CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 38 IT’S YOUR OWN SUFFERING

How can a person be so shameless?!

The girls were shocked, but Han Lie was so calm about it; the composure and sense of entitlement he displayed blurred the line between humor and shamelessness in a flash.

So much so that they couldn’t help but start to doubt themselves— Could it be that I am the problem? Is there a possibility that, maybe, Brother Lie is just trying not to hurt anyone? So he used jokes as a way to let everyone save face... Alright, alright, I can’t make this stuff up anymore.

Yu Yun and Fang Feifei were not fools; they knew exactly what Han Lie’s attitude meant. —It was clear he wasn’t into either of them! So, the meal was just a meal; whoever paid was fine. If Han Lie had liked one of them, he definitely wouldn’t have reacted this way.

Yu Yun felt a bit disappointed, but she quickly reignited her fighting spirit. For a man like Han Lie, it’s normal that he’s hard to chase. If he weren’t hard to chase, would he still be single? If his belt were even slightly looser, some little minx would have already tasted the goods. To snag him, you have to be in it for the long haul! Yu Yun felt her judgment was spot on, so her heart grew even more fervent.

What’s not to love about a straight man! When they are serious about relationships, they’re more likely to last. As for not being good at making girls happy... no worries, as long as we can be together, I can cheer myself up! Just stick it out for five or six years, and once we’re married, wouldn’t I become the young mistress? Yu Yun became happier the more she thought about it.

Fang Feifei, on the other hand, didn’t indulge in such deep internal monologues; she directly questioned Yu Yun, "Didn’t you just buy a set of skincare products and have very little living expenses left? I’ll treat Brother Lie!"

Yu Yun felt a bit guilty. Where did that skincare set come from? It was clearly a gift from her high school classmate and bootlicker, little C...

"I can still afford a meal at the cafeteria without your help!"

Fang Feifei pouted, "Fine, if you insist on treating, do it. I want to see what you’ll do after you’ve spent all your living expenses!"

TSCH! If I run out, can’t I just ask my family for more? If that’s not enough, can’t I borrow from a bootlicker? If worse comes to worst, I’ll just get a job, none of your business!

Just then, the bell signaling the end of class rang. Yu Yun snorted at Fang Feifei and hurried Han Lie along. "Let’s go, Brother Lie. Hey, is there anything you particularly want to eat? Cafeteria, snack street, all are fine~~~"

Craving cafeteria food and seafood... Han Lie swallowed his saliva and replied very properly, "Something simple is good. I’m not very picky."

So the group really headed straight for the cafeteria. On the way, they chatted casually.

Curious, Yu Yun asked, "Hey, Han Lie, why did you suddenly change your phone?"

Brother Lie, crafty as ever, subtly directed a comment toward Xi Luting, "To prevent the class president from making stories about me! If I used that phone for a couple more days, the whole department might know I’m still not over my ex-girlfriend. Wouldn’t that be a huge injustice?"

"What are you talking about?" Fang Feifei was completely confused.

However, Yu Yun couldn’t contain her laughter, "Hahaha..."

Xi Luting said nothing but gave Han Lie a glance. Her gaze shifted, exuding an indescribable allure.

Not understanding, Fang Feifei awkwardly continued the conversation, "Brother Lie, have you really never dated before?"

"Never," Han Lie nodded. "I was too unremarkable in high school; no one was interested in me."

"TSCH! Liar!" Everyone rolled their eyes in unison, none willing to believe him.

Fang Feifei continued with the direct approach, "Then what kind of girl do you like?"

The image of Chen Yanfei appeared in Han Lie’s mind instantly, but what came out of his mouth was all tricks. "It’s best if she’s not too pretty. I like gentle, understanding girls with whom I have a soul connection, the kind that’s comfortable to be with."

Fang Feifei, Yu Yun, and Xi Luting were all stunned at the same time. With the first sentence, Han Lie had already passed on all three of them. For a moment, the atmosphere turned a bit weird.

But Yu Yun recovered quickly, promptly slapping on some flattery. "No wonder you’ve never dated, you’re just too traditional... Brother Lie, good men like you are really rare these days; you deserve the best~~~"

Oh my! Such a charmer! In my thirty years of a rather dismal life, when have I ever been fawned over by a beautiful woman like this? I’m over the moon.

However, Han Lie didn’t get carried away but instead countered with a joke, "Who’s the best?"

