"What do you want? Go ahead, say it."
At the first cafeteria of the School of Finance, Hu Linyu and Chen Hansheng were sitting across from each other.
However, there was also a tall figure at the table—none other than the low-key Shen Youchu, who had been almost invisible up until now.
It turned out that Chen Hansheng had spent a long time explaining that he wasn't trying to pursue Hu Linyu; he just wanted to have an in-depth conversation with her about the "class leader" issue.
Hu Linyu seemed to have a bit of distrust towards Chen Hansheng. Coincidentally, she noticed Shen Youchu eating quietly in the corner, so she quickly asked her to be a witness, signaling that there was nothing romantic between her and Chen Hansheng.
"Why are you quiet?"
Hu Linyu urged again, noticing that Chen Hansheng had suddenly become quiet.
The reason Chen Hansheng had stopped talking was because he noticed Shen Youchu's dinner—a 20-cent steamed bun and some free seaweed egg soup. She sat at the edge of the noisy cafeteria, taking small bites.
"Youchu's family situation isn't great. Now that you've become class leader, you need to help her apply for student loans and financial aid for poor students," Hu Linyu said sympathetically.
When she first saw Shen Youchu, she had also felt heartbroken. It was hard to imagine that in 2002, there were still families in such dire poverty.
"Hu Linyu, since I'm treating you to a meal, everyone who is here should share," Chen Hansheng suddenly said, signaling Hu Linyu.
Hu Linyu, quick to respond, immediately replied, "Of course, everyone should share. You and Youchu are going to treat me to a good meal today."
"No, no need," Shen Youchu quickly refused in a soft voice. Ever since Hu Linyu and Chen Hansheng suddenly sat next to her, she felt uncomfortable, not having much social skill.
Unfortunately, Shen Youchu had only half a bun left, and she didn't like to waste food. Since the other two were her classmates, it didn't feel polite to leave abruptly.
But now she couldn't eat anymore, so she put down her chopsticks and lowered her head without saying anything.
Hu Linyu continued to persuade her, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice: "I heard that Chen, our class leader, treated all the guys to supper recently. What's wrong with treating us to a meal?"
"Sit down and don't leave!" Hu Linyu said dominantly, her frustration evident as she grabbed Chen Hansheng's meal card, indicating that this meal wouldn't be cheap.
Chen Hansheng didn't mind at all and just kept watching the treasure in front of him—Shen Youchu.
If you looked closely, you could see that Shen Youchu was indeed a rare beauty. For example, her smooth forehead, the occasional glimpse of her peach blossom eyes when she looked up, her soft, slightly parted lips when she was startled, and of course, her figure beneath the military training outfit.
"Damn, 1.7 meters tall—she would look beautiful even if she were a stick," Chen Hansheng muttered in frustration. Looking back, he realized how foolish he had been. He had been around this treasure of a girl for four years without noticing her. It showed how superficial college students could be, preferring flashy, shallow types instead.
Shen Youchu probably hadn't had many meals with boys before, especially since Chen Hansheng's gaze felt as if it could see straight through her, making her feel exposed, as though she weren't wearing any clothes.
Just as she was about to bury her head under the table, Hu Linyu returned with several dishes—fish, shrimp, meat, and eggs, seemingly bringing back all the expensive meats from the cafeteria.
"67 yuan in total," Hu Linyu said proudly.
Shen Youchu was shocked—this was about the same as her food budget for over a month.
"As long as you're happy," Chen Hansheng said, completely unconcerned.
"Now, tell me, what did you want to talk to me about?"
At last, Hu Linyu seemed to have calmed down enough to ask Chen Hansheng seriously.
"Hu Linyu, why do you want to be class leader?" Chen Hansheng asked.
Hu Linyu was about to give a vague answer about "serving the class," but Chen Hansheng seemed to anticipate it, interrupting her, "If you really don't want to talk, then just finish this meal in peace and pretend I never approached you."
Hu Linyu suddenly fell silent. After a moment, she said, "I want to become a civil servant in the future. Being class leader could help with that."
Chen Hansheng snickered inwardly. Hu Linyu still wasn't being fully honest. Her real goal was to join the selection of cadres, but those positions were limited, and she was probably afraid of competition.
But that was enough for now—it showed that Hu Linyu was open to continuing the conversation.
Chen Hansheng nodded. "No wonder you've been so keen on being class leader. So it's for a career in the government."
"What about you? Don't think I don't know your tricks," Hu Linyu said with disdain.
At this point, she still wasn't willing to drop her pride over the failure, but since Chen Hansheng was negotiating with her, she had to tolerate her attitude.
"I don't want a government career. I just want to make money," Chen Hansheng replied.
In the future, he planned to start a business. Not only would it be impossible to keep it hidden from the school, but he might need to use the school's resources. It was better to be open with Hu Linyu now and establish a foundation of trust.
"Business?" Hu Linyu furrowed her brows. "Business doesn't really have much to do with being class leader."
"If I have the position of class leader, it would be much more convenient for many things. People will also have more recognition of me," Chen Hansheng explained simply.
"Ah, so you see the class leader position as a tool," Hu Linyu said angrily.
Chen Hansheng didn't mind and smiled, asking, "Aren't you thinking the same thing?"
"At least I'm willing to contribute to the class," Hu Linyu shot back.
That was true; Hu Linyu did have more of a spirit of service, and Chen Hansheng didn't plan to argue. There was no point in doing so.
In reality, he was the winner and the one in a position to negotiate.
"By the time sophomore year starts, the class leader position won't appeal to me anymore. Will you be willing to take over then?" Chen Hansheng asked slowly. This was the real reason he had approached Hu Linyu.
Hu Linyu was taken aback. "You plan to step down?"
"If, after a year, I still need the class leader position to boost my image, then that means I've failed, and it's time to step down," Chen Hansheng said with a smile, his face showing that carefree attitude once again.
"What are you going to do?" Hu Linyu asked after some thought. It was clear Chen Hansheng wasn't just sharing this information with her; he had his own intentions.
Meanwhile, Shen Youchu, sitting beside them, was feeling increasingly uneasy. Both Chen Hansheng and Hu Linyu were prominent figures in Class 2 of Public Administration, and Shen Youchu felt she shouldn't get involved in their conversation.
"I… I'm full, so I think I'll head back now," Shen Youchu said softly, putting down the half-eaten bun and preparing to leave.
"Stop."
Chen Hansheng suddenly called out to her.
Shen Youchu was startled and quickly glanced at Chen Hansheng before lowering her head again.
"Sit down."
Chen Hansheng said in a stern tone.
Shen Youchu didn't sit, just gesturing with her arm as if she really wanted to leave.
"Sit down," Chen Hansheng said more forcefully, his tone commanding.
Only then did Shen Youchu slowly sit back down. She was probably still frightened, and her body trembled a little. Hu Linyu also thought Chen Hansheng's tone was too harsh and was about to step in to defend Shen Youchu.
But to their surprise, Chen Hansheng suddenly sighed, picked out the largest shrimp from the dish, peeled it carefully, and placed the shrimp in Shen Youchu's bowl. He smiled gently and said, "Since it's for you, you should finish it."
Hu Linyu stared in shock. Chen Hansheng's change in attitude was so sudden, it was like something straight out of a romance novel.