An otherwise ordinary dinner grew noticeably more lively after Peng Xiaoxiao joined.

Though Shu Yuxin successfully kept Peng Xiaoxiao out of the kitchen, even just her chatter was enough to give Shu Yuxin a headache.

Shu Yuxin had always assumed otaku girls weren’t big on gossip—turns out she was way too naive. If Jiang Zixuan hadn’t swiftly steered Peng Xiaoxiao’s curiosity toward games, she might’ve even asked if Shu Yuxin became Jiang’s cook because she’d “sold herself” to him.

Anyway, Peng Xiaoxiao now knew Shu Yuxin was Jiang Zixuan’s cook.

The whole meal felt agonizing for Shu Yuxin.

Proof? Her signature stir-fried potato slices nearly burned.

The spread was simple: potato slices, a bowl of green pepper with shredded pork, and slightly charred chicken wings. Peng Xiaoxiao ate happily though—she cared less about taste and more about the vibe. The warm, chatty atmosphere reminded her of family dinners back home, and she felt genuinely content.

After Peng Xiaoxiao left, Shu Yuxin remained seated at the table, staring blankly at the empty bowl.

Jiang Zixuan, still across from her, glanced up from his phone and chuckled. “What’s wrong? Like you’ve achieved nirvana?”

Shu Yuxin snapped back to reality. She shot him a look, forced a tight smile. “What the hell do *you* think? Don’t act like you don’t know.”

“It’s just cooking a meal.”

“‘Just cooking’? Easy for you to say,” Shu Yuxin muttered, turning away. “I’m so damn frustrated.”

Jiang Zixuan blinked in surprise.

Catching his gaze, Shu Yuxin froze—then shot up, face flushed. “Fine! My boobs hurt, okay?!”

She stormed around the table toward her room. “Ugh! Shower time!”

“Aren’t you washing dishes?” Jiang called.

“Leave ’em! I’ll do it tomorrow!” She didn’t look back.

Jiang watched her vanish behind the door, smiled faintly, and began clearing the table.

He wondered if his joke had crossed a line.

Even best friends don’t know everything. The ever-capable Jiang Zixuan—polished in public, skilled at home—couldn’t grasp how deeply Shu Yuxin felt she’d lost face.

Days passed peacefully.

Peng Xiaoxiao kept the secret, only teasing Shu Yuxin lightly when no outsiders were around—enough to spare her some dignity. Club President Yan Zhikai finished all three make-up exams. His relieved expression hinted at decent results (no one cared if it was from studying or… not). The clubroom stayed warm and lively. Though attendance was light, the mood was cheerful. After days together, Shu Yuxin could now greet everyone by name—a quiet victory. Our heroine’s social journey had truly begun.

Time flew. Suddenly, the eight-day National Day holiday arrived.

For upperclassmen, it was routine. For freshmen fresh from three years of high school grind? Pure paradise. In Shu Yuxin’s afternoon classes the day before break, nearly half the lecture hall was empty. Professors kept teaching calmly—used to students’ minds already vacationing.

Caught in the vibe, Shu Yuxin and Peng Xiaoxiao embraced slacker mode, grinding co-op missions in their favorite gacha game all afternoon.

Meanwhile, Yan Zhikai and Zhang Houlin finalized trip plans.

As expected, the group was small: Zhang Houlin, Yan Zhikai, Peng Xiaoxiao, Jiang Zixuan, Shu Yuxin, Guan Di, Mei Zhongyi, and Fu Bai—all regulars at the clubroom.

Guan Di, roped in during recruitment, was Nanhu College’s E-Sports Club vice president in name only—a convenient title for Yan Zhikai to delegate tasks. A hardcore otaku, his shirts flaunted 2D waifus; his phone held dozens more. Anime was his life. He proudly called himself an Admiral, lately doubling as a Commander.

Mei Zhongyi—the chubby guy nicknamed “Lao Mei”—matched Yan Zhikai in size but not vibe. Yan carried calm authority, bottle of water in hand, voice reasonable yet ready to throw down. Lao Mei? His signature was a shamelessly lecherous grin.

Fu Bai, the skinny guy beside him, looked like a breeze might topple him—though rumors said he knew Sanda. No one tested it; Yan feared one slap might finish him.

High school buddies, Mei and Fu were birds of a feather. Neither was an otaku—they thrived in real-life social scenes, bonding over chatting about girls. Why hadn’t the club’s weeb members kicked them out? Probably because no one believed they’d ever get a date.

Still, they had decency. Mei had gossiped about Shu Yuxin early on—but after she joined, he stayed respectful. Never a lewd glance. Never a step out of line.

Rain cleared overnight. Day one of holiday dawned bright and clear.

Shu Yuxin woke unusually early. After breakfast, she buzzed with excitement packing for the amusement park—though “packing” meant grabbing her phone. She was just *that* hyped.

Jiang Zixuan, usually disciplined (early bed from post-grad freedom, early rise from high school trauma), blinked awake to find Shu Yuxin already watching TV on the sofa.

“Up? Noodle soup’s on the table. Still warm,” Shu Yuxin said, eyebrow raised with smug pride, nodding toward the dining table as Jiang stood there in boxers, bewildered.

Jiang yawned, shuffling toward the bathroom. “You’re up early…”

Shu Yuxin just hummed.

Freshly changed, boxers replaced by clean clothes, Jiang finished the noodles and stood. “Yan Zhikai’s group’s waiting.”

Shu Yuxin hopped up, stretched, and waved. “Let’s go~!”

They met at Weiyarsi Central Plaza. Everyone had arrived except Peng Xiaoxiao. Mei Zhongyi and Fu Bai were deep in a heated debate, drawing sideways glances. Yan Zhikai’s trio stood slightly apart—pretending not to know them.

Closer now, Shu Yuxin caught their words.

“Fine! Five rounds on the extreme coaster. First to chicken out’s a grandson!” Lao Mei grinned, finger jabbed at Fu Bai. “You in?”

“Please. I’d ride it ten times straight, no sweat. *You’re* the one I worry about—might get flung off!” Fu Bai scoffed, face dripping mock disdain.

Lao Mei just cackled, “Hehehe…”

Peng Xiaoxiao arrived breathless. “I’m here! Sorry, overslept!”

She looked especially fresh today—outfit and makeup carefully done. Even otaku girls shine on special days.

“No worries,” Lao Mei waved. “Worth waiting for.”

Peng Xiaoxiao smiled slightly, sidling up to Shu Yuxin. “Headed to Leiter Paradise Amusement Park, right?”

“Where else? Hotel’s booked,” Yan Zhikai added. “Plenty to do nearby. Three days—we head back the evening after tomorrow.”

“Perfect!” Peng Xiaoxiao bounced. “What first?”

“Decide there. So many options,” Yan shrugged.

“Haunted house first! Yuxin, come with me?” Peng Xiaoxiao beamed.

Shu Yuxin shuddered.