

"Those from Tsinghua University and other top universities."

"I act like a primary school student in front of you."

Chen Mo pushed up his glasses.

"Based on the data, your attack efficiency is three times that of the second-place player."

"And there were zero mistakes throughout the entire process."

"This is no longer a technological gap."

"It's a crushing defeat of mindset."

Li Chen picked up a piece of green vegetable with his chopsticks.

"Stop bragging."

"Just lucky."

"luck?"

Wang Qiang rolled his eyes.

"If you're lucky, then we're unlucky."

"Oh, right."

Zhao Zixuan suddenly remembered something.

"Are you really not going to consider the business card that Mr. Li gave you?"

"Apocalypse Technology."

"So many people would kill to get in."

Li Chen shook his head.

"Now is not the right time."

Why?

"Because I have more important things to do."

Li Chen put down his chopsticks.

"Moreover, I don't want to be tied down."

"No matter how high the salary is when you work for a company, you are still working for someone else."

"I want to do my own thing."

Chen Mo nodded thoughtfully.

"Are you thinking of starting your own business?"

"I have that plan."

Li Chen picked up his teacup.

"But not now."

"At least after graduation."

"So what's the most important thing for you right now?"

Wang Qiang asked curiously.

Li Chen paused.

"Prepare a gift for someone."

"Gift?"

The three exchanged a glance.

They all flashed meaningful smiles.

"Is this for your sister-in-law?"

"roll."

Li Chen cursed.

But he had a smile on his face.

"By the way, when are you two meeting your parents?"

Zhao Zixuan leaned closer, eager to gossip.

"We've already booked a hotel room."

"Shouldn't we get engaged next?"

Li Chen almost choked on his tea.

"What do you mean, 'book a room'?!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Nothing happened that day!

"Yes, yes, yes."

Wang Qiang had a knowing look on his face.

Nothing happened.

"That's why you came back the next day with dark circles under your eyes."

"That's why your sister-in-law is so considerate in buying you breakfast."

"That's why you look so lovestruck right now."

Li Chen gave up on explaining.

Anyway, none of these three believe anything I say.

"Alright, alright."

He waved his hand.

"Stop talking nonsense."

"Let's get down to business."

"I've already sent a message to Raymond Lam."

"He should be here soon."

The voice just fell.

The door to the private room was pushed open.

Lin Feng rushed in with a bang.

"Brother Li!"

He was so excited that his face turned bright red.

"You really won!"

"And she's in first place!"

"I just watched the replay of the match!"

"That's absolutely amazing!"

He plopped down next to Li Chen.

"Brother Li, from now on you're my brother!"

"If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know!"

Li Chen smiled.

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony."

"Don't cause me any more trouble at school."

"Especially don't pick a fight with me again."

Lin Feng scratched his head awkwardly.

"Um... I didn't want to either."

"It's mainly because those guys in the martial arts club are too arrogant."

"But things are better now."

"Ever since you beat Sun Long into submission last time."

"They've all become much more obedient."

"That's good."

Li Chen poured him a cup of tea.

"By the way, I've already gotten your participation certificate."

"I can get the stamp from the academic affairs office tomorrow."

"Very good!"

Lin Feng was so excited he almost jumped up.

"Brother Li, you're truly my savior!"

"If I don't get these credits..."

"I'll have to extend my studies!"

"My dad's definitely going to break my legs!"

"Alright, alright."

Li Chen waved his hand.

"Eat quickly."

"The food will get cold in a bit."

The group continued eating and drinking.

The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

Halfway through the meal.

Li Chen's phone vibrated.

He picked it up and glanced at it.

It was a message from Yan Xi.

Have you finished eating?

【not yet.】

"Then you can continue eating."

I'll be waiting for you in the dorm.

I have something to tell you.

Li Chen looked at the message.

I suddenly felt a little panicked.

Do you have something to say to him?

What did you say?

Are they going to settle scores with me?

After all, the last time was at the library...

He swallowed hard.

Okay, I'll come over after I finish eating.

【Um. 】

Yan Xi sent me a cat emoji.

Li Chen stared at the emoji for a few seconds.

The corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

"Old Li, your smile is so lewd."

Wang Qiang came closer.

"It must have been my sister-in-law who sent the message, right?"

Li Chen placed his phone face down on the table.

"Eat your food."

Mind your own business.

"cut."

Wang Qiang curled his lip.

"Once you have a wife, you forget your brothers."

"A typical case of prioritizing romance over friendship."

Li Chen ignored him.

They sped up their eating.

Half an hour later.

The group finished their meal and drinks.

Li Chen paid the bill.

Leaving Haidilao.

"You guys go back first."

He glanced at the time.

"I have something to do."

"I understand."

Wang Qiang winked and made faces.

"Go ahead, go ahead."

"Don't keep your sister-in-law waiting."

Li Chen rolled his eyes.

He turned and walked towards the girls' dormitory.

The night is dark.

The streetlights on campus cast a dim, yellowish glow.

Li Chen walked along the tree-lined path.

Yan Xi's message kept replaying in my mind.

You have something to say to him.

What exactly did they say?

Xi Xi's personality is a bit hard to guess.

Li Chen couldn't figure it out, so he simply stopped thinking about it.

We'll find out soon enough.

I walked down to the girls' dormitory building.

He took out his phone.

【I have arrived. 】

Not long after the message was sent.

The dormitory building door was pushed open.

Yan Xi came out.

She wore a beige knit sweater today.

Pair it with light blue jeans.

Her long hair was casually draped over her shoulders.

It looks more like a cozy, homey place.

"You're here?"

She walked up to Li Chen.