Rejected by the Campus Belle, I Find My True Love

"No need to pay, let’s go."

"Why don’t we have to pay?" Xue Xing didn’t understand. What kind of logic was it to go shopping and not have to pay?

"Because I’m a member," Si Wen casually offered an excuse.

"Being a member means you don’t have to pay? It’s that good?" Xue Xing was skeptical. "Sister Si Wen, don’t lie to me."

"Oh, why would I lie to you? If we needed to pay, do you think they would have just let us leave like this? They would’ve called the police by now. Let’s go."

Si Wen couldn’t wait to take Xue Xing out.

How should I describe this feeling? It’s kind of like getting a beautiful new toy and wanting to show it off to everyone. Yes, that’s pretty much it.

Xue Xing thought about it and felt that Si Wen had a point, so he went with her. It wasn’t until he saw that the store managers truly didn’t say a word that he finally relaxed completely.

"Anyway, thanks so much for your help with this. How about this? I’ll treat you to a meal. What would you like to eat?"

In his heart, he knew it was impossible that they didn’t have to pay. Si Wen must have paid in advance, and the cost was surely not low. With his current means, he definitely couldn’t afford it.

Hearing Xue Xing’s words, Si Wen arched an eyebrow. "Do you have money to treat me to a meal?"

"Who says I don’t have money? Don’t look down on me."

Xue Xing took out the bank card Xue Yang had given him and showed it to Si Wen. "See? My money."

His slightly smug expression was almost too cute, making one want to pinch his cheeks.

And that was exactly what Si Wen did. She stood on her tiptoes, leaned in close to Xue Xing, and gently pinched his cheek.

It’s so soft. Who knew a boy’s skin could feel this good?

"Not bad." Si Wen thought for a moment before saying, "I want to eat barbecue."

As she suddenly leaned in, Xue Xing froze completely. He was so captivated by her refreshing fragrance that he forgot to react for a moment.

He blushes so easily. It makes him even cuter. I feel like taking a little bite...

Si Wen had no younger siblings; she was the youngest in her family. So, every time she saw Xue Xing, she couldn’t help but want to "bully" him. Moreover, this bullying was becoming a bit addictive. This was especially true after she returned from Hui City recently. Not being able to see Xue Xing made her feel like something was missing.

Xue Xing pushed Si Wen away, his face so red he didn’t dare to look her in the eyes. "B-Barbecue... Where should we go? I’m not familiar with Yancheng, so you’ll have to lead the way."

"I’ll take you."

Si Wen led Xue Xing to the nearby Yongsheng Supermarket. "The food court is on the fifth floor. There’s a barbecue buffet there that’s not bad."

A barbecue buffet is filling and offers good value for the money. Xue Xing should be able to afford it.

If Lin Xi knew Si Wen was considering such things when choosing a place to eat, her jaw would drop. Si Wen had only ever had one requirement for food: it had to be delicious. As long as she thought it was tasty, she didn’t care how expensive it was. Even when someone else was treating, she never settled for less. For her to proactively suggest such an inexpensive buffet... the sun must have risen from the west.

As soon as Si Wen and Xue Xing entered Yongsheng Mall, they immediately attracted the attention of everyone around them. This was especially true for some of the young women, who felt like their legs were glued to the floor.

"Look, that guy is so cute! He’s totally my type."

"For real! He’s got that innocent-but-wild vibe. Oh my god, how can someone have both qualities at once? I really want to go ask for his number."

"Don’t even think about it. See the girl next to him? She’s obviously his girlfriend. Of course. All the good-looking guys are already taken."

Xue Xing wished he could find a hole to crawl into and hide. What were these people talking about?

We’re not a couple!

Si Wen led him to an all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant called Han’s Home.

Upon entering the restaurant, the air was thick with the rich aroma of grilled meat. On the food counters, melt-in-your-mouth meat slices and tender skewers looked absolutely mouthwatering. The interior was simple yet comfortable, with flower-adorned walls and elegant chandeliers creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. The CRACKLE of fat dripping onto the charcoal was reminiscent of roasting sweet potatoes during childhood. A rich selection of meats, vegetables, and seafood was available for customers to mix and match, allowing them to fully unleash their culinary curiosity and creativity. The restaurant was buzzing with activity, punctuated by bursts of laughter and cheers. Although it was Xue Xing’s first time in such a place, the lively atmosphere didn’t make him feel awkward; instead, it felt strangely familiar.

Si Wen and Xue Xing took a seat at a table by the window. It was covered with a clean white tablecloth, set with metal utensils and glasses. The glasses were filled with amber-colored beer that rippled gently when moved.

The grills were set up along the wall. As a server brought over various meats, Xue Xing instinctively took on the task of grilling. Before long, the meat began to give off an enticing aroma. However, since it was Xue Xing’s first time grilling, the meat ended up charred despite smelling delicious.

Si Wen picked up a blackened piece of meat he had grilled. "And you said you could cook. You can’t even handle a simple barbecue."

Xue Xing’s handsome face flushed slightly. "I’ve... I’ve never had barbecue before."

"No way. You’ve never had barbecue?" Si Wen found it unimaginable that someone in this day and age had never eaten barbecue.

Xue Xing pouted. "What’s so strange about it? At home, all I ever did was study. My parents were always busy, so they never had time for me. Besides... my family would never spend hundreds of yuan on a single barbecue meal."

Si Wen was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Hurry up and eat. I’ll take you out to have some fun when we’re done."

"Fun? Doing what?"

"Doing things you’ve never done before," Si Wen said.

"Huh?"

"What’s with the ’huh’? Don’t tell me there’s nothing you’ve never done before?" Si Wen said doubtfully.

"No, that’s not it. It’s just... there are too many things I’ve never done. If I were to start now, I wouldn’t even know where to begin."

So that’s how it is.

Hearing that Xue Xing had never even eaten barbecue made Si Wen’s heart ache for him a little. Now, hearing that he’d never even had a chance to go out and have fun, her distinctly feminine maternal instincts immediately kicked in.

"I’ll take you. Whatever I do for fun, you’ll do too."

"Okay."

"Eat up." As she spoke, Si Wen had already grilled some slices of meat and placed them in Xue Xing’s bowl.

The meat Si Wen grilled was a perfect golden-brown and looked incredibly appetizing. Compared to hers, the pieces Xue Xing had grilled earlier were a world apart. He stared blankly for a long moment, unable to process the difference.

"What are you spacing out for? Hurry and eat. It won’t taste as good when it gets cold," Si Wen urged.

"Oh, right."

Xue Xing snapped back to reality and quickly picked up a slice with his chopsticks, putting it in his mouth.

It melted the instant it hit his tongue, filling his mouth with a savory fragrance. He couldn’t help but want another piece; it was simply irresistible.