Qin Yu had a rare day off today. To stick to his money-saving plan, he intended to stay home. But at this crucial moment, his good buddy sent him a message.

[Wanna hang out, bro?]¹约么 Yuēme – lit. it’s just asking someone out, like to an appointment or a date, and fun fact: it’s also a dating app in China lol

? ? !!

[Damn bro, you that desperate? That thirsty?]

[The fuck’s wrong with you! I’m asking if you want to get dinner!]

[I’m in.]

Qin Yu sprang up from his bed and immediately replied. A real man knows when to yield and when to stand firm.

Lin Hai said nothing more and just sent a location – a famous high-end private restaurant in downtown C City.

Dining there required reservations weeks in advance. Each dish cost four figures.

He wasn’t sure about the taste, but eating there was certainly classy.

[You strike it rich?]

[How’d you get rich behind my back? Your bro here is still poor]

Lin Hai responded with a smug emoji.

[Come on, your Lin-ge’s treat]

Qin Yu thought about it, still unsure what this guy was up to.

He typed skeptically on his phone screen:

[Bro, you… did you get dumped again?]

Those seven words made the other go silent.

[If you’re struggling, just tell me straight. No need to beat around the bush]

Lin Hai sent six ellipses.

[Can’t you believe your bro might take you to a fancy restaurant someday?]

[It’s not that I don’t believe you. But you’re in M City, I’m in T City. It’s finally Saturday and you’re telling me to go all the way to C City for a meal?]

The more Qin Yu thought about the logic, the stranger it seemed.

[Can’t be helped. The online lover of my client bought it]

[My client didn’t have time to go and couldn’t refuse, so they gave it to me]

Lin Hai typed, then looked up to see the other’s reply.

[Already heading out. Can’t let a bro down]

Seeing Lin Hai in a suit, standing ramrod straight at the street corner playing the romantic lead, Qin Yu felt utterly mortified.

Some passersby curiously glanced over, making Qin Yu wish he could teleport to the train station.

Thankfully it was cold today, so Qin Yu had grabbed a disposable mask before leaving.

Who knew this mask would become his last shred of dignity.

Qin Yu said nothing, expertly pulled up his black hoodie, and slowly approached Lin Hai, who was looking around.

That guy was really blind, with his own unique method of searching for people.

“Who are you looking for?” Qin Yu asked in a low voice as he got close.

“Shh, I’m scoping out the surroundings. If we get exposed, we’re toast.” Lin Hai said, actually making a show of surveying the area.

“Let’s go in. Lin-ge’s treating you to a feast.” Lin Hai seemed impatient, only pretending to observe for a few seconds before dropping the act.

“I’m sorry sir, but entry is by reservation only,” a well-dressed man at the door reminded them.

Oh, looking down on them, huh? Time to show him.

This was Lin Hai’s favorite and most skilled domain – putting on airs.

“Is that so? But we do have a reservation.” Lin Hai lied smoothly, not batting an eye.

The doorman looked slightly stunned, his smile becoming more polite and friendly.

“Please provide your reservation number. Our hostess will verify your identity.”

At the mention of identity and personal information, Qin Yu’s heart suddenly sank. He had a bad feeling and shot a worried glance at Lin Hai beside him.

Lin Hai was actually panicking too, but he maintained a confident facade. Qin Yu had to admire his buddy’s unparalleled skill at putting on an act.

Lin Hai rattled off a reservation number. The hostess went to check and even made a phone call to someone.

After making the call inside, the hostess came back and whispered something to the doorman, hand cupped to her ear.

The man nodded, then led them in without any further obstruction.

Once seated, Qin Yu couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked:

“What did they say? They didn’t find out…?”

“She said Second Young Master Chu and his new boyfriend would be stopping by. The elder Young Master Chu had already given instructions.”

Qin Yu was speechless. What Young Masters? He might as well claim to be a Beijing prince.

“How did you hear that?” Qin Yu asked, confused.

“Bro, I know how good your hearing is. Don’t ask about worldly affairs, just enjoy the meal.” Lin Hai retorted sarcastically.

Qin Yu stared at him with a speechless expression.

Wait, something seemed off. What did they mean by “new boyfriend”? Qin Yu was a whole head taller than Lin Hai. Who’d believe he was the new boyfriend?

As brothers for many years, Lin Hai immediately saw through this guy’s thoughts.

“It’s fine, you’re wearing loose clothes today, right? Typical college student style. You look young enough.”

Lin Hai was so brazen. As long as he thought it made sense, he could convince himself.

So these two nutjobs had crossed cities to a strange place to act out some drama between a cold, domineering short young master and his pure college boy sweetheart?!

TL Notes

• 1
  约么 Yuēme – lit. it’s just asking someone out, like to an appointment or a date, and fun fact: it’s also a dating app in China lol