Chapter 176: Ren Hui’s Purpose

Chapter 176: Ren Hui's Purpose

"Wow! That dorm is a treasure trove!"

Hearing Ren Hui's words, the men in the box exchanged crude grins without restraint. Qin Sitong slammed her hand on the table, the sharp thud cutting through the smoky atmosphere.

"Ren Hui, if this is your idea of an invitation, I don't think we need to stay for this meal."

The way these men looked at them made their intentions clear. Qin Sitong couldn't bear to let Yun Zijin endure such an insulting situation.

"Tongtong, everyone's just complimenting you and Zijin—why are you so uptight? What's wrong? Could it be that you… misunderstood something?"

Ren Hui's half-spoken suggestion dangled in the air, leaving the men to fill in the blanks with their own assumptions.

"Misunderstanding or not, you know the answer better than anyone. I can't stomach this meal. Enjoy it yourselves!"

Qin Sitong rose from her seat, her face set with disgust.

The man sitting closest to her quickly stood up and blocked her path.

"Come on, beautiful, no need to be angry. If we crossed a line, you just need to tell us. We're very reasonable, you know?"

His eyes roved over Qin Sitong, making no effort to disguise his leering gaze.

"Get out of the way!"

Qin Sitong was beyond repulsed and had no intention of lingering any longer.

When her earlier call to Ren Hui hadn't connected, she'd assumed that Ren Hui and Li Cui were in trouble. She'd even considered asking Yun Zijin's bodyguards to step in if needed. But now it was painfully obvious—Ren Hui and Li Cui weren't the ones in danger. It was her and Zijin who were being lured into a trap.

"Spirited, aren't you? I like that in a woman."

The man stepped closer, his filthy hand reaching for her waist. Before he could make contact, the door of the box flew open with a thunderous crash, the sound reverberating as if the whole wall had been struck.

Everyone in the room turned to the doorway. Seizing the distraction, Qin Sitong darted toward the exit.

She wasn't surprised to see Lingyi standing there, his leg still in the air from the forceful kick that had shattered the lock.

What timing! Qin Sitong's heart practically skipped a beat.

"Brother Lingyi! Help! This man tried to touch me!"

The words tumbled out so naturally. Though Lingyi didn't acknowledge her directly, he stepped forward, placing himself protectively between her and the man.

He didn't speak to her, but his actions conveyed a clear message: as Yun Zijin's bodyguard, it was his job to ensure that her friends stayed safe.

"Are you okay?"

Yun Zijin had been waiting outside, keeping a close eye on the situation. When Qin Sitong gestured that she needed help, Yun Zijin had immediately sent Lingyi in to break things up.

Qin Sitong shook her head at Yun Zijin, indicating she was fine. Lingyi had arrived just in time.

"Yun Zijin! What's the meaning of this?"

Ren Hui's expression twisted with hostility as soon as she saw Yun Zijin standing in the doorway.

What she despised most were people like Yun Zijin—quiet and unassuming on the surface, yet always managing to effortlessly achieve what others struggled for. No matter how hard Ren Hui worked, she always felt overshadowed by Yun Zijin.

"Your boyfriend's friend just tried to assault Tongtong, and you have the audacity to ask me what's going on? Ren Hui, shouldn't I be the one questioning you?"

Yun Zijin wasn't one to let such actions slide. If Ren Hui had the nerve to set this up, she'd better be ready to face the consequences.

"I don't know what you're talking about. My boyfriend graciously invited you to dinner, but you show up and cause a scene. Aren't you the one who should explain yourself?"

Ren Hui's tone was laced with indignation, but her words rang hollow.

"Inviting people to dinner or setting a trap—what are you really doing? Let me guess, how many women have been duped into situations like this before? Oh, and I'm sure the victims go beyond our dorm. I wonder how many more would come to light if I looked into it."

Yun Zijin's smile didn't reach her eyes, and her calm tone sent a chill down Ren Hui's spine.

Ren Hui knew that Yun Zijin had the resources to dig up the truth. She just didn't know how far Yun Zijin would go.

"Yun Zijin, stop slandering me! I just wanted to have a nice meal with my roommates, and now you're twisting everything! You'll ruin my reputation!"

"Huihui is right, Sister Zijin—"

"Who's your sister? Don't think you can get close to me."

Yun Zijin shuddered at Sun Zi's feigned familiarity. The way he addressed her made her skin crawl.

"Okay, okay, classmate Zijin. Huihui's right. I just wanted to treat you all to a meal. Maybe I didn't explain it well enough. I'm sorry—really, I am.

But since we're all here, why don't we make peace? I'll drink first to show my sincerity, and then you can decide whether you want to join in."

Sun Zi raised his glass, trying to appear conciliatory, but Yun Zijin saw right through him.

She'd witnessed their behavior toward Qin Sitong, and their intentions were as clear as day. No amount of fake apologies would change her mind.

"No need. We can't afford this meal. If you want to earn your keep, you'll have to figure it out on your own."

Yun Zijin pulled Qin Sitong toward the door, ready to leave. She glanced at Li Cui, who had remained silent in the corner the entire time.

Li Cui's head remained bowed, but when she saw Yun Zijin about to walk away with Qin Sitong, she suddenly looked up. Her eyes pleaded silently for help.

"Do you want to come with us?"

Despite their rocky relationship, Yun Zijin extended the offer. She couldn't in good conscience leave Li Cui in this dangerous situation.

"I…"

"Li Cui!"

Before Li Cui could answer, Ren Hui cut her off. Li Cui hesitated, the words dying on her lips.

"If you want to leave, you can come with me."

Yun Zijin gave her another chance, but Li Cui lowered her head again, too afraid to make a decision.

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