Chen Li took me to the study table in the room and pointed at the dishes that were almost overflowing. "You haven't touched any of the leftovers? I know you love trying new things," she said.
I was surprised by her observation. "I planned to eat them, but I lost my appetite after the incident with Su Xi," I confessed.
"I know you think Carlos Restaurant might have decided on their own," Chen Li said, as if she read my mind. "But if you look at these dishes closely, the new ones match what you like perfectly. The employees at Carlos Restaurant wouldn't know that. Su Xi must have watched you while you were eating. Before this, only me and Hua Zhe knew your preferences. I think he observed you so carefully because he wants to pursue you."
Hearing Chen Li's words, I immediately felt a chill run down my spine. I wondered when Su Xi had ordered the employees to prepare the extra dishes. Unable to figure it out, I started to explain to Chen Li.
"But this doesn't make sense. Su Xi doesn't know I'm a girl, so how can he like me?" I scratched my head, puzzled, then realized, "That's true. Su Xi is probably gay. He did ask me today if Hua Zhe has a girlfriend."
Chen Li looked sympathetic. "I get it. It must have been tough. But you should still eat. These dishes are special, and it's a shame not to enjoy them."
With her support, I grabbed a bite of lobster and savored the luxurious, buttery taste that melted in my mouth. Despite my earlier troubles, the delicious flavor brought a smile to my face.
Chen Li chuckled at my reaction. "See? Delicious food can cheer you up. Now, tell me more about this Hua Zhe. If that's true, many girls in our university would be shocked."
"Hua Zhe... he's like a legend at our university. Smart, athletic, charming—he's the full package. But he's also very private. Despite being popular, he doesn't date casually.
Chen Li nodded, thinking about it. "I get it. So, Su Xi might see him as a competition or just wants to figure him out. Boys and their egos."
I chuckled. "Maybe. But Hua Zhe and Su Xi are different. Hua Zhe is easier to approach, while Su Xi keeps her distance from everyone. They're like complete opposites."
Chen Li raised an eyebrow. "And where do you fit into all this?"
I shrugged. "I'm just trying to get by. Su Xi hired me to pay off my debt, but now that's settled.
"With Su Xi's popularity, how could an average guy like him stay single for so long? Unless he already has feelings for someone, like Hua Zhe. It seems Su Xi is indeed gay, as you mentioned," Chen Li said.
"I zoned in on the second part of her statement and exclaimed. "What? Hua Zhe has someone he likes? Why didn't I hear about it?" I asked in shock as I realized what she said.
Logically speaking, Chen Li had known Hua Zhe for a shorter time than I had. How could she know more about him than I did?
"Tch, if you had known about this, Hua Zhe would have ended his single life a long time ago." Chen Li rolled her eyes at me, clearly not wanting to discuss this topic further. "By the way, I asked you to help me meet Su Xi before. Now, don't bother. Although I'm open minded, I don't want to associate with homosexuals."
Chen Li is known as the "mountain flower" because many men have expressed their feelings for her, but none have even asked her out for shopping. How can someone like her be called an open minded person? If she's labeled as open minded, there wouldn't be any sincere people in this world.
I chose not to correct Chen Li's words and told her helplessly, "Unfortunately, I already informed Su Xi about this. Remember that this led to him firing me?"
"Oh no! My reputation!" Chen Li cried out, covering her face with both hands, even though she still had skincare products on.
I tried to comfort her by saying. "Don't worry, Su Xi doesn't gossip. He cares too much about his reputation to get involved in that."
Chen Li peeked through her fingers, looking a bit relieved. "I hope you're correct. But the idea of him finding out is embarrassing. He might see me as a desperate girl chasing after him."
"Cheer up, Chen Li." I said, trying to make her feel better. "You're the definition of unattainable. A small mistake won't change that."
She sighed and let her hands fall. "You're probably right. It's just... embarrassing, you know?"
I nodded, getting her feelings. "I understand. But really, Su Xi has more important concerns than our personal matters. And let's face it, he's not exactly an open book. He has his own mysteries."
Chen Li seemed deep in thought. "Talking about secrets, do you think he knows who you really are? You've done well keeping it a secret until now."
"I don't think so," I said, but a bit of uncertainty started to bother me. "He pays attention, but I've been cautious. Plus, he seems more interested in other matters, like questioning me about Hua Zhe."
Chen Li raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, that's strange. Why would he be so curious about Hua Zhe unless there's more to it?"
