Serina returned not long after, her earlier business wrapping up faster than expected. With her characteristic poise, she extended an unexpected offer—inviting all the girls to stay with her in one of the hotel's top suites.
The invitation, luxurious and casual as it was, instantly caused a stir.
Wang Hao and Kelvin, not wanting to appear any less capable or generous, quickly stepped up and booked rooms of their own, acting as if it was all part of the plan. The atmosphere shifted subtly, a quiet competition beginning to brew beneath the surface.
Lin Wei, who had stayed quiet through it all, watched the scene with mild amusement. Still, since the group was splitting for the night, he made his way to the front desk to book a room for himself—when a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Let me pay for it," Xueyin said, stepping up beside him. Her voice was soft but firm. "I was the one who asked you to stay for the beach, remember?"
Lin Wei turned, surprised. He hadn't expected that.
"It's alright," he replied calmly. "I can handle it. Besides, it was my own decision to stay. You don't need to worry."
But Xueyin frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing with mild frustration. "Don't be like that. I know your situation... at least a little. Just let me do this, okay?"
Lin Wei was about to speak again, but she cut in first—quieter this time, more honest.
"Sometimes, it feels like you don't even think of me as a friend."
That made him pause.
Her words lingered in the space between them—not accusing, not dramatic, just vulnerable.
He exhaled slowly, eyes softening. "…Alright. If it makes you feel better."
A small smile returned to Xueyin's lips as she handed over her card at the counter.
"Good," she said quietly, more to herself than to him.
From across the lobby, Serina watched the interaction unfold with a knowing smile playing on her lips. She gently brushed a strand of silver hair behind her ear and murmured under her breath, just loud enough for Xueyin to catch as she walked back.
"Oh my, that was bold of you, little Xue. I didn't expect you were keeping him as a reserve... but I have to admit, he seems like a solid choice. Good luck."
The teasing lilt in Serina's voice made Xueyin's steps falter for a moment. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink as she shot Serina a sharp look, flustered. But rather than respond, she simply let out a huff, glared briefly at the older woman, and stomped her way toward the elevator with the others.
Serina's laughter was light, but she said nothing more.
Lin Wei, who had just finished at the counter, caught the tail end of it all and glanced in the direction of the elevator. The girls were already stepping in, their voices fading behind the closing doors. He stood there a moment, watching thoughtfully.
"How charming," he mused inwardly, lips tugging into a faint smirk. "I can even make a sweet girl like her insist on paying for me…"
It wasn't pride exactly. More like quiet amusement.
After entering his room, Lin Wei was soon invited by the boys' group for a drink. However, he politely declined—he'd already had enough wine the night before, and honestly, he wasn't in the mood for another round. The others didn't push the matter much. In fact, it seemed like they were more relieved to keep him out of their little circle than disappointed by his absence.
Later, Lin Wei found out that the rest of the boys—Wang Hao, Kelvin, and Mingkai—had tried inviting Serina and the girls for a casual drink too. Unsurprisingly, they'd been turned down flat.
Now, the three of them sat together in Mingkai's room, silently nursing their drinks in an all-male gathering that felt more like a quiet defeat than a party.
"She's a top model," Lin Wei thought with faint amusement as he recalled the scene. "And they really believed she'd say yes to that?"
He shook his head slightly and leaned back into his chair, the sounds of the quiet hallway outside filling the room. He wasn't smug, but he couldn't help the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
+
Soon, they all headed out to the beach. Between laughter, games, and moments of quiet enjoyment, the time passed more quickly than Lin Wei had expected. Before he knew it, two days had slipped by, and everyone was preparing to return home. With the summer vacation just around the corner, the trip felt like a brief, refreshing escape before the real opportunities began.
Back in the city, Lin Wei made his way to campus to collect the summer assignment. Unlike most, he wasn't dreading the break—he had plans.
This summer, he intended to fully explore the potential of the [Rebate Option] skill. In a college like his—focused on art and media—beautiful girls were everywhere. Many already had boyfriends, but with the number of group parties and outings that came with the summer, Lin Wei knew there would be plenty of chances to get close.
