Chapter 21: Meeting the Roommate’s Girlfriend

"Seriously? Zhang Yi, my happiness for the rest of college is in your hands!" Zhang Ben said with a playful grin, clearly curious about what kind of girlfriend this skinny Zhang Yi had managed to land.

Zhang Yi quickly typed out a few messages on his phone. Chen Yuchen casually asked, "Is your girlfriend also studying at the neighboring school?"

"Yeah, she's at the Polytechnic Institute. We can get there through the back gate—it's super close," Zhang Yi replied.

"Let's head over there then. No need to make her come all this way," Chen Yuchen suggested.

"You're thoughtful, aren't you?" Zhang Yi chuckled, his face showing a hint of pride.

In his past life, Chen Yuchen had also studied at the Polytechnic Institute, so he knew this area like the back of his hand. Though fate had led him to a lesser-known school this time around, his familiarity with the place made it feel like home. The layout of the institute, the cafeteria, and the dorms—he knew them all by heart.

The trio set off from campus, with Chen Yuchen leading them along a shortcut he knew well. As they navigated the hidden path, Zhang Ben couldn't help but marvel, "Chen, are you a local? How do you know all these back roads?"

Chen Yuchen smiled. "Nope, just been here a few times, that's all."

Zhang Yi chuckled, "This path is a real find. Looks like we'll be using this shortcut often."

"Which dorm is your girlfriend in?" Chen Yuchen asked.

"She said she's in Dorm Three. Let's head there," Zhang Yi replied.

"Let's meet at the third cafeteria. It's close to her dorm," Chen Yuchen suggested.

When they arrived at the Polytechnic Institute's third cafeteria, they spotted a tall girl standing at the entrance, engrossed in her phone. Zhang Ben's eyes widened, and he whispered to Zhang Yi, "Bro, is that your girlfriend? She's gorgeous—definitely a solid nine out of ten!"

Chen Yuchen glanced in the same direction and saw a girl wearing a white T-shirt and denim shorts. She had long hair cascading over her shoulders and long, slender legs that exuded youthful energy. Her clean-cut and vibrant appearance caught the attention of passersby.

Zhang Yi grinned and called out, "Ziqi!"

The girl looked up with a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "What took you so long?"

Zhang Yi quickly flashed an apologetic smile. "Sorry, we got held up on the way. Good thing Chen Yuchen knew the way, or we'd still be lost. Let me introduce you—these are my roommates, Chen Yuchen and Zhang Ben."

Zhang Ben, who was usually boisterous, suddenly felt awkward and struggled to find the right words. After a moment of hesitation, he stammered, "H-Hello, Ziqi!"

Zhang Ziqi frowned slightly, her displeasure obvious. "What did you just call me?"

Zhang Yi scratched his head awkwardly and laughed, "Don't mind him, just messing around. It's just a matter of time."

"Hmph, I haven't agreed to anything yet. Don't get ahead of yourself," Zhang Ziqi said with a roll of her eyes.

Zhang Ben blinked in surprise. "Wait, Zhang Yi, you haven't even locked this down yet?"

"Still in the trial phase, but I'm getting there," Zhang Yi replied sheepishly, scratching his head.

Zhang Ziqi shot him a glance and muttered, "I'm thirsty."

"Got it, I'll grab drinks. Chen, Zhang, let's head inside and grab a seat," Zhang Yi said quickly, guiding the group into the cafeteria and finding a spot by the window.

After they settled in, Zhang Yi eagerly volunteered to go get drinks. Chen Yuchen followed him to help.

As soon as they left, Zhang Ben let out a sigh, "Man, Ziqi is seriously gorgeous. Zhang Yi really lucked out."

In the drink line, Zhang Yi sighed, "Honestly, I haven't completely won her over yet. I've been trying for months."

"You can tell she's got high standards," Chen Yuchen observed with a slight smile.

"Yeah, what can I do? Pretty girls always come with some attitude. But I'm patient. Plus, I really like her. It's not like I have much to offer, so I have to work harder," Zhang Yi said with a resigned shrug.

"You've got a good shot. Keep at it," Chen Yuchen said, patting him on the shoulder.

The two returned to the table with drinks in hand. Zhang Yi handed a bottle to Zhang Ziqi, who accepted it without looking up from her phone. Zhang Yi sat back down, grinning at the group. "So, should we play some cards?"

"Of course!" Zhang Ben replied eagerly.

Zhang Ziqi glanced up from her phone, raising an eyebrow. "You're playing cards?"

"Yeah, just to pass the time. Want to join?" Zhang Yi asked with a grin.

Zhang Ziqi wrinkled her nose. "I'm not good at that."

"No worries, you can watch, or I can teach you," Zhang Yi said, trying to reassure her.

Zhang Ziqi nodded, but her lack of enthusiasm was clear. Still, she didn't oppose the idea, and the group began preparing for their casual game.