After returning to her dormitory, Ran Dongye lay on her bed, feeling mentally exhausted but unable to sleep as she tossed and turned. She was certain that this Ye Qiu was the man she had met three years ago, so why didn't he remember her at all? Had she changed so much, or was she simply too ordinary to leave a lasting impression?
Was there some secret he couldn't reveal? But what kind of secret could a mere university student have that was so shameful? No, she had to find out, or these thoughts would drive her crazy. Ran Dongye got up and immediately called Yang Aiguo to inquire about Ye Qiu. As it turned out, Yang Aiguo had just seen Ye Qiu and his roommates heading to the third canteen, so he told her where to find him.
Ran Dongye initially thought of going there alone but realized that might be too obvious. Just then, her dorm mates returned, and she suggested they go to the third canteen at Tsinghua University for the famous braised chicken legs. The third canteen's braised chicken legs were not only well-known at Tsinghua but also popular among students from other universities, who often made special trips to try them.
Her roommates readily agreed, and the group of women set off in high spirits. As they entered the third canteen, Ran Dongye's eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ye Qiu and his friends, her eyes lighting up and a smile tugging at her lips. Her roommates immediately realized there was more to this meal than just food.
"Well? Aren't you going to invite us to sit?" Ran Dongye asked, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Ye Qiu, a smile playing on her lips. If he didn't want to see her, she would make sure to be in his sight.
"Of course—please, ladies, have a seat," Yang Le quickly stood up to welcome them. He knew Ye Qiu might not be too keen on Ran Dongye, but he couldn't ignore the rest of her beautiful friends. For the sake of his and Li Dazhuang's happiness, he was willing to sacrifice Ye Qiu this once.
The canteen tables were long and rectangular, and when several were pushed together, they could accommodate a dozen or so people. Yang Le whispered something to the two guys sitting next to them, who immediately, and with great excitement, moved their trays to make room for the women. Ran Dongye and her friends took the seats without hesitation.
"What would you like to eat? It's on me," Yang Le offered with a warm smile.
"We'll each have a braised chicken leg, and maybe add a couple of vegetable dishes," said a beautiful woman wearing a white blouse with a wide, golden belt around her waist.
She smiled sweetly at Yang Le. "Thank you."
Yang Le felt like his bones were melting, and he quickly waved off her thanks, grabbing Li Dazhuang, who was still dazed, and heading back to the food counter.
As soon as Yang Le and Li Dazhuang left, the three women from Ran Dongye's dormitory began to scrutinize Ye Qiu with interest. It was rare to see a man who could make Ran Dongye feel awkward, and the fact that he seemed entirely unimpressed by their beauty only added to their curiosity.
"Our dorm has a rule that whoever takes on an advertising gig has to treat everyone to a meal. I shot a commercial today, so it's my turn to treat them. They insisted on coming here for the famous braised chicken legs—and who would have thought we'd run into you here? It's quite the coincidence," Ran Dongye explained with a smile, calmly accepting her roommates' disapproving looks.
"I see. Don't worry, I won't misunderstand and think you came here just to see me. After all, we barely know each other," Ye Qiu replied, nodding as he returned his focus to his lunch. He figured the sooner he finished eating, the sooner he could leave this increasingly uncomfortable situation.
Hearing Ye Qiu's cold and dismissive tone, Ran Dongye's roommates immediately felt offended. As beautiful women, they were used to being treated with respect, and no man had ever dared to talk to them like this. Seeing that Ran Dongye seemed to have some feelings for Ye Qiu, they couldn't stand by and let her be treated this way.
"Hey, what's with the attitude? You could at least be a gentleman," one of the women snapped.
"Yeah, what's wrong with our Dong'er? Even if you're not interested, there's no need to be so rude," another chimed in.
"Dong'er, there are plenty of better men out there than this guy. Why waste your time on him? Your suitors are all way more outstanding than him. No need to hang yourself on this crooked tree," the woman with the deep purple eyeshadow and seductive figure added, her anger evident.
"Who are you calling a crooked tree?" a sharp, angry voice called out from behind them.
Tang Guo had been getting restless seeing the growing crowd around Ye Qiu's table. After discussing it with Lin Bao'er, they decided to join the group. But just as they approached, they overheard someone calling Ye Qiu a "crooked tree."
In Tang Guo's mind, Ye Qiu was a very special person. He was her bodyguard, someone who had come from the countryside to depend on her. She could scold him and tease him, but no one else had the right to insult him. As his mistress, she felt it was her duty to protect him. If her servant was humiliated, it would reflect poorly on her as well. Without thinking, she immediately jumped in to defend him.
Ye Qiu's head began to throb. Why were they getting involved now?
"Who are you little brats, and what business is it of yours if we insult this heartless jerk?" The woman with the purple eyeshadow, who was notorious at the Film Academy for her fiery temper, wasn't about to back down. Seeing two more girls—pretty ones at that—stand up for Ye Qiu only made her angrier. No wonder he wasn't interested in their Dong'er; this guy was clearly a playboy, with one girl sitting beside him and two more waiting in the wings.
"Who are you calling a little brat?" Tang Guo shot back, glaring at the woman.
"Who else? Look at you—what part of you screams 'woman'?" The woman's sharp gaze flicked to Tang Guo's chest, her tone full of disdain.
She just insulted my chest? That hit a sore spot for Tang Guo.
Grabbing Lin Bao'er by the arm, Tang Guo retorted, "And how big do you think you are? You've got no more than my little Bao'er here, who hasn't even hit puberty yet. And you still dare show off?"
"Enough." Ye Qiu's voice cut through the tension as he slammed his chopsticks down on the table.
Wiping his mouth, he looked at the now downcast Ran Dongye and said, "Come with me."
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8