Chapter 45 All About Looks Can’t Escape the Story’s Bonds…

Chapter 45: All About Looks, Can't Escape the Plot...

The phone rang several more times, but Yu Kui ignored each call.

Standing on the autumn campus, a cool breeze swept over her, making her instinctively close her eyes.

"Yu Kui," her roommate Shu Jia waved from a distance, "What are you doing? Lost in thought?"

Yu Kui snapped back to reality and smiled, "Going out to eat?"

"Picking up packages," Shu Jia approached her. "You were just standing there, spacing out?"

"Yeah," Yu Kui replied casually, "You go ahead, I'm heading back."

"Wait a sec," Shu Jia grabbed her hand, "I'll treat you to boba tea."

Yu Kui paused. Shu Jia explained, "You helped me with so many problems before; I want to thank you."

Yu Kui: "No need to be so polite."

"It's not just politeness," Shu Jia said with a smile, "It's good manners. Otherwise, I'd feel too embarrassed to ask you for help in the future."

"Then get me a fruit tea," Yu Kui said, "Grape flavor."

"Sure, wait for me on the bench. I'll be back in ten minutes."

"I'll go with you," Yu Kui offered, "I can help you carry some packages."

"Hehe," Shu Jia touched the tip of her nose, "Alright, I have quite a few packages this time."

Shu Jia loved online shopping and brought back many packages every week. The girls in the dorm were used to it, and Yu Kui naturally knew.

The two bought fruit tea, picked up the packages, and strolled back to the dorm.

"By the way, Yu Kui, do you want to join our college’s debate team? I heard we can even compete later."

Yu Kui had heard of the debate team. Not just their college, but the school also had a debate club, but she hadn’t joined. Her routine was very consistent, and joining the debate team would mean staying up late. She hadn’t made up her mind yet.

She didn’t expect Shu Jia to ask her.

"Do you want to join the debate team?" Yu Kui asked.

"I really want to," Shu Jia said, "I heard it’s very interesting and can improve our critical thinking."

"Then go for it," Yu Kui encouraged, "Make up your mind and sign up."

"But it’s a lot of work," Shu Jia hesitated, "I heard it takes a lot of time to prepare every day. I’m afraid I won’t be able to handle it."

"You can try it out first," Yu Kui also planned to join the debate team later. Her major required critical thinking, and debating could improve her language organization and expression skills, as well as help her see issues from a more comprehensive perspective.

"I’ll think about it some more."

Back in the dorm, Zhang Jing and Xu Siyue were huddled together playing games.

"Back?" The two raised their hands in greeting, "Where did you go these past few days?"

"Just wandered around nearby," Yu Kui said.

"After going home, my mom criticized me every day," Shu Jia complained, "Even sleeping in got nagged. I’m so annoyed."

"Same world, same parents," Xu Siyue laughed at her, "A darling when you first get back, but after a couple of days, you’re just asking for trouble."

Yu Kui: "..."

"Got time tonight?" Zhang Jing said, "You know I’ve been seeing someone, right? I want to treat you three to dinner."

"Sure!" Shu Jia loved this kind of thing the most and immediately sat next to her, "That guy from the math department?"

"Yeah," Zhang Jing said with a smile, "His name is Zhou Chu. I’ll introduce you to him later."

"Great."

For the dinner gathering, Zhang Jing dressed up carefully, looking much more polished than usual.

The four arrived at the agreed-upon barbecue restaurant. The guy named Zhou Chu was already waiting in the private room. When he saw them come in, he warmly greeted them, "Hello, you must be Jingjing’s roommates? Nice to meet you."

Yu Kui thought he looked familiar but couldn’t remember where she’d seen him.

After introductions, Zhou Chu ordered a large spread of dishes, "Everyone, eat as much as you want today. Don’t be shy."

He was very considerate towards Zhang Jing and spoke reliably, making a good impression.

"Your boyfriend is such a catch!" Xu Siyue immediately recognized the branded clothes and shoes the guy was wearing and nudged Zhang Jing with her elbow. He’s even from a wealthy family.

Zhang Jing remained unfazed. Her family was well-off, so she could naturally tell Zhou Chu’s background too; otherwise, she wouldn’t have accepted his confession.

"Zhou Chu, you’re so thoughtful. Do you have any brothers? Introduce them to me!" Shu Jia couldn’t help saying, "I want to find someone too."

"Actually, I do," Zhou Chu said amusedly, "I have a twin brother who’s also single. If you’re interested, I can ask him?"

"Sure, sure!" Shu Jia said immediately, "I’d love that!"

Yu Kui was also amused by her and sat sipping her orange juice.

"What’s your brother’s name? Where does he go to school?"

"Zhou Xiao," Zhou Chu said with a smile, "He studies in another city."

The moment she heard the name, Yu Kui realized how small the world was. Even though she had come so far, she could still encounter people related to the characters in the book.

"Does he look exactly like you?" Shu Jia perked up.

"Not exactly," Zhou Chu said, "He’s even better-looking than me."

"Wow!" Shu Jia couldn’t wait to get Zhou Xiao’s contact info, but Zhou Chu shook his head, "Sorry, he just told me he likes someone."