I shrugged. "Who can say? Maybe he's just interested. Or perhaps there's a rivalry I'm not aware of."
"Well, whatever it is, just be careful," Chen Li advised. "You never know what's going on in someone else's head."
"I will." I assured her, feeling a mix of determination and unease.
At that moment, the dormitory doorbell rang, and without thinking much, I hurriedly opened the door, only to find Su Xi standing there.
"Bang!"
Before he could greet me, I quickly shut the door.
Chen Li, who didn't see who it was, was surprised by the noise and asked, "Who was that? Why did you close the door so fast?"
"Speaking of the devil..."
When Chen Li realized who it was, she made a scared face and asked, "Why did he come so quickly after saying he would? And how did he get into the girls' dormitory?"
"Maybe he paid off the dormitory staff. You know they love money," I replied casually.
We decided not to let Su Xi in. We each went about our own business. I had planned to find a part-time job later, but Su Xi was blocking the door, so I couldn't leave. I turned on my computer, put on my headphones, and started playing online games.
We couldn't get Su Xi to open the door, so we decided to go about our own business. I had planned to search for a part-time job later, but Su Xi blocking the door prevented me from leaving. So, I turned on my computer, wore my headphones, and began playing online games.
Just ten minutes into battling monsters, Chen Li unexpectedly pulled off my headphones.
"Can you pay attention to the world instead of tuning it out with headphones?"
"What's wrong now?"
I felt irritated that Chen Li removed my headphones, but then I realized it wasn't her fault this time.
The dormitory was filled with loud, non-stop knocking, like thunder. When I removed my headphones, the noise became unbearable, and Chen Li, who had been enduring it, felt the same.
I had to open the dormitory door, and Su Xi slipped in quickly.
"Who allowed you in? Wait outside."
"Don't be like that. I'm here to say sorry. It was my fault for firing you earlier. Can you please hear me out?"
I was surprised that Su Xi used the word "apologize" to me. It was the most humble gesture I could imagine from him.
Even so, I still didn't intend to be nice to Su Xi. After making a gesture for him to leave, I said, "Okay, I accept the apology. Can you please get out of here quickly?"
"Then will you come to work tomorrow?"
I stared at him in confusion, not understanding what he was talking about.
The debt had been written off by Su Xi. Although I was angry about how it was settled, there was no need for me to continue being involved with him. So why should I go back to that place to receive a minimum salary and work for him?
It was an incredible question for him to ask.
Su Xi seemed to realize his mistake and corrected himself, "I'll give you a normal salary."
"I appreciate it, but a scholar cannot be humiliated. I think you should leave quickly."
The person who can go back to work after being driven away with that unreasonable attitude isn't a human being, but a saint. Unfortunately, I am just a normal person.
"...I brought red wine," Su Xi said, holding up a red wine bottle wrapped in a paper bag.
"...So what?"
I wasn't quite sure what Su Xi meant by saying this.
Su Xi's words caught me if guard, his frown turning into a more sincere expression. "Normally, I look down on people who don't try to progress but only focus on giving gifts to build relationships. Yet today, I find myself doing the same to earn your forgiveness. Despite that, you still won't give me a chance to explain?"
"That's really strange. How does what you said relate to me? I already said I forgive you. I just want us to be friendly in the future..."
Before I could finish, Chen Li suddenly rushed over, grabbing the bottle of red wine and hugging it tightly. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Wow, this is my favorite brand of red wine."
"Sister Chen?"
This was the most embarrassing I had ever felt in front of Su Xi. I tried my hardest to keep my pride, but Chen Li effortlessly shattered it. Her excitement was so obvious, and I couldn't help but feel my annoyance grow.
"Su Xi just wants to invite you for a meal so you can hear him out? Come on, give him a shot."
Chen Li's firm tone made it obvious that there was no way to prevent Su Xi from staying. Since I usually follow Chen Li's lead, I had to give up trying to resist.
"Okay. I'll reheat the leftovers for lunch, and we can have them in the dorm. Su Xi, no complaints about eating leftovers."
"This gifting strategy really does the trick..."
Su Xi didn't address me directly but mumbled to himself, though I could hear him clearly.
"Stop talking nonsense! If it wasn't for Sister Chen, I wouldn't be bothered with you this time!"
There is no microwave in the dormitory. If you want to heat meals, you have to go to the activity area of the dormitory building. So, I took my lunch box and left, leaving only Chen Li and Su Xi in the room for a while.