After a short nap at home around noon, Chen Yuzhe took a shower, changed into an outfit picked by Yan Qiuran, and headed out for the anime club's afternoon gathering.
Just stepping out of the residential compound, he spotted a familiar Audi parked roadside.
"How long have you been waiting? Not scared the traffic cops will slap a ticket on your car?" Chen Yuzhe opened the door, slid straight into the passenger seat without ceremony.
"Hey, I'm still inside. If cops come, I'll just move it," Han Cheng said nonchalantly. "Anyway, even if they ticket me, I'll use my dad's license to clear the points."
"Won't you drain all your dad's points?" Chen Yuzhe teased.
"My mom's license, my uncle's, my aunt's, my cousins'..."
"Stop! I know you're the mighty young master Han. Just drive."
Han Cheng shrugged, started the engine, and the car rolled slowly toward campus.
Truth be told, Chen Yuzhe felt a little excited too.
After all, he'd waited long for this day.
—
—
Meanwhile, inside the party villa.
The villa's rooms were spacious. Fruit platters and snacks were laid out, bottles of Corona beer lined up, and a banner hung on the wall: "L University Branch Campus Anime Club Welcome Party."
The living room buzzed with people. Some wore anime-print tees; others were full-on in cosplay. They clustered in small groups, chatting about new anime episodes.
Jiang Xiaoyao stood at the entrance, greeting arriving members while quietly psyching herself up.
Deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.
Jiang Xiaoyao, don't panic. Once Gu Chengjin arrives, just show your most feminine side naturally.
It's fine. Chen Yuzhe wrote all the key points down. She memorized them yesterday. With this much resolve, it'll work.
Wait—why hasn't Chen Yuzhe shown up yet? Without him to keep things steady, her confidence wavered.
Anxiously, she peered toward the door.
Soon, an Audi eased into the villa's garage.
Spotting Chen Yuzhe and Han Cheng stepping out, Jiang Xiaoyao sighed in relief and rushed over.
"Why so late?" She glared, hands on hips. "Everyone else arrived early. You stroll in like you're not worried at all."
"Why rush? I'm not here to pick up girls," Chen Yuzhe shrugged. "Gu Chengjin isn't here yet either. He's slower—why not scold him?"
"T-that's... how do you know Gu Chengjin hasn't come?"
Obviously. If he had, would you still wait here for me? Chen Yuzhe smirked.
Jiang Xiaoyao noticed Han Cheng beside him. He stepped forward eagerly: "Hi there! You're the anime club president, right? Nice to meet you!"
"Han Cheng. Tagging along with old Zhe here to see the scene."
Han Cheng always made a great first impression—trendy clothes, handsome features, and a cheerful vibe that felt refreshing. Even Jiang Xiaoyao stole an extra glance.
"Hello. Chen Yuzhe mentioned you. Welcome to our party," she greeted politely.
Huh? Chen Yuzhe shot her a surprised look.
She slipped into character fast. Normally, she'd gawk at a handsome guy like this.
Guess she'd seriously studied his "Manual for Becoming a Pure and Graceful Lady" and practiced hard.
Jiang Xiaoyao wore a JK uniform today—pure style highlighting her fair legs and figure. Innocent yet alluring, like a next-door schoolgirl who made men stare.
Seemed flawless. After a pause, Chen Yuzhe asked, "Where's Xinyu?"
"Oh, probably busy inside." Jiang Xiaoyao glanced back, then turned with a mysterious grin. "Hey, did you know? Little junior Xinyu prepared a surprise for you today~"
A surprise?
Chen Yuzhe frowned, sensing trouble.
"We'll head in first. You keep waiting for Gu Chengjin." He gave a quick nod, ready to lead Han Cheng inside, but Jiang Xiaoyao grabbed his arm urgently.
"What now?" Chen Yuzhe scowled.
"Um..."
Flustered, she fidgeted, too shy to speak.
Chen Yuzhe sighed, waved Han Cheng off to mingle freely, then turned back annoyed.
"Spit it out."
"Ah, it's just..." Jiang Xiaoyao blushed, fiddling with her skirt hem.
