Chapter 29: Good
Before long, a slightly chubby teenager appeared before Lin Xiaoxiao, panting as if he had rushed over in a hurry.
Seeing this, Lin Xiaoxiao chuckled lightly.
“Why’d you run so fast? Didn’t I say I’d wait here for you?”
Xiao He, looking at the “boy” with a radiant smile, was momentarily stunned before scratching his head.
“I didn’t want you waiting too long. Oh, by the way…”
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a book.
“Here, this is yours. Xiaoxiao, got any other books you like? Recommend some to me.”
Lin Xiaoxiao took the book, thinking for a moment.
“I like quite a few. I’ll send you some titles later.”
The boy nodded, then glanced at the time.
“It’s getting late, Xiaoxiao. Wanna grab some food outside? We could call Lao Er and the others. I’m sick of cafeteria food, and our dorm hasn’t hung out in ages.”
Lin Xiaoxiao was actually a bit surprised by his suggestion. While their dorm group often planned meals together, it was rare for Xiao He to bring it up.
Her heart stirred, but the anonymous message came to mind, and she shook her head.
“Can’t today. I’ve got something to do later. Sorry, Lao San.”
Xiao He waved it off casually.
“That’s cool, we can hang another day. But… what’s up? Need me to tag along?”
Lin Xiaoxiao blinked, her eyes lighting up.
Right—why hadn’t she thought of that? She was wary of going alone, but with Lao San by her side, she’d have nothing to fear.
With that in mind, she nodded quickly.
“Actually, yeah. It’s almost time. Let’s walk and talk.”
She started moving, turning back to urge him. “Hurry up!”
Xiao He glanced at the “boy’s” delicate figure, his eyes darkening briefly before returning to normal as he followed.
Soon, they arrived outside the bar where the anonymous photographer had arranged to meet.
On the way, Lin Xiaoxiao had filled Xiao He in, explaining only that she was being threatened with photos, without revealing their content.
Even so, Xiao He was visibly indignant, though he shrank back slightly.
“Xiaoxiao, just the two of us? Should we call Lao Er and the others?”
She shook her head.
“No need to bother them. Don’t worry, I brought you for backup. If it comes to a fight, I can handle it myself!”
When it came to strength, only Zhou Ting outmatched her. Growing up, she’d never lost a fight, thanks to her natural power.
Xiao He, clearly recalling this, nodded in agreement.
“Let’s go in then. Whoever took those photos needs a lesson!”
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded, instructing him to hang back and observe while she met the person first.
They entered the bar. The sky was darkening, signaling the start of nightlife, and the place was already crowded, the atmosphere intoxicating.
The blaring music made Lin Xiaoxiao uncomfortable, and she frowned slightly.
But determined to find out who the photographer was, she pushed down her unease and headed to the meeting spot.
Just then, her phone vibrated. It was Zhou Ting calling.
“Hey, sorry, tonight—”
His voice cut her off before she could finish. “Where are you?”
The bar’s noise was unmistakable, so she answered honestly.
“I’m at a bar, with a friend.”
Zhou Ting’s tone was unreadable. “I’m hungry. What now?”
She faltered, feeling a bit guilty.
“Uh, I might not be back for a while. Maybe eat out?”
Her cooking wasn’t anything special anyway, and before she started cooking for him and Zhou Yang, he’d eaten out all the time.
But his next words left her speechless.
“Eat out? I paid you to cook, Lin Xiaoxiao. Where’s your work ethic?”
Unable to argue—after all, he’d coerced her into this role—she muttered, “I’ll try to get back soon. Just wait a bit, okay~?”
The last word slipped out, startling both of them. Zhou Ting recovered first.
“Bar’s address.”
She let out a small “ah,” then quickly gave him the address of the bar.
He responded, “Get back early, or if I get impatient, I’ll ‘eat’ you.”
His teasing, wicked words made her body tremble.
“G-got it…”
After hanging up, she thought about what she’d just said, her face flushing hot.
God, what was she saying?!
It took a while for her to regain her composure. Taking a deep breath, she headed deeper into the bar.
When she reached the meeting spot, the photographer was nowhere to be seen—only some leering gazes.
Even dressed as a boy, her delicate face drew attention, with strangers instinctively assuming she was a girl.
She checked the time—it was past 8 p.m.
Holding her patience, she waited a bit longer, but still no one showed. She started to feel like she’d been played.
Xiao He approached, acting like he was casually chatting her up.
“Xiaoxiao, they not here yet?”
She nodded, exasperated.
“I think I got stood up. Should we just leave?”
He shrugged, unfazed.
“We’re already here. Might as well have a drink. I’ve never really tried alcohol before.”
Before she could respond, he flagged down a waiter and ordered two cocktails, handing one to her.
“These are low-alcohol. Give it a try.”
He downed his in one gulp, only to start coughing clumsily.
Lin Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but laugh.
“Who drinks like that? But you’re right—since we’re here… There are plenty of girls around. Interested?”
Xiao He snuck a glance at the women nearby, looking embarrassed.
“Nah, I’m hopeless. I see a pretty girl, and I can’t even talk, let alone flirt.”
End of the month, begging for some soon-to-expire votes…*