Chapter 11 Seize the Opportunity

Girls are always a hassle before going out.

They have to think about where they're headed, what kind of occasion it is, then choose their outfit, and finally put on makeup...

This whole process can take anywhere from one to three hours.

So, when Han Jiangxue said she wanted to go out for dinner, Su Chen simply sat down on the sofa and started up a game.

But just about ten minutes later, Han Jiangxue appeared before Su Chen, already dressed and ready to go.

Su Chen looked up and was momentarily stunned!

The loose white T-shirt did nothing to hide Han Jiangxue’s stunning figure. The hem of the shirt draped over her shorts, revealing only a pair of long, fair, shapely legs, smooth as jade.

And her delicate face, pure with just a hint of allure, was lightly made up—so beautiful it felt unreal.

Her high ponytail completed the look, and for Su Chen, whose world had long felt dim, everything suddenly seemed brighter.

Noticing Su Chen’s dazed expression, Han Jiangxue’s lips curved with a hint of amusement as she apologized, “Have you been waiting long?”

Su Chen snapped out of it, shaking his head reflexively. “No, no, I haven’t even finished my game yet.”

Then, a little puzzled, he said, “Aren’t girls supposed to take forever getting ready? Why doesn’t that rule apply to you?”

“Maybe I’m just confident enough to go out with a quick touch-up,” Han Jiangxue replied playfully.

“Boss Han is absolutely right!” Su Chen teased, “You’re already so pretty—if you went all out with your makeup, how could any other girls survive on the street?”

“And even now, just walking beside you, people would probably think I’m worth at least several billion!”

Han Jiangxue gave him a sidelong glance. “I never would’ve guessed! You seem so honest, but you’re such a smooth talker!”

“Alright, enough joking. Let’s get going—I’m starving!”

Su Chen: “...”

Women really are foodies.

And... how does she eat so much and never gain a pound?

Su Chen couldn’t quite figure it out.

Dusk was settling in.

Right next to Han Jiangxue’s apartment complex was a large commercial district, so they decided not to drive.

They strolled along, picking out a place to eat as they went.

Han Jiangxue skipped ahead, hands clasped behind her back, and asked, “Do you eat spicy food?”

“I can handle it. I’d say I’m the type who loves spicy food but can’t really handle it,” Su Chen laughed.

Han Jiangxue’s eyes lit up. “Then let me take you to a little tavern I go to often! You can have a drink, listen to some music, and their Sichuan dishes are great!”

Su Chen nodded, and Han Jiangxue led him to a small restaurant on the street.

Calling it a restaurant wasn’t quite right—the décor was more like a bar, but without the loud noise, and unlike a lounge it didn’t just serve drinks.

The moment they stepped inside, the aroma of food greeted them. It was only around six, but already half the tables were occupied.

In the center of the place stood a small stage, where a middle-aged man sat on a tall stool, strumming a guitar and singing folk songs.

He might not have been a professional singer, but his voice was full of all the bittersweet flavors of life, something you could really taste.

Han Jiangxue and Su Chen picked a spot toward the back, away from foot traffic and facing the stage.

“Order whatever you want by scanning the QR code,” Han Jiangxue instructed. “The Sichuan dishes here are all good, and the skewers are nice too.” She scanned the code on the corner of the table, then asked, “Want something to drink?”

“...Beer?” Su Chen ventured uncertainly, as if he hadn’t been the one who’d blacked out the night before.

Han Jiangxue frowned. “Give me a break! Are you trying to get me in trouble again tonight? Just stick to soft drinks!”

Su Chen scratched his head and gave an awkward smile.

The food arrived quickly. They ate and chatted as dusk deepened, and soon the place was packed.

“Su Chen, would you say we’re friends now?” Han Jiangxue asked.

Su Chen smiled. “Of course!”

“Then you’re really lucky, you know? You’re my first male friend!”

Su Chen raised his eyebrows but stayed quiet. He could tell Han Jiangxue had something to say, so he just listened.

“My parents were always strict with me. Before college, I had to come home every night.”

“I really wanted to live on campus back then.”

Here, Han Jiangxue laughed at herself. “Don’t think my family’s all that rich—I actually envy you.”

“You envy me?” Su Chen was surprised.

“Yeah, I envy you for being able to do what you want—be a singer, a celebrity,” Han Jiangxue said wistfully.

“I used to want to be a star too. It must be so much fun.”

Su Chen looked at her. “You still can—someone like you wouldn’t have any trouble becoming a celebrity.”

At that, Han Jiangxue sighed. “But if I ever tried, my dad would kill me.”

“They have such high expectations for me... so high. But I just want to be an ordinary girl...”

Su Chen fell silent.

That’s people for you—no matter who you are, everyone has their own troubles.

They had almost finished eating. Han Jiangxue’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, savoring a pleasant tipsiness.

At just the right moment, she glanced at the still-sober Su Chen and said, “You’re holding up well—you can really drink!”

Su Chen, holding a bottle of Pepsi, looked at Han Jiangxue’s Baileys and couldn’t help twitching his lips.

“...This is cola, sis!”

She giggled. “Oh, so it is! I thought it was red wine~”

“You ordered it for me! Are you sure you’re not drunk?” Su Chen replied, exasperated.

“How could I be? I can drink two and a half kilos of baijiu, beer as much as you like! I’m not drunk!”

Su Chen looked at the blush on her cheeks and knew she wasn’t quite drunk, but it had definitely gone to her head.

Just the two of them, alone—she really had some nerve...

Su Chen shook his head helplessly and moved her glass away.

“Hey, what are you doing? I can still drink!” Han Jiangxue protested.

“If you keep drinking, you won’t hear my new song.”

“...Then I won’t drink.”

She quieted down immediately, sitting obediently in her seat.

With anticipation in her eyes, she said, “When are you going to sing? Should we buy a piano? Hmm... and maybe a whole set of orchestral instruments, so I can listen to you sing at home!”

Su Chen rolled his eyes. “Why not build a theater and hire an orchestra just for me?”

At that, Han Jiangxue smacked her forehead. “Oh? Why didn’t I think of that?”

Su Chen: “......”

“Little rich girl, that’s not how you spend money,” Su Chen said, feigning annoyance.

He stood up and walked toward the stage, waiting quietly at the side.

When the middle-aged man finished his song, Su Chen finally applauded and stepped forward.

After a brief chat, the man smiled toward Han Jiangxue’s seat, got up from the stool, and gave Su Chen his spot.

Another romantic couple, huh... Ah, to be young.

The man winked at Su Chen. “You’ve got good taste, kid.”

Su Chen was taken aback, but soon understood and hurried to explain.

“She’s not my girlfriend...”

“I get it! Good luck! Don’t let this chance slip by!”

And with that, he handed Su Chen the guitar and left before Su Chen could say anything more.

Su Chen had no choice but to sit on the stool.

He strummed the strings to test the sound and adjusted the microphone.

Then, his clear voice rang out through the speakers: “Good evening, everyone. Next, I’ll be singing a song called ‘Actor.’ I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

At her table, Han Jiangxue rested her chin in her hands, her pupils reflecting Su Chen’s image, watching him quietly, full of anticipation...