Zhu Yangqi: “Can you shut your damn mouth? Nothing you say makes any sense.”

However, he knew deep down what to expect. What decent words could come out of this dog’s mouth? To be honest, Chen Luzhou’s reputation was quite polarized.

Zhu Yangqi remembered that back in middle school, there was a popular feature on QQ called “Friend Impressions.” It allowed anonymous evaluations, where both close friends and acquaintances could write tags about you. Chen Luzhou had many friends, and his tags were incredibly diverse. Apart from the undisputed “handsome” and “campus heartthrob,” there was a mishmash of everything else. The terms used at that time were very chuunibyou-like.

They would take names like Rukawa Zhou or Lelouch and adapt them to fit him, based on whichever anime character was cool at the time.

Zhu Yangqi wasn’t much into anime. He knew Rukawa Kaede but had never heard of Lelouch. So, out of curiosity, he looked it up at the time. He had to admit, the anime was pretty good, and Lelouch was indeed very handsome and impressive. But applying it to Chen Luzhou just seemed so chuunibyou.

Some comments were quite harsh too. That’s just how he was – playing dumb while knowing full well what was going on. He never apologized properly. When he pissed off Chen Xingqi, he’d always give an insincere, “Alright, I was wrong. Big bro’s sorry.” But in his mind, he was probably thinking, “Ah, what a wimp. Getting angry over this?”

He could never be serious for more than three sentences.

He could take a joke well, but he never considered whether others could take his jokes. So he spoke without any restraint. Zhu Yangqi thought to himself, “Hmph, you’ve met your match this time. Serves you right.”

Throughout the journey, Xu Zhi didn’t pay him any attention. Back in the room, Zhu Yangqi gloated and retaliated: “With your attitude, you think you can pursue her?”

Chen Luzhou had been busy all day without eating much. Feeling a bit hungry, he planned to go downstairs to see if there was anything to eat. If not, he’d settle for some peanuts at the bar. He was going to ask if Zhu Yangqi wanted to join, but hearing his taunt, he couldn’t be bothered to bring him along. Changing into slippers and preparing to go downstairs alone, he replied indifferently, “Who said I want to pursue her?”

Huh, that’s true, Zhu Yangqi was taken aback. “Then why were you coaxing her for so long?”

“I’d coax you too if you were angry,” Chen Luzhou said, pouring himself a glass of water while shuffling in his slippers. “This is your fault.”

“Come on, when nature calls, you can’t hold it in. Could you have held it?” Zhu Yangqi retorted.

“Do you see me daring to drink water?” Chen Luzhou said, finally taking a sip. Leaning against the table edge, he continued, “They’re both girls. Don’t they have any self-awareness?”

“Fine, next time we go out with them, I won’t drink water, okay?” Zhu Yangqi got caught up in his logic. “So you’re not going to pursue her? I thought you two had good chemistry.”

“Hmm,” Chen Luzhou put down his glass and picked up his phone, ready to go downstairs. “Let’s talk about it after I come back from studying abroad. If she’s still not married by then, we can give it a try.”

“What if she’s divorced by then?”

“Can’t you wish people well?” He added, “Even if she’s divorced, I’d still pursue her.”

“Damn, you’re thinking way too far ahead. If it were me, I’d just date and have some fun for now,” Zhu Yangqi said carelessly before going to wash his face.

The wind chimes at the bar entrance tinkled clearly in the quiet night. As soon as Chen Luzhou walked in, Xu Zhi noticed and looked up towards the door, seeing a figure she didn’t particularly want to see at that moment.

It wasn’t related to what had happened earlier. Xu Zhi just felt inexplicably guilty, like a thief. She didn’t know why, perhaps because he didn’t drink, which was a bit of a buzzkill.

Just inside the bar’s entrance was an L-shaped counter with a few wilted potted plants on top. Xu Zhi instinctively used the plants to shield herself from his view.

Chen Luzhou spotted her as soon as he entered. It was such a small place; he didn’t know what she was trying to hide from. But Chen Luzhou was quite perceptive. Since she didn’t want to talk to him, he wouldn’t go over and make her uncomfortable.

