Chapter 77: Are You Going to Confess as Well?

Night had fallen, and the brilliant stars scattered across the sky cast their radiance, contending against the neon lights of the city, each vying to outshine the other. On the roadside, a group of exuberant youths strolled along, their boisterous laughter shattering the quiet of the night.

Tan Linlin clutched Xiao Lin’s sleeve with one hand and grasped Wang Yuqing’s hand with the other, her face alight with excitement as she yelled at the two with her loud voice, “Treat us! You must treat us! I want a feast, I want lobster, I want abalone! I want milk drinks, I want Gersu cookies…”

Xiao Lin looked at Tan Linlin, feeling overwhelmed. The New Year’s Eve performance had just ended, and he and Wang Yuqing had only just changed out of their costumes when Tan Linlin and her friends burst backstage, grabbing the two of them and rushing out. Normally, they weren’t allowed out at night, but tonight was a stroke of luck—the security guards had all gone to watch the show and hadn’t returned to their posts. Tan Linlin seized the opportunity, dragging them off campus, clamoring that Xiao Lin had to treat them to dinner, or else she wouldn’t let him have Wang Yuqing.

“Auntie, it’s already half past nine. Where am I supposed to find a restaurant open at this hour? And your milk and snacks—besides, I just finished performing, I didn’t bring any money with me. How about I treat you next weekend?” Xiao Lin pleaded, smiling wryly.

“You really didn’t bring any money?” Tan Linlin halted her steps, her wide eyes scrutinizing Xiao Lin.

“Really, I swear. Why would I lie? Look for yourself.” Xiao Lin reached into his pocket and turned it inside out for her to see.

Tan Linlin’s spirits deflated at the sight of the empty pocket. Just as Xiao Lin breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have avoided disaster, Tan Linlin’s gaze shifted to Xu Tong beside them.

“Xu Tong, if I remember correctly, you always carry a lot of cash, right? I heard your uncle gave you plenty of pocket money this month. How about you cover us for now and let Xiao Lin pay you back next week?”

Hearing this, Xu Tong sprang back like a startled rabbit, leaping three feet into the air. “No, no, I don’t have any money!” he protested, retreating.

“Oh, let me see then.” Tan Linlin grinned mischievously, releasing her hold on Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing. With a swift move, she darted to Xu Tong’s side and expertly pulled off his jacket, her agility leaving everyone secretly amazed.

“Whoa, that speed, that skill… she must do this often,” Wang Tao blurted out in surprise.

“Nice try, but you can’t fool me. I know exactly where you hide your money,” Tan Linlin declared, reaching into the inner pocket of Xu Tong’s jacket and pulling out a wad of cash before tossing the jacket back to him.

Xu Tong retrieved his jacket and checked his pockets, finding only a few coins left. His eyes reddened as he prepared to confront Tan Linlin, but Wang Tao held him back.

“We have the money now, let’s go. As for a restaurant, I know one that’s open. Everything’s sorted,” Tan Linlin declared triumphantly, waving the cash in front of Xiao Lin.

Xiao Lin gave Wang Yuqing a meaningful look, hoping she’d help persuade Linlin. Wang Yuqing understood and stepped forward, gently shaking Tan Linlin’s hand and pouting sweetly. “Linlin, it’s so late. Let’s just go home, okay?”

But tonight, Tan Linlin was immune to persuasion. She shrugged off Wang Yuqing’s hand. “No use. A married best friend is like water poured out.” Then, with feigned innocence, she added, “Yuqing, you can’t act like this. Even if you’re married, I’m still your family—shouldn’t you at least give me some dowry money?”

“Oh, you’ll be the death of me!” Wang Yuqing blushed as pink as a spring peach. “Hmph, I’m not talking to you anymore,” she huffed, stamping her foot.

“Ha! Let’s go, I’m taking you all for a feast!” Tan Linlin laughed loudly, leading the group toward a small restaurant.

Her bold words made everyone shake their heads, but they followed her nonetheless.

Xiao Lin patted Xu Tong’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back next week. This meal’s on me.”

“You’re a good man!” Xu Tong was so moved, tears nearly streaming down his face.

Xiao Lin hurried to catch up with Wang Yuqing, who was walking ahead. Seizing a moment when she wasn’t paying attention, he gently took her delicate hand. Feeling its soft, smooth touch, Xiao Lin was secretly delighted—such an outstanding girl finally belonged to him. The more he thought about it, the happier he became, his lips curling into a crescent smile.

Suddenly, Wang Yuqing was startled when someone grabbed her hand, but seeing it was Xiao Lin, she relaxed. Still shy, she tried to pull her hand away, but Xiao Lin held it tight. After a few attempts, she gave up—after all, they were together now, and holding hands was nothing to fuss over.

Soon, they reached a narrow alley, a faint light glowing from within. Without hesitation, Tan Linlin stepped into the alley, beckoning the others to follow. Seeing the alley, Wang Yuqing gripped Xiao Lin’s hand more tightly, still uneasy from a previous incident. Xiao Lin squeezed her fingers and smiled, leading her after Tan Linlin.

After winding through a bend, they arrived at a brightly lit house, really just a prefab building about the size of two classrooms. The scent of food wafted out, and voices could be heard inside.

“Tan Linlin, is this the restaurant you mentioned? There’s not even a sign. Are you sure it’s not a shady place?” Kang Yan asked, pointing at the house.

“Yes, this is it. It’s only recently opened. Don’t worry about the details—the owner’s food is delicious. Come on in.” Tan Linlin entered the building.

Though reluctant, the others followed—there was no turning back now.

“Boss! Boss! We’ve got customers!” Tan Linlin announced loudly, hands on her hips as she entered.

“Coming, coming!” A chubby, bald middle-aged man answered, stepping out. His large, greasy face was matched by a white coat stained with oil. Spotting Tan Linlin, he broke into a broad smile. “You’re back again! What would you like today?”

The group exchanged glances—she’d been here many times, it seemed. Xiao Lin looked at Wang Yuqing, who quickly shook her head, signaling she’d never been here before.

“We’re all regulars. Just bring out your specialties like always. We’ll take the second private room. Make sure it’s good—oh, and I’ve got money today!” Tan Linlin almost blurted out “old lady” but caught herself.

“Alright, just relax. I’ll get started,” the fat owner replied, heading off to the kitchen.

“Let’s go to the private room,” Tan Linlin led the way.

Xiao Lin was about to follow when Xu Tong pulled him aside.

“Yuqing, you go ahead. I need to talk to Xiao Lin,” Xu Tong said to Wang Yuqing.

“Alright, you two chat,” she replied, heading inside.

Now only Xiao Lin and Xu Tong remained. “What’s up?” Xiao Lin asked, puzzled.

Xu Tong leaned in and whispered a few words.

“What! You’re going to confess to Tan Linlin?” Xiao Lin exclaimed in shock.