C4 Young and Promising.

Earning $30,000 through hard work and smarts.

Achievement "Self-Sufficiency" unlocked

[Reward: No more worrying about going hungry! Increased resistance to hunger!]

Triggered Achievement: "Young Achiever"

Before turning 22, earn money through your own efforts, $30,005/$100,000

"...This achievement reward, why does it keep getting stranger? Just because it's called 'self-sufficiency' and involves food, it's suddenly about eating? That's just sad."

Hsiang Tai put the "Young Achiever" achievement on the back burner and wholeheartedly wished the couple before him a lifetime of happiness together. Then, turning to Su Qin, who was visibly drained and sipping milk tea alone behind them, he said, "That's enough for today."

"Are we done?"

Su Qin was beat. Though making money was thrilling, after spending over three hours on her feet with Hsiang Tai, her legs were tingling with numbness. Plus, her non-stop talking for the last two hours left her mouth parched. Just fifteen minutes ago, she had been sitting on the curb, spaced out and as lifeless as a salted fish.

Upon hearing Hsiang Tai's words, she sprang to her feet and asked, "So, can we go eat now?"

"Yeah."

Hsiang Tai did a quick tally—there were still a dozen or so flowers unsold, but it was late, and most people who were going to buy had already done so. The dinner rush was over, and their goal was met. He stretched leisurely, yearning for nothing more than a relaxing meal, a warm bath, and a soft bed to collapse into.

"Today we made just over two thousand yuan, and as we agreed, I'll give you half."

He pulled out his phone and transferred a thousand yuan to Su Qin. Energized by the notification, Su Qin bounced back to life and hopped in front of Hsiang Tai, boasting, "Hey, junior, your senior made big bucks today. Time to celebrate—I'm taking you out for crayfish."

Wasn't I supposed to treat you? How did it turn into you treating yourself?

Oh well, if it makes you happy.

"Hey, what about these unsold flowers?" she asked, noticing the remaining blooms in the basket on the front of the electric scooter, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"When we get back to school, if we spot any beautiful single girls, we'll hand them a flower and wish them a Merry Christmas Eve," Hsiang Tai said, unlocking the car. "With a bit of luck, I might even score a few WeChat contacts."

"Wow, I didn't realize you were such a player, junior. What are you, the Sea King?"

Su Qin was taken aback. Her view of Hsiang Tai was that he was a bundle of contradictions. Occasionally, he'd make random confessions, yet most of the time he seemed utterly disinterested in dating. She recognized that Hsiang Tai was quite a catch among his peers—with his own income, good looks, and smarts, he shouldn't be short on female company at university... But for some reason, he hadn't had a serious girlfriend yet.

Well, neither had Su Qin. But she chalked it up to her family's strictness preventing her from dating in the past.

"I was only kidding. I'm not actually heading back to school." Why go back when she could be at home? The dorm showers were always crowded, and the beds too small—just too much hassle. Hsiang Tai glanced at Su Qin and continued, "I'm planning to take these flowers home, rewrap them into a nice bouquet, and give them to someone who's had a tough day today."

"Are you referring to me as that someone?" Su Qin's eyes sparkled, pleasantly surprised to be receiving flowers, even if they were salvaged from a trash can. It was the thought that counted, and she was touched by the young man's gesture... But then a thought struck her, and she asked, "Why tell me, though? Wouldn't it be more of a surprise to wait until I get home?"

"Surprise you? I'm afraid I might flirt with you too much, Little Sister Su. You've been reading too many romance novels," Hsiang Tai replied, his understanding of friendship and love crystal clear. He knew his actions wouldn't be misconstrued, so he gestured towards the flowers and said, "If you'd like, you can just take them back yourself..."

Su Qin rolled her eyes, knowing all too well that Hsiang Tai wasn't the type to indulge in romantic gestures. Despite understanding how to win a girl's heart better than anyone, he simply chose not to. She couldn't help but wonder what was really going on in his mind.

He probably doesn't have any feelings for me.

She smacked her lips and said, "Then there's no need for all the fuss. I'll just take it home, toss it in the tub, and soak in a bath."

You're the epitome of a straight shooter, senior sister.

But that's what makes hanging out so stress-free. We don't have to worry about misunderstandings messing with our friendship. Hsiang Tai chuckled. If not for that, their bond might not be as strong as it is now. After all, if one person in a male-female duo starts getting ideas, it's tough to keep the friendship going.

