"Weren't you studying abroad before, junior?"

"Huh?" Gu Chengjin seemed surprised. "How did you figure that out, senior?"

His watch showed a time difference. If he hadn't adjusted it yet, he must have just landed these past couple days.

Plus, his accent sounded slightly off—pronunciation not quite standard. He'd probably been away from speaking Mandarin too long.

"Ahaha, just a wild guess, senior," Chen Yuzhe said with a laugh, scratching his head. "I just felt your vibe is different from ours."

Gu Chengjin looked a bit flustered. "Is that so... Guess it's pretty obvious then."

"Actually, I've been studying in France all this time. My flight landed yesterday. I hadn't been back in China for ages—I was even scared I'd forget how to speak Chinese. So I practiced a lot before returning."

He gave an awkward, embarrassed smile. "I guess it still sounds a bit unnatural to native speakers here."

"No, no," Chen Yuzhe waved his hands quickly. "You speak really well. Nothing off at all."

"And your English and French must be amazing too. Seriously impressive."

Hearing the praise, Gu Chengjin smiled shyly again.

*Unexpectedly timid*, Chen Yuzhe thought.

He'd assumed a rich kid like this would carry hidden arrogance—maybe not showing it, but leaking through small gestures.

But Gu Chengjin seemed genuine. His slightly flushed face, eyes flicking unconsciously up to the left, and that light scratch on his cheek—all showed real nervousness and shyness.

So he was just a sunny, big-hearted guy.

Add the idol looks and rich second-gen setup...

*Whoa. This character profile is ridiculously overpowered.*

Just then, Chen Yuzhe felt a strong impulse.

If he could pair Gu Chengjin with Xinyu...

It'd feel like a straight-up Mary Sue story.

The tale of a returning idol and a quiet girl.

Sounded kinda fun.

But Jiang Xiaoyao had already claimed him. Once she set her sights on prey, creating chances for Xinyu would be tough.

*Sigh. If it comes to it, I'll have to push Han Cheng and Xinyu together. This junior Gu Chengjin? I'll leave him to our scheming beauty Jiang Xiaoyao to handle slowly.*

—

—

5 PM. A coffee shop off-campus.

"Hmm..." Han Cheng stared at the photo of Xinyu Chen Yuzhe had secretly taken, lost in thought.

Chen Yuzhe sipped his coffee leisurely, utterly calm.

"Listen, Old Zhe," Han Cheng said, brow furrowed. "This girl... she's not my type."

"What?" Chen Yuzhe chuckled. "You actually think you're hunting for a marriage match with equal status?"

"Didn't we agree? I just need someone who'll help you squeeze cash from your mom. Why so picky?"

"But..." Han Cheng grimaced. "She looks too pure. I can't bring myself to mess with her."

"Huh. I think the opposite." Chen Yuzhe set down his cup, eyes gleaming. "Wanna bet? I wager she'll be the hardest girl you've ever tried to pick up."

"What's the stake?"

"The Death Stranding Deluxe Edition dropping in November."

Han Cheng's face twisted. "Aw, Old Zhe... this feels like I'm scamming you. Look at her—clearly inexperienced, zero dating history. Zero challenge. You joking? Planning to bail later?"

Chen Yuzhe snorted. He slammed his phone on the table. "I'll transfer the cash to Sister Yan's WeChat now. Ask her to witness it. Deal?"

Han Cheng froze, then widened his eyes. "Whoa. You're serious?"

"Yeah."

"No backing out?"

"Yeah."

Han Cheng paused. "You say that... now I'm curious about her. What kind of girl gets Master Chen so worked up? Fine. Bet's on. I gotta see who this Xinyu really is."

"Bet locked." Chen Yuzhe sent a WeChat transfer, then propped his chin up with a confident smirk. "You've never been humbled. This target will definitely make you—"

He froze.

A WeChat notification chimed from a corner booth after his transfer went through.

Chen Yuzhe instinctively turned.

In the café's most secluded spot, a man and woman sat at a tiny table.

The man wore neat glasses, a pressed suit—looked respectable at first glance.

Opposite him, an elegant woman. Soft side-curled hair draped over her shoulders. A deep blue A-line dress hugged her figure, classy and regal. Fair skin, bold red lips—radiating quiet allure. Her long legs, the necklace, crystal earrings—all framed her like a goddess.

They chatted and laughed; she covered her mouth with light giggles. Perfect harmony.

"Huh? Sister Yan? What's she—" Han Cheng snapped his mouth shut, glancing at Chen Yuzhe.

Chen Yuzhe's smile vanished. His eyes darkened visibly.

Han Cheng had seen him angry before—but rarely like this. Chen Yuzhe hid emotions well. Usually, Han Cheng couldn't tell.

This time? Absolutely certain.

Chen Yuzhe was furious.

The air turned heavy. Han Cheng held his breath, staring nervously.

Meanwhile, the woman checked her phone, sighed, and apologized.

"What's wrong?" the man asked gently. "Trouble?"

"No," she smiled—a breathtaking, heart-stirring smile. "Just my brother. Up to mischief again. Sent me a message."

"Oh? Miss Yan has a brother?"

"Ah, yes—" she started, but a voice cut in.

"Not blood-related. I'm just the Yan family's adopted son."

She startled, turning sharply.

Chen Yuzhe strolled over, grinning. "Small world, Sister Yan. Meeting you at a campus café?"

"A-Zhe! You—" She stopped. Of course he'd be here. This café was near his school.

"Sister Yan," Chen Yuzhe tilted his head, "won't you introduce me to this handsome gentleman?"

She hesitated, dazed. The man stood politely, hand outstretched.

"Hello! Gao Zewei. Statistics Bureau. You must be Miss Yan Qiuran's brother? Studying nearby—you're surely a star student at L University." He beamed. "The Yan siblings truly shine."

"Just scraping by for a diploma. Not a star. Sister Yan outshines me," Chen Yuzhe replied warmly, shaking his hand. "So, Brother Gao—what brings you here today?"

"Oh! I owed Miss Yan a favor. Treating her to dinner to repay it. Our reservation's not open yet, so we're killing time here."

*Blind date. Why sugarcoat it?*

"Then I won't disturb you two," Chen Yuzhe bowed slightly. "But first—sorry, Brother Gao—can I borrow Sister Yan for two minutes? Private matter."

"Ah, young brother! No need for formality," Gao Zewei said warmly, clearly charmed.

Chen Yuzhe nodded, gently pulling Yan Qiuran aside.

"Oh—Brother Gao," he called back, "do you smoke?"

"Me? Quit years ago," Gao chuckled. "And Miss Qiuran hates smoke."

Chen Yuzhe's eyes flickered. He led Yan Qiuran away.

"A-Zhe..." She'd been tense since he appeared.

"What is it, Sister Yan?" His smile was angelic, hiding all emotion.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Nothing. Why call me out?"

"Nothing major." He scratched his head, grinning shyly. "Just spotted you with your blind date. Wanted to say hi... and check him out."

"Ah... I see." Her expression tightened. Eyes darted away.

"By the way," he pressed, "did the old man set this one up too?"

"No. It's our dad—"

"Oh. Uncle Yan. Another family pushing for a match? You seem... satisfied?"

"Not satisfied... just no red flags," she said carefully, glancing at him.

*Is that so?*

Chen Yuzhe smiled.

"Your taste."

"Is utterly rotten."