"Treating me to a meal?" Chen Yuzhe raised his eyebrows slightly, staring at her in surprise.

Xinyu kept her head down, mumbling nervously. She must have mustered all her courage just to blurt out that invitation.

"Why the sudden offer?"

"W-well..." Xinyu’s face flushed with embarrassment, her eyes darting away. "Because... because Senior, you’re truly kind. You’ve helped me so many times—even landed me this amazing job opportunity..."

"My mom taught me since I was little: repay kindness with gratitude. If you take goodwill for granted, eventually no one will ever show you any again."

*Solid advice.* Simple, profound—her mother must be remarkable.

*Wait—did I just miss something?*

*Did I... just get labeled "the nice guy"?*

*Whatever.* She wasn’t wrong. Though his help came with ulterior motives, to her he was just a gentle, kind senior. Accepting her treat was only natural.

Refusing would only corner the poor girl after she’d worked up such nerve.

"Sure," Chen Yuzhe nodded with a smile. "Where shall we go tonight?"

"You pick, Senior," Xinyu said earnestly. "Even if it’s pricey. You’ve done so much—I can’t be stingy."

*Huh.* Chen Yuzhe’s eyes glinted with interest.

*Rare.* The same Xinyu who pinched pennies over club outings was suddenly splurging? *Genuine?*

*She really values this opportunity.* An afternoon’s half-work-half-play for 500 yuan—practically free money.

*Can’t blame her stubborn pride.* She wouldn’t want to owe him without repayment. And repayment needed dignity—no cafeteria instant noodles.

*Still... teasing her is too fun.*

"Hmm..." Chen Yuzhe stroked his chin. "My dorm mates mentioned a great barbecue spot nearby. Grilling skewers in summer’s got its charm."

Xinyu stiffened.

"Though there’s also a new hotpot place—Xiaolongkan. Been dying to try authentic Xiaolongkan hotpot. Just never found company."

"Or Korean BBQ next door. Fish wrapped in paper works too. Haidilao’s an option..."

His eyes stayed fixed on Xinyu’s face while he listed them.

*Every single one costs over a hundred yuan.* A fifth of her hard-earned afternoon wages—gone.

*Let’s see her keep up the act now.*

Sure enough, though she lifted her chin and met his gaze squarely, her eyes betrayed her. Her breath hitched slightly. Her cheeks flushed crimson.

*Adorable, honestly.*

After the long list, Chen Yuzhe sighed dramatically. "So hard to choose..."

Xinyu tensed instantly, as if her heart leapt into her throat.

"...Decision made."

"Which one?" Xinyu asked cautiously.

Chen Yuzhe grinned, savoring her suspense.

"Japanese cuisine. That restaurant where you worked part-time."

*Xinyu visibly sagged with relief.* Chen Yuzhe almost chuckled.

She realized he’d been toying with her. Her lips pursed in a pout.

"...Senior’s mischievous."

"Eh? What did I do?"

"...Never mind. You’re just mischievous. Hmph." She turned her head away.

"Hey now!" Chen Yuzhe feigned offense. "I’m boosting business for your workplace! Is that mischievous? Waaah—such ingratitude after my kindness!"

His exaggerated wounded expression made Xinyu cover her mouth, giggling.

"Senior’s so clever—why pretend otherwise?"

"Clever? I’m dense. If I were smooth, I’d have charmed a girlfriend years ago instead of staying single."

Xinyu glanced sideways as he shrugged helplessly.

"Senior’s always been single?"

"Obviously. Do I look like someone girls would want?" He spread his hands.

"Mmm... But Senior’s so gentle and kind. How could no girl like you?" Genuine confusion flickered in her eyes.

*Same old story.* Looks ruled this world. Kindness without looks meant nothing.

Kindness only earned you "nice guy" cards.

Chen Yuzhe wisely shifted topics.

They chatted while walking out, the sky slowly melting into sunset hues.