So he sat down at the nearest seat.

The bartender asked what he wanted to drink. Chen Luzhou couldn’t bring himself to say he was there for the peanuts, so he ordered another glass of lemon water.

Not only was Chen Luzhou’s face eye-catching, but his consistent ordering of lemon water three times in a row also left a deep impression on the bartender. The bartender couldn’t help but joke with Chen Luzhou, “Handsome, are you here for our peanuts?”

Chen Luzhou thought this guy was sharp. How could he tell? Was he an undercover cop or something? So he asked, “Do you have anything else to eat here?”

“No, we only serve drinks. Are you really hungry?” The bartender was surprised.

Chen Luzhou nodded, no longer hiding it. He openly pulled the peanuts in front of him. “Yeah, your restaurant closes too early, and no one delivers food here.”

“That’s right, no one delivers here,” the bartender said while cutting a lemon for him. “Our boss tried cooperating with several delivery platforms before, but because this resort is so remote, there was an incident. One night, a delivery guy accepted an order during a period of heavy rain. There was a landslide on part of the road. Luckily, he wasn’t hurt, but after that, the boss stopped allowing deliveries. However, if you’re really hungry, there’s a 24-hour convenience store by the hot springs.”

“There are hot springs here?”

“Yes, and there’s a foot massage parlor next door, and a cinema too. They’re all partnerships that Boss Fu has with outside businesses. Did you not read the guest handbook? There’s a map in it with directions.”

Chen Luzhou looked back in the direction the bartender was pointing and indeed saw an illuminated acrylic sign with the words “Fu Yu” something. So Boss Fu was running a full-service operation here. No wonder Zhu Yangqi said that despite his nasty temper, the resort business was still booming. This wasn’t just a homestay; it was a money pit.

“Thanks. In that case, could you make me a cocktail?” Chen Luzhou said after his eyes slowly scanned the liquor cabinet behind the bartender.

“Sure thing.”

Seeing someone to drink with, Xu Zhi didn’t miss the opportunity. She moved over with her half-finished bottle of dark beer.

The bar had an English-style decor, with paintings on the walls and books on the shelves, all exuding a strong vintage atmosphere. The bar was dimly lit and empty except for the two of them. To save electricity, lights in other areas were turned off, leaving only a warm yellow light strip around the bar counter, casting a soft and alluring glow.

“What made you decide to drink?” Xu Zhi asked.

Chen Luzhou sat on the high stool, one foot on the ground, intently focused on peeling peanuts for himself. As if he had anticipated she would come over to talk, he replied without looking up, “Is it wrong to get drunk late at night?”

Xu Zhi looked at his relaxed posture, then at herself. Both her feet could only reach the lower bar of the high stool. She inwardly sighed, “Such long legs.”

“Just one cocktail?” Xu Zhi said. “You’re such a lightweight.”

Chen Luzhou didn’t respond to that. Instead, he casually asked while peeling peanut crumbs, “Were you really angry earlier?”

Xu Zhi shook her head, “To be precise, I was disgusted.”

“Not angry?”

“No.”

“Then why were you hiding from me when you saw me just now?”

He had thought he had upset her. Although he wasn’t planning to pursue her, he didn’t want Xu Zhi to be genuinely angry with him. So he hadn’t dared to approach her earlier, unsure if she didn’t want to talk to him. He could only think about how to get her to initiate a conversation.

“It’s not that,” Xu Zhi said honestly. “You’re too disciplined. Seeing you is like seeing the ever-present class teacher in the classroom, you know? It makes me feel quite improper.”

Chen Luzhou chuckled, brushing off the peanut crumbs from his hands. He finally turned to glance at her, “You, improper?”

In the dim light, the girl’s eyes reflected the hazy glow, seemingly with a hint of misty moisture. She must have drunk quite a bit, looking much softer than usual.

“Alright, we’re both improper,” Xu Zhi said. “What proper person drinks in the middle of the night like this?”

