“Poaching members? When did I ever poach your members?” the chubby guy asked, tilting his body slightly.

Before the smaller chubby guy could speak, Peng Xiaoxiao cut in, “Hey, I don’t recall saying I wanted to join the Model Club.”

“Huh? Come on! We hit it off so well—you can’t not even consider it,” the smaller guy protested. “Our Model Club has games too.”

“Give it a rest. Go focus on your model kits and don’t meddle here, alright?” The chubby guy stepped forward, stopped right in front of him, and locked eyes.

Shu Yuxin watched quietly for a moment, then leaned in and whispered to Peng Xiaoxiao, “Do you know their names?”

“Huh? Oh—the shorter chubby guy is Huang Xin, a third-year senior and president of the Model Club. I don’t know the other one,” Peng Xiaoxiao said after a pause, then turned back. “Wait… wasn’t this chubby guy the one who came with you?”

Shu Yuxin fell silent for a beat, then spread her hands. “He seems to have forgotten to introduce himself.”

Peng Xiaoxiao: “…”

Though their voices were low, the two guys nearby overheard. The chubby guy immediately turned, swept back his messy bangs in what he deemed a suave gesture—though his face remained stiffly serious—and said, “Oh? So I forgot to introduce myself? Fine. My name is Yan Zhikai. And for the record, I personally think it sounds pretty cool.”

“Dude, cut the crap. Have some shame, will you?” Huang Xin shoved him aside and turned to the girls with a hopeful look. “Xiaoxiao, are you thinking of joining their club? Please consider ours too—we’re actually pretty great.”

Yan Zhikai patted his shoulder, slightly narrowed his eyes, and drawled in a street-smart tone, “Why’re you acting like a salesman? It’s not like you can’t join both clubs. How ugly.”

Huang Xin shot him a sideways glance, expression souring.

*He knew the school had no rule limiting club joins. But too many clubs split already scarce free time. If they spent all their hours gaming in the esports club, what was the point of joining the Model Club at all?*

“Xiaoxiao, please think it over,” Huang Xin said softly, fixing her with a hopeful gaze.

*Right now, the Model Club was all model kit enthusiasts—guys who loudly declared their plastic kits and 2D waifus as wives. But if a genuinely interested girl joined? Those hardcore otaku would be amped up like they’d mainlined adrenaline. At least this year’s exhibition would have a shot.*

“Old Huang,” Yan Zhikai suddenly gave his shoulder a firm pat, voice turning earnest. “I know you’re worried about the exhibition. I see how much you care—and I respect you as president. How about this: jump ship to our Esports and Entertainment Club? I’ll make you vice president.”

Huang Xin stared at him like he’d lost his mind. “Bro… you don’t poach members like *that*.”

“Huh? Don’t I?”

“Kai, wake up,” Lao Guan groaned from the side, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re not poaching—you’re digging the foundation with an excavator. The whole wall might collapse.”

Yan Zhikai scratched his head and chuckled. “Well, that’s even better. One less competitor.”

Huang Xin’s jaw dropped.

“Just a fair-weather friend, Old Huang,” Lao Guan added meaningfully.

Nearby, Peng Xiaoxiao gently poked Shu Yuxin’s arm. “Are we being ignored?”

Shu Yuxin thought for two seconds, then nodded.

“Should we leave?” Peng Xiaoxiao suggested.

“Wait!” Yan Zhikai called out, tone turning sincere. “If you’re genuinely into games, come check out our club room first. Tour it, then decide. Our setup’s solid—just a bit of a walk.”

Peng Xiaoxiao tilted her head toward Shu Yuxin. “Wanna go?”

“Sure… I don’t mind.”

“Let’s go!” Peng Xiaoxiao, clearly more excited, grabbed Shu Yuxin’s arm. “Which way?”

The two chubby guys exchanged a glance. Yan Zhikai pointed. “Over at Minghai University. We’re heading now—let’s move.”

Lao Guan stood to follow, but Yan Zhikai stopped him. “Where to?”

“With you.”

“If you leave, who watches the booth?”

“Does this booth even need watching? No one’s glanced this way all day, Kai.”

Yan Zhikai shot him a glare. “You sure?”

“Man, I’ve sat here half the day—zero questions, zero looks. What do *you* think?” Lao Guan planted hands on hips, radiating fake confidence.

“You stay. Student Union’s inspecting later.”

“Then why aren’t *you* staying?” Lao Guan protested.

Yan Zhikai gave him a baffled look, then pointed at the girls. “I’m showing them the club room.”

“Why can’t *I* do it?”

They locked eyes. Yan Zhikai leaned forward with a cheeky smirk. “And… are *you* qualified?”

Lao Guan: “…”

“Your choice: guard the booth, or take a one-month mute penalty,” the chubby guy said, spreading his hands. “Sorry—power lets you do whatever you want.”

Lao Guan’s eye twitched. “Kai… have you no heart?”

“You’re fascinating,” Yan Zhikai swept his bangs aside, flashing a devilish smirk. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Peng Xiaoxiao finally covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with laughter.

…

In the end, only Yan Zhikai escorted the two girls to the club room. Under President Yan’s “tyrannical” rule, Lao Guan stayed put. Huang Xin, though friends with Yan, wasn’t in the Esports Club and had his own booth to mind.

The walk stayed quiet—mostly Peng Xiaoxiao and Yan Zhikai chatting. Shu Yuxin, still unfamiliar with him, kept to herself.

Her phone buzzed. Jiang Zixuan had arrived at Minghai’s recruitment fair after wrapping up last-minute tasks, asking if she wanted to drop by.

Remembering Yan Zhikai’s words, Shu Yuxin typed back:

*“Does your school have an ‘Esports and Entertainment Club’? Heard it’s a joint club with ours. Want to check it out together?”*

Soon, his reply came:

*“Esports and Entertainment Club? Saw their booth. Heading over now.”*