What the hell—this isn’t dinner, it’s daylight robbery. 120,000...

I couldn’t help turning to look at the table. Sure, there were plenty of dishes. But the price was way overboard.

Hearing the number, Ouyang Qingsnow’s face went visibly sour.

At school, she never revealed who she was. She enrolled as an average-family kid. This move was clearly meant to embarrass her.

They won’t go for some pay-with-your-body stunt after this, right? Sorry—yeah, that was a dirty thought.

I’ll pay. Take me to your boss.

I patted Ouyang Qingsnow’s shoulder and stepped past her. 120,000 is nothing. It’s not like she doesn’t have it. But pulling out that much as a “normal” kid would look suspicious. She must’ve thought of that.

No, let me pay. Next time Xuexue and I can work part-time and pay it back.

Oriental September looked like a lady from a big family too. Her clothes and styling weren’t simple.

No need. Let me act cool in front of Xuexue for once. I promised her before—even if I had to steal batteries, I’d take care of her for life.

You said stuff like that?

Halfway through, she realized what she was saying.

N-no, that never happened.

In an instant, Ouyang Qingsnow flushed red. Head down, she even pinched the inside of my arm with her finger. To outsiders, it probably looked like we were showing off our love.

Honestly, that really hurt.

Sir, I’m sorry—our boss doesn’t come by often.

The waiter was pretty polite.

Uh, I don’t have cash on me.

As soon as I said that, the whole room burst into laughter. Awkward, in an instant.

You can pay by Alipay, WeChat, or bank card.

Didn’t bring any.

Another wave of laughter...

Ouyang Qingsnow covered her face, like she wanted to crawl into a hole. The embarrassment was off the charts.

Ahem—hey, isn’t that your boss? We’re tight.

Where?

Following my words, Ark, Ouyang Qingsnow, Oriental September, and the rest all looked where I pointed.

I seized the chance, scooped Ouyang Qingsnow up with one arm, grabbed Oriental September, and bolted.

Sir, you saw wrong—eh? Where’d they go?

The place fell silent. The students in the room came out, only to see the three of us leaving the restaurant.

5

We left the restaurant and started down the road home.

Ouyang Qingsnow walked ahead with her head down, clearly very upset.

Oriental September gave me a look, like she saw me differently.

Eh? Looks like they misunderstood. Not that avoiding it would be easy. Whatever—let them think what they want.

We walked on until Ouyang Qingsnow suddenly stopped.

I should go back and apologize. Split 120,000, it’s just a bit over a thousand per person. I can pay that.

We’re already gone. Why go back? Relax. I’ll pay them.

If she went back alone, who knows what would happen. Most of those students suck up to that guy called Ark.

No. I have to go back. Otherwise how do I face them later?

Ouyang Qingsnow looked at me, clearly not backing down.

So you think you should stay quiet after getting scammed? There’s no way that meal costs 120,000.

How do you know it doesn’t?

Xuexue, I think so too. That meal wasn’t 120,000. Your boyfriend’s right.

This girl, Oriental September, was unexpectedly reasonable.

Beep-beep—

A taxi glided past us, paused, then pulled away when we didn’t get in.

But even so, running off like that is wrong. How can we do that?

Eh, I thought it was kind of thrilling...

Unlike the angry Ouyang Qingsnow, Oriental September found it weirdly fun.

You two... forget it. I’ll go back and apologize myself.

She said it and moved past me.

Wait.

I reached out, stopped her, and sighed helplessly.

Relax. I’ll pay him. I’m not the type to owe people. You go home; I’ll go back to the restaurant.

Fine. But absolutely no causing trouble.

Her eyes said loud and clear she didn’t believe me.

Mm.

I waved down a taxi, put Ouyang Qingsnow in it, and watched it go.

Women. Such trouble.

Boyfriend-chan, saying that right in front of me—really okay?

There’s more. Not every woman is like that.

Hahaha, you’re fun. So what now?

Oriental September caught up, walked beside me, smiling.

Of course, go back and pay. Or that young lady will throw a fit again.

She doesn’t talk much at home. If she takes it out on Yulan, that’ll be a headache.

Eh, I thought you two were close. Guess it’s just so-so. Hey, hey—I’ve already denied the temp-worker thing. But is Xuexue really your fiancée? Kinda hard to believe.

Why ask that all of a sudden?

Others might not know, but I do. Xuexue’s from the Ouyang Family. Not just the same surname—she’s a real heiress.

And?

You look so ordinary. Don’t tell me you’re also some noble young master? Otherwise, as a normal guy, you two wouldn’t cross paths. Mm, personal interest. Girls are sensitive to gossip.

Hands clasped behind her back, Oriental September kicked pebbles, then mischievously walked along the white line. Not a trace of the demure-girl vibe.

You’re overthinking. I’m just a normal student. Maybe my unique charm drew her in.

Even I didn’t buy that...

True, you’re interesting. If you weren’t Xuexue’s fiancé, how about dating me?

You trying to steal someone’s boyfriend?

You two don’t look like you even like each other. Honestly, I think you don’t match Xuexue. Also, don’t judge by appearances—I count as a rich girl. Dating me’s a good deal.

Sorry. I refuse.

Before we knew it, we’d returned to the restaurant. As soon as I stepped in, that waiter stopped me.

Sir, y-you haven’t settled the bill.

I’m back, aren’t I?

Y-yes, yes. Total’s 120,000. Here.

Wringing his hands, the waiter gave an awkward smile, and still had security posted on both sides of the door.

...Just how fast did my reputation nosedive?

I know your boss. Let me call him.

Yes, yes.

The waiter showed a flash of disdain. But credit to a big restaurant—their manners held. It was gone in a blink.

Led to the bar, I called the restaurant’s boss. The price dropped straight from 120,000 to 10,000. Then they slapped on a 10% discount—charged 1,000...

After paying, I left. No interest in going upstairs to join the circus.

And I told the waiter to inform the students: it was Oriental September who treated them.