Three days later, on Saturday, it was time for Baiyu to meet the president of the Qian Niao Ji Club—a person she’d only known online.

The agreed spot was a Western-style restaurant in S City’s northern district, on a bustling commercial street. This area was S City’s most vibrant hub. From the nearest subway station to my home, it took about fifteen minutes. Now, we stood at the street’s entrance.

Weekends meant crowds, but S City was an internationally renowned metropolis. This commercial street was meticulously planned. Street vendors lined designated spots, everything orderly and neat.

“Ah, candied haw.”

Baiyu spotted a roadside stall selling candied haw and murmured softly. She was clearly in a great mood today.

I stepped forward and asked the vendor, “How much?”

“Three yuan per skewer.”

“Two, please.”

I bought two skewers and handed one to Baiyu. “Here.”

“No. Sweets make you fat.”

Baiyu shook her head, but her eyes stayed glued to the candied haw in my hand. She always worried about her weight. Sometimes, I’d catch her secretly weighing herself on our home electronic scale, then sighing and skipping dinner. It’s a common girl thing—even bone-thin girls constantly whine about dieting.

Baiyu wasn’t fat. Her face just had baby fat, making her look plump. Well, her large chest didn’t help either.

“Indulge once in a while. Leave dieting to tomorrow’s you.”

“That’s why you’re a shut-in loser.”

Baiyu snapped at me harshly but took the skewer anyway. After a bite, she said, “Don’t stand so close. What if someone thinks I’m dating a loser?”

“…”

Today, Baiyu had dressed up carefully. She wore a T-shirt with a pink rabbit print, a white jacket over it, a knee-length pleated skirt, and tights. The fancy clothes looked expensive. It seemed lavish, but she’d bought them with her own money, so I didn’t mind.

Compared to her, I wore cheap street-stall clothes under 200 yuan total. My long shirt and jeans combo looked mismatched. I wasn’t ugly, but next to Baiyu’s glamour, I felt shabby.

Clothes were invented for modesty and warmth, right? Comfort matters most. I don’t get those winter fashion girls in miniskirts showing pale legs. I like the look, but seriously—aren’t they freezing?

We found the restaurant. At the entrance, I told Baiyu, “This is it. Let’s split up. You’re waiting for the president, right? I’ll grab a seat inside first.”

“Huh? Um… okay.”

Baiyu fidgeted with her skirt, looking nervous. Meeting an online friend in person does that, even after knowing them for ages.

I patted her head. “Relax. I’ll keep watch.”

“I-I’m not nervous! Don’t touch me!”

Blushing, she swatted my hand away, fixed her hair, and nodded at the door. “You talk too much. Just go in.”

The restaurant had ultra-European decor. On this rent-sky-high street, it occupied a massive space. I climbed stone steps as a doorman opened the door for me.

Ding-a-ling~

A wind chime jingled crisply behind the door. A waitress in uniform approached, smiling. “Welcome. Do you have a reservation?”

Honestly, I’d never been to such a fancy place. I usually cooked at home or ate at a nearby ramen shop. Stepping into this luxurious hall, I felt nervous.

“No reservation.”

“Then you’ll dine in the main hall. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, fine.”

“Follow me, please.”

She led me through the elegant hall. Dark wood paneled the walls. Black marble floors mirrored people’s reflections. A piano sat center stage, silent for now.

Dinner hour hadn’t hit yet, so few patrons filled the hall. I chose a corner window seat—it had the best view of the whole room.

“Just one person?”

“Yes.”

“Order now?”

“Yeah.”

She handed me the menu. I glanced at it and nearly choked.

Whoa—the cheapest steak was 288 yuan? Orange juice cost thirty? At home, this’d feed me for days.

I kinda wanted to go home…

“I’ll have spaghetti and orange juice.”

I ordered the cheapest items and returned the menu.

“Understood. One moment.” She bowed slightly, left, and soon brought soda water.

I sipped the bland soda. If not for Baiyu, I’d never set foot here.

Still, it was quiet and cozy. If prices were lower, it’d be perfect for writing novels with my laptop.