After the second public performance, Yu Shuman's fans decided to have a gathering. This time, they planned to split the bill among themselves since it was their own decision to meet up, and they didn't want to impose on anyone for the cost. Unlike before, when 99 Entertainment had treated them to lavish meals, they felt it was inappropriate to expect that again. Moreover, with more fans attending, including some who had only recently started following Yu Shuman, it wasn't feasible for her to join them.
Qin Ran was tempted to slip away and meet up with Yu Shuman, but just as she was about to make her escape, one of her senior classmates caught her. "Don't even think about running off! If Shuman knew her favorite junior didn't even join us for dinner, she'd be upset. We all know your situation, so don't worry. As your senior, this meal is on me!"
With that, the senior classmate looped an arm around Qin Ran's neck, dragging her into the group while proudly declaring that she would cover Qin Ran's share of the bill. Qin Ran, who had been considering making an excuse like needing to work, suddenly found herself saying, "It's okay, I have money. I can pay my own share…"
But her classmate insisted, "You're our junior, and we're taking care of you. Just enjoy the meal."
The group decided on a place that offered both barbecue and hotpot—a popular choice among young people despite the greasy food. They chose a spot near the university district, known for its good value. Coincidentally, the hotel where the lucky fans were staying, courtesy of Qin Ran, was also in the area, making it convenient for everyone.
Other than a few fans who had to catch trains or flights, the rest of the group took a bus to the restaurant, which the seniors had called ahead to reserve. Since the restaurant was a familiar spot for the seniors, they made themselves right at home, encouraging everyone to relax and enjoy.
The restaurant was reasonably priced, just 69 yuan per person, with no extra charge for the hotpot.
Qin Ran, who wasn't particularly fond of meat, only picked a few less greasy items from the buffet. Her senior classmate, seeing the meager amount on her plate, almost laughed in disbelief.
"Is this all you're eating? I'm treating you to a meal, and you're just having this little?"
"It's not that. I just don't really like meat that much…"
"Nonsense! Who doesn't like meat? Shuman specifically told us to take good care of you, and if you eat this little and end up losing weight, how am I supposed to explain that to her?" Before Qin Ran could protest, her senior classmate had already placed a generous serving of grilled meat into her dipping sauce bowl.
Staring at the piece of meat now covered in cumin, barbecue sauce, and a hint of chili powder, Qin Ran had no choice but to start eating. Throughout the meal, her senior classmate kept adding more meat to her bowl, leaving Qin Ran with little option but to continue eating.
By the time the group finally dispersed, Qin Ran was so full that she was hiccuping. Her senior classmate, satisfied with the meal, asked Qin Ran how she was getting home. After hearing her answer, they all parted ways. On her own, Qin Ran decided to take a taxi back, not wanting to trouble Li Jie or Wu Tezhu, and soon returned to her apartment.
Lying on the sofa, Qin Ran patted her full stomach, feeling a bit uncomfortable. She much preferred spending time with Yu Shuman, who always made her feel at ease. Although her senior classmate meant well, Qin Ran couldn't help but feel that her kindness was a bit overbearing.
As she lay there, her phone rang. It was Yu Shuman. Qin Ran quickly answered, hearing Yu Shuman's gentle voice, "Are you asleep?"
"No, I just got home. I went out for dinner with the seniors and ate too much," Qin Ran replied, sharing her frustrations about the meal. As she spoke, she felt a bit guilty, realizing that her complaints might sound ungrateful, especially since her senior classmate was only trying to look out for her.
Sensing Qin Ran's hesitation, Yu Shuman softly asked, "Was she too enthusiastic? Did it make you uncomfortable?" Qin Ran nodded, then remembered Yu Shuman couldn't see her, so she murmured, "Mm."
"Does spending time with me also make you feel pressured?" Yu Shuman asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"No! Not at all!" Qin Ran quickly denied, her voice softening as she added, "You and her are different."
Indeed, although Yu Shuman's personality was somewhat similar to her senior classmate's, there was a significant difference. Yu Shuman had also barged into Qin Ran's life, but in a way that Qin Ran found endearing. Unlike her senior classmate, Yu Shuman never pushed too far and always respected Qin Ran's boundaries. Being around Yu Shuman felt comforting and natural.
