A guy and two super good-looking girls were goofing around in an internet café, and the other customers were both envious and annoyed.
Only a few hardcore gamers, totally focused on their screens, barely noticed the guy surrounded by pretty girls, rolling their eyes and staying immersed in their games.
Their attitude could be summed up by a quote from Lu Xun: "Human joys and sorrows don't connect; I only find them noisy."
Don't be weirded out—Lu Xun really said that.
In simpler terms, it's like: "Ladies, back off. I'm gonna spend my life with my games."
"Just kidding, just kidding!"
Shen Lang laughed as he took punches from his proud girlfriend.
"Huh? Just kidding?"
Ye Xinxin pretended to wipe away tears. "I thought you were serious. Oh well, I guess I was wrong."
"Come on, enough already. You're acting like it's real."
Shen Lang used Ye Xinxin's teasing to smoothly change the subject. "My short video is about to start filming. If you come to the audition, you'd definitely be the leading lady."
"Oh? You're starting soon?"
Su Lexuan stopped her little punches and blinked curiously.
"Yeah, probably the day after tomorrow."
Shen Lang adjusted Su Lexuan's ponytail, which was stuck in her clothes. "The script and lines are all ready. Once the other actors are available, I'll be busy."
"So we won't be able to see each other for a while then."
Su Lexuan pouted, clearly not thrilled about the idea of a long-distance relationship.
"I'm not filming all the time. Even actors get breaks."
Shen Lang reassured her. "Besides, if you miss me, you can always come to the set to hang out."
"Really?"
Su Lexuan's eyes lit up with excitement. "I've never been to Hengdian Film City before. Can I come visit you on weekends?"
"Of course."
Shen Lang agreed immediately. "But if you're coming, you need to let me know the day before. Otherwise, the security won't let you in."
Shen Lang was subtly trying to keep Su Lexuan and Ye Yinan from meeting.
Even if Ye Yinan was smart and wouldn't reveal her and Shen Lang's unusual relationship in front of Su Lexuan, Shen Lang hoped these two girls would never meet.
He didn't want any potential triggers for awkward situations.
"Well then, no problem."
Su Lexuan was thrilled. "Good luck, Shen Pig. I hope you become a famous director soon, like one with a million-dollar salary."
"Thanks for the wish."
Shen Lang pretended to enjoy it, though he had no real intention of becoming a director.
For short videos, Shen Lang didn't need to go out and find investors; he could just spend money on video apps to attract viewers.
If he became a famous director, paparazzi would follow him around, and his personal life would be exposed, which could be a huge mess.
His real goal was to build up popularity with short videos and then transition into being a screenwriter for movies.
This way, he could stay behind the scenes, avoid the hassle of finding actors and sponsors, earn money comparable to a top director, and write scripts to sell to big directors.
He could even invest in his own films, which would be a win-win situation.
If he ever faced media interviews, he could use his wealthy family's influence to handle any scandal.
"Ugh, more love show-off, huh?"
Single Ye Xinxin interrupted the lovey-dovey duo. "Don't you see there's a third person here? Lexuan, watch out or I might steal your boyfriend!"
"Go ahead."
Su Lexuan wrapped her arm around Shen Lang's and laughed nonchalantly. "If you can steal Shen Lang, I wouldn't mind."
Shen Lang saw Su Lexuan was joking and protested. "Hey, what about my feelings?"
"Oh, really? You're not happy with my gorgeous and well-built best friend?"
"Honestly, a bit. I did say that if I hadn't met you, I might have pursued your best friend."
"Shen Lang!!"
"Hey, hey, just kidding! Don't hit me!"
"Are you guys still so young?"
Seeing her best friend find such an awesome boyfriend, Ye Xinxin genuinely felt envious.
Shen Lang was handsome, fit, successful, and had a great career with excellent social skills. He knew how to make his girlfriend happy and handle relationships perfectly.
More importantly, he was amazing at games, with no apparent flaws. If he were ten years older, he'd be Ye Xinxin's ideal boyfriend.
Unfortunately, Su Lexuan had already snagged him, so Ye Xinxin could only quietly wish them well from the sidelines.
Even if Ye Xinxin had a slight crush on Shen Lang, she'd never do something like dating a friend's boyfriend.
"Alright, Chao Chao said the campus network is fixed."
Ye Xinxin forced a smile. "I won't be your third wheel anymore. I'm heading back."
"Ah? You're not coming shopping with us?"
Su Lexuan asked in surprise.
"Pfft, you really aren't worried I might steal your boyfriend?"
Ye Xinxin laughed and asked in return.
"Here!"
Su Lexuan handed Shen Lang to Ye Xinxin. "Good bestie, for life, what's mine is yours."
Su Lexuan noticed her best friend seemed down and hoped to cheer her up with this gesture.
"Alright, get real, you're grown-ups now."
Ye Xinxin gave the couple a frustrated look and seriously warned Shen Lang. "Shen Lang, treat my Lexuan well, or I won't let you off."
"Promise to do it!"
Shen Lang responded firmly.
"You're such a dork."
Ye Xinxin smiled. "That's it. I'm going back to the dorm. You two go on with your romance."
"Seriously, less showing off."
Looking at Ye Xinxin's familiar, lonely figure, Shen Lang said casually.
"Your best friend is single. She can't stand seeing us."
"Eh, there are other guys pursuing her at school."
Su Lexuan murmured unhappily.
"If she doesn't want to date, what can I do? Besides her, all the girls in our dorm are in relationships now."
"Are the new students at Zhuhai University really that bad?"
Shen Lang asked in surprise. "Don't they have anyone good?"
"Honestly, Xinxin doesn't care much about looks."
Su Lexuan snapped at Shen Lang. "She doesn't like guys from our school; she finds them immature and boring."
"Hmm? What does she like then? If I find someone suitable, I could help her out. After all, she's your best friend."
Shen Lang suggested. "It wouldn't be fair if she always has to watch us while feeling left out."