Chapter 83 – Don’t bother Tang Tang

“He even gave you flowers?”

Lu Bei stared intensely at the rose in Tang Qing’s hand, as if trying to bore a hole through it.

“So, you slept with me last night, and today you’re accepting gifts from other guys.”

For some reason, even though Lu Bei only saw the back of that guy, he felt an inexplicable sense of danger.

It was as if that person was naturally charming and could make everyone like him.

Tang Qing explained the situation and concluded, “He’s going to confess to a girl. I just thought he looked pitiful and clueless, so I helped him with the flowers.”

Seeing Lu Bei’s expression, which seemed to catch him red-handed, Tang Qing almost felt like he was a scoundrel who ran off after deflowering someone.

After hearing the explanation, Lu Bei’s expression softened, his eyebrows relaxing. “Oh, he’s giving it to a girl.”

He nodded with a smile, agreeing, “Going after a girl is the right move. I can’t stand those homosexuals who insist on liking guys.”

He remembered Tang Qing’s senior, Chen Ming, and the troublemaker brought by Tan Yifan, wrapping his arm around the boy’s shoulder, and emphasized, “Tang Tang, do you know, there are some twisted men in this world who only like guys. You should stay away from them, especially since you’re so good-looking.”

Tang Qing nodded earnestly.

He knew that Lu Bei always had an inexplicable persistence on this topic.

—

In the evening, Lu Bei’s parents came over to cook dinner for him, and they also invited Tang Qing.

At the dinner table, Mother Lu asked tentatively, “Ah Bei, do you remember that girl from the Tan family we saw a few days ago?”

Lu Bei was busy helping Tang Qing shell crabs with both hands.

Since childhood, Lu Bei would, regardless of the situation, peel all the shell-covered foods for Tang Qing, ignoring everyone’s gaze.

Impatiently, Lu Bei responded, “Just some girl.”

His mother disagreed, saying, “What do you mean ‘just some girl’? That’s Elder Tan’s granddaughter, coming from an educated and refined family, knowledgeable and cultured.”

Lu Bei casually nodded, dipped the crab meat he had peeled into vinegar, and placed it in Tang Qing’s bowl, instructing him, “Eat more, you’re so skinny with those thin arms and legs. It’s uncomfortable to hold you.”

Saying such nonsense in front of Lu’s parents.

Tang Qing turned his head slightly and silently glared at him.

“However, Tang Tang does have flesh where he should.”

Lu Bei leaned close to Tang Qing’s ear and flirted shamelessly as if no one else was around.

Tang Qing’s ears turned slightly red.

Unable to bear it, he angrily kicked Lu Bei under the table.

Lu’s parents were used to their son’s silly behavior, which only revolved around Tang Qing. So, they changed the subject and diplomatically asked, “Tang Tang, what do you think?”

Huh?

Suddenly being asked, Tang Qing thought for a moment and replied seriously, “Miss Tan is a very good girl. She’s outstanding in terms of family background, appearance, and other aspects.”

Lu Bei sneered, displeased, “You observe very carefully.”

Mother Lu interrupted her silly son and continued, “Ah Bei, look, even Tang Qing thinks she’s nice. Your grandfather and Mr. Tan have discussed it. Since everyone is in the same school, you should look out for one another. Tomorrow night, you’ll go have dinner with her and get to know her.”

Lu Bei coldly chuckled.

“I’m having dinner with Tang Tang, I’m busy.”

Mother Lu sighed, “Ah Bei, you’re an adult now, don’t be so stubborn.”

Knowing Lu Bei wouldn’t listen to her, she then turned to Tang Qing as a mediator, “Tang Tang, what do you think?”

From childhood, Lu’s parents’ words were only selectively heard by Lu Bei. If he didn’t want to hear it, he’d just ignore it.

Only Tang Qing could persuade him.

Tang Qing pursed his lips, feeling a mix of emotions. He understood Mother Lu’s intentions. After all, Lu Bei was the only son of the Lu family, and not greeting the granddaughter of the Tan family, who was the same age, would be impolite.

Pursing his lips, he softly said, “Ah Bei, I happen to have dinner plans with my brother tomorrow night…”

“I’m not eating.”

With a bang, Lu Bei slammed his chopsticks on the table and left his seat directly.

Mother Lu looked at Tang Qing, showing an apologetic expression.

Her son, when he gets stubborn, really acts like a dog.

The Tan and Lu families had been close for a long time, and now that both were studying at the same school, it was only proper for Lu Bei, as a boy, to invite the girl out for a meal. Besides, the Tan family’s granddaughter was so beautiful and had a good personality, with no flaws to be found.

In private, Mother Lu also hoped that the two of them could get along well. If Tan Qianqian could become her daughter-in-law, that would be even better.

—

The next day, Lu Bei went to play basketball while Tang Qing and Tang Bo studied in the library.

“99, how are the progress between the male and female leads going?”

【Host, the progress between the male and female leads should be fine. Yesterday, the Male Lead successfully met the Female Lead and even gave her flowers. I had other tasks to attend to after that, so I didn’t see what happened next.】

“What about Lu Bei? Has he started liking the Female lead?”

【No, the villain hasn’t even seen the Female Lead’s full face yet.】

Upon hearing this, Tang Qing couldn’t help but feel secretly delighted.

