Just as he had said, Cheng Yu brought Suzhan Yue to a bar first.

They stepped into the Encounter Bar and approached the counter. Cheng Yu clearly saw the bar owner’s smile instantly freeze on his face, then shift to pure terror.

Clearly, the memory of Cheng Yu and Tiger Cub causing a ruckus here days ago had left an indelible shadow in the owner’s mind.

Cheng Yu shook his head, feeling a bit annoyed but also amused.

What’s with that attitude? I’m not some grim reaper kid—why fear me?

Besides, they started it; I’ve done nothing wrong. Why be so scared?

But the owner’s reaction also left a bad impression on the naive Suzhan Yue beside him. She glanced between Cheng Yu and the owner, growing certain this wasn’t his first time in such places.

In her mind, she pictured Cheng Yu here, surrounded by admirers, flirting endlessly. No matter how she thought of it, he seemed utterly detestable.

Her displeasure and disgust were plain on her face. Seeing this, Cheng Yu felt no irritation—instead, he casually hummed a little tune.

*My foolish little princess, hate me with all your heart!*

He led Suzhan Yue to the bar counter, ordered two house-special Long Island Iced Teas, and slid one before her.

“Here, drink.”

Suzhan Yue eyed the drink, then Cheng Yu. He met her gaze and chuckled lightly.

“What’s wrong? Friends drink together. My buddies and I always toast here—we won’t stop until we’ve had dozens to ‘rinse our mouths.’ Aren’t we friends too?”

Cheng Yu’s grinning face looked incredibly punchable. Suzhan Yue lowered her head, fiddling with her phone, and muttered softly:

“I’ll just reply to my messages first… ah, hey!”

Before she finished, Cheng Yu snatched her phone, tossed it to his left, and kept that annoying grin.

“Drink first. Who plays on their phone while hanging out with friends?”

He glanced at the screen—the group chat name read: [Runaway Princess’s Six-Person Castle].

*Runaway Princess?*

*Tch.*

Only an utterly absurd person would name it that.

Cheng Yu curled his lip in disdain.

Looking back at Suzhan Yue, he found her glaring at him with utter hatred.

Cheng Yu’s expression stayed indifferent. Without a word, Suzhan Yue lifted her glass and tried to gulp down the entire Long Island Iced Tea under his watch.

*Pfft!* She spat it out, coughing violently.

“Yo, don’t force it if you can’t handle it. No one’s making you drink,” Cheng Yu teased, swirling his glass. He muttered as if to himself: “But finish this drink before touching your phone.”

Suzhan Yue stayed silent, holding the large glass. She hesitated, then took a tiny sip.

A strange sensation spread from her tongue to her throat, twisting her face in agony.

Long Island Iced Tea was strong even among cocktails. How could a girl with zero drinking experience swallow it?

Yet her stubborn nature held firm. She didn’t complain or beg—just drank silently, bit by bit, trying to finish the glass.

Cheng Yu said nothing. He sat leisurely beside her, chatting relaxedly with the bartender. Nearly an hour passed.

Suzhan Yue watched as she drained eighty percent of the drink, leaving only a shallow ring at the bottom. Joy lit her face, a delighted smile blooming naturally.

“Ah, sitting so long tires me out,” Cheng Yu drawled lazily. He stretched, pocketed her phone with a smile. “Let’s go to a movie. No more sulking over drinks.”

“My… my phone…”

“Huh? Joking? I said I’d return it after you finish the drink. Is it finished?”

“!”

Suzhan Yue snapped her head up, staring at Cheng Yu. Mockery and ridicule filled his face.

Her views were idealistic, but not naive. Even she grasped his meaning now. Alcohol-fueled rage exploded in her chest, making her lower her voice:

“…Are you playing with me?”

“How? Yueyue, we’re friends. I’m just showing you a good time,” Cheng Yu said, chin propped on his hand, utterly unafraid.

“Look—I took you drinking, now a movie. Perfect timing. After that, all-night gaming at an internet cafe. Real college nightlife. What’s wrong with that?”

“…No. This isn’t friendship!”

“How not? What’s the difference?”

“Friends don’t force you to do things you hate. You don’t want to be my friend.”

“Really? Then…” Cheng Yu paused, a strange glint in his eyes. “Those ‘friends’ of yours—never forced you to do unwanted things?”

“…”

“What’s wrong, Yueyue? You know who I mean.

Ah, yes—your lovely roommates.

I heard you cling to them like a puppy, desperately pleasing them, chasing that stupid, fake roommate bond.

But haven’t you ever wondered—you don’t actually want this?

Every time they make you fetch free meals—is that truly from your heart?

Every time you flatter them, even fawn over them—is that what you want?

Every time, after your useless efforts, they mock you behind your back—is that acceptable to you?

If yes… they’re your friends, so I should be—”

“You’re not!”

A roar cut him off. Suzhan Yue was shocked—it came from her.

Alcohol drowned her control. She shed all rationality and upbringing, voice blazing with fury:

“They’re nothing like you, you scum!”

“You’re wrong, Suzhan Yue.” Cheng Yu shook his head, pity in his gaze. “They and I are the same.

Just despicable bullies hiding behind ‘friendship,’ exploiting your kindness.”

Suzhan Yue stayed silent. Her eyes locked on his, anger fading to icy cold.

She stood, walking past him. Even as he shouted after her—“Hey, leaving your phone?”—she didn’t turn back.

Her figure vanished at the bar entrance. Cheng Yu watched her go, then sighed in relief.

[System Alert: Host has completed the task. Reward: 1 combat power point.]

*Too long, system… Next time, give me easier tasks.*

Cheng Yu silently grumbled, downing the rest of his drink in one gulp.