C26 Invitation to the Party

"Ha, alright, I'll stop talking. But really, thanks for the card!" Ma Chenchen said with a smile.

Why she was so cheerful, only she knew.

Lin Dong had no interest in dealing with this goofy girl.

After a few bites, he leaned on his arm to rest.

The meal had turned out more eventful than he had expected, but at least all the issues were resolved, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

He had planned to announce to Liu Wenming, Tian Chao, and Zhou Hengyu at the dinner that he had become a billionaire, but nobody believed him.

Lin Dong resolved to keep it to himself from then on.

After all, nobody would believe he had that much money; they'd probably think he was out of his mind.

"Hey Lin Dong, my friend is organizing a social event off-campus tomorrow. Do you want to come?" Ma Chenchen asked, her mouth full of sweet and sour pork ribs.

"No, I'm busy!" Lin Dong replied, continuing to lie down, too lazy to move.

Ma Chenchen nudged his arm and persisted, "Come on, you should go. You just broke up, right? It's a chance to meet new people!"

This girl just didn't know when to stop.

Lin Dong remained silent, shifting his position and presenting the back of his head to Ma Chenchen.

Undeterred by Lin Dong's annoyance, Ma Chenchen flicked his head with her finger.

"Ouch! Ma Chenchen, what was that for?" Lin Dong looked up, exasperated.

The flick wasn't very strong, but it still hurt.

"Just tell me, are you coming or not? If you agree, I'll stop bugging you, haha!" Ma Chenchen said directly.

Looking at her carefree demeanor, Lin Dong was at a loss for words.

You ask if I'm going, I say no, and yet you insist. What kind of logic is that?

Seeing Ma Chenchen's relentless gaze, Lin Dong finally gave in with a nod. "Fine, I'll go."

"Really? You'll go? That's awesome! Don't worry, with our great friendship, I'll make sure you're well looked after!"

Ma Chenchen spoke with a joy that was infectious. Her ponytail danced energetically with every movement, a testament to her vivacity. Ma Chenchen was undeniably beautiful, her large, expressive eyes sparkling with a lively spirit, the epitome of a sweet and naive girl.

For reasons unknown, she seemed to enjoy teasing Lin Dong whenever she had the chance. Liu Wenming, Tian Chao, and Zhou Hengyu joined them, having distributed all the vegetable boxes. Having eaten their fill, they opted not to take any for themselves, instead offering them to their classmates.

Noticing their approach, Lin Dong scooted over to make room. "Big Sister Ma, there you go again, bothering my buddy Dong! Haven't you heard that Lin Dong is already taken?" Tian Chao ribbed Ma Chenchen as he sat down beside Lin Dong.

"Exactly, you're shamelessly competing for a man in broad daylight. You do realize that's quite unethical, right?" Liu Wenming chimed in.

"Why not give me a shot? I'm not as steadfast as Lin Dong; I'm sure to fall for you!" Zhou Hengyu added, as they all burst into laughter.

Ma Chenchen gave them an unimpressed look, her ponytail swishing as she retorted, "Looks like you two could use some discipline! Well, Lin Dong has told me he's single now. I'm planning to bring him along to a sorority mixer tonight!"

"A sorority mixer? Oh, Sister Chenchen, please take me with you!" pleaded one.

"Sister Chenchen, I owe you an apology. I was wrong. Please look after me at the mixer tonight," another implored.

"Come on, we're all buddies here. You can't just favor Lin Dong!" the third protested.

"Please, take us with you. We're begging you!"

"I'll even pay a membership fee if you bring me along. I promise a hundred-dollar thank you later!"

"And me, I'll code a little app to boost you to the top of the rankings!"

Lin Dong's three friends pleaded earnestly. Unlike Lin Dong, they lacked the resources and the handsome looks to draw attention, and they were all single. Now, presented with the perfect chance at the sorority mixer, they eagerly leaned in. If luck was on their side and they found true love, wouldn't they leave their single days behind in an instant?