Chapter 33: Gifts that boys can’t refuse

The comprehensive and English exams went as smoothly as expected.

As long as no one with ulterior motives interfered, everything should’ve been fine.

Stepping out of the exam hall that afternoon, Meng Zhi stretched lazily. Around him, students were a mix of emotions—wildly excited, dejected, ecstatic, or silent. Everyone’s feelings at the end of the college entrance exam were unique.

Meng Zhi recalled his first exam years ago. He hadn’t felt much complexity then, just exhaustion.

The kind that made him want to sleep for three days straight.

Back then, he thought finishing the exam was a huge step forward. In reality, his life had been stuck in place ever since.

Now, he could hardly muster a youthful mindset to celebrate liberation like those around him.

“Meng Zhi!”

From the crowd, a girl waved high, her white dress as pure and elegant as a narcissus, instantly catching his eye.

“It’s finally over.”

Chen Xinya’s face was flushed with excitement. “The teacher said we can estimate scores back at school. You going?”

“Nah.”

Meng Zhi stretched again, waving it off. “It’s done. Estimating scores just ruins the mood.”

“Fair enough. Got plans for the break?”

“Probably gaming the whole time.”

She giggled behind her hand. “So you.”

“Hey, climbing ranks takes skill and grit,” he defended. “The game I’m playing is less than a year old. I want to hit Radiant during the break.”

“I don’t really get it… You aiming to go pro?”

“Nope. Just think hitting Radiant’s cool.”

“But,” she tilted her head, “doesn’t your house only have your dad’s old work PC?”

“Yeah. So I’m planning to build one.”

He explained, “My peripherals are almost here, but I haven’t decided on the build yet.”

“In that case…”

Chen Xinya stepped closer, a sly smile on her face. “I have a gift for you. Want it?”

A gift? Meng Zhi froze.

“But, in exchange…”

Her eyes sparkled with rare mischief as she winked. “I want you to teach me to play PC games.”

“Huh?”

That was unexpected.

Chen Xinya was a tech klutz. Like many girls, her hobbies were dramas, variety shows, and idols. Video games were an alien world to her.

The closest she’d come to gaming was probably Candy Crush.

Her asking him to teach her games was beyond his imagination.

“You sure?” He hesitated. “For a complete newbie, games can have a steep learning curve.”

“Gotta try first,” she said confidently. “Who knows? Maybe I’m a one-in-a-million gaming prodigy.”

…Doubtful.

After a pause, he sighed. “Fine. What’s the gift?”

“Hehe.”

She grinned, pulling out her phone.

Meng Zhi glanced at the screen. A photo showed boxes stacked at his doorstep.

The boxes made any guy’s heart race.

“Holy… EVA Asuka-themed case? RTX 3090Ti? i9-12900K? ROG STRIX Z690-A Snow motherboard?”

Seeing the haul, even Meng Zhi gasped. “You… you went full top-tier?”

“I don’t know much about computers.”

Blushing, she fidgeted with her fingers, mumbling, “I asked a ton of people online how to build a good PC for a boyfriend—uh, I mean, not a boyfriend, just a friend.”

Flustered, she explained, “I asked around, and since I didn’t know what’s best, I went with the most expensive stuff… I’m not sure if I got scammed or if you’ll like it…”

“If it’s not good enough, tell me. I’ll return it and get better.”

No need for better.

This was as top-tier as mainstream builds got.

The gift was a shock. Chen Xinya knew nothing about PCs or games. If she’d researched and chosen each part herself, it must’ve taken ages and effort.

No guy could stay unmoved by this.

“How’d you afford this?” Meng Zhi couldn’t help asking.

“You know.” She gave a sheepish smile. “My parents are overseas, always sending me tons of allowance.”

“I can’t spend it all, so I saved up a lot.”

“It’s not that expensive. As long as you like it.”

He couldn’t lie and say he didn’t.

He could’ve bought it himself, but a girl gifting it? A whole different feeling.

“Thanks.”

His lips curved slightly. “I really love it.”

Chen Xinya stared at his expression.

His features softened, his face brimming with barely concealed joy, like a kid with a new toy. It was obvious at a glance.

But she felt a pang of sadness.

…Why didn’t I realize this before?

Guys are so easy to please. Spend a little, and they’re happy for ages.

Yet in their last life, she never thought to get him a PC.

She knew gaming was his only hobby.

If she’d cared more back then.

Got him the latest, best PC, played games with him after a long day, listened to him talk about his favorite players and stories.

Would their love have faded so silently?