They both agreed there was no need to dine out, especially since finding a spot with small lobsters was a challenge. They decided to head back, rest up with a bath, and then order some takeout. That way, they could enjoy crayfish while watching TV—much more relaxing.

Hsiang Tai had Su Qin take a seat in the back of the electric scooter before starting it up to head back. They hadn't gone far when Su Qin suddenly exclaimed:

"Stop, stop, let's pull over for a second."

Hsiang Tai hit the brakes and asked, "What's up?"

"I saw someone I know." Su Qin tugged at Hsiang Tai's sleeve, pointed in a direction, and said, "See her? The girl with the long black hair and legs?"

"Where?"

Following her gesture, Hsiang Tai spotted an eye-catching girl across the street with a man who looked quite mature. He seemed to be in a bit of a bind.

Ah, right in my wheelhouse. Hsiang Tai observed the girl with interest. Her fair skin, gentle appearance, and natural, unstyled long black hair appealed to his personal taste—he had a soft spot for this kind of girl.

"It looks like something's up. Hang on, I'll be right back."

Su Qin hopped off the scooter, checked for traffic, and once the coast was clear, dashed across the street. She waved and called out to the girl, "Hey~ what are you doing here?"

From a distance, Hsiang Tai couldn't make out their conversation. He could only watch as the girl lit up with joy upon seeing Su Qin, then turned to say a few words to the man. The man's expression tensed briefly but he soon nodded in agreement. Su Qin then grabbed his arm, and they both hurried back across the street towards Hsiang Tai.

Jeez, jaywalking is illegal. Hsiang Tai mentally grumbled, unsure of what Su Qin was up to, but he maintained his politeness and greeted the approaching girl with a "Hello."

Up close, she struck him as a very common girl.

"You... Eh, it's you?"

The girl's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Hsiang Tai's face. Yet, Hsiang Tai inquired with a hint of confusion, "Do we know each other?"

After a brief silence, as if pondering, she shook her head and offered an apologetic tone, "Sorry, I must have mistaken you for someone else. It's quite dark."

"Ah, no worries. Hello." His voice seemed familiar, but where had she heard it before? Could they have met previously? Hsiang Tai extended another greeting. Su Qin chimed in, "Junior, this is my old friend and 'little sister,' Hee Zi, the one I've told you about."

The one she mentioned? Oh, right, the one looking for a place to rent.

"Hee Zi, meet my landlord and junior, Hsiang Tai."

"Hsiang Tai?" Hee Zi was the girl Hsiang Tai had confessed to earlier that morning. But with her sunglasses and mask on at the time, he hadn't gotten a good look at her face. To sidestep the embarrassment of being unrecognized, she decided to act as if she didn't know him either.

But...

Wasn't his name Shen Tong? Why suddenly Hsiang Tai? What was I thinking, assuming he was a good guy? Clearly, he's a habitual liar and a bad apple.

Meanwhile, Hsiang Tai was lost in thought, sensing something familiar about the girl.

Hold on, Hee Zi? That name rings a bell.

"Eh, Hsiang Tai, you don't recognize her?" Su Qin hinted, "She's a big-time celebrity."

"What big-time celebrity..."

Hee Zi quickly interjected, hoping he wouldn't make the connection.

"Your name and face seem so familiar."

He apologized, then offered her a flower, adding, "Sorry for not recognizing you. Please accept this as my apology."

Su Qin swiftly snatched the flower and tossed it back into the bike basket, shooting Hsiang Tai a look that seemed to say, "This is mine now, so back off." Hee Zi, witnessing the exchange, paused in shock, her disbelief evident as she asked, "Are you two...?"

Could it be that her friend had only invited him out after he confessed today?

That seemed a bit too... nonchalant.

Or was it possible that Shen Tong—no, Hsiang Tai—was playing the field?

"Ha, you've got it all wrong. We're not an item," Su Qin quickly clarified with a dismissive wave of her hand, opting not to elaborate further. She turned to Hsiang Tai and said, "Don't you remember that super popular girl group from a few years back? The XYZ-GIRLS. They were legitimate idols, get it? Now, let's drop this conversation and find a place to go."

XYZ-GIRLS? Idols? Still doesn't ring a bell...