Chapter 13 Chapter 13: The Casanova – Part 1
“No, no, no way,” Xu Yecheng quickly refused.
He Xiao Han’s face once again broke into that gentle, amiable smile. “If you ever really need anything, feel free to come find me anytime.”
Xu Yecheng quietly sneered inwardly. Just what does this guy think love is, anyway?
He was acting like a sales clerk peddling his wares.
Although they’d been roommates for a while, and Xu Yecheng had known He Xiao Han’s true colors for a long time, he’d only ever felt mildly annoyed by him before. From a friendship standpoint, aside from his playboy tendencies, He Xiao Han really wasn’t that bad—easygoing, fun to hang out with, and genuinely considerate.
“Fine, he’s a player—so what?” Xu Yecheng had never really minded. After all, as a friend, He Xiao Han was pretty comfortable to be around.
But this time... he’d set his sights on Xu Yecheng’s ex-girlfriend. Back when Xu Yecheng was dating Ji Qingying, he’d been completely devoted to her.
He had to admit—it still stung a little. He hadn’t fully let go of his feelings for her yet.
He knew deep down he still hadn’t shed the identity of “Ji Qingying’s boyfriend.”
And now, because of that, Xu Yecheng felt like an absolute idiot.
He pulled out today’s outfit from his wardrobe, quickly changed, and headed straight out the door.
Glancing at his phone, he saw Zheng Wenxuan’s reply.
“What’s up, my sweet Yecheng?”
Xu Yecheng rolled his eyes.
“You’re useless. Go away.”
“Aww, my sweet Yecheng is so heartless! I was just eating and didn’t see your message~”
“Got it. Stop being so disgustingly cutesy,” Xu Yecheng replied, adding a thoroughly disdainful emoji for good measure. “You’re a grown man—stop whining like a baby. Be a real man for once, and cut the silly act.”
After sending the message, he powered off his phone and walked to a small stall in the corner of the cafeteria, ordering a bowl of beef ramen.
Once seated and starting to eat, he picked up his phone again and saw another message from Zheng Wenxuan:
“I’m thinking of finding a part-time job over the next couple of days—earn a few hundred bucks so I won’t go broke from gacha this month.”
Xu Yecheng typed back simply: “Go for it.” Then he settled into his seat.
If that mask could really create such an unbelievably realistic effect… then dressing up as a girl to work at that café should be totally doable.
Although claiming it was for cosplay or content creation would be tricky—someone was almost always in the dorm. It’d be hard to pull it off without getting caught.
“By the way, where exactly is that café you mentioned?” Xu Yecheng asked.
“You’re seriously thinking of going?” Zheng Wenxuan replied, followed by a ridiculous-looking emoticon.
“Just thought I’d check it out,” Xu Yecheng responded smoothly—he already knew exactly what Zheng Wenxuan would say.
“Walk one block forward from the convenience store you’re at.”
“Got it.”
He wanted to see for himself—just what kind of place offers such high pay and only hires girls?
As he slurped his noodles, Xu Yecheng reflected:
Better not bring that thing out in the dorm again. Too risky. If someone found out, he’d be completely screwed.
Come to think of it, the mask only seemed to work when he wore it.
Who on earth did it originally belong to?
Since it was already in his possession anyway—and he had no idea whose it was—he might as well keep using it.
He sighed. Was there any side effect, though?
So far, it seemed fine. He’d even slept with it on last night and felt perfectly normal.
Maybe it was just his incredible luck—like he’d stumbled into the role of a novel’s protagonist and stumbled upon a god-tier cheat item.
Xu Yecheng was feeling pretty damn good about himself.
Just as he finished eating and stood to leave, he realized he’d forgotten his ID card. Groaning, he hurried back to the dorm.
Zheng Wenxuan and He Xiao Han were both lounging inside, enjoying the air conditioning.
Zheng Wenxuan grinned the moment he saw Xu Yecheng digging through his drawer. “Sweetie Yecheng, since you’re heading out, grab me a milk tea, would you?”
Xu Yecheng gave him a flat, emotionless stare. “There’s a milk tea shop on campus.”
“That one sucks. Just go grab me one from outside—the place right by the gate.”
Xu Yecheng sighed in exasperation. “Order delivery yourself. I’d have to stand in line forever.”
“Pleeease~” Zheng Wenxuan whined, twisting his body dramatically.
Xu Yecheng grimaced in disgust. “Don’t think I don’t know you just don’t want to leave the dorm building.”
Zheng Wenxuan chuckled sheepishly. “I’ll buy you one too—how’s that?”
Xu Yecheng frowned again. “Seriously? You’re paying for two drinks just for a cup of milk tea? That’s a total waste.”
Zheng Wenxuan sighed dramatically, his voice suddenly dropping into a low, oddly charming tone. “Isn’t that just me being good to you?”
Xu Yecheng nearly gagged.
“Alright, alright! I’ll go,” he relented, grabbing his ID and turning to leave—only to be stopped again by He Xiao Han.
“Could you grab one for me too? Thanks.” He Xiao Han smiled politely. “Just a regular pearl milk tea—no ice.”
Xu Yecheng almost wanted to refuse—but then remembered He Xiao Han had brought him breakfast before. Fine, he’d do it.
“Alright, I’ll bring some back in a bit.”
But Zheng Wenxuan immediately pouted.
“What?! You agree right away when Lao He asks, but give me all that hassle?”
Xu Yecheng seriously wondered if Zheng Wenxuan had lost his mind.
“But that’s because—”
Zheng Wenxuan cut him off, pointing an accusing finger. “Favoritism!”
He Xiao Han chimed in cheekily, “Ulterior motives!”
Xu Yecheng, already fed up, now had zero words left.
“What the hell are you butting in for?” he muttered.
He Xiao Han just gave an innocent shrug and a helpless smile. “Just playing along with the kid. Don’t take it seriously.”
Instantly, Zheng Wenxuan’s eyes welled up with tears.
“Compared to He-ge, I really am just a little kid… I’ve barely even dated anyone…”
Xu Yecheng wanted to smack him so bad.
And then, to everyone’s shock, Zheng Wenxuan actually started crying.
“I had a girlfriend once… I got dumped because I asked for something too soon. She called me disgusting…”
He Xiao Han chuckled softly. He glanced subtly at Xu Yecheng, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and offered one. “Want a smoke?”
Zheng Wenxuan hesitated, then reached out and took it.
“If a girl genuinely likes you,” He Xiao Han said, lighting his own cigarette and stepping out onto the balcony, “she wouldn’t break up with you over something like that. Like, say, if you’ve been dating forever but haven’t even held hands or kissed—then obviously, she doesn’t like you.”
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