C6 Dragonprawn Killer(2)

Hee Zi offered her own explanation, while Su Qin beside her nodded vigorously in agreement. Just as Hsiang Tai was about to say "No problem," Hee Zi interjected:

"Qin, let's hold off on the house rental discussion." Hee Zi couldn't very well mention the complications between her and Hsiang Tai. If he were to recognize her, it could lead to an unfortunate misunderstanding. So, she proactively added, "I'm still undecided, and I'm not sure how long I'll be staying at school..."

"How long?" Su Qin paused, then chuckled and gave Hee Zi's thigh a reassuring pat, "Don't worry, I've got your back at school. What could possibly go wrong? I'm the vice president of the student council, after all. I can handle anything. Plus, we've got Hsiang Tai."

"Hsiang Tai?" Hee Zi looked over at Hsiang Tai, puzzled as to why Su Qin brought him up at that moment.

Hsiang Tai coughed awkwardly, sensing trouble brewing. He quickly bowed his head and focused on his lobster, avoiding the conversation.

"He's incredibly formidable," Su Qin whispered with a hint of intrigue. "He's one of the untouchables here at school."

Hee Zi looked confused. Did this guy have some powerful connections she wasn't aware of?

"Him? Oh, he's the president of the legendary Muscular Club on campus!"

"Muscular Club?"

"Yes, the Body Reform Club—a society of muscle-bound men obsessed with fitness, constantly showing off their pecs and lats. It's quite an intense group."

"Senior sister, could you not cast us in such a bad light? We're just health enthusiasts who love life, not nearly as frightening as you make us out to be."

Hsiang Tai quickly corrected her. Flaunting chest and back muscles all day? He was merely documenting his workout progress, not acting like a group of weirdos.

"Who goes streaking on the track field at the crack of dawn? If that's not terrifying, I don't know what is!"

"We're not streaking. We wear shorts, okay? It's just that some guys skip the tank tops. I've already scolded them for that."

We can't let our club's reputation take another hit. Hsiang Tai slammed his hand on the table, declaring, "Words have consequences! Anyone who slanders our club will answer to us..."

"Here he comes!" Su Qin exclaimed, tugging at Hee Zi and gesturing towards Hsiang Tai, "Look at that intimidating presence. Most students wouldn't dare cross him."

"Isn't that a bit much, Qin?" Hee Zi couldn't help but feel the description was overblown. Hsiang Tai didn't look like a muscle-bound brute; he actually seemed quite cheerful and well-mannered.

"That's because he's clothed right now," Su Qin retorted with a huff. "Just have him lift his shirt and you'll see. This guy's got a body fat percentage of only 8%, a six-pack, and the V-cut to match. I posted a sneak peek of his abs on TikTok this summer and it racked up ten thousand likes, you know? The comments were nothing but drool emojis."

"Alright, alright, I've put on a bit of winter weight," Hsiang Tai interjected hastily, gesturing for them to drop the subject. What's wrong with being into sports? Why make such a big deal out of it?

"Besides, since she's already said she's not interested right now, Little Sister Su, you don't need to play matchmaker," Hsiang Tai added. If she wasn't interested, there was no point in pushing it. "Come on, eat your shrimp before I finish them off."

"You peel them for me."

"No way."

"Hee, since you're not eating, help me peel. I refuse to believe we can't out-peel him together."

"Fine..."

Just as Hee Zi was about to consent, her phone rang. It was her mother. She excused herself with an apology, stepped aside to take the call, and returned shortly after with a regretful expression. "Qin, let's catch up another time. My mom called and needs me to head back right away."

"Your folks aren't around here, are they? Did your parents come to visit?" Su Qin asked, puzzled.

"Oh, the hotel. They're at the hotel now and they've asked me to come back."

Hee Zi's face fell into a momentary gloom, but she quickly mustered a flawless smile and said, "I'll head back now. We'll probably run into each other a lot at school later on."

"Okay, I'll walk you out. And Hsiang Tai, no sneaking off to eat alone, alright?"

"Understood."

Hee Zi grabbed her bag and was about to don her mask before stepping out, but after a glance at Hsiang Tai, she opted to wait a bit longer to avoid being recognized.

Once they had gone, Hsiang Tai gave the door a puzzled look. He had noticed Hee Zi stealing glances at him now and then. Clearly, it wasn't out of interest, but rather a sense of fear and caution.

Have we met before?

No, that can't be. I'd definitely remember someone like her.

I should stop thinking about it.

Hsiang Tai eyed the leftover crayfish, picked one up, peeled it, and tossed it into the soup instead of eating it. He quickly finished peeling the rest and neatly arranged them, then grabbed his half-drunk Coke and headed back to his place across the hall.

Soon after, the doorbell chimed.

"Here, this is for you."

Su Qin, having returned with a bag, saw the empty room and knocked on Hsiang Tai's door. When he opened it, she tossed an apple to him, saying, "Merry Christmas Eve."

"Thanks, get some rest."

Su Qin went back to her own room, headed for the dining table to resume her crayfish feast, only to find none left. She was about to confront Hsiang Tai when she noticed something and let out a surprised yelp.

"Oh, you say no, but your actions tell a different story." Su Qin dashed to the bathroom, turned on the tap, and began filling the tub. She then scattered the extra rose petals from today into the water. Once done, she placed a bowl full of crayfish meat and a glass of milk by the tub, clapped her hands contentedly, and mused,

"Soaking in a rose petal bath, eating crayfish, and sipping milk—that's the epitome of a cozy winter."

With a sigh, she stripped down and plunged into the bath. After submerging her face for a moment, she surfaced and said with a tinge of worry,

"What a predicament... If only I were a guy, I'd marry my best friend in a heartbeat and rescue her from all this trouble."

The memory of the conversation she had with them earlier gave Su Qin a pounding headache.

"Forget it, I've got my own pile of problems to deal with. When will the old man back home ever come around? Sigh..."

"Su Qin, are you in the shower?"

Upon hearing the voice from outside, Su Qin realized her roommate was back. She called out from the bathroom, "Just got in. Hang on a sec. If you need the restroom, use the one in my room, okay?"

"No worries, I was just checking. I tidied up the stuff on your desk, is that alright?"

"Thanks a bunch!"