Chu Chu smiled helplessly and said, "It's up to you."
But halfway through the meal, Chuchu made an excuse to go out and pay the bill.
She still understands the ways of the world. The reason is that everyone is working hard to canvass votes for her, and she cannot remain indifferent.
A few people also drank some beer. Going to college means you are an adult, so it’s okay to drink a little.
By the time the meal was halfway through, the sound of laughter and conversation mingled in a warm atmosphere, and a few bottles of beer added a touch of mature camaraderie. The freedom and indulgence of university life were embodied in its purest form in this moment. Although the total bill was less than a thousand yuan, in their eyes, it was more than just the price of a meal; it was a testament to their friendship.
However, when Su Ning excitedly prepared to pay, he discovered that Chu Chu had already quietly settled the bill. He suddenly felt his masculinity was challenged, and his voice unconsciously rose several decibels, yelling that Chu Chu was not giving him face. This slightly childish reaction prompted Zhu Zhu to quickly intervene. She soothed him in a gentle tone, "Why don't we treat Chu Chu next time? Don't say that."
Su Ning, seemingly slightly drunk, insisted on transferring the money to Chuchu immediately, arguing that a girl couldn't pay for a meal with a boy. This stubbornness was tinged with a hint of male chauvinism. Chuchu stood aside, a flicker of embarrassment and discomfort crossing her face. She didn't want this to happen, especially since she had only wanted to thank everyone for voting for her.
Song Nuan stepped forward at the right time. Her voice was gentle but firm. She pulled Zhu Zhu and Chu Chu together while explaining to Su Ning, "Forget it, Su Ning. Why don't you treat Chu Chu next time you have the chance? Chu Chu really doesn't need this little money. She just wants to express her gratitude. Everyone, please don't be so formal."
After saying that, she cleverly changed the subject and suggested that Zhao Qing be responsible for sending Suning home, while she would be responsible for sending Zhu Zhu and Chu Chu back, cleverly resolving the awkwardness on the scene.
The moment I walked out of the night market, a cool breeze blew on my face, which seemed to take away some of the drunkenness and restlessness.
Song Nuan couldn't help but express her opinion on tonight's episode: "Zhao Qing has such a good temper. Her boyfriend Su Ning went too far tonight. He kept bragging during the meal and was always making faces, as if he was the most powerful person in the world." Her words showed both her heartache for her friend and her confusion about Su Ning's behavior.
Zhu Zhu gently tugged at Song Nuan's sleeve and softly reminded her, "It's good to know. Don't say such things to her face. Zhao Qing will be unhappy if she hears them. Everyone has their own personality and way of getting along with others. We should respect that."
Chuchu nodded silently, thinking to herself that Su Ning's behavior was undoubtedly a hidden danger to Zhao Qing's feelings. She concluded that such a relationship would eventually crack, and the one who would ultimately be hurt would most likely be Zhao Qing, who had always silently given and treated him tenderly.
But Chuchu didn't express her worries out loud. She just sighed softly and said to herself, "One knows whether the water is hot or cold only after drinking it."
…
As night fell, the stars twinkled. Zhao Qing dragged her weary body into the dormitory. The clock had quietly passed 11 p.m. Inside, a stillness reigned, the only sound remaining, the steady melody of breathing interwoven into the night's rhythm. She changed her shoes carefully, fearing the slightest noise would disturb her roommates. Her gaze drifted to Chuchu's bed. Though she tried to remain discreet, her concern and worry seemed to have already crossed the silent air. Though Chuchu remained silent, she knew it all.
The moment the door closed, Chuchu's eyelids trembled slightly, then she regained her composure. She didn't stand up, but secretly thought to herself that Zhao Qing's unusual behavior tonight must have a hidden reason.
Zhao Qing lay in bed, tossing and turning, replaying everything that happened with her boyfriend Suning in her mind. The sweetness and arguments intertwined into a complicated web, making it difficult for her to fall asleep.
As the night deepened, her eyes gradually turned red, and tears silently fell, soaking the pillow. This night, for her, was particularly long.
The first ray of sunlight in the morning filtered through the gap in the curtains, barely dispelling the darkness in the room.
Zhao Qing forced her eyes open, only to be greeted by her haggard face and dark circles. She forced a smile, ready to greet the new day, despite the bitterness in her heart.
"Good morning." Song Nuan's voice was clear and pleasant, as if she was not affected by last night at all. She greeted Zhao Qing as usual, but there was a trace of imperceptible concern in her eyes.
Zhao Qing smiled awkwardly, trying to hide her tiredness, "Good morning. I hope I didn't disturb you last night?" There was a hint of apology and uneasiness in her tone.
Zhu Zhu showed her high emotional intelligence at the right time, "What time did you come back last night? I slept so soundly that I didn't hear anything." Her answer was considerate and cleverly avoided sensitive topics, which made Zhao Qing feel a little warm.
Zhao Qing shook her head gently, "It's late, I'm too tired, I lay down as soon as I got back, and I even forgot what time it was." There was a hint of bitterness and helplessness in her smile.
Seeing this, Chuchu suggested, "Let's go have breakfast together? Or should someone send us breakfast?" She tried to ease the atmosphere with a light topic.
Zhao Qing shook her head, her smile becoming even more forced. "I ate too much last night, so I don't have much of an appetite. Go eat now. Don't worry about me. I'm taking the first class this morning."
Chuchu and the other two exchanged glances, and without asking any more questions, they left the dormitory together.
After leaving the dormitory building, Song Nuan finally couldn't help but speak: "It seems that they had a quarrel. A person's character can be seen from such a small thing. Su Ning is a really bad person!" There was a bit of indignation in her tone.
Zhu Zhu nodded in agreement, "Yes, I vaguely heard Zhao Qing crying last night, and I felt really bad." Her voice was full of heartache.
Song Nuan sighed, "I want to comfort her, but how can we, as outsiders, truly understand matters of the heart? I can only hope she can figure it out on her own."
Chu Chu remained silent until she reached the restaurant door, then she slowly spoke: "It's really difficult for us to interfere too much in matters of the heart. But if Su Ning really has a problem, we can't just sit back and watch. I think that to help Zhao Qing, we have to let her see Su Ning's true face. Besides, I always feel that Su Ning is hiding a lot of secrets..." Her eyes were firm, revealing an unquestionable determination.
Song Nuan's eyes lit up when she heard this. "That's right! We can observe secretly, collect evidence, and then tell Zhao Qing. That way, she can make her own decision."
The three of them smiled at each other, already having a plan in mind.
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