"Right? I knew it!"

Jiang Xiaoyao's eyes lit up instantly. Leaning in with excitement, she asked, "Hey, what's so special about this freshman? What caught your eye?"

"I told you!" Chen Yuzhe frowned impatiently, cutting her off. "It's not about me—it's my friend!"

"This 'friend' you keep mentioning... is it really you?"

"I already said it's a handsome guy from another school joining me at the party! Are you meme-ing mindlessly? Is this awkward?"

Jiang Xiaoyao sulkily shrank back. But the curiosity in her eyes made it clear she'd already noted the girl.

*Tch.* Chen Yuzhe felt slightly troubled. He emphasized, "Hey, Jiang Xiaoyao, let me be clear."

"We're partners. Don't interfere. I won't trip you up; you don't cause me trouble. Cross that line, and I walk away. No warnings."

"Oh..." Jiang Xiaoyao pouted, looking pitiful. "Got it. Why so harsh?"

Harsh or not—what could she do? Chen Yuzhe snorted disdainfully and turned away.

Still, he was a bit concerned about Xinyu rushing into part-time work. Freshmen usually needed time to adjust—to campus life, new classmates, teachers, roommates, study rhythms. Part-time jobs weren't rare, but starting so soon after semester began? Uncommon. Only urgent needs drove that.

Was Xinyu's family struggling? Or a sudden crisis?

Rude to pry. He kept it to himself.

Soon, Xinyu approached with a tray. She placed sushi and ramen before them. "Senpai, please enjoy your meal," she said politely.

"Mm, thanks, kohai!" Jiang Xiaoyao chirped, waving as Xinyu left again.

Chen Yuzhe just glanced briefly, avoiding stares to prevent discomfort.

But in that fleeting moment, he noticed something. A red, swollen mark on Xinyu's wrist. Visible when she set down his ramen. She'd tried hiding it by tucking her sleeve down—but the effort drew his eye.

No ordinary swelling. Not some allergy. A long, narrow scar. Either a deep cut—or a beating.

Seeing Chen Yuzhe's sudden seriousness, Jiang Xiaoyao asked, "What's wrong? You wanted to eat out. Food's here. Waiting for it to go cold?"

"Oh." He responded quietly, then slurped his noodles. Casually, he asked, "Is the Philosophy Department popular lately?"

"Impossible!" Jiang Xiaoyao raised her eyebrows. "Philosophy? Never a hot major anywhere. Why ask?"

"Nothing... Just rare for the anime club to recruit a Philosophy student. Felt fresh," Chen Yuzhe brushed off.

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through L University's website.

"What're you looking at? Let me see!"

"Mind your business. Eat your sushi. Aren't all those rolls enough to keep your mouth busy?"

"Aw, let me see!" Jiang Xiaoyao pushed her head forward. Chen Yuzhe shoved her away, blocking his screen.

Nearby, Xinyu turned at the noise. She saw them playfully shoving each other.

*Senpai and senpai have such a good relationship... so close, so playful.*

Xinyu stared, slightly lost in thought.

"Xiaoyu! Table six's order—deliver it now!"

"Ah, coming!" She snapped out of her daze, shook her head, and hurried toward the kitchen.

Chen Yuzhe kept pushing Jiang Xiaoyao away while scanning his phone. His eyes widened slightly.

Found it.

"Notice on Tuition Waivers and Subsidy Applications for Special Admissions: Philosophy Department, L University."

So that's how it is...

Just then—a loud *thud*. A girl's scream cut through the chatter. Everyone turned.

"Hey! Where are your eyes? Walking blind?" A young man in a casual shirt glared at the soup and noodles staining his clothes. "I was sitting deep inside!"

"I'm sorry! So sorry!" Xinyu bowed deeply, voice trembling with fear. She reached out with a tissue to wipe his shirt. He slapped her hand away.

Chen Yuzhe narrowed his eyes.

"What happened?" A middle-aged man emerged from the kitchen, calming the crowd.

"She wasn't watching where she was going," the young man spat, disgust clear.

"Xiaoyu, explain!" the boss snapped.

Xinyu shrank back like a startled animal. "I-I tripped on a chair leg... fell... the noodles flew..."

"This kid! Only here two days and already clumsy." The boss scolded half-heartedly, then turned to the customer with a forced smile. "Sir, my apologies. She's new. Leave your contact—we'll wash your clothes and return them. Tonight's meal is free. Fair?"

The young man hesitated. "What about now? How do I go out like this? You expect me to strip naked?"

The boss faltered. Xinyu cowered silently, head down, lips pressed tight.

A dark shadow wobbled toward the young man.

"Whoa—what's this... Lao Chen?"

Chen Yuzhe grinned. "Heh. Came out to eat and ended up like this? Rough luck, Lao Wei."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Bad day." Lao Wei's anger faded seeing him. He just waved.

"Go change first." Chen Yuzhe nudged him. "Here—lucky I brought an extra jacket. Otherwise, you'd be hiking back to the dorm half-naked."

"And stop scolding her. She's our kohai. New anime club member. Don't scare her with that glare."

"Your anime club?" Lao Wei's gaze shifted between them. His scowl softened slightly. "Fine. I'll change."

After Lao Wei left for the restroom, Chen Yuzhe told the boss, "He's my next-door roommate. Just needed an out. All good now."

"Don't dock Xiaoyu's pay. It was an accident."

Grateful, the boss smiled. "Of course. Xiaoyu—clean this up."

Xinyu nodded quietly. She gave Chen Yuzhe a complex look before fetching a mop.

As the crowd lost interest, Chen Yuzhe turned—and saw Jiang Xiaoyao grinning slyly.

"What?" He frowned. "Your smile is disgusting."

"Hehe~" She leaned in, whispering, "Just now—you called her *Xiaoyu*, didn't you?"

*What choice did I have? Needed to sound close to vouch for her.* Chen Yuzhe rolled his eyes, ignoring her.

Lao Wei returned wearing Chen Yuzhe's jacket, holding the stained clothes. The boss quickly took them. "We'll wash and return these. Your dorm number?"

Lao Wei handed them over. "Ah, lucky I ran into you, Lao Chen. Otherwise, naked hike back." He spotted Jiang Xiaoyao and paused.

Chen Yuzhe smoothly interjected, "This is our anime club president, Jiang Xiaoyao. We're planning the new-member welcome party."

"Oh! Hello, hello." Lao Wei's eyes flickered oddly—he clearly knew her. He opened his mouth, then closed it. Sighing, he patted Chen Yuzhe's shoulder. "Never mind. Heading back. This jacket's chilly inside. You two enjoy your meal."

Watching him leave, Jiang Xiaoyao and Chen Yuzhe exchanged glances.

"See? Told you not to eat out with me."

"Doesn't matter. I don't care."

"But that hesitant look... He totally thinks you're a kind, gentle, gullible nice guy, right?"

"In front of them? Always."

"Pfft. Can't wait to see their faces when they learn your true colors."

"Warning: don't push your luck."

"Nyah nyah. Just kidding!"