The roommate on the upper bunk immediately laughed and said, "See? I told you that simp wouldn't say no."
"Exactly. Actually, he cleaned up his hair today, and he looks pretty decent."
"So what? The golden rule is, the better-looking the guy, the poorer he is—unless he's willing to sell himself."
"Ugh, when can I find a boyfriend like Yana? A bag worth 50 thousand? I wouldn't even dare dream of that."
These words pierced Tina's heart deeply, while Lyla eyes sparkled mischievously as she schemed up some trouble.
After enjoying the delicious meal, Yana gracefully paid the bill, then smiled charmingly and said, "Ryan, you guys go back to the dorm and rest. I've got something to take care of, but I'll come see you this afternoon."
"Alright!"
Ryan was now holding a large bag filled with restaurant's signature rice bowls—eight servings, just enough for their entire dorm.
Yana had overheard the call and knew exactly who the food was for, but she didn't care and covered the bill without hesitation.
A proud and confident woman like her lacked nothing in self-assurance. She firmly believed that everything she did today would ensure those two close brothers would speak well of her later.
Big picture, generosity... You can't win favor without a little tolerance.
On the way back, Weston muttered, still in disbelief, "I still feel like I'm dreaming. Did our third brother actually hook up with Yana, the campus beauty???"
Jason gave Ryan a hard shove from behind and said angrily, "And now he's living off her! Taking advantage of her generosity like it's nothing."
"The campus beauty Yana is gorgeous, but who'd have thought her eyesight was so bad? When I get rich, I'm sending her to the best eye hospital!"
"I think it's her brain that needs checking. If it were working right, would she even like our third brother and let him mooch off her like this?"
Even Weston, jealous as he was, couldn't help but pat Ryan on the shoulder and say, "But honestly, third brother, what you did wasn't cool."
Jason nodded in agreement, "Exactly. Getting treated to a meal is one thing, but having her pay for food for Tina and the dorm as well? That's just shameless."
"Right, even if you're living off someone, there's a limit!"
"This is too much; we can't stand by and watch anymore."
The three of them, smoking their after-meal cigarettes, strolled back to campus in style and sent a message to Tina, asking her to come down.
In the past, they'd have to wait for ages, like a faithful rock by the roadside. Sometimes, she wouldn't even reply to messages until they made several calls, and then she'd arrive with an irritated expression, taking her sweet time.
But this time, Tina was already waiting outside the dorm building with Lyla.
"Wow, it's really mutton fried rice!"
Lyla took the bag, and the other roommates cheered in delight.
For college students, this was a rare treat. Ryan might act indifferent, but deep down, he cared about her. Packing some extra food wasn't much trouble for him, after all.
Tina hesitated for a moment, biting her lip before saying, "When are you free? I want to talk to you." Her gentle tone and pitiful demeanor made Ryan heart soften a little.
But Jason and Weston exchanged a glance and quickly pulled Ryan away, "If you've got something to say, just call him later. It's scorching hot out here, and I feel like I'm about to melt."
Ryan glanced back at Tina, shook his head, and walked off with them.
When they got back to the dorm, the air conditioner had been installed. The vacuum pumping had taken over half an hour, showing how thorough the work was—after all, when students graduate, selling second-hand appliances is a lucrative business.
"Holy crap… this is heaven!"
After three summers of sweating it out with just a fan, now they could shut the doors and windows and enjoy the air conditioner blasting at 18°C. The cool air was sheer bliss.
Ryan was about to climb into bed for a nap, but the other two dragged him to the floor and gave him a stern lecture for a good half hour.
There was no doubt that Yana's cheerful generosity had won them over. The once untouchable, aloof goddess now seemed approachable and down-to-earth—a side of her they'd never even dared to imagine before.
When comparing the department beauty to the campus beauty, the latter clearly came out on top in terms of looks. Besides, Yana was from the art department, filled with stunning women, which gave her even more prestige.
So in their eyes, Ryan's act of buying food for Tina dorm while making Yana foot the bill was practically unforgivable.
It was outrageous! Sure, living off someone's wealth might be a skill, but being this shameless was enough to enrage both gods and men. Not that they could figure out what Yana saw in him to begin with.
But when comparing Yana and Tina, leaving looks aside, their personalities were worlds apart too.
"Alright, alright, I get it!"
Ryan, scolded until he was utterly defeated, quickly said, "I promise I won't make a fool of myself or act like a simp again."
Jason sighed, "Third, it's just that we hate to see you waste your potential. We don't know what Yana sees in you, but you better cherish this chance."
Weston grinned mischievously, "Exactly. You've gotta strike while the iron's hot. Better yet, hurry up and lose your virginity."
"Even if she gets bored of you in a few days and dumps you, at least you'll have experienced what it's like to be with the campus beauty. With her face and body, there are plenty of guys who'd happily trade ten years of their life for a chance like this."
As they continued talking, the tone shifted to something far less appropriate. After all, when a group of guys got together, staying proper was nearly impossible.
"Right, if you really get that lucky, make sure to shout my name at the crucial moment. That'll make me proud as your mentor."
"Pfft, your standards are so low."
"Third, I'll even buy you a box of condoms later. That way, when you use one, it'll feel like I'm part of the action too," Weston added with a sly grin.
After a few more dirty jokes, the three of them climbed back onto their beds to scroll through their phones or take a nap. Afternoon elective classes were never something they were enthusiastic about.