Dou Yuwei couldn’t shake the feeling that Ningning seemed a bit down...

Was something weighing on her mind?

Dou Yuwei wondered vaguely.

She still suspected a story between Ningning and that handsome guy.

Xuye Cheng bustled about for a while, finally reaching closing time.

Dou Yuwei dragged Xuye Cheng to the back to collect desserts.

When grabbed, Xuye Cheng inwardly resisted.

“Aren’t you getting dessert, Ningning?”

Xuye Cheng shook her head. She just wanted to rush back to her dorm and slack off.

“But the manager’s desserts are amazing,” Dou Yuwei said, her expression turning regretful. “It’d be such a waste not to try them.”

Xuye Cheng sighed helplessly. Watching Dou Yuwei jiggle her arm, unable to withstand her fidgety act, she relented.

Xuye Cheng changed out of her uniform first, then followed Dou Yuwei backstage.

Pushing the door open, she spotted the manager busy at work.

He held a piping bag. Seeing them, his face instantly lit up with a smile.

“You’re here! Today’s treat is chocolate cream cake—I ran out of ideas,” he said, pointing to a small plate holding a slice.

“Wow, chocolate forever! Thanks, Manager!” Dou Yuwei lifted the plate. The manager glanced at Xuye Cheng, noticing her reluctant look.

“Xiao Ning, try it? It’s really good,” he grinned. “Trust my skills.”

Xuye Cheng gave a faint, resigned smile. “Okay, thanks.”

“How was the chocolate before? I made it myself.”

Xuye Cheng nodded, surprised. “Delicious.”

The manager beamed. Beside him, Dou Yuwei pouted.

“Hey, Manager, you’re biased! I want some too.”

He piped cream flowers onto a cake. “On my desk—help yourself later~”

“Hehe, you’re the best!”

He chuckled. “Greedy cat. You just live for post-work snacks here.” As he spoke, other part-timers entered.

Dou Yuwei grinned. “Your cooking’s just that good.”

“Alright, go eat. Don’t crowd this tiny room,” he said gently.

Dou Yuwei carried the cake, pulling Xuye Cheng upstairs.

Xuye Cheng stared at her skirt’s hem, suddenly remembering she needed new clothes...

And to get this one cleaned...

A headache hit her instantly.

Ugh, such a hassle.

Seeing Xuye Cheng’s gloomy face, Dou Yuwei’s expression turned puzzled.

“Ningning, what’s wrong? You seem so unhappy.”

Xuye Cheng sighed. Honestly, she didn’t know why she felt this way.

Her heart just felt blocked.

What was it really?

Work exhaustion? That hollow feeling—was it because of Ji Qingying?

Xuye Cheng still felt worthless...

Warmth spread to her hand as Dou Yuwei grabbed it, laughing. “Food’ll cheer you up.”

She pulled Xuye Cheng to a window seat. Xuye Cheng’s eyes flickered toward He Xiaohan at the opposite table, then dropped to the delicate cake.

Dou Yuwei scooped a bite, instantly beaming. “Try it—it’s incredible!”

Xuye Cheng managed a bitter smile and took a small forkful.

He Xiaohan packed his books. His gaze drifted to the girl opposite. She popped cake into her mouth, eyes widening in delight. Light spilled over her—deep, clear eyes slightly upturned at the corners, a teardrop mole beside one gem-like iris.

Cream clung to her lips. Her moist red mouth looked almost translucent in the glow.

He Xiaohan’s eyes flickered, then dimmed. He gathered his books and left downstairs.

“So good,” Xuye Cheng murmured, eyes wide.

Creamy richness, bittersweet chocolate, and fluffy cake flooded her tongue. The faint bitterness melted into sweetness.

“Right? Skipping it’d be a shame,” Dou Yuwei said. Seeing Xuye Cheng’s face brighten, her own mood lifted.

“Yeah,” Xuye Cheng said softly, taking another bite. “This café’s wonderful.”

Dou Yuwei chuckled. “Work’s tiring, but this dessert wipes fatigue away.”

Xuye Cheng nodded, gazing at her. That heavy feeling had truly eased.

She sighed, slowly finishing the cake.

Sweets were lovely—she’d always liked them—but money was tight, so she rarely indulged.

“Hmm... Ningning, why work part-time?” Dou Yuwei stood, asking gently.

Xuye Cheng sighed again. Dou Yuwei saw her face darken, her bright eyes dimming.

“No money. My monthly allowance isn’t enough,” Xuye Cheng muttered, voice low and complaining.

“Ah?” Dou Yuwei finally understood her unhappiness. “Why?”

“Mm... My family’s not well-off.” Xuye Cheng followed her downstairs. Dou Yuwei took her empty plate.

“I’ll return it. Wait here, Ningning.”

A strange ripple stirred in Xuye Cheng’s heart. Her eyes flickered as she nodded hesitantly.

“Okay.” Her reply was soft.

Ningning...

The name echoed in her mind, sparking something odd.

Such a nice girl...

If only she had a friend like that...

Xuye Cheng’s gaze drifted back to her skirt hem.

“Back! Let’s go.” Dou Yuwei emerged, linking arms with her. Xuye Cheng stiffened involuntarily. Dou Yuwei’s expression turned puzzled again.