Chapter 88: The Unexpected Incident in the Cafeteria

"It's over?" After finishing the call and returning, Lin Zijin looked at the three sitting in front of the computer and softly asked.

"We lost," Lu Ziqi replied, glancing up at Lin Zijin.

Lin Zijin nodded. She wasn't surprised by the result; it seemed she didn't really care about winning or losing this game.

Moments ago, Lin Zijin, Lu Ziqi, and Shen Muxi had made it to the finals, but at the most critical moment, Lin Zijin suddenly left with her phone. Without Lin Zijin, their main player, when they were ambushed by two groups, Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi managed to take out one group but ultimately lost regretfully.

They could have won this game.

Whose call could have made Zijin so tense?

For a moment, curiosity filled their hearts.

Lin Zijin didn't say, and they dared not ask, keeping their questions to themselves.

"What do you want to order for dinner tonight?" Lin Zijin suddenly asked, looking at them.

"Order takeout?" Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi were clearly surprised by her question.

Normally, their meals lately had all been handled by Yang Hao. Ever since Yang Hao appeared, they hadn't ordered takeout. Why did Zijin suddenly want takeout today?

Compared to their curiosity, Ling Xue'er felt a bit aggrieved. "Ziqi, are you having a fight with Deceiver? I want to eat his cooking."

Since learning Yang Hao's nickname, Ling Xue'er always called him Deceiver. Unlike Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi, Ling Xue'er, a true foodie, was much easier to win over.

After days of effort, Yang Hao had managed to recruit Ling Xue'er as his inside ally. Whenever Lin Zijin needed something, Yang Hao would know immediately and bring warmth to her doorstep.

If Yang Hao knew Ling Xue'er spoke up for him—even if it was just for his food—he would be delighted and reward her with a few dishes.

This ally was not bad, knowing how to advocate for him.

At that moment, Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi looked at Ling Xue'er with a hint of pity.

This girl, daring to speak up for that person in front of Lin Zijin—was she foolish?

"He has plans tonight; we'll handle dinner ourselves," Lin Zijin said calmly, just as Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi thought Ling Xue'er was doomed.

Ling Xue'er looked disappointed, and it was obvious her disappointment was simply because she wouldn't get to eat tasty food.

After days of Yang Hao's culinary delights, Ling Xue'er had come to believe that no takeout could compare to Deceiver's cooking.

There was no helping it—he was so outstanding, even his culinary skills were remarkable.

If Yang Hao knew what Ling Xue'er was thinking, he'd probably feign modesty while feeling secretly proud.

After all, having one's cooking recognized and loved by others was something worth rejoicing over.

Of course, if the person praising him were Lin Zijin, Yang Hao would be a hundred times more excited—he might even whip up a grand feast the next day.

While Ling Xue'er was only thinking of food, Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi were considering more.

Could that call have been from Yang Hao?

The two exchanged glances, their suspicions slowly confirmed.

If the call hadn't come from Yang Hao, why would Lin Zijin know he wouldn't be back tonight and decide to order takeout?

Only their explanation made sense.

With this realization, their minds began to wander.

Previously, Lin Zijin rarely lost focus during training, let alone leave abruptly as she had just done.

They had always believed Lin Zijin cared about nothing but training and competition.

But with Yang Hao's arrival, they realized they'd been mistaken.

It wasn't that Lin Zijin had nothing to care about—she simply hadn't met the person she cared for.

Since Yang Hao moved in, they'd often seen Lin Zijin gazing absentmindedly out the window.

Not far outside was Yang Hao's house.

On the surface, Lin Zijin seemed indifferent to Yang Hao, but with careful observation, it was clear she was always watching him.

She just never expressed it openly.

Aside from the carefree Ling Xue'er, both Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi were well aware of this, though they never spoke of it.

Some things are best left unspoken.

Noticing Lin Zijin sneak another glance toward Yang Hao's house, Lu Ziqi and Shen Muxi exchanged secret smiles.

...

Tianhai University.

Yang Hao, Zhang Tian, and two others were walking toward the school cafeteria.

Though they'd often complained about the cafeteria food during their time at university, after being away for a while, they suddenly felt nostalgic for it upon their return.

So, they decided to settle tonight's dinner in the cafeteria.

What they truly sought wasn't just the flavor of the food, but a sense of sentimentality—a longing for their past.

Cafeteria meals represented four years of memories and reminiscence.

Since it was still early and takeout was popular on campus, there weren't many people dining in the cafeteria.

Immersed in the familiar atmosphere, Yang Hao and his friends felt transported back to their university days.

Clang!

Amidst this harmonious scene, a sudden commotion erupted.

"Are you blind?" an angry voice accompanied the clang.

Instantly, nearly everyone's attention was drawn to the source.

"Sorry, I'm sorry..." came the apologetic voice of a young girl, repeatedly bowing to a well-dressed young man.

The spilled food was scattered across the floor, and the young man's white sneakers and pant legs were stained with sauce.

It was easy to see what had happened—a simple accident.

Such incidents occurred almost daily in the cafeteria.

Whether out of a desire to avoid trouble or simple goodwill, most people, unless particularly ill-tempered, would let it go after receiving an apology.

"Sorry?" the young man sneered, his tone sharp as he looked at the girl lowering herself before him. "If 'sorry' were enough, why would we need the police?"

"If you like, you can leave your contact information. I'll compensate you for cleaning your clothes," the girl said, biting her lip before raising her head to meet his gaze.