Although the journey there was a little awkward, the meal itself was quite harmonious. They chatted about everything, and Lu Chongyan didn't hide his identity. Zhang Yi and Jiang Fangyun also accepted that he wasn't the supposed "rich second generation."
Despite the fact that a meal at this place didn't seem like something someone who had just been fired and was seeking refuge with his girlfriend could afford.
So the two of them had already prepared themselves; if they ate too much or spent too much, they would split the bill.
After the meal, they found out that the bill had already been paid, so their worries were unfounded.
The chat history on both their phones still existed, and thinking about it now made them a bit embarrassed.
Leaving the restaurant, Zhu Zhu asked the two of them, "Are you heading straight back? Or do you want to go out and have some fun?"
Jiang Fangyun was about to refuse directly, but Zhang Yi beat her to it and asked excitedly, "Where should we go?"
Their major was niche, and their coursework wasn't usually demanding, but they all had their own plans, whether it was postgraduate studies or starting a business. It was rare for them to go out and play like this.
Zhang Yi, who was already easily swayed, had her inhibitions completely broken after just one meal. All she could think about now was "857" (leaving at 8 PM, returning at 5 AM, seven times a week).
"I'll do whatever you guys want today."
Jiang Fangyun quickly interjected, "Let's go for a boat ride on the lake."
"How about karaoke!"
Her voice was much louder than Jiang Fangyun's, and coupled with her uncontainable excitement, it made everyone immediately overlook Jiang Fangyun's suggestion.
So, the four of them went to a bar together.
The dance floor was filled with men and women dancing energetically, the sound deafening, and the flashing lights illuminating faces that were both excited and strange.
They weren't there to drink, nor were they looking for romance. After booking a private room at the front desk, they were about to head upstairs. As they passed through the relatively quiet front hall, they ran into an acquaintance.
It was Zhou Fang, who had claimed she wanted to sleep in her dorm and wouldn't come.
She was being pulled and dragged by the guy who had confessed to Zhu Zhu that day, along with a few others. She wasn't drunk and was clearly resisting, but she couldn't withstand the tugging of several men.
And the leader of that group was Qin Yutang.
He was dressed in a suit and tie, which set him apart from the others, yet he stood by with folded arms, showing no intention of stopping them. He watched with amusement as Zhou Fang was pulled by the others, a smile on his face.
"Zhou Fang!"
Zhang Yi, who had nearly fought with her in the dorm that morning, saw her being bullied and without much thought, rushed forward to fight with the group of guys.
Her brother was a police officer, and she had some combat skills. Unfortunately, the other side had more people, and she was clearly outmatched.
"Mr. Qin."
Qin Yutang looked over. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, then he approached with a gentlemanly smile, "Miss Lu, we meet again. What a coincidence."
"It is quite a coincidence," she replied, a coincidence born of stumbling upon the situation. "Mr. Qin, what are you doing? Did my friend offend these gentlemen?"
"Oh, she's Miss Lu's friend?" Qin Yutang feigned ignorance with a puzzled look. "Then perhaps I was mistaken. How could Miss Lu's friend possibly steal my belongings? Xiao Nan, let her go."
They had already stopped when they heard his words and released the two girls. Zhang Yi and Jiang Fangyun snatched them back and glared fiercely at them.
"Steal your belongings?" This excuse was too flimsy. Zhu Zhu was more inclined to believe that Qin Yutang was unable to contain his curiosity and was finding another way to control her.
"What did Mr. Qin lose? Was it valuable? Should I help you call the police?"
Qin Yutang: "...No need, thank you, Miss Lu. This is just a misunderstanding. I misunderstood this lady, and I apologize."
A foolish woman being used was not worthy of his apology.
However, he didn't want to fall out with this person yet. Even if her deal with his grandfather was just a pretext, based on her talent for gambling stones alone, he didn't want to offend her just yet.
"Zhou Fang, Mr. Qin is apologizing to you."
Zhou Fang timidly stepped forward, as if understanding his implication. She tried to compose herself and said softly, "It's alright, I, I forgive Mr. Qin."
Qin Yutang: "...Damn it!"