149: Ripples caused by the photo

After the meal, Liu Nansheng leaned against one side of the sofa, drawing her legs up and resting her laptop on her knees.

Her slender fingers tapped lightly on the keyboard, the screen displaying the part-time work she was handling.

She was accustomed to doing part-time work every day; whether or not she made money was irrelevant. It was a habit she had developed over the years—she couldn't stand being idle.

Chen Li, sitting opposite her, was focused on his phone, where messages in the class chat group kept popping up, creating a lively atmosphere.

The atmosphere today was exceptionally active; led by the class cadres, almost every student in the class had popped into the group chat.

"Everyone please pay 200 yuan first. We will refund any excess or collect any shortage. Please transfer the money to the class monitor before 12:00 PM..."

"Understood, Leader. I'm bringing my girlfriend, so I need to pay 400, right?"

"Correct. Those bringing boyfriends or girlfriends should calculate based on the actual number of people..."

"Please suggest any BBQ ingredients you'd like to eat, and we will try our best to accommodate. Students who are free now can come help with the purchasing..."

"Count me in."

"I'll come help too."

...Looking at these familiar names and profile pictures, Chen Li unconsciously smiled.

Three years of studying together had left behind mostly warm and wonderful memories.

This was normal for every class; small, compatible cliques would form, and inevitably, some vague grudges would accumulate.

The conflict between him and Chen Shimei started when he was pursuing Zhong Lili; Chen Shimei, relying on his family's wealth, won Zhong Lili's favor.

This history of rivalry and jealousy created a deep feud between Chen Li and Chen Shimei. From then on, the two were like fire and water in class, unable to stand the sight of the other.

As his best brothers, Zhong Hao and Liu Zhao naturally stood by him without hesitation.

However, Chen Shimei certainly had more influence in the class—his wealthy background allowed him to frequently treat people to meals and karaoke, naturally gathering a group of followers around him.

In comparison, Chen Li's side was much more low-key.

Ding-dong—

Just as Chen Li was recalling the past, the crisp sound of the doorbell echoed through the living room, causing both of them to look up simultaneously.

"It must be He Min and the others."

Liu Nansheng closed her laptop, stood up, tidied her clothes, and quickly walked toward the door.

Chen Li looked over and saw Liu Nansheng warmly leading four girls inside.

Besides He Min, whom he often saw, the other two were good friends from their class, and Chen Li found them familiar.

But the most eye-catching was the unfamiliar girl standing next to He Min—she looked slightly younger, and her skin was fair and delicate like fine porcelain.

Her features were exquisite, as if meticulously sculpted, and her entire demeanor exuded a playful yet fresh aura.

Chen Li unconsciously took another look, instinctively activating the system scan:

[Yu Lulu]

[Affection Level: 0]

[Figure: 69]

[Appearance: 90]

[number of times kun: 0]

[number of kunners: 0]

She was indeed a girl with outstanding looks. Although her Figure was tall and well-proportioned, her bust was slightly underdeveloped, which must be why the system gave her a score of 69.

However, considering her young age, she probably hadn't fully matured yet.

After He Min's introduction, he learned that this was her cousin, Yu Lulu, from her hometown of Tianfu.

She had just been admitted to Qiongzhou University this year and came early to familiarize herself with the environment, temporarily staying at He Min's house.

Hearing that her older sisters were having a get-together this time, she followed along to join the fun.

"Wow, this Villa is too beautiful!" As soon as they entered, the girls couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Led by Liu Nansheng, they eagerly toured the entire Villa, frequently voicing their admiration.

"Nansheng, I haven't seen you in a few years, you've changed so much." A girl said, hooking her arm through Liu Nansheng's.

Another girl looked curiously at Chen Li: "Isn't Chen Li from the class next door? I used to see him in the hallway often."

"Living in such a large Villa, Nansheng, you are so lucky."

...Liu Nansheng smiled and responded to everyone, her demeanor graceful and poised.

Yu Lulu also looked around enviously. The characteristic cheerfulness of a Tianfu girl allowed her to quickly integrate into the small group.

Surprisingly, she and Liu Nansheng hit it off particularly well. Not only did they look somewhat alike, but they also had endless topics to discuss when chatting.

Having been introduced by He Min on the way over, everyone already knew that Chen Li and Liu Nansheng were a couple.

Yu Lulu sincerely said, "Sister Nansheng, your boyfriend is so good to you. Buying such a huge Villa for you is truly enviable."

Liu Nansheng smiled gently, "Once you go to college, you'll also meet someone who cherishes and loves you. Maybe he'll buy you a big Villa too."

"It's not that easy."

Yu Lulu sighed softly, a trace of melancholy showing in her eyes.

She recalled the suitors she had in High School; they were either too ostentatious or too timid.

Once, a senior student who was a fourth dan in Taekwondo pursued her, and initially, she thought he seemed reliable.

Later, however, she realized that while he acted imposing in front of others, he always backed down when faced with real conflict, which greatly disappointed her.

Her ideal partner needed not only outstanding strength but also a sense of responsibility, someone who could give her a complete sense of security at all times—both financially and emotionally.

After touring the Villa, the girls sat down on the living room sofa and continued their lively conversation.

Chen Li was leisurely drinking tea and browsing the messages in the class group.

The group chat was extremely lively, with students discussing the evening's gathering.

When a familiar name appeared, he immediately frowned and decisively muted the group messages—it was Zhong Lili.

She had sent several photos of herself and another female classmate purchasing ingredients at the Supermarket.

She should have just taken pictures of the ingredients, but this woman deliberately squeezed herself into the frame.

In the photo, she was wearing a black camisole with a very low neckline. Her impressive bustline was practically straining against the fabric, and the deep cleavage was highly provocative.

To be fair, Zhong Lili definitely had some charm, and her Figure was particularly hot.

But in Chen Li's eyes, this deliberate flaunting only made him feel sick; even an extra glance made him uncomfortable.

He deleted the photos in disgust, as if he had touched something filthy.

However, the group chat had already erupted over the photo.

Many male classmates quickly liked the photo, praising Zhong Lili as a goddess and saying she was getting more beautiful... Many people had already heard the news of her breakup with Chen Shimei—this was, of course, a rumor she deliberately spread.

She wanted Chen Li to know that she was single again.

She wanted Chen Li to clearly understand—she was single again, and his chance had arrived.

In her opinion, what man in the world wouldn't sneak around? As long as his girlfriend wasn't by his side tonight,

With her carefully taken photo, featuring her alluring curves and subtle charm, how could he not be tempted?

Watching the uproar her photo caused in the group chat, with boys scrambling to flatter and praise her,

A smug curve lifted the corner of Zhong Lili's mouth, and her eyes were filled with the pride of someone in control of the situation.

She gently slid the screen, her gaze seemingly piercing through the phone to land on that specific profile picture.

"Chen Li... you must have seen it by now, right?"