Does this mean that Lu Bei might also…

【However, it’s only a matter of time before the villain falls for the Female Lead.】System 99 stated firmly, 【The author of this world has written it this way, where characters in the story will follow the storyline’s development.】

“Oh.”

Tang Qing looked at the blue sky outside, his thoughts drifting.

“Tang Tang, why are you daydreaming?” Tang Bo handed Tang Qing a cup of hot tea, rare to see him not studying seriously.

“Gege, I’m fine.”

Tang Qing shifted his gaze back and lowered his head to look at his textbook.

“You say you’re fine, but look at what you’ve written on your scratch paper.”

Tang Qing glanced at it and realized that it was filled with the same name.

Lu Bei.

Tang Qing pursed his lips and remained silent.

Seeing his younger brother looking lost and dejected, Tang Bo couldn’t help but feel heartbroken. “Tang Tang, in a few days, we’ll be done with the mission, and then I’ll take you home.”

Tang Qing absentmindedly nodded.

Tang Bo knew what was on his brother’s mind. But he also understood that they didn’t belong in this world. Staying here against their will would not benefit them. Finishing the mission sooner and returning to the real world was the best outcome for both of them.

He decided it was time to give his brother a wake-up call.

“Tang Tang, why didn’t the villain wait for you to have dinner together today?”

“He went to play basketball.”

“Play basketball? I bet he went on a date with a girl, but he didn’t want to tell you.”

Tang Qing looked up at Tang Bo, his face filled with confusion.

Tang Bo took out his phone and showed Tang Qing a photo. “This was taken by my friend. Lu Bei and Tan Qianqian had a candlelit dinner together tonight.”

Tang Qing’s eyes widened as he stared at the phone.

In the photo, Lu Bei and a girl were having dinner at a luxurious restaurant, the ambience clearly indicating it was quite upscale. Lu Bei looked tall, handsome, and unrestrained, while the girl had long hair, beautiful makeup, and a gentle yet confident smile.

A perfect match of talent and beauty.

Of course, the photo was taken by Tang Bo for the system. Although it wasn’t captured by a real friend, the content of the photo was indeed real.

“Ah Bei, he, he’s having dinner with the female lead?”

Tang Bo nodded and said cruelly, “Yes, he left you tonight to have a candlelit dinner with her.”

But wait, didn’t Lu Bei reject Mother Lu’s proposal with a cold face last night?

Why did he go behind his back to have dinner with the Female Lead today?

Because these plot lines were already set, no matter how hard Tang Qing tried, was Lu Bei destined to be attracted to the Female Lead?

So, as soon as Lu Bei met the Female Lead, he would fall for her at first sight, then completely abandon his childhood sweetheart who had loved and cherished him for eighteen years.

Tang Qing left the library feeling somewhat lost and dejected.

Tang Bo knew that his brother needed some time alone to think things through, so he didn’t follow him.

As it turned out, Lu Bei had spent over an hour having dinner with the Female Lead during the time he was absent.

Would he still come to find Tang Qing tonight?

“Tang Qing, Tang Qing.” A guy ran up from behind.

Tang Qing turned to look and saw a pretty and cute-looking boy.

“Tang Qing, I have a question for you.” The boy seemed nervous as he asked, “Is Lu Bei really not together with you?”

Tang Qing shook his head.

He had heard this question many times before, but this time, denying it made him feel uncomfortable.

“Thank you.” The boy breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, “Does he really hate homosexuals? Is there a possibility of changing his mind? I used to be on the basketball team, and I joined for him because I really like him.”

Tang Qing remembered this boy, Xu Minghong, who had confessed to Lu Bei before, and Lu Bei had asked him to leave the basketball team.

Looking at him, as if seeing a reflection of himself, Tang Qing advised, “He’s not into guys, so it’s impossible for him to like boys.”

The boy was a bit defiant and insistent, saying, “Why not? Just because you can’t change his mind, you think he’s straight!”

Tang Qing pitied him a bit but didn’t bother to argue further.

As he turned to leave, the boy blushed suddenly, looking shyly behind Tang Qing.

“Lu, Lu Bei.”

Tang Qing turned around and saw a tall, handsome man, his features becoming more mature with age – indeed, it was Lu Bei.

“Tang Tang, why didn’t you wait for me to pick you up?” Lu Bei strode over, sticking close to Tang Qing and reaching out to hold his hand.

Tang Qing glanced at him, pulled his hand back, and asked, “Where did you go tonight?”

Lu Bei’s gaze flickered for a moment, hesitated, then replied, “I went out to dinner with a friend.”

Tang Qing nodded without saying a word.

“Lu Bei, I…”

Just as Xu Minghong was about to speak, Lu Bei nonchalantly interrupted, “Who are you? Why are you bothering Tang Qing?”

Xu Minghong was stunned. He believed he was good-looking, even though not as stunning as Tang Qing.

He never expected Lu Bei to forget who he was entirely.

Summoning his courage, he said, “I’m Xu Minghong, I used to be on the basketball team, and I’ve liked you for a long time…”

“If you’re sick, go get treated. Don’t embarrass yourself here.” Lu Bei coldly cut him off, taking Tang Qing’s hand and leaving without mercy.

Tang Qing watched Xu Minghong’s pale face, unable to describe the mix of emotions he felt inside.

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