When Mei Qing arrived at the designated location, Wang Shanni was still smoking with two boys. Upon seeing Mei Qing, Wang Shanni greeted her. Although Mei Qing felt somewhat uncomfortable, she forced herself to go forward.

Both boys' eyes lit up when they saw Mei Qing. Wang Shanni stubbed out her cigarette and slapped the two boys hard on the back with both hands: "Stop looking. Where are we going to play today?"

"I heard a new shop opened nearby, with a bar and a music stage on the second floor. I heard the decor is really nice. Shall we go check it out? Oh, hello, you're Mei Qing, right? My name is Lin Jie, and this is Lu Xuanfan. He's your senior." He then extended his hand.

Mei Qing hesitated for a moment, then Wang Shanni slapped her hand away: "Don't prioritize romance over friendship, let's go."

If she wasn't mistaken, the shop they were going to was the one Xi Xinxin had just opened. Thinking of this, Mei Qing felt much more at ease. However, she still followed behind Wang Shanni. Lin Jie kept trying to strike up a conversation, but Wang Shanni, perhaps intentionally, wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. Lin Jie was left feeling rebuffed.

Right in front of them was Xi Xinxin's shop. Mei Qing breathed a sigh of relief. Xi Xinxin happened to be on the first floor as well. Seeing them enter, she immediately spotted Mei Qing: "Welcome!"

Wang Shanni placed the menu in front of Mei Qing: "What would you like to drink?"

"Excuse me, I don't drink much. I'd like to go downstairs and buy a glass of milk."

Wang Shanni put her arm around her and started shaking it: "Oh, you've come all this way, don't be too disappointed. Just have one drink, I'll order you one with a low alcohol content."

Lu Xuanfan also chimed in, "Yeah, it's not easy to get out and have some fun, right?"

Mei Qing bit her lip uncomfortably, her left fingernails instinctively reaching out to scratch herself, when suddenly Xi Xinxin grabbed her left hand. Xi Xinxin had already prepared the milk downstairs and brought it up: "Here you go."

Then, smiling at the group, he said, "Guests, we have rules here; we can't urge people to drink indiscriminately."

The group had no choice but to give up, not wanting to cause any trouble. After an awkward silence, Wang Shanni brought up the topic again.

There were more people in the evening than in the morning, and Xi Xinxin naturally joined the bartending line, standing in front of Mei Qing again. Mei Qing didn't say anything; she simply watched Xi Xinxin mix drinks quietly. The bar lights were bright, but Mei Qing just kept watching Xi Xinxin. She stirred, she cut ice, and everything around her dimmed, leaving only Xi Xinxin alone. Even though she hadn't drunk any alcohol, she felt drunk. Why? Just having Xi Xinxin by her side gave her such a sense of security.

"Qingqing, what about you?"

"Huh?" Wang Shanni's voice brought her back to reality: "Sorry, I didn't hear you clearly."

"Oh, right, how many relationships have you had?"

Mei Qing shook her head: "No." She had been pursued by men before, but she rejected them all because she was focused on her studies. After entering university, she was in a difficult situation, let alone dating.

Lin Jie teased, "Our junior is so innocent. Could you give me a chance?"

No one expected Lin Jie to be so direct. This slightly displeased Lu Xuanfan, who was standing nearby. "Hey!"

Mei Qing nervously rubbed her milk cup with both hands, then looked at Wang Shanni with pleading eyes. Wang Shanni naturally understood, but what she said surprised Mei Qing: "Then Qingqing, you and Lin Jie should get to know each other better. You two can go back alone later and have him take you to your dorm. It's not convenient for me in the other dorm."

Lu Xuanfan was slightly unconvinced, but he shut up when he saw the message on his phone.

Wang Shanni pleaded with Mei Qing, "Oh, please give Lin Jie a chance. He's a good person, trust me."

Mei Qing didn't dare refuse, even though she always felt something was off about Wang Shanni. But she hadn't done anything to hurt her. Refusing her wouldn't be good, so Mei Qing could only nod.

Saying it was to create an opportunity for the two of them, Wang Shanni told Mei Qing and Lin Jie to go back first, while she would drink with Lu Xuanfan for a while longer.

As soon as Mei Qing left, Lu Xuanfan immediately showed a dissatisfied expression: "Didn't we agree that it would be fair for me and Lin Jie to compete fairly because the girl is pretty?"

"Oh, what are you worried about? I'm giving Lin Jie a chance this time, but Mei Qing might not even be interested," Wang Shanni continued. "And I'll definitely give you another chance next time."

Lu Xuanfan didn't say much: "What kind of person is your friend? Was he bullied before? It was quite a big deal."

"Flies don't land on eggs without cracks. Who knows if she really has a problem? Do you really believe she's never been in a relationship? I don't believe it."

"Indeed. I don't believe it either."

"Sigh, I'm really worried about her. We're friends. I feel like she's using me. You guys all want to pursue her, she's not usually this reserved."

"No way. He's really good at pretending."

After seeing Mei Qing leave with Lin Jie, Xi Xinxin gave some instructions and secretly followed behind, so she didn't hear their conversation. Gu Nan and Gu Bei exchanged a glance; they knew that Mei Qing was the boss's friend, so they would report this to Xi Xinxin later.

It takes about twenty minutes to walk from here to school. Xi Xinxin initially thought they would take a taxi back. Unexpectedly, Lin Jie, being so stubborn, insisted on walking back. Xi Xinxin noticed that Mei Qing's heels were quite high, and walking for too long would easily cause foot pain.

Sure enough, halfway through, Mei Qing began to show signs of discomfort. The guy named Lin Jie was still chattering away, saying something incomprehensible. Xi Xinxin couldn't bear to watch any longer.

"Hey, who are you? Hmm? Aren't you a waiter at the store?"

"Yes, boss."

"Xinxin!" Mei Qing exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

"I'll take you back by taxi. How can you walk back?" Xi Xinxin glanced at Lin Jie. She had only followed Mei Qing secretly because she was worried about her safety. "Her shoes are quite high, so it's inconvenient for her to walk for too long. Is it okay if I take you back by taxi?"

Lin Jie rubbed his head, feeling a little embarrassed: "Sorry. I didn't notice. Of course, you can do it. I'll do it, no need to bother you."

"I've already hailed it." The taxi had already pulled up. "Qingqing, text me when you get to the dorm." Xi Xinxin patted her phone.

Okay~

When they returned to the store, Wang Shanni and Lu Xuanfan had already left. Gu Bei came up to Xi Xinxin and told her about the conversation they had just overheard.

Xi Xinxin narrowed her eyes; she had come up with a good idea.

When Mei Qing returned safely to the dormitory, Xi Xinxin said she was very curious about her new friend Wang Shanni and wanted her contact information. Mei Qing gave it to her without hesitation.

Xi Xinxin created a new account and added Wang Shanni. Surprisingly, she accepted instantly.

He pondered for a moment.

"Hello, are you a friend of Mei Qing? May I have her contact information?"

It's been typing for a very, very long time over there.

"Sure. But you'll have to wait in line. Mei Qing has several other appointments after her."