"Hey, when will you have the time? My mom keeps talking about making you a feast..."

Goodness! This vixen is really something else!

Hu Jing hadn't even finished speaking when the atmosphere turned cold—a bone-chilling wind started blowing, and it didn't come from just one person.

Han Lie wasn't surprised by Chen Yanfei's reaction. But Xiao Xiao? Why is he joining the commotion? A guess surfaced in Han Lie's mind. Could it be? Is the drama of jealousy and rivalry about to be staged again?!

Actually, this was quite normal. At the beginning of college, without the pressure of work or career, a guy's energy would be spent either at internet cafes, on sports fields, or on women. There was nothing surprising about that.

Han Lie just felt he was innocent. Why is it always me? Oh, because I'm handsome... Well, then it's all good.

Because Chen Yanfei was present, Han Lie valiantly resisted. "Don't mention it," he said. "Everyone is busy during the New Year. I appreciate the thought..."

"Don't be like that!" Hu Jing's smile grew even more beguiling. "You promised us, and my mom took it seriously..."

Damn! Is she really going for an indiscriminate attack? Han Lie was so annoyed his teeth itched.

When they encountered each other alone, Hu Jing wouldn't necessarily be this proactive and coy; more likely, she would maintain a respectable distance. But today... Woman, you're playing with fire!

'Tough guy' Han Lie had just finished his internal fulminations when Chen Yanfei chuckled and nodded. "One should indeed follow through with promises to others."

With just that sentence, she headed straight for the small courtyard.

Little Lie is stunned.

Xiao Xiao silently clenched his fists, his face turning an ashen, angry green.

District Director Zheng was utterly bewildered. He couldn't understand what madness Hu Jing was up to, what she really meant, or why both young women were giving Han Lie such special treatment.

Could it be... after becoming handsome, one really can do whatever one wants?! He fell into deep thought, an itching desire stirring within him. Perhaps after returning to school, I should try out a couple of those 'projects'?

The only one in a good mood was Hu Jing. With a playful and triumphant smile, she winked slyly at Han Lie, like a little fox that had just stolen a chicken.

Han Lie shot her a warning glance. Don't play with fire, or I'll really 'treat you to chicken'!

Then he sheepishly followed Chen Yanfei.

Now is not the time to go all out. The bigger picture is more important—focus on the bigger picture!

...

The courtyard wasn't small. It featured a three-sided, two-story structure with several bedrooms, a large dining hall, and a variety of other rooms, including card rooms, video rooms, and recreational rooms.

The liveliest area at the moment was the card room. Chen Yanfei purposefully avoided it, heading to a side room on the second floor.

Upon entering, the teenagers playing Truth or Dare all stood up.

"Sis Yanyan!"

"Sis Fei, you're back?"

The varied greetings showcased Chen Yanfei's popularity and prestige.

When Han Lie followed her in, the room suddenly fell silent. The group struggled to remember who he was, exchanging confused glances.

"Sis Yanyan, this is...?"

"My friend, Han Lie. We're in the same grade, Class Six," Chen Yanfei replied nonchalantly. Then, ignoring Han Lie, she found a seat for herself. "What stage are you guys at? I'm not too late to join, right?"

"Of course not! Everyone's been waiting for you!"

Then someone enthusiastically called Han Lie over. "Dude, find a spot to sit! Anyone who can come is a friend, no need to be shy!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

I'm not fucking shy; I'm just freaking out... Who the hell invented Truth or Dare? It's so not my thing...

Han Lie was considering how to let Chen Yanfei vent her emotions moderately without igniting new flames when Hu Jing pushed the door open and came in.

She was alone and, with a beaming smile, headed straight for Han Lie. "Old classmate, let me join in! We're the only two from Class Six here. We've got to stick together and keep warm..."

Great! With this troublemaker around, I can't expect to get Chen Yanfei in a good mood today!

'Dog' Lie was about to throw caution to the wind when, as if things weren't bad enough, someone suddenly muttered quietly, "Han Lie? Why does that name sound so familiar?"

A girl next to him seemed to recall something. She kept looking at Han Lie's handsome face with an ambiguous expression, hesitating to speak several times.

Seriously, Sis, you're not going to ask where I had my face 'done,' are you?!

The boy sitting in the center suddenly looked up, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his expression decidedly unfriendly as he stared daggers at Han Lie.

But that wasn't all.

The more Xiao Xiao thought about it, the angrier he became. Ultimately, he couldn't let go of Hu Jing. After wandering off somewhere, he had circled back.

Behind him followed District Director Zheng and Han Lie's class monitor, Wen Yu. Both of them smirked maliciously as soon as they saw Han Lie.

Han Lie, who had felt his scalp tingle moments before, now actually felt like laughing.

Interesting! So everyone's gathered, huh? Good. It's time to reintroduce myself.

*******

Yesterday, I suddenly lost consciousness for about fifteen minutes. I went to the hospital, but they couldn't find anything wrong. They just advised me to rest well.

Nonsense. Who wouldn't want to sleep well if they could?

I'm going to start practicing the Eight-Part Vajra Skill recommended by a book friend. Hopefully, it will make a difference.