An Han leaned against the bathroom door, panting slightly as he wiped sweat from his brow.

Though he’d only been sitting playing games, the sheer embarrassment had drained every ounce of his energy.

“How am I supposed to explain this?”

Head bowed, he pondered his next move.

“If he treats me like a creep and distances himself… the mission’s definitely doomed.”

Failing wasn’t catastrophic, but he didn’t want to lose a friend over something trivial—especially a wealthy one.

“I’ll play it by ear. At least there’s no favorability drop notification… Maybe he’ll even think my cute girl voice is endearing?”

An Han tried to reassure himself, though he knew it was unlikely.

Even if it happened, it’d just mean Su Peng had a thing for guys.

After using the restroom, he returned to the room, heart thumping.

He cautiously glanced at Su Peng—only to find him fiddling with something on the computer.

“What are you doing?” An Han leaned in.

“He asked why a guy’s voice came through,” Su Peng said, barely holding back a laugh, pointing at the chat window. “Said you’re definitely using a voice changer.”

“And you?”

“Clapping back.”

An Han froze. *Right—the mic was still on when Su Peng showed up!*

He squinted at the chat: a flood of creatively worded “family greetings.” Su Peng, usually so mild-mannered, was an absolute beast online.

Then he watched helplessly as the gaming pro deleted him.

*Well…*

Slumping against the desk, he muttered, “If not for you, I’d have gained hundreds of points this National Day.”

“So your girl voice… last time it sounded kinda off,” Su Peng remarked.

“I practiced hard,” An Han fibbed quickly, avoiding mention of the system. “Natural talent, I guess?”

“So you’ve been pretending to be a girl online?”

“I’m not scamming money…” An Han turned away guiltily. *If not for gifting limits, I’d have tricked him into sending skins already.*

Su Peng sighed. “You never cease to amaze me.”

He wanted to scold him—but they weren’t that close, and he wasn’t An Han’s superior. Honestly? Not surprising. Just… bafflingly amusing.

“Wait!” An Han suddenly pulled out his phone, eyes sparkling. “Someone hired me as a game companion! Thirty bucks an hour!”

“Ah. Pretending to be a girl for paid companionship?”

“You get me so well~”

Su Peng fell silent, staring.

Worried favorability might drop, An Han put on a remorseful act and set the phone down. “Fine… I won’t do it.”

Clearly against Su Peng’s morals—but to An Han, it was just smart use of his advantages. *If I can’t get the system’s house or car rewards, why not monetize the skills?*

Su Peng scratched his head and stood. “I’m heading back.”

“Don’t!” An Han panicked, stepping closer. “Your dorm’s empty too! Stay here—plenty of space, and Junjie doesn’t care who sleeps in his bed.”

Su Peng flinched. “Is that… okay?”

“Go ask him! His bed’s open to all!”

“The way you say that…” *Why does that sound so weird?*

Before Su Peng could react, An Han yanked him back. Su Peng stared, utterly bewildered.

*Ulterior motives?* An Han used to call him “apprentice” with smug superiority. Now this fiery enthusiasm… If he didn’t know An Han was male, he’d think he had a crush.

*Wait… could it be?*

After all: pulling him close, cross-dressing in front of him, letting Long Xing mistake *him* for An Han’s boyfriend… and now this?

An Han noticed Su Peng’s odd look—but shamelessly pressed on: “Your dorm’s empty. Bored alone? Watch anime or movies with me?”

Su Peng’s mind raced: *If I stay… is my chastity safe? An Han’s not bad-looking… but what if he’s the ‘seme’?*

“What weird thoughts are you having…” An Han sighed. “I’m just lonely! Otherwise, why’d I hunt for a pro online?”

*If he stays… barbecue, drinks, late-night anime—favorability’s gotta jump.*

“Well…” Su Peng fidgeted. *Will hanging out with him… change my orientation?* But An Han just looked earnest. *…I’m overthinking.*

“Alright,” Su Peng relented. *First time seeing cross-dressing up close… maybe I’m mixing up online tropes with reality. But I’ve known him for years.*

“Yes!” An Han beamed, pulling out his phone. “Barbecue for dinner? Ordering now—typhoon outside, better give the rider time.”

He hadn’t expected it: caught using a voice changer, yet Su Peng’s favorability hadn’t dropped—maybe even rose.

Morning gaming added five points before even starting. Tonight’s barbecue? At least ten. Then movies… mission nearly complete.

Grinning, he asked, “You drink?”

“Sure.”

“Case of beer then! No sobering up tonight!”

*Among guys, one drinking session solves anything. If not? Another round.*

An Han felt the mission flowing smoothly—awkward voice-changer slip aside.

“Junjie’s cool with you using his bed—just bring your own blanket.” He sprang up, stuffing Junjie’s quilt into the closet. “Go grab yours!”

“Alright, alright…” Su Peng sighed helplessly. “You’re not *actually* scared sleeping alone, right? This enthusiasm…”

“Yes! I’m terrified!” An Han nodded, utterly unashamed.