"Yeah, yeah, bro. Are you seriously not an extra hired by some princess?"

The student’s loud voice drew glances from Ouyang Qingsnow and Oriental September.

"An extra? Do I really look like one? Though I do think pretty highly of myself."

Just a bunch of kids.

"Hahaha, you’re hilarious! Do stand-up or skits? Team up with me—I know YouTube. My buddy’s a manager there. I’ll get you streaming live."

A guy slung his arm around my neck, acting like we were best friends.

"YouTube? That super hot streaming platform lately?"

The girls seemed fascinated, showing off nonstop, hoping the young master would notice them.

After that, they chatted about stuff I couldn’t grasp. I’d mumble replies now and then, but no one cared. Seriously, why was I even here?

I just couldn’t find my place.

"Snow, is this really your boyfriend?" Ark asked skeptically.

Only three remained at the table: Ark, Ouyang Qingsnow, and Oriental September. The others had tactfully slipped away to the hall.

"Don’t call me that. We’re not that close. And he’s not my boyfriend—he’s my fiancé."

Ouyang Qingsnow glared coldly at Ark, her expression darkening. She kept shooting glances my way.

Hmm… was she worried I’d get bullied?

Our eyes met. I gave a slight nod to show I was fine.

Anyway, I’m used to cold shoulders. Honestly, I didn’t care one bit.

"Hey, say something! Everyone’s having fun."

"Uh."

I couldn’t jump into their conversation even if I tried.

"Hahaha, you’re adorably clueless. Seriously, team up with me? My dad’s an exec at Xuan Yuan Network—you know, the makers of ‘Emperor’? I’ll get you out of this broke look."

"Your dad’s an exec at Xuan Yuan?"

I almost laughed. No—I was already cracking up inside.

"Yeah."

"Lulu, date me!"

"Lulu, even if your dad works there, you don’t get perks, right? Take me leveling? Solo play sucks."

Hearing "Emperor," the girls instantly flocked to Lulu.

"Obviously! Hahaha, I’ve got connections—hidden classes, secret quests, the works."

The kid grew smugger. Silently, I tapped my phone’s voice recorder in my pocket.

"Is your dad a game designer? I play too, but I’m only level 12."

"A designer? You’re underestimating him. He’s supervisor of the admin department."

*Clap, clap, clap.* I applauded expressionlessly.

"What the hell? You scared me!"

"I don’t get it, but wow… sounds impressive."

If I saw my face in a mirror, I’d probably gag.

"Hahaha, good you know."

Admin supervisor… I vaguely recalled a veteran named Li, promoted from game design.

Watching the boastful teen, I pulled out a cigarette, lit it silently.

"Still smoking cheap Huangshan? Team up with me—stop embarrassing yourself."

"Uh."

Lulu tossed a box of Jiuwu Zhizun cigarettes on the table, smirking proudly.

"Sorry. I’m used to this brand."

Kids are such a hassle.

I glanced at Ouyang Qingsnow. She sat quietly, listening to Ark and Oriental September.

Ark kept steering talk toward her.

This guy must like her. Flaunting it in front of her fiancé… classic NTR?

Tsk, tsk. My temper’s flaring again.

I stood from the sofa, heading for the table—but Lulu grabbed my arm after one step.

"What’s up?" I turned.

"Don’t go over there. Ark’s the Fang family’s young master. You’re nobody to mess with."

"Hmm."

Seriously, this world’s all about looks. Wait—that’s not quite right.

"What’s up, Snow?" I sat beside her, leaning close.

"Game stuff. ‘Emperor’."

Ark’s face twisted in disgust as I approached, but he masked it instantly.

"Don’t bother them. Let’s chat elsewhere." A senior girl tugged my sleeve.

"I’m done. Let’s go." Ouyang Qingsnow rose, walking toward the sofa.

If not for me and her friends, she’d have left this awkward scene already.

The room’s mood turned sour in a heartbeat. Even small talk died.

"We’re finished too. Time for the next activity," Ark suggested, knowing further wait was pointless.

Almost everyone agreed with quick excuses.

"Sorry, it’s late. I should head home," Ouyang Qingsnow said.

"Stay longer! Tomorrow’s free anyway," Ark pressed.

"Yeah! Rare outing—loosen up a little," others chimed.

"We invited you loads! Don’t just bail after eating," someone added, implying we were freeloaders.

"Sorry, too late. Rain check next time," I replied.

I saw right through them—boring rich-boy chasing games.

"Hmm." Ouyang Qingsnow stood obediently behind me.

"Then I’ll drive you home."

"What a buzzkill."

"Sigh… lost interest. Let’s split too."

Ouyang Qingsnow winced, guilt flashing in her eyes like she’d ruined the fun.

"We’re students. Better focus on studies. Early night avoids worrying parents," I said to ease her guilt.

"Not your concern."

"Who are you to worry about us?"

"Enough! Stop fighting. Let’s go." Oriental September saw through it all, taking Ouyang Qingsnow’s hand and leading out. I followed.

What a dull party.

"Wait—we haven’t paid! We agreed AA," a girl called as we neared the door.

"No worries. My treat," Ark stepped in smoothly.

Seriously? This fake good-cop-bad-cop act?

"No. How much for two? I’ll cover it."

"Don’t stress, Snow. I organized this—I owe you a treat."

Oriental September shot Ark a knowing look.

"No. Waiter, check please." Ouyang Qingsnow called the staff at the door.

"I’ll handle it," Ark insisted one last time.

"Total is 126,728. Young Master Fang paying? You’re a regular—I’ll round down to 120,000."