They are still close to me today despite their negative feelings

Look, he bullied my family, but I didn't lay a hand on them—I'm a fucking saint.

"Understood, Brother Ning. Leave it to us with confidence."

The man smoking patted his chest, and I nodded slightly.

"Thank you everyone. I have other things to do next, thank you for your hard work."

These people were actually Gold Tooth's men. I received some writing fees when I was drafting the rules, but to avoid getting too involved, I refused and handed the money over to Gold Tooth for safekeeping.

Although it was a favor, I still paid someone. However, the exact amount is unclear, so my living expenses remain pitifully tight. Sigh, I really want to find a part-time job.

These thoughts flashed through my mind, and I gathered them up. Coming here was just a side trip to vent some emotions; it was merely a minor incident. My real purpose for tonight wasn't here.

Ning Ruoyu, Ma Hang and I have broken up.

I'm a little sad. Could you come and keep me company tonight?

This message was sent this afternoon

—Wow, that's a lot of information!

[Next chapter preview: Alas, next time and next time, how many next times there are.]

I am angry!

"My skirt seems a little see-through."

"At least for me right now, he's more important than you!"

I have insufficient Qi and blood.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Even Life's Tragedy Must Be Finished with a Smile

I arrived at the restaurant where I had arranged to meet Ling Qingxue.

"Ning Ruoyu? I'm here."

As soon as I entered, Ling Qingxue, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and a blue skirt, stood up and waved to me.

If it were Ning Ruoyu in the past, such a move would probably have made him feel incredibly proud, right?

After all, under the envious and even somewhat resentful gazes of the men around him, the plain-looking boy was being waited for and invited by a beautiful young woman with a slim waist and long legs.

I smiled with delight and quickly walked to where she was.

"Sorry, I'm not in a good mood and don't want to be alone, so I came a little early."

She said this, looking up at me with a pitiful expression.

Do you have anything else planned for tonight? I hope I haven't caused you any trouble.

"How could that be! I didn't have anything else on my mind!"

I quickly denied it.

...Going to the alley entrance to find Yan Xuejun was just to relieve stress; it wasn't a big deal.

"That's good—what would you like to drink? It's on me!"

I'm a little touched. The people around me are either cunning old foxes like Chen Di or foodies like An Yu.

They always paid for their own meals, but An Yu would sometimes come over and freeload. "Hey, I've never tried this before. What does it taste like? Is it good? Can I take a bite?"

So my current display of overwhelming gratitude—well, it's all fake. It's best to eat and pay for your own meals; all this inviting around is such a hassle.

And to be honest, once it involves treating someone to a meal, it always ends up being—

"No need! I'll treat you!" I said, taking it upon myself to scan the QR code with my phone.

"No, no, no!"

Ling Qingxue tried to stop me and lunged at me, but I quickly dodged her.

"It's okay. You're in a bad mood today, so consider this my encouragement~ Please come back next time."

As I recited those formulaic platitudes, I sighed inwardly.

Alas, next time and next time, how many next times there will be.

"...It's a deal then, I'll definitely treat you next time."

Ling Qingxue lowered her eyes slightly and smiled gratefully.

Holding the menu, my heart trembled when I saw the prices of the desserts.

You shameless capitalist! You charge me fifty-five for such a small cake? What kind of small cake are you?

"...It always reminds me of my first year of high school."

Ling Qingxue sat next to me. She was so close that I could even smell the rose fragrance emanating from her.

However, unlike the fragrance on Chu Qing, her scent was somewhat too delicate.

The perfume isn't targeted at student consumers; someone who can afford such a perfume must be quite wealthy—or rather, quite good at making money.

I looked at her with a lecherous grin, and she smiled faintly at me, her breath sweet as orchids.

"Remember when I celebrated my birthday with my female friends and you bought several Black Forest cakes?"

Grass! !

I am angry!

So you were the one who made people eat salted vegetable porridge back then!

...Although it was actually Ning Ruoyu who ate the pickled vegetable porridge, the whole school and even my sister knew about this embarrassing incident, so I was still held responsible!

I've made a mental note of this guy's debt—he owes me a thousand yuan. Uncle can tolerate it, but Aunt can't. One day you'll pay me back!

