C14 I Was a Little Happy

In the buffet restaurant, Ye Qingling was a bundle of nerves, repeatedly glancing toward the door with mounting anxiety. Feng Manlou's absence was driving her to the brink of panic.

"Feng Manlou, you fool, why did you have to show off for no reason? It would have been so much better to stay here with me. Instead, you had to play the hero and go out with Zhao Huaiyuan. And now, look, you can't even make it back!" Ye Qingling muttered under her breath, her foot tapping the floor in frustration.

The boys Zhao Huaiyuan had previously taken out for a chat returned without a scratch, yet they were visibly shaken, quivering with an unspoken terror. What in the world had Zhao Huaiyuan done to them?

"No, I can't just stand by and watch my savior be mistreated. I have to go rescue him!" Resolved, Ye Qingling rose from her chair, filled with a fearless determination as she strode toward the exit.

She had barely reached the deli section when her eyes widened in shock, her entire body freezing as if spellbound. What was happening?

Others, who had been keeping an eye on Qingling, followed her gaze out the door and gasped in disbelief, their minds reeling. What was going on?

Outside, Zhao Huaiyuan and Feng Manlou walked in shoulder to shoulder. Noticing the stares, Manlou whispered to President Zhao, "You'd better look pleased, or this is going to be incredibly awkward."

Zhao Huaiyuan, hands clasped behind his back, clenched his fists so hard his nails nearly broke the skin. Damn it! After years of dominating the campus, where everyone sought his favor, he was now humiliated by someone he considered insignificant. It was unbearable!

But he was in no position to argue. If he didn't follow Manlou's lead, he'd only embarrass himself further.

"Fine," Zhao Huaiyuan managed, his face contorting into a smile more pained than joyful. He nodded stiffly, then draped an arm over Manlou's shoulder, forcing a laugh. "Junior Brother Feng, it's not often I meet someone I click with like you. From now on, let's be friends."

"If you ever run into any issues at the academy that you can't resolve, don't hesitate to come to me."

"Haha, that would be fantastic. Thanks, Senior Zhao!"

Everyone watched the pair slinging their arms over each other's shoulders like long-time buddies, shivering at the sight.

Is this some kind of adolescent anime? Their relationship sure developed quickly!

Those who knew Zhao Huaiyuan's personality quietly elevated Feng Manlou's status even higher.

For President Zhao, who appears affable but is actually quite proud, to treat him with such warmth, the background of this slipper-wearing kid must be more complex than just a wealthy heir.

"Hey, what are you doing standing here? Did you manage to grab the lobster?"

Feng Manlou, noticing Ye Qingling standing in the deli section looking lost, waved his hand in front of her eyes.

"Ah?"

It took Ye Qingling a moment to snap out of it, realizing she had been staring off into space. Flushing with embarrassment, she quickly replied,

"No, there was no need to fight for it. I was first in line, so it was easy to pick up a plate."

"Uh..."

Feng Manlou was at a loss for words, thinking to himself how these guys would nearly come to blows over a spot in line, but turn into perfect gentlemen around a beautiful woman.

Seriously, could they be any more shameless?

But getting to enjoy the lobster was the main event, so he let the unfair treatment slide.

"Since you've got it, let's head back and eat before it gets cold."

As they walked, Feng Manlou mentioned, "President Zhao wants to join our table, and I've agreed. I hope you don't mind?"

"Join our table?"

"Yeah, and it's not without perks. President Zhao has offered to cover the meal."

Ye Qingling's mind went blank once more, overwhelmed by the day's surreal events.

She had not only encountered a paranoid fanatic ready to commit violence over unrequited love but also witnessed the usually manipulative and contemptible Zhao Huaiyuan, who had always seen her as forbidden fruit, undergo a complete change of heart.

Everything had happened so unexpectedly, without any signs.

It was as if a seasoned Mediterranean fisherman had been suddenly cast into the tumultuous waves of the Atlantic, boat and all.

But when Ye Qingling's gaze returned to Feng Manlou, who was walking beside her, she found herself at ease.

What did it matter if the day was filled with inconceivable, pulse-pounding moments? With Feng Manlou by her side, there seemed little to worry about.

She smiled and nodded in agreement, "Alright, let's share a table."

Zhao Huaiyuan was a tumult of emotions.

That insufferable Feng Manlou had presumptuously suggested dinner!

But that wasn't the point!

How come Qingling was so willing to dine with him at his mere suggestion?

Usually, if I wanted to share a meal with Qingling, I'd have to organize a gathering with at least a dozen others!

Reluctantly taking his seat, Zhao Huaiyuan noticed a waiter in the distance giving him a complex look, a mix of anticipation and annoyance that was puzzling.

"Why is that waiter staring at me? Could she be a fan of my writing?

No, that doesn't add up. She looks to be in her forties, not the typical web novel enthusiast."

"Don't worry, she's not your fan."

After Feng Manlou courteously served Ye Qingling a piece of lobster, he unabashedly transferred a generous portion to his own plate, earning an exasperated eye roll from the beautiful upperclassman.

"Then why is she staring at me?" Zhao Huaiyuan demanded, visibly irritated.

He loathed Feng Manlou's smug, all-knowing demeanor!

"Because you didn't pay when you came in."

Feng Manlou explained, "At a buffet, you pay upfront. She probably thought you were trying to dine and dash on the president of the Student Union's account."

"..."

Zhao Huaiyuan blushed with embarrassment and quickly stood up, heading toward the cashier.

Ye Qingling nearly choked with laughter and hastily took a sip of water to compose herself.

"Qingling."

"Yes?"

"While he's gone, let's finish off the lobster!" Feng Manlou whispered conspiratorially.

"Ha?!" Ye Qingling was taken aback. "Haven't you two become like brothers?"

"Not at all," Feng Manlou dismissed with a wave of his hand, pushing the remaining half plate of lobster onto Ye Qingling's plate. "That guy is devious and cunning. We're not cut from the same cloth."

"Then why was he all smiles and laughter with you?"

A sudden thought struck Ye Qingling, and she frowned, "You didn't agree to play matchmaker for him with me just to save your own skin, did you?"

The more she pondered, the more plausible it seemed. If Zhao Huaiyuan hadn't shifted his strategy, there was no way Feng Manlou would have come back to finish his meal!

"Snap!"

Feng Manlou gently tapped Ye Qingling's forehead with his chopsticks.

As the young woman rubbed her head, puzzled and hurt, he said irritably, "I rescue you, and this is the thanks I get? You think so little of me."

"How can you blame me? Zhao Huaiyuan's turnaround was so abrupt. Anyone familiar with his character would naturally be suspicious..."

Ye Qingling's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she apologized, "But I owe you an apology. You put your life on the line to save me, and I shouldn't have questioned your integrity. I'm sorry..."

Seeing her look so distressed, Feng Manlou's irritation melted away, and he spoke gently, "Actually, he's acting this way because I've just discovered something incriminating about him."

"What is it? Can you tell me?" Ye Qingling asked eagerly. If she could get something on Zhao Huaiyuan, maybe she could finally free herself from his pestering!

"Sure, I'll show it to you after we eat."