Hearing Qin Ran's response, Yu Shuman let out a small laugh. "Don't worry, I understand. She didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. For my sake, please don't hold it against her, okay?"
With Yu Shuman asking so earnestly, Qin Ran could only agree. "Okay."
Yu Shuman then asked how she had performed during the second public performance. "You were amazing," Qin Ran replied, "You looked incredible." Not only was Yu Shuman's performance stunning, but the styling that Qin Ran had suggested suited her perfectly, especially the loose curls that highlighted her elegance.
But there was no way to explain that to Yu Shuman without revealing too much.
Yu Shuman seemed pleased with the praise, her voice bubbling with excitement. "When this shoot is over, I'll treat you to a meal! You can't refuse, okay? The other seniors have treated you, so you can't say no to me."
She sounded almost jealous, as if she was upset that Qin Ran had eaten with others. Qin Ran quickly agreed, "Of course."
Yu Shuman was tired from the day's events, so after chatting for a bit longer, she ended the call to get ready for bed. Although Qin Ran was reluctant to say goodbye, she consoled herself with the thought that she would see Yu Shuman again tomorrow when she went to the filming location.
After the call ended, Qin Ran noticed the lingering scent of barbecue and hotpot on her clothes. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, she decided to take a shower. But first, she sent a quick message to her senior classmates from her main account, letting them know she was home safely.
She then headed to the bathroom, where she quickly rinsed off before sinking into the bathtub to relax. Wu Tezhu had thoughtfully stocked the bathroom cabinet with various bath products, including bath bombs and foot soaks, which Qin Ran had discovered while searching for a hairdryer.
Selecting a lavender-scented bath bomb, she tossed it into the tub, enjoying the gentle fizz as it dissolved into the water. Her high-end apartment came equipped with a jacuzzi tub that had a massage function, and the soothing water jets helped melt away the day's tension.
Qin Ran soaked for about half an hour before finally getting out of the tub. As she patted the tub dry, she made a mental note that once Yu Shuman gained more fame, she would need to move out of the student dormitory. Qin Ran would arrange for a suitable place for her, starting modestly and eventually upgrading to a place with all the amenities, including a jacuzzi.
Yu Shuman's team would also need to expand. With her rigorous work ethic, she'd need a nutritionist, a masseuse, and much more!
Qin Ran, now feeling refreshed, dried her hair, changed into her pajamas, and climbed into bed with her phone. After checking that nothing was urgent on her main account, she switched to her alternate account. As soon as she logged in, the notifications started pouring in—thank you messages from the fans she had helped, group messages urging her to check out the latest pictures, and even a message from Yu Shuman on her boss account.
She immediately opened the message from Yu Shuman, who had formally reported that her group had placed first in the competition and that she would continue working hard. Although Li Jie would usually handle all the updates, Yu Shuman's lingering guilt over the expensive dinner made her want to reassure her boss that she was worth the investment.
Qin Ran responded with a simple "Keep up the good work," even though she was bursting with pride inside, finding Yu Shuman's formal tone incredibly endearing.
There was no further reply from Yu Shuman, who had likely gone to bed. Switching to her "sugar mommy" account, Qin Ran browsed through the group's shared pictures from the day. Some fans had brought professional cameras to the event, capturing stunning close-ups of Yu Shuman, who looked flawless even in ultra-high-definition shots.
After indulging in the pictures for a while, Qin Ran decided to message her senior classmate privately, offering to cover the cost of dinner. To her surprise, her senior classmate politely declined, giving a reason that left Qin Ran at a loss for words.
"Why would you need to cover the cost? You weren't even there for dinner, and you've already done so much by treating the fans to tickets, travel, and lodging. We're all Shuman's fans; there's no reason for you to be taken advantage of."
Qin Ran couldn't exactly admit that she had been there for dinner, so she simply replied with, "Okay," before asking when the fan club fees would be collected. She was eager to contribute.
Qin Ran: I really do have money!