In ancient times, two peaches killed three warriors; today, a single comment fractured three beauties. With just one sentence, the thoughts of Fang Feifei, Yu Yun, and Xi Luting all went awry.

Xi Luting subconsciously thought, What do they have to compare with me?

Yu Yun was both proud and insecure. I’m an E cup!

Fang Feifei frowned with worry. Ting Ting is beautiful, Yu Yun is well-endowed, and they both tower over me... Do I have to go all out to stand a chance?

In management, this is called introducing competition. In psychology, it’s called creating anxiety. Han Lie watched as the atmosphere among the three girls suddenly became tense, and he almost burst into laughter.

The most wronged was Xi Luting. As of now, she had no such feelings for Han Lie, but she became the primary imaginary rival of her two roommates. Pride wouldn’t let her back down, so she got swept up in the fray.

Where is there yielding among plastic sisters? The victor is always right.

Consequently, Han Lie completely became the center of attention. There’s no need to mention the two little bees; although Xi Luting didn’t actively seek out conversation with Han Lie, she maintained her interest.

By the time they got to the cafeteria, Yu Yun even took the initiative, gently grabbing Han Lie’s arm. She didn’t grab his hand but rather a position a bit higher up on his forearm. Her very warm and delicate hand gently tugged at his arm. The touch was exceptionally delightful.

"Brother Lie, let’s go, I’ll get you food," she said. Yu Yun’s expression was a bit awkward; it was clear that she wasn’t particularly skilled at this approach.

Actually, Han Lie felt even more uncomfortable, but thanks to his Level 3 acting skills, he kept a very composed facade. He didn’t pull away, nor did he make any overtures; instead, he calmly followed her to the serving window.

This made Fang Feifei gnash her teeth in fury. "Hussy!" she cursed angrily and stormed off to get food with Liu Yajie.

Xi Luting silently observed all of this, especially noting Han Lie’s reaction, which turned out just as she expected. She smiled satisfactorily, feeling she had almost figured Han Lie out. Turns out the dog of a man is quite decent! It seems his upbringing is indeed good. That kind of woman, Yu Yun, has no chance at all.

「...」

Having the rare opportunity to be treated by Yu Yun, Han Lie didn’t order recklessly: a bowl of spicy and sour noodles, a pure meat grilled sausage, and a plate of Spanish seafood fried rice—the normal standard for a satisfying meal.

But Yu Yun, fearing it wasn’t enough, added a large chicken drumstick and a box of a freshly cut fruit platter. Han Lie hadn’t ordered extravagantly, but she was the one who really splurged.

The university cafeteria primarily catered to senior graduate students and international exchange students. The ingredients and dishes were all excellent, but the prices were considerably higher than those on the campus snack street.

When they settled the bill, it cost her more than 80 yuan in total. It didn’t sound like much, but if you broke down the costs, it was definitely not a small amount. If she were to treat someone every day, it would cost 2,500 yuan a month. If she were to treat someone every other day, it would still be 1,250 yuan. The living expenses for a typical girl were only between 1,500 and 2,000 yuan; after deducting her own expenses, how many times could she afford to treat someone?

Carrying the tray back to the seat, Fang Feifei muttered sourly, "Yo, setting quite a standard there!"

Yu Yun hummed proudly, "Shouldn’t I let Brother Lie eat well?"

"Thank you." Han Lie politely expressed his gratitude. "You’ve spent quite a bit."

Yu Yun, beaming, sat down next to Han Lie, suddenly finding a novel pleasure in spending money on a man. "It’s okay. As long as you need it, I can support you until your living allowance is paid out!"

Actually, she was just reflexively trying to be cute, but her earnest expression and seductive eyes made it seem as if she were about to pledge her heart to Han Lie.

Unfortunately, Brother Lie wasn’t buying it. He looked up at Yu Yun and said seriously, "If you kept supporting me at today’s standard, I’d eat you into bankruptcy within a week."

His simple statement shattered any romance or ambiguity.

"PFFT!" Fang Feifei burst out laughing, and Xi Luting covered her mouth, her eyes curving into crescents.

Yu Yun was on the verge of an explosion. Damn straight man! Do you think you’re a bottomless pit?! She fought to keep her temper in check and continued to coo, "Then how about we eat a little less extravagantly, okay? I don’t mind going through some hard times with you..."

"No need." Han Lie decisively shook his head, then suddenly turned his gaze to Fang Feifei. "You can endure your hardships. Next week, I’m leeching off Fei Fei."

With that statement, the girls were all left speechless.