Thanks to Brother Lonely for activating the Emperor status

Zhao Yuqi was just about to leave when she noticed something that made her uncomfortable—Chen Yuan was casually offering the rice noodles she had brought him to someone else.

For a long time, she had been used to guys treating her like a goddess. A little attention from her would always spark joy and gratitude in them. Naturally, she thought Chen Yuan would react the same way.

After all, even though he was wealthy, in her eyes, he was no different from any other guy—surely, he too would fall under her spell.

But now, Chen Yuan wasn't giving her any special attention. To him, she was no different from Lin Shutong or Xu Lele. And Zhao Yuqi hated that feeling.

She turned and walked away quickly, her face betraying her frustration.

"Chen Yuan, I think Zhao Yuqi's mad. I mean, c'mon, she's the campus queen, and she brought you breakfast. And you gave it to someone else? I'd be upset too!" Zhou Haiquan shook his head with a sigh.

"Exactly! Even I, a clueless guy, get it. You're a bro, but you shouldn't mess up your chance for a lifetime of happiness!" Cao Jinyan patted Chen Yuan's shoulder, his tone full of exaggerated wisdom but with a hint of sleaziness.

"Hey boss, didn't you say you've had a crush on Zhao Yuqi for a while now? Are you really going to just let this jerk steal her from you?" Xiong Tao chimed in.

"Shut up! You know the saying: 'Brothers are like limbs, women like clothes.' Do I look like the kind of guy who'd choose a girl over his bros?"

"Come on, boss, you're only saying that because you know you can't win Zhao Yuqi over. We're all friends here, no need to act cool," Xiong Tao teased.

"Damn it! Can't you let me save face?"

…

After Zhao Yuqi left, Lin Shutong and Xu Lele also made their exit.

Today had been the first real face-off between the three girls. Initially, it seemed like Zhao Yuqi had the upper hand, but in the end, no one really came out on top. The issue was Chen Yuan's unclear stance—none of them could figure out who he actually liked.

Lin Shutong, after learning more about Chen Yuan's background last night, had firmly resolved to win him back. No matter how he treated her now, she vowed to make him hers again. If Chen Yuan could chase after her for three years, then she could just as easily pursue him for three years. She was determined to reclaim what she had lost, though she hadn't yet realized that her actions were starting to resemble those of a lovesick puppy.

As for Xu Lele, she was convinced Chen Yuan had feelings for her. After all, why else would he have casually lent her 5 million yuan? Rich men never lack female attention, and Chen Yuan was not only wealthy but also outstanding in many ways. It was perfectly normal for him to have women around him. Compared to desperate guys with no prospects, she'd rather fight for a man that every girl wanted.

The more popular a man was, the more valuable he was in her eyes. If even Zhao Yuqi liked Chen Yuan, then there was no way she was giving up. Only the weak give up easily. The strong press forward.

…

Later, in class, Chen Yuan spent a bit of time setting up the new iPhone Zhao Yuqi had bought for him.

As soon as he logged into WeChat, several messages popped up:

Lin Shutong: "Chen Yuan, how about a movie tonight? I already bought tickets for the 10 PM show. After the movie, we can grab some late-night snacks. I've been feeling down lately—come keep me company, okay?"

Lin's message was pretty suggestive, enough to make anyone's imagination run wild. A 10 PM movie wouldn't end until midnight, and grabbing snacks would mean staying out until at least 1 or 2 AM.

By then, the campus gates would be closed, and they'd have to find a place to stay for the night. A hotel, perhaps? And what's the point of booking two rooms? That's just a waste of money. One room would be perfect for "talking" about life and future plans, wouldn't it?

Chen Yuan replied: "Sorry, I have to study tonight. I'm preparing for my postgraduate exams next year."

Even Chen himself knew that was a terrible excuse, but he sent it anyway.

Lin Shutong: "Postgraduate exams? I knew you were a hard worker. If you're serious about it, I'll study with you!"

Chen Yuan: "I was just kidding. I'm actually not interested in going to the movies."

Lin Shutong: "That's fine! You don't want to go today, but how about tomorrow?"

Lin Shutong: "Or maybe over the weekend?"

Lin Shutong: "Why aren't you replying?"

Lin Shutong: "Come on, just say something!"

…

She kept sending messages, but Chen Yuan didn't respond. Finally, she began to understand the frustration he must have felt when he sent her dozens of messages in the past, and she wouldn't reply for hours. The tables had turned, and it was driving her crazy!

Zhao Yuqi: "My number one fan, don't forget to join my livestream tonight at 8 PM!"

Chen Yuan: "I'll be there!"

After replying to Zhao Yuqi, Chen opened Xu Lele's unread messages.

Xu Lele: "Chen Yuan, I'm cooking tonight at home to thank you for all your help. Would you come over for dinner?"

Xu Lele: "Oh, and I've prepared the loan agreement for the 5 million you lent me. Even though it was such a generous favor from you, I still feel better having it in writing."

Chen Yuan: "You're cooking? Well, I'd love to taste your cooking then!"

Xu Lele: "I promise it'll be worth your while!"

She replied instantly.

After closing the chat, Chen Yuan started downloading a few apps on his new phone—Shark Live, Douyin, Longya Live, Penguin Chat, Alipay, and other frequently used apps. Thanks to 5G, everything downloaded quickly.

Bored, he opened Shark Live, intending to watch some gaming streams. But somehow, he ended up in the "beauty" section and noticed Xiaomi'er was streaming. Out of curiosity, he clicked in.

This time, he wasn't just some low-level, unnoticed viewer. He was a level 120 VIP, though he hadn't activated the "Emperor" status, his presence was still significant.

[Whoa! The Smoke King is here! The man himself has arrived!]

[Welcome, Smoke King!]

[Welcome, Smoke King!]

[Hey, Smoke King, you're at level 120 now. How about activating Emperor status?]

[Emperor status is for show-offs. Smoke King doesn't need that. Do you even know who he is?]

"Lonely brother, you're here! I sent you a private message a few days ago, but you never replied. I even asked for your WeChat!" Xiaomi'er pouted.

"Wow! Big thanks to Lonely One Cigarette for activating Emperor status!"