'Cheng's right, you two have dragged this out long enough. If it's over, it's over—next one might be even better,' Wang Jian chimed in.
Wu Kun nodded hastily. 'Exactly. You and Cheng are both handsome guys—any girl you want is yours. Losing you is her loss. Let's drink, brothers, and forget her by morning.'
With that settled, Jiang Cheng messaged Lin Qingxue.
She replied at once: she'd wait for them at the parking-garage entrance.
When they realised Jiang Cheng was taking them to a bar, Wang Jian and Wu Kun immediately began primping, swapping into what each considered his most lethal outfit.
In a bar, after all, the girls size up the guys just as much as the guys size up the girls.
As for guys checking out guys? Jiang Cheng's only reply was a curt 'Get lost'—directed at Lu Chuan, who showed no intention of changing clothes.
'Lu Chuan, listen,' Wang Jian urged. 'Lose the tracksuit for something without a logo. Standing next to Cheng in that, you'll look like a kid brother—how will you shine tonight?'
With that, Wang Jian fished a locked drawer for the Patek Philippe Jiang Cheng had given him and strapped it on.
His words froze Wu Kun, who'd been about to pull on a several-hundred-yuan cotton jacket.
'Lu Chuan's gear costs way more than mine,' Wu Kun protested.'Should I even bother? This jacket is the only decent thing I own. Maybe just a black sweater to show off my build?'
'Unless you've got an eight-pack to flash, keep the jacket on,' Wang Jian shot back.'Sure, it comes off once you're inside, but when things heat up at least you'll have something to cover your crotch.'
'Damn, Boss Wang,' Wu Kun sighed. 'You and Cheng are both rocking Patek Philippes—what chance do Lu Chuan and I have?'
At that, Wang Jian slid his watch a little farther under his cuff.
Lu Chuan and Wu Kun still had no idea the timepiece was a gift from Jiang Cheng—he'd sent them away when he gave it.
So Wang Jian had kept quiet.
First, he didn't want them to think he looked down on their own presents.
Second, he had no idea whether Jiang Cheng would give them watches on their next birthdays.
If Jiang Cheng didn't, they might pretend it was fine yet still feel slighted, straining the friendship.
Wang Jian changed the subject. 'Enough talk—hair matters. In that dim light some girl might go for your vibe.'
'True,' Wu Kun declared. 'I'm bringing my fringe down—then they won't know what I actually look like…'
All three turned in silent unison to stare at him.
They hit him with a merciless triple strike.
'That's what you call vibe?'
'Isn't that the yellow-haired shamate look?'
'Don't go full delinquent on us.'
…Ten minutes later all three were ready.
Heading for the garage, Wang Jian said, 'We're drinking tonight—let's not drive. Cab there, cab back; saves hunting for a Designated Driver later.'
Lu Chuan agreed; Wu Kun, car-less, was even happier.
Jiang Cheng waved a hand. 'I'll have another car brought round.'
He phoned Wang Sheng to arrange it.
Moments later the trio reached the exit lane of the campus car park.
Lin Qingxue, waiting at the entrance, spotted them and lit up. Like a skittish fawn she sprinted straight for Jiang Cheng.