At dusk, Sol strolled leisurely toward the Simmer Hot Pot Restaurant.
Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, who had been waiting at the door, brightened immediately upon seeing him. They waved enthusiastically.
"Sol, over here!"
"Looks like I kept you waiting," Sol said with a smile as he approached.
"Not really. It's just that Zhu Yuan was worried you'd arrive early and not find us, so she dragged me to wait here," Qingyi said with a grin.
"Well, it's my first time treating you to dinner, so I wanted to make sure everything went right," Zhu Yuan said, scratching her cheek awkwardly.
"No need to be so formal next time. We're all friends—just give me a call and that's enough," Sol replied cheerfully.
"Phew, got it!" Zhu Yuan let out a breath of relief, then asked curiously, "Aren't the folks from the Cunning Hares joining us today?"
"They've been busy making money lately—no time to spare. But next time, for sure," Sol said casually.
"Oh, that's a shame," Zhu Yuan said, feeling both disappointed and secretly relieved.
Disappointed that she couldn't meet Anby and the others to thank them properly for their past help.
Relieved because there were things she wanted to say today that would've been way too embarrassing if Anby were present.
"By the way, isn't Jane coming?" Sol asked curiously.
He was genuinely looking forward to seeing that seductive little mouse again—it'd make the dinner livelier.
"Consultant Jane's got a new assignment," Zhu Yuan explained. "After wrapping up the undercover work with the Panther Organization, she immediately went into another operation."
Leading the way, Qingyi added casually, "You guys stirred up quite the commotion a few days ago. The entire New Eridu underworld's on high alert now. Jane had to move fast to exploit the timing window—otherwise, even with a new disguise, the risk would be too high."
"Got it," Sol nodded, understanding but slightly disappointed.
In just two weeks, he'd finish his research and head off to another world for a little vacation. If he didn't catch up with friends now, it'd be a long while before he could.
As they chatted, the three of them entered the private room Zhu Yuan had reserved.
After ordering a few small dishes, they settled in and began talking.
An hour flew by in laughter and easy conversation—until Qingyi gave Zhu Yuan a subtle look. Zhu Yuan instantly realized the arrow was nocked; there was no turning back now.
Blushing furiously, Zhu Yuan stammered, "This might sound a bit forward, but… there's something I really need your help with."
"Go ahead. As long as it's not plucking the sun from the sky, I can probably handle it," Sol said easily, reclining against his chair.
For him, most problems these days were no more than a flick of the wrist.
"It's not that hard… well, actually…" Zhu Yuan fidgeted, sighing in defeat. "Fine—it is a little hard."
What do I do? I can't just say it straight out…!
Qingyi took a slow sip of tea and sighed inwardly.
Guess it's up to the senior to save the day again.
Clearing her throat, she stepped in. "Here's the situation. Zhu Yuan's parents found out she took down over a dozen arms-dealing syndicates in one sweep. While they're proud of her accomplishments, they're also terrified—her line of work is extremely dangerous. They're deeply worried for her safety."
"Mm, understandable," Sol nodded. "So, what, you want me to talk to them, ease their minds a bit?"
Zhu Yuan shook her head, then hesitantly nodded. "Sort of… you could call it a bit of 'mind work.'"
Qingyi sighed. "Her parents aren't the conservative type who'd stop her from serving as an officer in the Public Security Bureau. They just think she should find a boyfriend and settle down—before something happens and she never gets to experience love."
"Unexpected, yet completely reasonable," Sol said, already catching on. "So, is there more to it?"
Qingyi smiled faintly as Zhu Yuan ducked her head, too embarrassed to speak.
"Well," Sol said with a knowing grin, "let me guess—you need a fake boyfriend to reassure your parents, right? Easy job. I've got you covered."
He thumped his chest confidently. "You name the type—I can be anything. Dominant CEO, younger college student, refined gentleman, cool on the outside but warm within, or the restrained, godlike type. Whatever tag you want, I'll nail it."
Truth be told, if Zhu Yuan had asked him for any other favor, he might've charged a fee.
But this kind of favor? He'd pay her just for the chance to play the role.
He'd been in this world long enough—it was high time he experienced a protagonist's classic "pretend boyfriend" scenario.
"None of those…" Zhu Yuan's face flushed red as she pictured Sol in each of those roles.
Honestly, she liked all of them—especially since he was already so handsome. Still, she found his current self the most charming—easygoing, humorous, and dependable when it counted.
No, no, focus, Zhu Yuan! This isn't the time for that!
What she needed wasn't any of those tags.
Sol chuckled and pointed playfully at her. "Wow, high standards! All right then—let's do a custom order. You tell me exactly what kind of guy you need, and I'll become that man!"
He was brimming with confidence—his acting skills, in his opinion, were already beyond two-and-a-half years of trainee training.
Zhu Yuan's eyes lit up as she gathered her courage. "I want someone despicable, shameless, lecherous, greedy, two-timing, powerful, and completely heartless… all rolled into one. That's the kind of man I want to present to my parents."
"…Are you insulting me right now?" Sol frowned slightly. Those words felt way too specific, like she was describing his entire ID profile.
But Zhu Yuan wasn't the type to throw shade—she was always pretty serious.
So, he asked, half-jokingly, "Or do your parents have really unusual tastes?"
Zhu Yuan was speechless, glancing helplessly toward Qingyi.
Qingyi, who had been watching the show with amusement, finally spoke up. "Neither. Here's the truth—Zhu Yuan doesn't actually want to date yet, but her parents are dead set on the idea. So, she thought: if she brings home a terrible man, someone obviously wrong for her, they'll give up."
"She figured if even someone as outstanding as you can play such a scoundrel, then every other guy will seem worse by comparison."
"If that works, her parents will drop the matchmaking idea altogether."
Zhu Yuan nodded repeatedly beside her—clearly, Qingyi had voiced her thoughts exactly.
"So, what you're saying," Sol summarized, "is that instead of playing the main character, I'm the sleazy side character with the dyed-yellow hair?"
"That's right, that's exactly what I mean," Zhu Yuan said quickly, panicking a little. "I know it's a lot to ask—if you're uncomfortable, we can just forget it."
"Uncomfortable?" Sol let out a delighted laugh. "Of course not! That sounds way too fun!"
Between playing the dashing hero and playing the villain with flair, he'd take the latter any day.