Xu Mu parked the electric scooter to the side and nodded slightly.
"You're really rich, huh."
"Of course, Young Master Zhang's family runs a business — they're loaded."
"Look, buddy," one of Zhang Cheng's friends said mockingly, "you really don't deserve Zhao Yingying. You should break up sooner rather than later."
"Yeah, you don't even own a car, let alone a house. You'll only hold her back."
…
The group behind Zhang Cheng chattered noisily.
"Why should I buy a house alone? Isn't that something both partners work toward together?"
Xu Mu suddenly looked over at them.
"That's right," Zhao Yingying said firmly, "these things are none of your concern. When I graduate, Brother Mu and I will rent a place and work hard together!"
Hearing that made Zhang Cheng want her even more. What a good woman.
He knew Zhao Yingying wasn't lying — he'd investigated her.
Whenever she had time, she worked part-time jobs. He and his buddies had even checked out her workplace before — it was real.
"Zhang Cheng, you're the one who asked me to bring my boyfriend. Since you're being so rude, we'll leave now."
Zhao Yingying grabbed Xu Mu's hand, ready to go.
"Yingying, don't go! Our counselor and the other classmates are already waiting for you inside."
Zhang Cheng hurried to block their path.
He had already bribed the counselor and Zhao Yingying's best friend to make sure she would end up his tonight — and ideally, get close to her during summer break.
"Come on," Xu Mu said calmly. "Since we're already here, we might as well eat. Are you treating us, or are we splitting the bill?"
"Of course I'm treating. It's just one meal — what's the big deal?"
Zhang Cheng said proudly, "If it weren't for me, someone like you would never even get in here."
"You've got it wrong," Xu Mu replied mildly. "I've come here plenty of times."
"Sure you have! You expect us to believe that?" Zhang Cheng sneered.
The others all nodded. This was, after all, a five-star hotel under the Xu Group's brand.
The rooms and dining here were all high-end. Ordinary people could come, but most wouldn't want to spend the money.
"What would I lie for? I used to work here — as a security guard."
Xu Mu said it evenly.
Zhao Yingying covered her mouth and laughed.
[Favorability +10]
She hadn't expected Brother Mu to be so humorous.
As for Zhang Cheng and the rest, they couldn't help laughing too.
"Nice one, man!" Zhang Cheng chuckled, giving Xu Mu a thumbs-up.
A mere security guard, competing with him? Keep dreaming.
When they reached the hotel entrance, the guard stationed there spotted Xu Mu and jogged over immediately.
Before the guard could speak, Xu Mu said first,
"Good work, brother. Just came by to grab a meal."
The guards here weren't like ordinary doormen — aside from their physical requirements, even their education had to be at least college level.
They immediately understood Xu Mu's cue.
One tall guard straightened up and said respectfully, "Welcome back, Brother Xu. Always a pleasure."
"No need to be polite." Xu Mu waved it off and walked in with the others.
A buzz-cut man beside him asked curiously, "From the way he greeted you, you must've been some kind of head guard, huh?"
"Worked here long enough. I trained him myself," Xu Mu said casually, making up an excuse.
…
They took the elevator to the eighth floor.
Xu Mu glanced around using his perception — there were three large private dining rooms in total, each with two big tables.
Led by Zhang Cheng, the group entered one of the rooms.
Inside, a man in a suit and glasses with a short buzz cut stood up with a polite smile.
He looked about Xu Mu's age — likely a counselor who'd graduated only a few years ago.
"Yingying, you're here," Han Tao said warmly.
"Teacher Han!" Zhao Yingying greeted with a smile.
"Come, sit down. We've been waiting for you for a while," said a short-haired woman in casual clothes. She came forward, hooked her arm through Zhao Yingying's, and pulled her to the counselor's table.
Her looks were slightly above average — not as beautiful as Zhao Yingying, but decent enough to stand out.
Zhao Yingying held Xu Mu's hand and sat down together with him.
Zhang Cheng and his buddies also took their seats.
"Brother Mu, this is our counselor, Han Tao," Zhao Yingying introduced softly, then gestured to the short-haired woman. "And this is my close friend, Cao Ting."
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Xu Mu — Yingying's boyfriend," Xu Mu said with a polite smile.
At that, Zhao Yingying's cheeks flushed slightly.
[Favorability +15]
Cao Ting studied Xu Mu — she had to admit, he was handsome.
But since she'd already accepted a favor from Zhang Cheng, she had to play along.
"Brother Xu, judging by your age, you must be a few years older than Yingying, right?" Cao Ting asked with a friendly smile.
"That's right, I've already graduated," Xu Mu nodded.
"Oh? Are you also from Jiang University? I remember Yingying's grades were good enough for better schools. Jiang University had to throw in all sorts of benefits to keep her."
"I'm not from Jiang University," Xu Mu said calmly. "But many universities did compete to recruit me. I got admission letters from all the schools I listed."
Hearing this, several people at the table were surprised. A top student?
And he was good-looking too. No wonder Zhao Yingying liked him.
Cao Ting had planned to embarrass him with the education question — but that didn't work out.
Han Tao raised his glass and took a sip of water. "So, which school did you graduate from?"
"Jiang City Vocational Technical School," Xu Mu replied.
"Pfft!"
Han Tao sprayed his drink in shock.
Everyone around burst into laughter — even those at nearby tables.
Oh, a vocational college! No wonder he said schools were 'competing' for him.
"Man, you're bold!" Zhang Cheng chuckled. Just moments ago, he'd wondered how a supposed top student ended up as a security guard.
Cao Ting's face hardened. "Yingying, what's wrong with you? How can you date someone like this? You two live in different worlds."
Han Tao looked at Xu Mu and pressed further. "So, where are you working now?"
"He used to be a security guard at this hotel!" Zhang Cheng said, laughing before Xu Mu could answer.
At that, everyone began whispering again.
Zhao Yingying — smart, beautiful, and refined — had a boyfriend who was a vocational-school graduate and a former security guard.
Almost everyone thought she was wasting herself.
Cao Ting's face darkened. Now, even without taking money, she felt she had to step in.
A good girl like Zhao Yingying was clearly being tricked by this man's sweet words.
"Brother Xu," Cao Ting said sternly, "don't take this the wrong way, but you'll only hold Yingying back. If you really love her, you should let her go."
Her tone grew sharper.
"You've got no degree, no money — how can you give Yingying the life she wants?"
Zhang Cheng smirked and casually placed his Xiaomi SU7 car key on the table.