"Seriously?"
If Zhao Zikang had just managed to date a regular girl, Shen Lang would be super happy for his buddy. But he had met Li Qianqian before. She was kinda pretty but not much, and she was a total manipulator, always finding ways to get Zhao Zikang to spend money on her.
Whenever Zhao Zikang decided to stop chasing her and focus on work, Li Qianqian would sweet-talk him, making it seem like he still had a chance.
Shen Lang and the rest of their buddies had tried countless times to talk sense into Zhao Zikang, but he just wouldn't listen. He was totally smitten by this scheming girl.
Honestly, Shen Lang even wondered if Li Qianqian was pregnant and looking for Zhao Zikang to be the dad. There were too many naive guys like him out there. They hadn't dated much, and as soon as a decent-looking girl showed some interest, they'd do anything to win her over, thinking their sincerity would eventually pay off.
What they didn't realize was that most girls these days weren't into that. The "nice guys" got left behind in today's fast-paced world, and those guys who prided themselves on being loving and caring were often the ones called "simp" online.
Being a simp only brought trouble. If you were lucky, you'd simp for a nice girl who would politely reject you without stringing you along. If you weren't, you'd end up like Zhao Zikang, stuck with a manipulative girl who wouldn't commit but kept you spending money on her.
Once you'd been drained of everything you had, these girls would kick you out of their lives and move on to the next guy. It was harsh but true: love earned by begging would always keep you kneeling, and no one had sympathy for simps.
Zhao Zikang nodded, but he didn't look excited about getting his dream girl. Instead, he seemed more worn out.
After a few minutes of silence, Zhao Zikang hesitantly spoke up. "Shen Lang, I'm having a bit of a hard time right now. Could you lend me twenty thousand yuan? Qianqian wants to see the Qian Yuan concert next Saturday."
"Did she say she'd only be your girlfriend if you took her to the concert?" Shen Lang saw right through it.
Zhao Zikang started with the good news of his successful confession, then asked for the concert money because he didn't want Shen Lang to think he was just buying Qianqian's affection.
Zhao Zikang pressed his lips together, then finally nodded. "I'll pay you back next month when I get paid."
Zhao Zikang worked as a photography assistant, setting up equipment and helping the photographer move things around. He made about eight to nine thousand yuan a month, which was pretty decent.
Shen Lang hesitated but then shrugged. "I'll transfer it to you on WeChat later."
"Thanks, man."
Zhao Zikang smiled tiredly, then asked, "Shen Lang, if you were me, what would you do in this situation?"
Zhao Zikang hadn't been in a relationship before and wasn't sure if buying a girl's affection would last.
Shen Lang asked back, "You mean, taking her to the concert to be your girlfriend?"
Zhao Zikang nodded, looking intently at Shen Lang.
Shen Lang calmly explained, "I don't see a problem with spending money to woo a girl."
Zhao Zikang felt relieved. If Shen Lang, who was juggling two girlfriends, didn't mind spending money, then his own concert splurge didn't seem so bad.
"But if I were you, I'd take her to a hotel that night," Shen Lang added bluntly.
"What? That's way too fast!" Zhao Zikang was shocked. "Who goes to a hotel right after getting together?"
"Kangzi, relationships are about mutual giving. Only during Qingming Festival do you give without expecting anything back," Shen Lang said. "If you're spending money on her and she's still stringing you along, she's just using you as an ATM."
"So, I suggest you take her to a hotel now that you're 'together.' If she dumps you later, it won't hurt as much."
"Bro, I just started dating her. Don't jinx it," Zhao Zikang said anxiously. "It sounds like you're saying we won't last."
Shen Lang confidently replied, "Kangzi, mark my words, you'll break up within a month."
Zhao Zikang fell silent, more confused about his relationship after Shen Lang's words.
"But who knows, maybe she'll come around and see what a great guy you are," Shen Lang patted his shoulder. "If you break up, take it as practice. If not, you've won her over. Either way, you win."
"Yeah, that makes sense," Zhao Zikang nodded, enlightened.
"Heh, glad you're seeing it that way."
Shen Lang laughed. "Are you off today? Come with me. I need to buy some gifts."
"What kind of gifts?" Zhao Zikang followed Shen Lang to the parking garage.
"Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and I forgot to get them gifts. I'm making it up today."
"Gifts for that girl and Su Lexuan?" Zhao Zikang asked.
"Yep, who else?" Shen Lang nodded, bragging. "Did you see that RTX 4090 I posted on WeChat? Su Lexuan got that for me."
Zhao Zikang was stunned, then incredulous. "Did you spend Valentine's Day with both of them?"
"No way!" Shen Lang corrected him. "Morning with Li Liusi, evening with Su Lexuan. I'm not smooth enough to have them both together yet."
"Damn, that's still a lot!" Zhao Zikang envied Shen Lang for having two perfect girls to spend Valentine's Day with while he was stressing over one who might dump him.
Shen Lang, you're unbelievable!