Chen Luzhou thought to himself, who’s being improper with you? The bartender placed the cocktail in front of him. He glanced down at it but didn’t touch it, continuing to focus on peeling peanuts one by one. He asked her, “Are you hungry?”

“A little,” Xu Zhi asked, “Want to go to the convenience store?”

“What do you want to eat? I’ll go buy it.”

“You’re not going to drink your cocktail?”

“I need to line my stomach first, otherwise I’ll throw up after drinking,” Chen Luzhou said, putting both feet down, looking ready to leave at any moment. Looking at her alcohol-flushed eyes, he said, “Go ahead, order anything. It’s on me.”

“Then please treat me to some boiling water for Kang Shifu,” Xu Zhi declared righteously.

Chen Luzhou took a moment to realize she meant instant noodles. As he stood up and walked towards the bar exit, he unconsciously flicked her on the head with his index finger, “You’re such a tease.”

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Chen Luzhou propped one foot against the high stool, lit up his phone on the table, and checked the time. It was nearly 2 AM.

But he wasn’t tired at all, and Xu Zhi didn’t seem tired either. She was still enthusiastically looking at the menu for drinks she hadn’t tried yet. However, they couldn’t keep going like this. If Boss Fu saw them, Xu Zhi would probably get scolded.

Xu Zhi was a bit tipsy now, her brain buzzing with activity. She was determined to drink until she understood everything tonight. But she didn’t even know what exactly she wanted to understand.

Chen Luzhou didn’t want to dampen her spirits, so he sat on the high stool and turned to ask the bartender, gesturing slightly towards Xu Zhi with his chin in a somewhat helpless manner, “Is she always out this late?”

“No, just occasionally. We’re past closing time today.”

The implication was clear: you two are keeping me from going home.

Chen Luzhou, being quick-witted, understood immediately. So he said to Xu Zhi, “Let’s go. If you want to drink more, I’ll accompany you next time.”

“Alright,” Xu Zhi put down the menu listlessly, her eyes brimming with expectation. “But Chen Luzhou, aren’t you a lightweight? You just had two cocktails, didn’t you?”

Chen Luzhou asked the bartender to settle their bill. While unlocking his phone, he glanced at her. Both their eyes were slightly hazy from the alcohol, more direct and bold than usual. He stared straight at her, his eyes clearly showing amusement, “Do you believe everything I say? One drink was my limit when I was seven.”

Alcohol tolerance can increase. He just didn’t like to drink, because when he drank too much, he tended to talk people’s ears off.

Xu Zhi was taken aback and then sighed. She had let her guard down. She knew from their first meeting that he was full of nonsense, but why did she believe every word he said?

“Is your birthday really on Singles’ Day?” Xu Zhi started backtracking. Chen Luzhou paid the bill and picked up his jacket. He hesitated for a moment, then decided against it, thinking it wouldn’t be appropriate. He didn’t put it on himself either, just folded it over his arm. As they went out, he stood on the windy side, shielding her as they walked back.

“Depends which one you mean. My ID says March, and my family usually celebrates in March,” he said.

Xu Zhi made a sound of acknowledgment.

“What’s wrong?” Chen Luzhou chuckled. “Has your trust in me crumbled so quickly?”

“Not at all,” They reached the lobby, and Xu Zhi suddenly asked, “How much was the drink just now?”

“Want to split the bill with me?”

“After all, you’re not well-off either.”

“Come on, if you want to pay,” Chen Luzhou said, “settle the bill for the companionship.”

Xu Zhi was quick with mental calculations. “Then let’s chat for ten more minutes. This time, I’ll be the one keeping you company.”

“Forcing a sale on me, are you?”

Xu Zhi ignored him and said, “Alright, you’ve already placed the order—”

Chen Luzhou found her serious demeanor amusing. “I’ve noticed you like to keep accounts. It was the same when we had dinner last time. You even tricked me into having a meal with you by lying about having a boyfriend, just to repay the favor, right? Will you do the same with your future boyfriend?”

Xu Zhi: “Of course I will, but you’re not my boyfriend. What does one have to do with the other?”

