Wang Doudou’s smile stiffened slightly. He had complimented the wrong thing.

However, he quickly regained his composure. "This barbecue restaurant has fresh ingredients and great prices, making it very popular among college students in Yancheng. I heard good things about it, so I came to try it out for myself today."

"Oh, then take your time trying it. We’re leaving," Si Wen said, grabbing Xue Xing’s arm to leave.

When Wang Doudou saw Xue Xing, he was stunned for a moment before asking, "Is this gentleman... Miss Si Wen’s boyfriend? May I ask which prominent family he’s from?" His tone was like that of a boyfriend who’d caught his girlfriend cheating but didn’t dare raise his voice.

"I’m not—"

"What’s it to you?"

Xue Xing and Si Wen spoke at almost the exact same time. Afterward, they glanced at each other, and Xue Xing quickly averted his gaze, not daring to meet her eyes.

Wang Doudou was taken aback by Si Wen’s sharp retort, momentarily unsure of what to say. "Miss Si Wen, please don’t mind me. I was just asking. I didn’t mean anything by it."

"And who are you to me? Why are you so eager to poke your nose into my private affairs?" Si Wen was never polite to people she disliked.

This was the first time Xue Xing had seen Si Wen’s assertive side, and he was a little dumbstruck.

"I’m sorry, Miss Si Wen. I didn’t mean to. Please forgive me."

Wang Doudou’s deferential attitude toward Si Wen made Xue Xing see him in a new light. He finally understood something: Si Wen’s status in Yancheng was truly formidable. Ordinary people simply didn’t dare to offend her.

Si Wen paid Wang Doudou no more mind, pulling Xue Xing away with her and leaving him standing there alone, utterly bewildered.

Strange, why does that man look so familiar? It’s like I’ve seen him somewhere before, Wang Doudou thought, though he couldn’t recall where. He was certain, however, that they had met.

Just then, the mall’s giant screen began displaying the new seasonal clothing line from a trendy fashion brand. Xue Yang’s handsome and sunny image appeared on it.

It was as if Wang Doudou had a sudden epiphany, and he remembered instantly. "So that’s it, he looks like him... No wonder..."

Wang Doudou watched Si Wen’s departing figure, lost in thought. After a moment, he chuckled to himself. "So that’s the reason. No wonder you wouldn’t accept me."

A smirk played on Wang Doudou’s lips, as if he’d obtained some damning evidence. He was completely unaware that his own thoughts had led him entirely astray.

* * *

Si Wen took Xue Xing to the arcade on the sixth floor.

Standing at the entrance, Xue Xing saw a huge neon sign that read "ARCADE." The flashing lights were hard to ignore. He had never been to a place like this in his entire life.

He felt a jumble of nerves—part excitement, part fear. Having always been a good kid, his greatest fear was getting caught by his parents or teachers doing anything unrelated to his studies. It was as if engaging in any other activity was a cardinal sin.

Si Wen guided him the entire way.

Upon entering the arcade, the first thing that caught his eye was a massive gaming area filled with all sorts of game cabinets and controllers. Players were gathered around them, some cheering while others sat in focused silence, creating an exceptionally lively scene. In one corner, a claw machine filled with various anime character plushies drew many visitors who stopped to watch and try their luck.

In the middle of the arcade was a stage adorned with colorful lights. Flanked by two large projection screens that could display multiple game feeds simultaneously, it stood before a seating area where visitors could rest and watch the competitions. The arcade also offered a variety of food and drinks—desserts, snacks, and hot beverages—allowing guests to enjoy some treats while they played.

The arcade was a vibrant, entertaining place suitable for visitors of all ages. It was a great place to experience the latest games, share the fun with other players, and simply unwind.

As a young man himself, Xue Xing was quickly swept up in the atmosphere, eager to join in.

"I’ll start you off with the easiest one."

"Okay, which one’s the easiest?" Xue Xing looked around, wanting to try every single one.

Si Wen led Xue Xing over to a claw machine. "This is the simplest. All you have to do is grab a plushie from inside."

Xue Xing placed his hand on the joystick and gave it a nudge, but it wouldn’t move since he hadn’t inserted any Game Coins.

"What if I fail?"

"If you fail, you fail. It’s just a game, so don’t be so tense. Playing games is supposed to be about relaxing."

Xue Xing nodded, trying his best to loosen up. "Where do I buy Game Coins?" he asked.

"Right here." Si Wen pointed to the nearby Game Coin machine. "Just put cash in, and you’ll get Game Coins."

Xue Xing walked over and carefully read the rules. One yuan for one coin. For him, that wasn’t cheap.

Previously, he definitely would have hesitated. But today...

Xue Xing pulled a hundred-yuan bill he’d brought from home out of his pocket and inserted it. With a loud CLATTER, one hundred Game Coins came tumbling out of the machine.

Xue Xing scooped up the heavy handful of Game Coins. "Wow, it costs two coins for one try!"

Two coins meant two yuan, which was a "fortune" to Xue Xing. The thought made him hesitate to drop them into the slot.

"Here, I’ll show you." Si Wen took two coins, inserted them, and swiftly moved the joystick. Unsurprisingly, her first attempt to grab a plushie failed.

"That’s... two yuan gone just like that?" In less than two seconds, two coins were gone. Xue Xing’s heart ached at the loss. Two yuan was enough to buy a bottle of water.

He suddenly understood why his parents had never wanted him to play these things. They burned through money so fast.

"You have to think of it this way: if you manage to grab one, you make your money back. Then it won’t feel like a loss. Give it a try."

"Oh, okay..."

Xue Xing took out two Game Coins and put them in. As he gripped the joystick, his palms grew sweaty in just a few seconds.

Si Wen didn’t rush him, waiting patiently by his side.

Just then, a couple walked over. The girlfriend pointed at a plushie in the machine and said coquettishly, "Honey, that little bunny is so cute. I want it!"

"Of course. Watch your man win it for you." The boyfriend dropped two coins into the machine and confidently moved the joystick. Just like Si Wen, his first attempt failed as expected.

The guy looked a little discouraged.

His girlfriend gently cheered him on. "You can do it, honey! Go for it~"

Buoyed by her encouragement, the guy squared his shoulders and tried again.

Xue Xing glanced at Si Wen beside him...