Chapter 39: Student Meals
Hearing Huong Tra's complaint, the guy inside turned down the music, then looked out the door at her with indifferent eyes, saying nothing—probably just trying to see who was being such a buzzkill.
Mai, who had been busy peeling fruit, stood up and brought out a plate, handing it to Huong Tra.
"Hong's in your room, right? Take this back and share."
Huong Tra shook her head.
"No need, we already have plenty in our room."
With that, she turned around and went back. As soon as she returned, she whispered to Hong:
"Damn. That guy's as ugly as a bear, yet Mai's still head over heels for him. It's like she's worshipping a ghost or something."
Hong smirked and added:
"Maybe he's ugly, but he's got a good... structure."
Hearing that, Kieu Ly's curiosity was piqued. She'd been trying to imagine what this guy looked like.
If he was truly that unattractive, there must be something redeeming about him.
But from all of Hong's complaints, he sounded ugly inside and out.
And honestly, he probably was ugly.
It was exam season—crunch time. What was he even doing there?
Mai really should've told him to wait and focused on her studies.
Kieu Ly suddenly felt grateful that both she and Huong Tra were currently single. No boyfriends meant no petty conflicts like this.
Then her thoughts wandered: What would Huong Tra be like if she fell in love?
Huong Tra was honest and loyal—never one to nitpick with friends.
If she fell for someone, she'd probably love with her whole heart.
If it were someone good, it'd be worth it. But if it were someone awful, she might get hurt badly.
Maybe even worse than Mai right now.
Kieu Ly hoped that would never happen.
She had been through emotional pain herself and didn't want her best friend to suffer the same way.
Once the music stopped and the next-door couple quieted down, the girls could finally concentrate.
Room 5 was usually out. The last room on the floor had students who worked part-time jobs.
So the three girls finally got some peace and quiet to study.
Around noon, Kieu Ly stood up and opened the communal wallet on the table to take money for groceries.
But there were only a few coins left.
"We're out of money," she told Huong Tra. "Time to top it up."
Huong Tra reached for her backpack, pulled out her wallet, and checked inside.
Her face immediately twisted in tragic despair.
She moaned:
"Money flows downriver like poop in a stream.
And I'm the stray dog running helpless on the shore."
As she spoke, she dramatically held up her empty wallet for Kieu Ly to see.
Kieu Ly sighed.
"Fine, I'll cover it. We'll just keep lunch simple today."