Chen Luzhou suddenly realized he must have drunk too much. Why was he even bringing this up? “Fine, 250 yuan. Transfer it to my WeChat.”

Xu Zhi suspected Chen Luzhou was insulting her, but she had no proof.

The next day, Chen Luzhou left Fu Yu Mountain Resort. He had a video interview, and his mother wanted him to come home as all the school interview materials were at home. So he got up early in the morning. While brushing his teeth, he saw an unread message on his phone. He didn’t need to look to know it was a transfer notification from Xu Zhi.

After he finished packing and got on the bus, he casually checked his phone.

Xu Zhi had transferred him 251 yuan.

She thought he was insulting her? Chen Luzhou sent her a screenshot of the bar bill, which was exactly 500 yuan, not a penny more or less. As soon as he sent it, he felt it was quite childish. Why was he quibbling with her over this? So he recalled the screenshot and put his phone back in his pocket without looking at it again.

After arriving in the city, Chen Luzhou didn’t rush to the villa. He went back to the rental apartment, quickly showered and changed clothes, then took his phone and prepared to go to the villa. The white paper prohibiting spitting that had been posted at the entrance earlier was still there, and the trash can was clean. It seemed that the uncle hadn’t caused any more trouble. As Chen Luzhou left, he casually tore off the paper, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it in the trash can. The driver sent by Madame Lian Hui had already arrived.

The grand and imposing Mercedes-Benz van was parked brazenly at the entrance of the alley, causing the old man selling turtles at the entrance to think he had won the lottery and called a luxury Didi. He shouted, “Young man, it’s hard to go from luxury to frugality, but easy to go from frugality to luxury.”

Up to this point, Chen Luzhou hadn’t felt anything amiss about the atmosphere. It wasn’t until he stepped into the house and saw the lively atmosphere that he finally understood. Oh, so it wasn’t a video interview. He thought it was strange, as he clearly remembered the interview was next Thursday.

Xu Zhi woke up in the afternoon the next day. There were several missed calls on her phone from Old Xu. Just as she was about to call him back, Old Xu persistently called again.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Finally awake? Yingying said you were up late last night watching meteors?” Xu Guangji said on the other end of the line.

Xu Zhi had just woken up and was sleepily running her fingers through her hair in front of the mirror. “Yeah, it was a bit late. What’s up?”

Xu Guangji: “I saw the photos on your Moments.”

“Oh,” Xu Zhi wedged the phone between her ear and shoulder, turned on the tap, and picked up her toothbrush. “What about them?”

“Nothing, they look nice,” Xu Guangji was sipping something on the other end of the line. “Who’s Chen Luzhou?”

Xu Zhi had set up groups for her Moments specifically to block Xu Guangji because her dad liked to scrutinize her posts too much. Last night, she must have forgotten because they were out so late.

“Just a friend I met here,” Xu Zhi said with the toothbrush in her mouth.

“A guy?”

“Mm-hmm, he’s good at taking photos.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Dad was just asking. The photos are indeed quite good,” Xu Guangji said. “By the way, if you’re not busy, come down early. There’s a typhoon coming in a few days. Be careful of mudslides and landslides.”

Xu Zhi made a sound of acknowledgment and hung up the phone.

After she finished washing her face and came out, Cai Yingying was on the phone with Zhu Yangqi, talking animatedly. “What? Chen Luzhou isn’t coming back today? Chen Xingqi is refusing to draw, why are you asking Xu Zhi for help? If you can’t handle him, how could Xu Zhi?”

Zhu Yangqi said something on the other end.

Cai Yingying glanced at Xu Zhi, “Why isn’t Chen Luzhou coming back? A blind date? Zhu Yangqi, are you crazy? How old is he? If you’re going to make up an excuse, at least make it a good one. Alright, I’ll ask her if she’s willing to help Chen Luzhou look after his brother when she comes out.”

Xu Zhi nodded without hesitation: “I’m willing, I’m willing. The 800 yuan is on me.”

Cai Yingying, holding the phone: “…”

Zhu Yangqi on the other end: “…”