...But on the surface, my eyes lit up slightly, and I nodded repeatedly.

"I remember, I remember! Well, it's not a big deal~"

"After all, it's your birthday~"

I said with a hint of pride, seemingly quite pleased with myself.

Ling Qingxue nodded with a look of melancholy.

"...After he got together with Ma Hang, he almost forgot my birthday."

"I still hope that the person I'm with can truly care about me and treat me well."

Hey, no, buddy.

I seem to remember that your last request was about truly understanding you?

I looked at this fickle woman.

"Qingxue, you're very good." I straightened my chest without making a sound.

Even if you break up, there will definitely be someone who treats you well.

"And he must be waiting silently, quietly supporting you!"

I practically have "Look at me" plastered all over my forehead.

Ling Qingxue showed a touched expression.

"...Actually, I've always felt guilty about what happened on the confession wall back then."

“At that time, I was being pursued by Ma Hang. By chance, he saw my phone and misunderstood my relationship with you.”

"I'm sorry, Ning Ruoyu. I know I've hurt you a lot. I'm really, really sad."

"I'm sad that I hurt someone who used to care about me so much."

Her lips parted slightly, her dreamy eyes glistening with moisture.

Will you forgive me?

I caught a glimpse of the tablecloth on the table.

A fool who thinks of kowtowing when he thinks of an apology, and actually kneels on the ground.

"Oh, of course, how could I remember such a thing?"

I said it sincerely and firmly.

Upon seeing my reply, Ling Qingxue revealed a relieved and charming smile.

She gently extended her hand, "Then pinky promise—ah!"

Without noticing, she knocked over the water glass in front of me.

The water splashed onto her, casting a shadow on her blue skirt.

"Are you alright? Are you alright?"

I reacted appropriately, picking up a napkin and handing it to her.

"It's okay, it's okay!" She quickly stood up, but she couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"My skirt seems a little see-through."

She blushed and looked down at me, unsure of what to do.

Wow, the quality is so good! Which store did you buy it from? Supplying it to love hotels would make you a fortune—damn, I must be too poor to keep thinking about these things.

"I... I'll lend you my coat!"

As I said this, I hurriedly took off my coat.

Ling Qingxue looked at me with a flushed face, nodded slightly, and closed her eyes.

I swallowed hard and moved closer to her waist...

"Ning Ruoyu, what the hell are you doing?!"

Hey, brother, you're here?

I knew it!

I dodged, and the burly man who rushed over missed his target, instead knocking Ling Qingxue down onto the sofa in the coffee shop.

"Light snow!" "Clear snow!"

I followed Ma Hang's anxiety and cried out in grief... What? Was the grief a bit too much? Well, acting is tiring, don't ask for too much.

Do you know how much I wanted to burst out laughing when Ma Hang called out "Xiao Xue"? I almost called out "Liu Xing" instead.

"Excuse me, sir/madam—"

The waitress reluctantly came over to try and persuade them.

"No, I'm sorry to have troubled you. There's been a misunderstanding here, and we'll handle it quietly and privately."

Ling Qingxue tried her best to sit up, maintaining her elegance.

"……OK."

Since it's the food service industry, the waitress couldn't say much, she just sighed and left.

"Xiaoxue, are you alright?" Ma Hang looked genuinely heartbroken.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you!"

"So you want to hurt others?" Ling Qingxue said coldly. "Ma Hang, do you know why I can't continue to get along with you? — Because you are too selfish!"

"But, but I, I like you!" Ma Hang almost couldn't keep his voice down.

"I love you so much, Xiaoxue! I'm just afraid of losing you!"

Ugh, that's really ugly. Lowering yourself and begging to stay—who's ever succeeded? Even pretty girls don't work, and a rough, burly guy looks even worse.

...Hey, why are you silent? Am I supposed to go along with them too?

I quickly seized the opportunity to speak.

"But you still didn't remember Qingxue's birthday. You didn't really take good care of Qingxue either. That's why she's in so much pain!"

"What the hell is it to you if I'm talking to my girlfriend?!"

Ma Hang was completely enraged.

I felt ashamed and blushed.