Shu Jia was instantly disappointed, "That’s so disheartening. I thought my luck had turned."

"Why so down?" Xu Siyue put her arm around Shu Jia’s shoulder, "Unicorns are hard to find, but two-legged men are everywhere. Let me use my connections—I can find you a dozen handsome guys by tomorrow."

"Forget it," Shu Jia pushed her hand away, "You’re single yourself."

Xu Siyue: "..."

Everyone burst into laughter. Finally, Zhou Chu said, "There are plenty of guys in our department. We could organize a mixer—maybe you’ll meet someone suitable."

"Sure! Mixers are my favorite!" Shu Jia immediately raised her hand, "Invite me first when you organize it!"

The group ate and drank, and soon it was dark outside.

Yu Kui stepped out of the private room, her mood still all over the place.

She never knew that Zhou Xiao actually had a twin brother—something that wasn’t mentioned in the book at all.

Just as she was about to walk out, an amused voice came from behind her, "Where are you going?"

Yu Kui turned around to see Xie Xingzhi standing there, smirking at her.

Yu Kui blinked, "What are you doing here?"

"Why shouldn't I be here?" Xie Xingzhi raised an eyebrow, "Are you the only one allowed to come out for a meal?"

Yu Kui: "..."

"I came out with my roommate," Yu Kui explained, "Her boyfriend is treating us."

"Is that so," Xie Xingzhi looked over at the three girls behind her and greeted them with a smile, "Hello, I’m Yu Kui’s friend."

"Hello, hello," Shu Jia said with a bright smile, "I’ve seen you driving Yu Kui home before. You’re really handsome."

Yu Kui: "..."

"Thank you," Xie Xingzhi smiled, "I’ll take you all out to eat another day."

"Oh—" Shu Jia said teasingly, "You’re not Yu Kui’s boyfriend, so you shouldn't be treating us to a meal."

Xie Xingzhi looked at Yu Kui, keeping a straight face, "Can’t I, as a good friend?"

"Not sure," Shu Jia grinned, "Unless you give me your contact info."

Xie Xingzhi's smile faded as he said regretfully, "Then I’m afraid that meal might not happen."

Shu Jia: "..."

"Are you here with classmates?" Yu Kui steered the conversation away.

"Yeah," Xie Xingzhi said, "Some high school classmates came to visit me. Want to go meet them?"

High school classmates?

Yu Kui thought of his friends from before and wasn't too keen on the idea, "It’s getting late, I should get back to campus. Maybe next time."

"Alright." Xie Xingzhi walked with her to the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, "Good night."

Yu Kui didn’t say anything, just gave a little wave.

"Your friend is really handsome," Xu Siyue said after Xie Xingzhi walked away, "Even better-looking than the department heartthrob! Just a bit aloof."

Yu Kui: "..." Why are there so many shallow people these days?

"Exactly," Shu Jia shrugged, "Even asking for his contact info was so difficult. My heart's breaking."

"You’ve only seen him a few times," Yu Kui said helplessly, "You don’t even know his name. How can your heart be broken?"

"You don’t understand the pain of missing out on a handsome guy," Xu Siyue said with an air of mock wisdom, "I really envy how unbothered you are around him."

Yu Kui didn’t know what to say and just kept walking, head down.

Xie Xingzhi returned to the barbecue restaurant, and Sun Zhaoyang immediately gestured for him to come over, "Xie, still no progress with the goody-two-shoes?"

"What nonsense are you talking?" Xie Xingzhi glanced at him.

"Who’s talking nonsense?" Sun Zhaoyang winked, "Don’t think I don’t know why you came to City B. Isn’t it to follow her here?"

"I came here to study."

"You could study anywhere," Sun Zhaoyang didn’t believe his excuse, "You followed her out as soon as she left. Don’t tell me you’re not interested in her."

"What interest could I have in her?" Xie Xingzhi grabbed a drink bottle from the table and stuck it in Sun Zhaoyang’s mouth, "You've got a big mouth."

"I’m just sticking up for you," Sun Zhaoyang, Xie Xingzhi’s high school classmate and childhood friend, said, "We’re in college now, and you’re still so hung up. It’s not like you."

"Yeah," Xu Ye, sitting nearby, chimed in with a shrewd look, "If you ask me, this girl is just playing hard to get. If you make a move a few times, Xie, her attitude will naturally come around."

Xie Xingzhi’s eyes turned cold as he stared expressionlessly at him, "What did you say?"

Xu Ye got nervous under his gaze, "I was just saying, don’t get mad. We’re all just worried about you."

"Don’t bring him around me again," Xie Xingzhi ignored Xu Ye and looked at Sun Zhaoyang, "You know why I was able to get into college. Don’t let him kill the vibe."

"Xie Xingzhi, what do you mean by that!" Xu Ye immediately stood up, "I came all the way here as a friend to see you, and you’re dissing me over a girl?"

"You’re welcome to visit, but if you can’t take a hint, we don’t have to be friends anymore."

"You!" Xu Ye, furious and embarrassed, stood up to leave but was grabbed by Sun Zhaoyang, who said helplessly, "If you hadn’t messed with the goody-two-shoes, would Xie be this angry?"