Not everyone wanted to hit the bar. Take Cheng Yu’s other two roommates, for instance—they were already dead drunk. Other male classmates had to support them back to the dorm.
A few well-behaved girls also refused the invitation. They made polite excuses to avoid such places.
Still, out of the class of thirty, exactly twenty remained. They stood in rows on the sidewalk, creating quite a spectacle.
For most college students, university life should be thrilling and carefree.
The neon-lit bar held a magnetic pull for these youths, newly freed from over a decade of grueling study. It lured them inside like a siren’s call.
“Hey, Bro Cheng, including us two, only three guys total!? Perfect timing—strike while the iron’s hot, Bro Cheng! Aren’t we gonna… what’re you doing?” Zhou Weihua’s excitement blazed, clashing sharply with Cheng Yu’s cold, stoic face.
Cheng Yu had zero interest in bars. Honestly, he’d rather hit a tea house, an internet cafe, or even Dala Bengba. Who’d obey the system unless fighting for survival?
But since earlier, Cheng Yu felt he’d forgotten something vital. He kept frowning, straining to recall, muttering softly:
“What was it… feels important… what did I forget…”
Zhou Weihua wisely stayed quiet. He just shrugged helplessly at his clueless roommate and sighed.
*Fine. I’ll grab this chance to chat up some classmates.*
He scanned the crowd, called out girls’ names, and skipped over to join them.
Neither noticed Linsw Lin nearby. She’d been silently watching Cheng Yu, lost in thought.
Under the dim streetlight, Linsw Lin’s eyes—enhanced by colored contacts—flickered with an unnatural, burning intensity.
Only when a figure blocked her view did she casually look away. She feigned daydreaming and glanced up.
“Wanna grab a drink or dance later, Shengwan?” the boy asked warmly.
Linsw Lin paused, struggling to recall his name. *A classmate… Zhao? Zhao something?*
*Whatever. Too lazy.* She gave a polite smile and mumbled, “Maybe later,” before drifting back to the girls.
The boy named Zhao (?) watched her go, equally lost in thought.
This group, each with hidden agendas, headed to the nearest bar from Forest University.
The moment they opened the door, deafening music slammed into the newcomers.
The bar was called “Encounter,” but its vibe was anything but gentle. No quiet lounge here—a massive dance floor dominated the center. Strobe lights pulsed to the beats, dizzying and disorienting.
Cheng Yu spotted Jiangyx Jiang’s pale face under the lights. Clearly, she’d never seen anything like this.
Kindly, he patted her shoulder and whispered:
“If you’d rather leave, it’s fine.”
“Who—who doesn’t want to stay! Just ‘cause it’s Cheng Yu, you’re looking down on me? If you can come, why can’t I!” Her defiant retort stunned him. He frowned, about to reply—
[Facing Jiangyx Jiang’s retort, your choice is:]
[Option A: Argue loudly to send her home. Reward: A Tesla Model S.]
[Option B: Reason seriously to persuade her. Reward: A Dell Alienware X17 laptop.]
[Option C: Pretend nothing happened and walk past. Reward: 1 random attribute point.]
In Jiangyx Jiang’s eyes, Cheng Yu opened his mouth. But he said nothing. Silently, he walked past her into the bar.
For a heartbeat, she regretted her words. *Did I go too far?*
Seeing everyone enter, she bit her lip, steeled herself, and followed.
They booked two large booths in a corner. Though classmates for two months, they weren’t close beyond roommates. The mood stayed stiff at first.
After a few drinks, under the dim lights, heads grew fuzzy. Courage swelled.
Laughter and chatter filled the air. The vibe warmed.
Sharp-eyed Zhou Weihua seized the spotlight, bantering effortlessly with classmates.
Cheng Yu stayed aloof, yet girls flocked to toast him.
“Cheng Yu, we rarely see you!” “Yeah, rare to spot a busy guy like you!” “Do you have a girlfriend? That’s why you vanish!” “Come on—drink up!”
They chattered around him. His face stayed cold, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
*This damned charm. Sigh. Even super idols can’t match my sweet smile.*
He lifted a glass, swirled the drink gently, and flashed a faint smile, opening his mouth to say—
[Facing classmates’ urging to drink, your choice is:]
[Option A: Down it in one gulp. Reward: Platinum membership at Beijing’s Tian Shang Ren Jian club.]
[Option B: Sip slowly while chatting. Reward: 3000 yuan voucher for Wudaokou Golden Time Foot Spa.]
[Option C: Refuse with a hemorrhoid excuse. Reward: 1 random attribute point.]
Cheng Yu set the glass down instantly. His expression turned icy.
“My hemorrhoids flared up. I can’t drink. I need to rest.”
Amid the roaring bar, the air around him thickened like a physical weight.
The girls froze, forcing awkward smiles.
“O-oh… Cheng Yu…” “Rest well… skip spicy food!” “Good night!”
Like startled birds, they scattered. Space opened around him.
*People’s joys and sorrows don’t resonate. I only find them noisy.*
Cheng Yu silently recited this, then grabbed a cantaloupe slice from the fruit platter and bit in.
