Chapter 122: 800 Yuan and 80 Yuan

Although all universities in Jiangling University City were on high alert for the respiratory disease, students' lives didn't change much. They still pulled all-nighters, attended parties, and the only difference was washing hands more often before meals.

A new BBQ restaurant had opened in Yiwu Goods Market, and Xiao Rongyu invited Chen Han Sheng to go.

"It feels too quiet with just the two of us. Let's call a few more people," said Chen Han Sheng on the phone.

It wasn't about the atmosphere; he just didn't want to go out alone with Xiao Rongyu. If any classmates from the Finance College saw them, he'd have to explain himself. 

Xiao Rongyu agreed. "But I couldn't reach Wanqiu or Xiaomeng in time. How about tonight instead?"

"Not necessary. Don't you have a senior at Dongda, Gu Xuejie?" Chen Han Sheng suggested.

"She's out with her boyfriend today."

"No problem, just bring her boyfriend along," he said. 

After some consideration, they ended up going to the Korean BBQ restaurant with four people.

"This is Gu Xuejie's boyfriend, Du Mingwei, and this is Chen Han Sheng from the Finance College," Xiao Rongyu introduced.

She paused, adding, "My high school classmate."

When she said this, there was a bit of frustration in her tone. It had been over a semester, and Chen Han Sheng still hadn't confessed, despite having kissed and held hands before, with their families even knowing about them.

Little did she know, this was exactly what Chen Han Sheng wanted — to maintain the status quo without disrupting it.

Chen Han Sheng politely greeted Du Mingwei, who nodded back. The two girls were the main characters of the dinner, chatting away over the sizzling BBQ sounds, while Du Mingwei occasionally spoke, adjusting his foggy glasses and curiously eyeing Chen Han Sheng.

Chen Han Sheng mostly helped cook the meat and shrimp unless Xiao Rongyu specifically addressed him.

In the middle of the meal, his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the unfamiliar number but didn't answer. 

The phone rang again shortly after, prompting Xiao Rongyu to remind him, "Someone's calling you."

Chen Han Sheng answered the phone, "Hello, who is this?"

"It's me, Xiao Chen," came Wang Zibo's voice.

"You're calling me from an unfamiliar landline. What's going on?" Chen Han Sheng asked.

Wang Zibo replied, "Are you with anyone?"

Chen Han Sheng looked around and replied, "Xiao Yu is here. We're eating."

"Then come outside for a moment. I need to talk to you," Wang Zibo said.

Xiao Rongyu, hearing a man's voice on the phone, lost interest and continued chatting with Gu Xuejie.

Chen Han Sheng was puzzled. He needed to keep this from Xiao Rongyu. 

"It's Wang Zibo calling, it's too noisy here, I'm going out to take it," he said, coming up with an excuse.

Xiao Rongyu nodded.

Once outside the BBQ restaurant, Chen Han Sheng took a deep breath of fresh air, lit a cigarette, and said, "I'm alone now. What's so urgent?"

Wang Zibo lowered his voice. "Are you free to come to a Western restaurant near Xinshikou? Huang Hui is here too."

Chen Han Sheng was taken aback. "You're having dinner with Huang Hui?"

"Not exactly," Wang Zibo responded. "Huang Hui has started working in Jianye. She was having dinner with some friends today and called me after."

Chen Han Sheng quietly listened, sensing something wasn't right.

"During dinner, Huang Hui jokingly asked if I could treat. I agreed," Wang Zibo explained.

Suddenly, the phone went quiet, and Wang Zibo repeatedly asked, "Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen, are you still there?"

After a pause, Chen Han Sheng responded, "No wonder you didn't want Xiao Rongyu to know. You know this is a bad idea, right? If you're paying, then pay. Why call me?"

"It's not like that," Wang Zibo quickly replied. "I promised to treat her on QQ, and we just happened to meet today."

Chen Han Sheng snorted. "Then treat her, why call me?"

As he was about to hang up, Wang Zibo hurriedly interrupted, "I don't have enough cash on me. The meal is a bit expensive, and it's awkward to tell anyone."

Chen Han Sheng asked, "How much did the meal cost?"

"Three people, about 800."

"Did you drink?" Chen Han Sheng immediately guessed.

"A bit of red wine," Wang Zibo stammered.

Chen Han Sheng fell silent. Wang Zibo, in a pleading tone, said, "I went to the restroom to call you. I can't be long. Please come quickly."

If it weren't for Wang Zibo being his childhood friend, Chen Han Sheng wouldn't have cared. There were so many "simping dogs" in the world; adding one more didn't make a difference.

But since they'd met on a train to Sichuan and Chongqing, Chen Han Sheng felt a sense of responsibility. 

He decided to tell Xiao Rongyu that Wang Zibo wasn't feeling well, and he needed to check on him.

Xiao Rongyu, concerned, said, "I'll go with you."

"No need," Chen Han Sheng waved his hand. "You guys continue eating. We'll contact each other later."

While they were talking outside, Du Mingwei and Gu Xuejie continued chatting inside.

"So, this is Xiao Rongyu's boyfriend? He looks pretty average," Du Mingwei remarked.

"He's not as handsome as He Yican. Xiao Rongyu doesn't even pay attention to him," Du Mingwei said, confused.

Gu Xuejie replied, "They're not really a couple yet. Chen Han Sheng hasn't confessed since college started. Xiao Rongyu is both angry and anxious, and still hasn't figured out how to handle it."

"Ah, I see." Du Mingwei shook his head, unable to understand.

Soon, Xiao Rongyu returned, explaining the situation. After finishing the BBQ, she was about to leave with Gu Xuejie.

"The bill hasn't been settled yet," Du Mingwei said, puzzled.

A waiter approached and said, "Your table has already paid."

Gu Xuejie playfully tapped Xiao Rongyu. "You're sneaky about paying and didn't say anything."

"It wasn't me who paid," Xiao Rongyu shook her head.

"Then why were you so casual about leaving?" Gu Xuejie said. "Aren't you worried they'll think you're freeloading?"

"Because Chen Han Sheng will take care of it," Xiao Rongyu said proudly.

Gu Xuejie exchanged a meaningful glance with Du Mingwei. It seemed clear now why Xiao Rongyu had fallen for Chen Han Sheng.

Meanwhile, Chen Han Sheng arrived at the Western restaurant near Xinshikou, still angry, but when he saw Wang Zibo's eyes, he changed his mind.

Those eyes contained so many emotions: pride, regret over the expensive meal, and a deep yearning.

"This is my childhood friend, Chen Han Sheng," Wang Zibo said happily as he stood up to introduce.

Huang Hui, however, seemed uncomfortable around Chen Han Sheng. After a quick greeting, she hurriedly finished her meal and left.

The 800 yuan meal, complete with candlelight and red wine, still had plenty left. Wang Zibo, reluctant to waste it, pushed the leftovers towards Chen Han Sheng, trying to force a smile. "Come on, Xiao Chen, eat some. It's 800 yuan."

Chen Han Sheng sighed inwardly. 800 yuan for a meal? They had just eaten a BBQ for only 80 yuan.

This is what simping looked like.