He just needed to play his cards right.
"Yo!!!"
Out of nowhere, Yuxi appeared beside him, her sudden voice making Lin Wei flinch slightly. He hadn't even sensed her approaching.
"You're also here for the project?" Lin Wei asked, clearing his throat as he recovered from the brief startle.
Yuxi nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. An awkward silence followed. It wasn't cold, just... uncertain—like both of them were waiting for the other to speak first.
Then, with a teasing grin tugging at her lips, she leaned in a little.
"Say... let's go on a date this evening."
Lin Wei blinked, surprised at her boldness, but he quickly composed himself.
"Alright. I'll be free in a bit. Once I'm done here, we can head out."
"Okay, that's settled then." Yuxi gave a small wink, turning away with a satisfied hum in her voice.
Lin Wei watched her walk off with a soft smile, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
"Hmm… What's gotten into her? Not that I mind."
He let out a quiet chuckle, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he stepped into the building, his mood noticeably lifted.
+
After that brief encounter, Lin Wei walked into his classroom. The place was still mostly empty, the early afternoon light streaming in through the tall windows and casting long shadows across the floor.
He quietly made his way to his usual seat by the window and sat down, dropping his bag to the side with a soft thud. Pulling out his notebook, he flipped it open and let his eyes scan the lines, not really reading—just trying to settle his thoughts.
And as all the students started to fill the room.
Lin Wei heard a few footsteps echo into the quiet room.
He looked up casually—and paused.
Yuxi entered the classroom, her expression neutral but her eyes briefly met his. Without a word, she walked straight toward him and took the seat beside him. The scraping of the chair seemed louder than it should've been in the quiet room.
A murmur spread across the class as a few students trickled in behind her.
"Wait… is that Yuxi sitting next to Lin Wei?"
"No way, when did they get close?"
Gasps, stolen glances, and hushed voices rippled through the room like a breeze through tall grass.
Lin Wei remained still, not looking at anyone else, but he could feel the weight of the attention settling over him. Meanwhile, Yuxi simply leaned forward slightly, resting her chin in one hand and flipping open her own notes with the other—completely unbothered.
Lin Wei glanced at her from the side and smirked faintly.
"Had a nice rest?" Yuxi leaned on her desk, turning her head slightly to look at him with a lazy smile.
"Hmm, I was really tired from all that moving around." Lin Wei replied, chuckling softly. He knew Yuxi well enough by now to catch that she was the kind of girl who'd wear herself out while pretending everything was fine—a little spoiled, maybe, but genuine at heart.
"But that idiot kept calling me," she suddenly pouted, crossing her arms. "It's exhausting, you know?"
Lin Wei let out a sigh. He didn't need to ask who 'that idiot' was—he could already picture him calling nonstop, probably anxious about their growing closeness. The upcoming summer vacation was probably fueling his insecurity, too.
"Just be direct with him," Lin Wei advised gently. "Clear intentions save a lot of trouble. I think he's just afraid you'll cut him off completely."
Yuxi didn't reply immediately. She stared at her notebook for a second, her lips forming a slight pout.
"I know... but if he really cared, he should've shown it when it mattered. Now he's just being awkward. Honestly, watching him squirm a little feels kind of satisfying." A smug little grin curled her lips.
Lin Wei chuckled under his breath. Yuxi could be sharp when she wanted to.
"Say, Brother Lin..." Her voice softened suddenly, her tone shifting as she looked toward him. A small frown pinched her brows, her fingers fidgeting slightly with the edge of her page. "Do you have the first day of summer vacation free?"
'How could I say no to that face?' Lin Wei sighed internally, watching her expression with a helpless warmth.
"Yeah," he replied aloud.
Her eyes lit up.
"Then come with me! I've got a birthday party to attend and I need to bring a good friend. Will you?" she asked, adding that last part with a teasing lilt.
Lin Wei gave a slow nod, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Sure... I guess it's alright."
As he leaned back, his thoughts wandered.
Should I bring a gift too?