C11 Let's Go out and Chat

Feng Manlou inhaled deeply as he watched a group of about a dozen boys approaching him.

Lobster was universally acknowledged as a luxury, and a fierce showdown seemed inevitable.

By chance, the three boys who had now gathered around him were the same ones he had encountered previously.

The trio exchanged glances, not so much in confrontation as in mutual recognition of each other's spirit.

"Let's have a man-to-man showdown!" the burly boy suddenly declared, "We'll use this cheese-baked lobster to determine the victor."

"Good, that's exactly what I had in mind!" the tall boy agreed, "Let's find out who truly is the buffet king!"

"Agreed. Regardless of the outcome, let's not hold any grudges," the muscular boy proclaimed with gusto.

Feng Manlou and the other onlookers could only shake their heads in disbelief.

These three must be the legendary sufferers of 'chuunibyou,' finding passion in the most unlikely of places.

As the waitress approached with the lobster, Feng Manlou was about to showcase his high horse stance once more when someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder.

He turned to see a tall, handsome young man dressed as impeccably as Guo Rundong from the milk tea shop.

"May I have a word with you?" the young man asked with a smile.

"I'm busy," Feng Manlou replied, cutting him off sharply.

Members of the Student Union recognized the dashing newcomer and rose to greet him enthusiastically:

"Hello, President!"

"President, you're here for the buffet too? What a coincidence!"

"President, would you like to join us? We haven't started eating yet!"

A few well-informed girls began to whisper among themselves.

"Is that the student union president, Zhao Huaiyuan, rumored to be the most formidable student in the history of the East Sea Institute?"

"Is that really Zhao Huaiyuan? I've heard his mother is a high-ranking official and his father's company, Zhao's Group, is among the top ten in East Sea City. He's incredibly well-connected!"

"And that's not all. They say he's extremely talented in his own right. He was a well-known online novelist in high school, earning hundreds of thousands annually. Last year, he even donated half a million to the school for a new library!"

Zhao Huaiyuan's expression remained unchanged amidst the surrounding discussions. With a smile, he greeted the student union members before turning his attention back to Feng Manlou. "Do you have a moment to chat now?"

The crowd, which had been tightly packed, dispersed at the sight of Zhao Huaiyuan's presence, including the three boys who had been eager to challenge Feng Manlou.

In the face of a student union president with a formidable background and influence, few would dare to disregard him. Such characters were the stuff of fiction; in reality, they were exceedingly rare.

Feng Manlou glanced at Zhao Huaiyuan, then shifted his gaze to Ye Qingling, who was frowning slightly as she approached.

"Are you the president of the student union?"

"Yes, I am Zhao Huaiyuan, president of the Student Union. And your name is?"

"Feng Manlou."

"The storm brews at the tower of wind, Feng Manlou..." Zhao Huaiyuan said with an amused smile, "That's quite an intriguing name."

"Now that we've exchanged names, shall we step outside for a chat?" Zhao Huaiyuan suggested, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper, "It would be better for you."

"Don't you think you're overstepping? He doesn't know you. Why should he go out with you? Just because you're part of the student..."

Ye Qingling was fuming, ready to confront him over his threatening tone, but before she could finish, Feng Manlou cut her off.

"Sure, I'll go out with you," Feng Manlou said, turning to Ye Qingling, "Could you hold my place in line? I'm set on getting that Roasted Dragon Shrimp!"

"You're really going out with him?"

Ye Qingling looked incredulously at the slender young man beside her, struggling to make sense of his actions.

Feng Manlou was undoubtedly courageous, having stepped in to rescue her from Lu Feng's blade. Yet, courage did not equate to a fondness for trouble.

His preference for avoiding the limelight after two heroic interventions was a clear indication of his aversion to complications and desire to remain out of the spotlight.

Zhao Huaiyuan's ill intentions were barely concealed, and stepping out with him was sure to spell trouble!

