CHAPTER 348: CHAPTER 179: TOP-LEVEL TUG-OF-WAR_3

"But Senior Liang Wu is really something. Her remark got me thinking deeply," Han Lie began.

"Alumni from the same school naturally have a basis for trust. It’s convenient to get to know each other, and if I give her a chance, she might not necessarily perform well, but my actions will surely leave a good impression on the faculty and other students.

"Besides, poor academic performance doesn’t mean one can’t adapt to society. She’s indeed quite good at communication and reading people. I plan to show I value talent by offering her a decent salary.

"The school will think I haven’t forgotten my roots, and capable students will believe that following me has prospects. There’s nothing bad about this.

"Since I dared to let you meet her, it means I’m not afraid of you overthinking it. As they say, ’A selfless heart knows no bounds!’"

Wow, what an explanation—logical, thoughtful, and solid. Ding Xiang was so impressed with Han Lie that her eyes were practically heart-shaped, her admiration and trust in him deepening.

That darn thirty-something-year-old was on another level, practically a cheat code when it came to maturity; his thinking just wasn’t on the same plane as us youngsters.

Ding Xiang usually dealt with wolfish boys her age—experts at gaming, spending money like water, getting a thrill from revving sports car engines. How could she have ever encountered a creature like Han Lie?

She was instantly enchanted.

Chen Yanfei had slightly stronger resistance, but she could feel Han Lie’s charm and bearing even more acutely and felt a sense of deep satisfaction.

After all that maneuvering, for it to land here... he’s truly cunning. Such a simple matter, twisted and turned into something so complicated. It’s exhausting...

"Let’s just say, whatever you’re *really* thinking, I can’t even be bothered to call you out on it!~~~"

Chen Yanfei pursed her lips, suppressing a laugh as she retorted stubbornly to save face.

Han Lie naturally understood. He raised an eyebrow at her, then turned to Ding Xiang with concern, "Hey, didn’t you say Ding Ding was coming? Where is he?"

"AH!"

Ding Xiang leaped up, frantically pulling out her phone. She found many missed calls, and sweat beaded on the tip of her nose from sudden panic.

"When did my phone go on silent? Oh no, this is bad, Ding Yu must be freaking out..."

Han Lie couldn’t help but smirk as he watched her call back. Once the call connected, her assertiveness suddenly and inexplicably surged. "Yeah, I’m here. My phone was on silent... If you didn’t see anyone at the entrance, couldn’t you have checked the cafeteria? Idiot!"

Ding Yu sat on the curb like an idiot, dumbstruck by his sister’s sudden outburst.

You don’t answer your phone, and now you’re blaming *me*?!

Just as he muttered this, his brow furrowed.

Something’s not right! My sister isn’t a capricious person; she only acts unreasonable with family when she’s feeling especially guilty! But... why would she feel guilty?

Ding Yu wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but this time, without much thought, an image of a face with a sly grin instinctively flashed through his mind.

DAMN IT!

That damn Brother Han, are you hitting on my sister again?!

Ding Yu sprang up, dragging his friend from the Northeast with him as he ran towards the cafeteria.

He hadn’t run far when he saw Xi Luting and Fang Feifei, who were heading to the fitness center.

Not content with the prospect of becoming Han Lie’s little brother-in-law, Ding Ding’s eyes darted as an idea struck him, and he quickly hurried over.

"Sister Xi, heading to the cafeteria to find Brother Han?"

The young man greeted them with a sunny, enthusiastic smile. "Oh, perfect! Could you do me a favor and pass a message to my sister? I won’t go over. I was gaming all night and I’m exhausted and sleepy, plus my phone’s dead. Just my rotten luck..."

Xi Luting was about to decline, but when Ding Yu mentioned his sister, a thought suddenly struck her.

She paused, then smoothly changed her tune, "Mm, alright. You head back and rest then. I’ll tell her."

Waving goodbye, she turned and walked toward the cafeteria.

A cold smirk played on her lips as she went—

Pan Ge! Han Lie! If I don’t cause some trouble for you two, I’d be letting down the nickname you gave me!