73: Once you've made a choice, you won't regret it.

"Xin Yao, let's go to the movies after we eat; I've already bought the tickets."

"Wu Gao, I don't like watching movies, and it's quite late, so we'll head back first."

"Ah?"

Not only Wu Gao, but Liu Xinyao's best friend was also stunned. Complaining was one thing, but she hadn't expected to actually leave. This guy surnamed Wu clearly had feelings for Xin Yao; just a meal wasn't enough, shouldn't he buy some snacks or something?

"Xin Yao, are you leaving already?"

"Yes, we'll be going now."

"Let me walk you."

"No need. You guys take a taxi and send the two of us back, then you'd have to take another taxi. It's quite a hassle."

Wu Gao felt a wave of emotion in his heart. He knew that Xin Yao cared for him. The internet said that a girl who likes you will help you save money. It seemed that was indeed correct.

Liu Xinyao left very hurriedly, which even her best friend didn't understand. It wasn't until the two of them hailed a taxi and sat inside that Wu Gao was still leaning against the car window.

"Xin Yao, let me know when you get to school."

"Okay."

After she agreed, the driver started the car.

"Shen Qian, we're on our way back. Wait for me."

Seeing this message, Shen Qian's brow furrowed slightly. This woman really didn't have a shred of emotion for that simp brother.

"Since you're already out, why don't I treat you to dinner? Get off the car now, find a place to wait for me, and I'll come find you."

"You want to treat us?"

"You care about me so much; there's no problem with friends having a meal together."

"Okay, we'll get off right away."

Shen Qian saw the message, and then the other party sent him a location. It was in the city center; one look and he knew the simp brother had put in a lot of effort.

Liu Xinyao's best friend didn't understand what her friend was up to until she was pulled out of the car. Although those two guys weren't much to look at, they were quite generous with their spending. Leaving so suddenly was just too abrupt.

"Are you okay? We only ate half the meal before you ran off. Were you afraid they wouldn't pay the bill?"

"No, look at this."

As Liu Xinyao spoke, she showed her phone's chat history to her friend. The contact name was clearly Shen Qian.

"Not bad, Yaoyao! Shen Qian actually took the initiative to find you for a meal! Tell me, are you two dating in secret?"

The girl looked bashful.

"No, we're not dating yet. However, he should be somewhat interested, and I'm still evaluating him."

"Tsk tsk, as expected of the great beauty Yaoyao. 'Still evaluating.' But you should be careful; a man like him is definitely in high demand. Once the evaluation is almost done, that's enough. Securing him quickly is the key."

"I know, stop talking. Also, when he comes later, don't say anything reckless."

The girl pinched her fingers together and made a zipping motion across her mouth.

"Don't worry, I promise to eat more and talk less."

"You also need to be careful while eating. After all, he's not like Wu Gao and the others; he pays more attention to rules and etiquette."

"You're making me a bit nervous."

"No need to be nervous, Shen Qian is a very good person."

The two stood by the roadside in anticipation, but they forgot that where they were now wasn't far from where they had just eaten.

After Wu Gao and his friend finished eating and left the restaurant, they originally planned to return to the dormitory. But it was summer, and the outfits of the girls in downtown Shanghai were truly eye-catching. As the two walked and watched, they suddenly saw the two girls waiting at a corner.

Wu Gao was about to go over and say hello, but he was pulled back by the person beside him.

"What are you doing? Didn't you see Xin Yao over there?"

"It's precisely because I saw her that I'm holding you back. I felt something was off just now. Don't you think your little childhood friend left too hastily?

And even though they took a taxi, they're here now. It's obvious they're waiting for someone.

Do you think they ditched us because someone else was coming, just to meet that person?"

"No! Xin Yao wouldn't do that!"

Wu Gao said this, but he was clearly lacking confidence. After all, the girl had previously kicked him back to the hotel because of Shen Qian. It seemed reasonable for such a thing to happen again.

"Whether she would or not, we'll know if we wait here. Anyway, we have nothing to do back at the dorm."

"This... maybe we should forget it. What's the point of us staying here? Besides, I trust Xin Yao."

"Why are you pretending to be so noble? The expression on your face clearly says you care to death. Just wait; waiting doesn't cost anything."

So, while the two girls waited with anticipation on one side, a boy watched with a dying heart on the other.

Until a familiar figure appeared.

"Shen Qian, my best friend happens to be here too, but don't worry, I'll pay for her share."

Shen Qian smiled.

"It's just the cost of one more person's meal. Saying that, aren't you slapping my face?

Hello, I'm Shen Qian, a friend of Xin Yao."

The girl was stunned for a moment before immediately shaking Shen Qian's hand. Shen Qian already looked handsome in videos, but seeing him in person, she didn't expect him to be even more charming.

Moreover, in terms of clothing style and temperament, he instantly made the two guys from before look like nothing.

"Hello, I'm Jiang Yun, the 'Yun' with the grass radical."

[You have successfully attracted a five-point girl. Behavior matches scumbag standards. Reward being issued...]

"You surnamed Shen! How do you still have the nerve to come looking for Xin Yao!"

The three were about to leave when suddenly, Wu Gao stood out and shouted a question.

"Wu Gao! You're here too. What a coincidence. Do you want to have a meal together?"

For Wu Gao's sudden appearance, Shen Qian didn't panic at all; after all, with Liu Xinyao on his side now, he held the absolute right to speak.

"You scumbag, how do you still have the nerve to come looking for Xin Yao?"

Shen Qian didn't speak, just looked at Liu Xinyao with a puzzled expression, as if asking,

"You told him?"

"Wu Gao, don't talk nonsense! What scumbag! Shen Qian and I are just friends, just meeting for a meal!"

"Xin Yao, it's already at this point, why are you still speaking up for him! I've looked into it; this guy actually confessed to all the girls in his class at the start of the semester. It's spread all over Shanghai University!"

"Wu Gao, shut up! Shut up!!!"

Shen Qian looked at this scene and suddenly felt a bit dazed, because this scene seemed to have happened a month ago.

But at that time, he was standing in Wu Gao's position, and his current position was held by Liu Jiwei. In just one month, the difference was like heaven and earth.

But Shen Qian wasn't an indecisive person. He wouldn't regret the path he chose, nor would he feel pity, even if he was facing his past self.

He just smiled faintly.

"You're right, I am indeed a scumbag. But Liu Xinyao and I are just friends. Is there any law that says a scumbag can't make friends?"

"Furthermore, what is your relationship with Liu Xinyao? If you're her Boyfriend, you have the duty and responsibility to keep me away from her. If you're just a friend, then you've crossed the line."