When they arrived, Zhou Ying and Zhong Chuxi were chatting on the balcony while the property manager and cleaning crew tidied up.
The place had already been cleaned once, so this pass was quick and simple.
Jiang Cheng walked in as they were finishing up.
Once the sheets and pillowcases were swapped out, the job was done.
Seeing Jiang Cheng return, Zhong Chuxi said curiously, "I always knew your family was well-off, but I never guessed you were a full-blown Tycoon."
"How come I never noticed Old Zhou had a thing for you?"
"Stop—he drives me crazy. He's doing it on purpose. So how did you two end up together?"
Seeing Zhong Chuxi's gossip face, Jiang Cheng dead-panned, "After sharing a bed for years, ending up together is only natural."
Both girls stared at him in shock.
"When did we ever—"
"Ahem, misspoke—I meant classmates…"
Looking at Zhou Ying's scarlet cheeks, Zhong Chuxi covered her mouth. "Jiang Cheng, you're still the same old joker."
When they finished, Jiang Cheng drove Zhou Ying and Zhong Chuxi to a hot-pot place near campus.
The snack street by the university had no reserved parking.
Jiang Cheng simply parked the bentley continental right in front of the restaurant.
Every table was full, mostly students back for break, revisiting the street to relive old memories, just like Jiang Cheng and company.
The three stepped out of the bentley continental, and soon someone recognized Zhou Ying.
"Isn't that our former campus belle Zhou Ying? Is she dating someone?"
"Damn, she's even prettier than before."
"I wrote her a love letter once—got it back unopened."
Another guy clapped his shoulder and said righteously, "Girls these days flaunt their looks and look down on men—well, on men without money."
Instead of feeling consoled, the first guy bristled. "What? Don't bad-mouth my goddess. She just happens to like a rich guy—what's wrong with that?"
"…"
In a corner booth Zhou Zhiyun, Huang Cheng, and Wang Xiaochui spotted Jiang Cheng amid the chatter.
Seeing the three walk in, Jiang Cheng grinned. "Long time no see—you three are still 'fast'!"
Zhou Zhiyun threw an arm around him. "Old Jiang, who you calling fast? Wanna test it?"
Wang Xiaochui shoved him excitedly. "Yeah, you've got the wrong guy—Huang Cheng's the quick one. I just got here."
Huang Cheng: "You jerks, take this!"
Used to soft curves, Jiang Cheng felt awkward wrapped by three dudes.
"Easy, guys, easy."
At his words the trio glanced at Zhou Ying and Zhong Chuxi and toned it down.
After greetings Zhou Zhiyun beamed at Zhong Chuxi, "Great beauty Zhong, you finally made it."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm here mooching off the Tycoon."
Zhou Zhiyun circled the bentley continental. "New ride?"
"Supercars aren't practical—this one seats people."
He stroked the door enviously. "Damn, if I had this I wouldn't be single."
Zhong Chuxi couldn't resist: "Don't blame the car. No girlfriend because you're a scumbag?"
He played dumb, pointing skyward. "Heaven knows I've been single since birth. I'd love to be a scumbag—you're all joking, right? I'd never do that stuff."
Everyone laughed, recalling his group-chat fiasco.
"This thing costs a few million, right?" Huang Cheng asked.
"A bit over five," Jiang Cheng said.
Wang Xiaochui inhaled. "Boss, does your dad need another son?"
"No idea about him, but I sure do."
"Scram—"
Seeing the bag in Zhong Chuxi's hand, Zhou Zhiyun brightened. "Gifts? You shouldn't have."
She glared. "Local products from Jiang Cheng."
"We're both from Chengdu—what local stuff?"
Jiang Cheng handed each of them a gift bag.
"From my U.K. trip—one each."
They eagerly opened them.
"Whiskey—never tried it; what's it taste like?"
"Huang Cheng, with your one-glass limit, skip it or we'll have to carry you home."
"Hmph, like I'd let you perverts escort me."
"Leave me out of that, thanks," Zhou Zhiyun said.
They joked and headed inside.
Seated, Zhou Zhiyun passed them the menu.
"We ordered some—add whatever you like."
Jiang Cheng handed it to Zhou Ying beside him.
The two leaned together, heads touching, studying the menu.
The still-single trio turned green.
"campus belle Zhou, what do you see in Old Jiang?"
She pondered. "Jiang Cheng's a really good guy."
"Don't be fooled by the looks—he's actually—"
Jiang Cheng cut in, "Three virtues: good guy, good-looking, handsome—where's the bad?"
"Old Jiang, you said three?"
"Yeah—good guy, good-looking, handsome—what's the third?"
He gave them a sly smile.
Realizing, they blurted together, "Damn!"
You had to admire the power of a pause.
The two girls were left baffled.
Jiang Cheng was completely at ease with the guys; Zhou Ying didn't catch every quip, but the vibe was warm—three years as classmates left plenty of familiarity.