Xuye Cheng was slightly stunned, then forced a stiff smile at Ji Qingying. "Hey there."

"Hi..." Ji Qingying replied with an equally rigid expression.

His mind raced like a storm.

Last night’s shift had couples flaunting love. Today’s morning shift threw him face-to-face with his ex—introduced by his own roommate.

This was utterly absurd.

A hint of mischief flickered in He Xiaohan’s eyes. He sensed their awkwardness instantly.

"Cheng, grab me a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes," He Xiaohan added.

"Sure." Xuye Cheng paused before replying, then absentmindedly pulled a pack from the glass cabinet and handed it over.

He Xiaohan took it and snagged a lighter nearby.

Ji Qingying kept her head slightly lowered. He Xiaohan shook her hand, leaned in close, and whispered, "Why aren’t you stopping me from smoking anymore?"

Her expression grew even more awkward. "Smoking once in a while isn’t a big deal."

He Xiaohan chuckled, his voice turning soft and concerned. "What’s wrong? Rushing home? Why keep your head down?"

"Nothing..." Ji Qingying murmured.

Following her gaze, He Xiaohan grabbed a box of "ultra-thin" condoms and passed it to Xuye Cheng.

"No need to be shy. It’s normal," he whispered low enough only for her to hear.

Xuye Cheng watched silently as He Xiaohan whispered in Ji Qingying’s ear and handed over the box. A wave of complex emotions surged within him.

Was Ji Qingying really going to be ruined by this guy...?

Her cheeks flushed crimson. Xuye Cheng glanced at He Xiaohan’s face, pain flickering in his eyes.

Did she even know his true nature...?

Helplessness washed over him.

He could do nothing.

Ji Qingying had cut ties. Interfering now would only make her hate him.

But he couldn’t bear to watch her get messed with.

Xuye Cheng bit his lip.

This guy had no shame.

Jealousy flared as he glanced at He Xiaohan again.

He admitted He Xiaohan was handsome.

But good looks weren’t impressive—certainly no excuse to play around.

Compared to Xuye Cheng, He Xiaohan had more capital to mess around.

Ji Qingying was probably fooled by his kind facade.

He’d gotten what Xuye Cheng couldn’t. And Ji Qingying’s dynamic with him felt utterly different from their past.

Xuye Cheng had always leaned toward her. Now, she seemed to lean toward He Xiaohan.

Xuye Cheng took the box, scanned it, bagged it, and handed it to He Xiaohan.

"Here, take it," He Xiaohan said, gesturing for Ji Qingying.

Hesitation crossed her face, but she obediently took the bag from Xuye Cheng.

Their hands brushed briefly.

"Let’s go," He Xiaohan said, turning politely to Xuye Cheng. "Thanks, bro Cheng. When can we take Ji Qingying out for a meal with you?"

"No need," Xuye Cheng forced a stiff smile, refusing quickly.

"Don’t be formal. We’ll head off. See you," He Xiaohan smiled warmly, then slowly intertwined his fingers with Ji Qingying’s.

Watching their hands lock, Xuye Cheng felt fresh jealousy and reluctance.

Forget it. Don’t make a fool of yourself.

He suppressed his urge to talk to her and his annoyance at He Xiaohan.

Sighing silently, he greeted the next customer.

Meanwhile, He Xiaohan and Ji Qingying walked hand in hand down the street.

"He Xiaohan, don’t pick that stuff in public," Ji Qingying said.

"It’s just my roommate. Not public," He Xiaohan replied carelessly.

"But a stranger saw! It’s embarrassing. Consider my feelings?" Her face flushed with anger.

"You’re not that important to others. You have no ties with him," He Xiaohan said, pulling out the cigarettes.

"Is that what I want to hear?"

"I’m sorry, baby. I made you lose face," He Xiaohan murmured, pulling her close, lips brushing her ear in a low, sexy voice. "Tonight, I’m yours. Take me anywhere."

Ji Qingying’s face reddened.

"Then don’t do it again." Her tone softened instantly.

"I won’t," He Xiaohan smiled gently, but his gaze held a trace of disdain.

He placed a cigarette between his lips. Ji Qingying saw the lighter but hesitated to stop him.

"I’ll smoke one to reflect," he said, handing her the rest of the pack. "Just one."

Seeing his obedient act, she reluctantly took the cigarettes.

"Quitting takes gradual steps," He Xiaohan added.

*Snap*. The flame flared. White smoke curled around his slender fingers. Crisp tobacco scent filled the air. His expression relaxed as smoke drifted from his nostrils, veiling his face in a hazy glow.

Finally off shift, Xuye Cheng ate and returned to his dorm to binge online courses.

Zheng Wenxuan’s life was far duller—a typical slacker college student.

Xuye Cheng opened the door, glanced at Zheng Wenxuan sprawled on his bed, and sat at his desk.

Zheng Wenxuan shot up like a dying fish. "My Cheng~ How much per hour at the convenience store?"

"Fifteen yuan," Xuye Cheng said, booting his computer.

"Holy crap, that store outside pays way higher."

"Huh? How much?" Xuye Cheng perked up.

"Twenty-three to thirty." Zheng Wenxuan grinned as Xuye Cheng’s face lit up.

"Really?"

"But they only hire girls." Zheng Wenxuan’s words made Xuye Cheng’s face fall.

...Then brighten again moments later.