So why did he choose to go anyway?

Could it be...

Ye Qingling's heartbeat quickened.

Could it be that he decided to go with Zhao Huaiyuan because of me?

She was aware that many boys behave uncharacteristically around someone they fancy.

For instance, normally refined boys might lash out if the girl they like is being bullied.

Or boys who are terrified of snakes might bravely grab a venomous snake's tail if the girl they admire is watching.

And those who are petrified of heights might even venture to try bungee jumping to impress the girl they're smitten with.

Could it be that... he volunteered to go with Zhao Huaiyuan because he didn't want to appear cowardly in my eyes?

Watching Feng Manlou and the towering Zhao Huaiyuan head towards the door, Ye Qingling felt a mix of panic and concern.

For every young woman experiencing the stirrings of love, dating the boy she likes during her first year of university is a cherished dream, and Ye Qingling was no different.

But unlike other girls who might not achieve their romantic aspirations due to personality or appearance, Ye Qingling faced an additional hurdle in her quest for perfect love — Zhao Huaiyuan.

From the moment she joined the student council, Zhao Huaiyuan was smitten with her and began his fervent courtship the very next day.

Unfortunately, she felt no spark for this so-called "Prince Charming" and had turned him down repeatedly.

Zhao Huaiyuan, undeterred by direct rejection, resorted to eliminating rivals to ensure she had no other options.

He used the pretense of "going out for a chat" to nip in the bud the advances of any boy who showed interest in her, ensuring they wouldn't dare come within ten steps of her thereafter.

What tactics would Zhao Huaiyuan employ against Feng Manlou?

Intimidation?

Threats?

Violence?

Bribery?

Ye Qingling couldn't bear to ponder any further. She spun on her heel, determined to catch up to Feng Manlou.

Regardless of her feelings for Feng Manlou, she couldn't stand by and watch him be mistreated!

As Feng Manlou stepped outside, he was abruptly startled by the sound of footsteps. Whirling around, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Why had that foolish girl followed him again?

"Halt, stay right there!" he commanded urgently.

Ye Qingling paused, bewildered, and remained where she was.

"Weren't you supposed to wait for the lobster? What are you doing out here?!"

"Huh?"

Now, not only were Ye Qingling and the students taken aback, but even Zhao Huaiyuan was at a loss.

Seriously, was this kid out of his mind?

It was obvious to anyone that Ye Qingling had come to his rescue!

What was he thinking? That after her chat with Zhao Huaiyuan, she'd still be in the mood to come back and enjoy the buffet?

Was she out of her mind?

"But you..."

"It's nothing, I'm just going to have a chat with President Zhao. You just relax and wait for the lobster, okay? Don't let someone else snatch it up."

Ye Qingling attempted to offer more persuasion, but Feng Manlou was already striding away.

In the hallway, Feng Manlou inquired of Zhao Huaiyuan about where they were going to talk.

Zhao Huaiyuan's brow creased slightly, clearly uncomfortable, as if someone had grabbed the steering wheel while he was driving.

"Let's head to the rooftop. It's got a great view, and it's quiet."

"Sounds good, the rooftop is definitely a nice spot for a chat."

Together, they walked westward along the corridor, rounding a corner to the stairway that led to the rooftop.

Halfway up the inclined staircase, four burly, dark-skinned boys stood on either side, giving Feng Manlou menacing looks.

Behind them, the iron gate that was always locked stood ajar, revealing a narrow, barred passageway through the slight opening.

From Feng Manlou's vantage point, the patch of sky at the top of the stairs felt like the illusion of being at the bottom of a deep well, a rush of claustrophobia, fear, helplessness, and despair flooding him all at once.

Feng Manlou glanced at the four boys and Zhao Huaiyuan, a cold sneer forming inside.

So they just wanted to warn him to keep his distance from Ye Qingling, resorting to calling in reinforcements and engaging in mind games?

They really went to great lengths.