Rebellion! Outrageous! A mere Saizeria regular daring to bite the hand that feeds?

Cheng Yu watched Zhao (?) and Wang Jing squabble over wealth, not the slightest urge to intervene. Instead, he enjoyed the show.

Zhao (?) didn’t even flinch when he threw out five million. That meant this sum was but a drop in the ocean to him.

If he could afford it, let him do as he pleased. Why should Cheng Yu step in and invite trouble?

Besides… if Zhao (?) really bought this place on a whim, couldn’t Cheng Yu just waltz in for free meals every day?

[Your choice regarding Zhao (?) and Wang Jing’s feud:]

[Option A: Silently observe. Reward: A decade’s profits from Saizeria.]

[Option B: Film and post online. Reward: Executive VP position at Weibo.]

[Option C: Walk away. Reward: A fruit stand identical to Brother Liu Huaqiang’s.]

[Option D: Intervene. Reward: 1 random stat point.]

Cheng Yu’s amusement vanished.

If time weren’t frozen, his face would’ve twisted into bitter anguish.

*Damn it. Why does this system love slapping me in the face lately?*

*So whatever I don’t want to do, it forces me to do?*

Staring at the options, Cheng Yu sighed inwardly. The absurdity was overwhelming.

For starters—why did the system still tag Zhao’s name with "(?)"?

Could his real name actually be… that?

*Forget it.* The system clearly demanded he step in.

But why?

How could this petty squabble get him killed?

…Unless it involved Suzhan Yue’s roommates?

Cheng Yu gave up guessing. If the system insisted, it had its reasons.

After planning his approach, he silently selected Option D. Time resumed—and he stood up.

Linsw Lin blinked in surprise as Cheng Yu rose abruptly. Without hesitation, she followed.

Seizing the moment Zhao (?) turned his back, Cheng Yu kicked him squarely in the rear—causing the earlier stumble.

Zhao (?) nearly fell. When he whirled around, everyone braced for his fury.

Instead, he froze at the sight of Cheng Yu.

Not only did he not rage—he beamed and hurried over under everyone’s stunned gaze:

“Brother Cheng Yu! You’re dining here too!”

Zhao (?)’s reverence left every onlooker speechless.

How could this unremarkable guy command such respect from a man who tossed five million around like pocket change?

Wang Jing was the most shocked. He shared a dorm with Cheng Yu—how could he not know this shut-in’s true worth?

*Unless… I completely misjudged him?*

Wang Jing scrutinized his roommate anew. Nearby, Qi Qi and Yao Yao eyed Cheng Yu with wary suspicion.

Cheng Yu met their stares calmly, knowing Zhao (?) held the key. He clapped Zhao (?)’s shoulder, teasing:

“Brother Zhao, chasing girls like this won’t work.”

“Won’t work?” Zhao (?) blinked, instinctively pressing for details. Cheng Yu sighed, adopting a mentor’s tone:

“Take me as an example.”

Before Linsw Lin could guess his intent, Cheng Yu grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

“She and I are already dating.”

Zhao (?)’s eyes dimmed slightly—but only for a flicker. He’d suspected this. Hearing it confirmed still stung.

Linsw Lin’s expression, however, transformed spectacularly.

Her mind went blank. Cheng Yu’s words echoed like celestial music.

*P-Prince Charming… we’re already dating?!*

*No, wait… this isn’t just dating—he announced it publicly. This must be…*

…*A PROPOSAL?!*

*Did I move too fast?* Cheng Yu worried, realizing he should’ve discussed this with her first. But time was short. He winked subtly—*it’s just an act*.

*You used me as a prop this afternoon. Now you return the favor. Fair, right?*

*H-He’s winking at me again!* Linsw Lin’s thoughts spiraled. *Is he… asking for a kiss?!*

Her rational mind evaporated. Her heart galloped like a wild mustang. She could only nod frantically at Cheng Yu.

Relieved the “communication” succeeded, Cheng Yu turned back to Zhao (?), earnest now:

“Do you think money made her choose me?”

Zhao (?) shook his head. He knew winning Linsw Lin’s heart was no simple feat.

“Exactly. Flaunting cash won’t work. Especially…” Cheng Yu’s gaze shifted to Qi Qi and Yao Yao, who’d been itching to speak. He smiled pointedly. “Yueyue told me her roommates are good people. They don’t crave fame or fortune.”

He stressed “good people” heavily. Both girls paled.

*He’s Yueyue’s acquaintance.*

*No wonder she moved out so firmly—he must’ve influenced her!*

*He knows what we did to Suzhan Yue… Is he here for revenge?!*

Their minds raced: *Suzhan Yue is the daughter of Su Xia Energy’s chairman. What power does this guy hold if even Zhao (?) bows to him?*

*If he wants vengeance for Yueyue…*

Cheng Yu planned to leverage Suzhan Yue’s name to scare them off—

—but both girls suddenly bowed deeply, voices trembling:

“We’re sorry!”

“We’ll never—*ever*—do it again!”

“…Huh?”

Cheng Yu stared, bewildered, as they fled hand-in-hand. He hadn’t grasped their overactive imaginations.

Shaking off his confusion, he finished the act, turning to Zhao (?):

“See? They’re good girls who despise money. Your actions insulted their integrity! That’s why they said ‘never again.’ Wealth is fleeting. True love’s magic lies in trust!”

Zhao (?)’s eyes lit with sudden realization. He smacked his fist into his palm.

“Brother Cheng Yu—you’re a master! My savior *and* my love guru!”

Cheng Yu smiled, sweeping his gaze across the room: Wang Jing’s suspicion, Zhao (?)’s fervent admiration, Linsw Lin’s dazed grin, and the staff/customers watching him with wary awe.

*Why does this feel… nothing like I expected?* he mused inwardly, still smiling.