Chapter 18: A Scam

“How is that possible?” Zhu Yu frowned. “We just met!”

Han Geonju also furrowed his brows in frustration and replied, “Then it’s love at first sight.”

“What about me is so worthy of love at first sight?” Zhu Yu spread his hands, looking utterly helpless.

“Besides, I’m completely broke right now.”

Han Geonju carefully examined Zhu Yu’s face. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Zhu Yu looked better than most people in his country who had undergone cosmetic surgery.

So, it was highly unlikely that someone was after his money.

“Your face.” Han Geonju answered firmly.

Zhu Yu pondered for a moment before speaking up on Bai Chen’s behalf. “He doesn’t seem like such a shallow person.”

“Alright, overall, it seems like you’ve got a serious filter on him.” Han Geonju switched to English as he spoke.

Zhu Yu immediately refuted, “I do not.”

“If you got to know him, you’d realize he’s a really gentle person.”

As he spoke, he seemed to drift into his memories, and his smile gradually deepened.

Han Geonju waved his hand in exasperation. “You’re beyond saving.”

Zhu Yu didn’t respond.

As they chatted, they arrived at the café.

After seating Han Geonju at a window-side table, Zhu Yu quickly went to the back to change into his work uniform and started his shift.

Han Geonju had something to do in the afternoon, so he left after finishing his coffee.

Since it was a weekday, the café wasn’t too busy, and customers trickled in sporadically.

Zhu Yu had some free time, so he slacked off in the back, playing Subway Surfers for a bit.

“Yu, coffee for Table 12.” Chloe called for him from the front counter.

Zhu Yu put away his phone. “Got it.”

He carried the coffee to Table 12, and as he set it down, the person at the table took the cup and thanked him.

The voice sounded familiar.

Zhu Yu looked up—and locked eyes with the customer.

“Zhu Yu!” The customer exclaimed in surprise, calling out his name.

Zhu Yu: “Chen Ding?”

Chen Ding: “Yeah, it’s me. You’re… working part-time here?”

Chen Ding’s gaze swept over Zhu Yu’s uniform from head to toe.

Zhu Yu nodded. “Yep. You didn’t expect that, huh?”

Chen Ding knew all too well about these rich young masters like Zhu Yu—studying abroad, getting bored, and looking for something to do. Serving coffee in shoes worth tens of thousands, just like those rich kids who drive Rolls-Royces for fun, moonlight as cab drivers, or deliver food on high-end motorcycles.

“Yeah, I really didn’t see that coming.” Chen Ding nodded in agreement.

Zhu Yu: “Take your time with your coffee. I’ll get back to work.”

Chen Ding quickly called out, “Zhu Yu!”

Zhu Yu turned back. “What is it?”

“If you’re not too busy, can you sit and chat with me for a bit?” Chen Ding’s eyes and tone carried a hint of pleading.

“I don’t really have many friends, and running into you here today makes me really happy.” Chen Ding continued.

Zhu Yu hesitated, then turned to Chloe for approval.

Chloe nodded, so Zhu Yu set down his tray and took a seat across from Chen Ding.

“What do you want to talk about?”

Chen Ding hesitated before asking, “That tea I gave you before—how was it?”

“It was fine, but I already told you I’d give you feedback after drinking it in the morning. You insisted I drink it at night, and I ended up staying awake until four in the morning” Zhu Yu pursed his lips, his tone slightly helpless but without any blame.

Chen Ding quickly apologized, “Sorry, I was just really eager to hear your opinion.”

Zhu Yu habitually picked up the coffee beside him and took a small sip. “Why does my opinion matter so much to you?”

Chen Ding watched in shock as Zhu Yu lifted the very coffee that he had ordered and took a sip.

Zhu Yu froze.

Following Chen Ding’s gaze, he looked down at the cup in his hands.

Zhu Yu—

“Ah!” He immediately jumped up and put the coffee back down, looking apologetic. “Sorry! I grabbed it without thinking.”

“I’ll go order you another one.” Zhu Yu turned, ready to get a replacement.

Chen Ding quickly stopped him. “No need. Just consider it my treat. You couldn’t sleep after drinking my tea that night, right…?”

“It’s not your fault. I was greedy and drank a whole big cup myself.” Zhu Yu said, feeling a little embarrassed.

Chen Ding asked, “So, did you think the tea was good?”

“Mhm, it was okay.” Since Zhu Yu didn’t know much about tea, he could only give a neutral response.

But it seemed like Chen Ding had been waiting for exactly that answer.

“Then do you want more?” Chen Ding asked.

Zhu Yu immediately shook his head—he had had enough sleepless nights until four in the morning.

“Was it not good?” Chen Ding pressed.

“No, it was pretty good.” Zhu Yu replied.

“I was thinking, if you like it, you could buy some from me. Since we’re friends, I’d give you the lowest possible price.” Chen Ding said.

Zhu Yu took a sip of his coffee. “What would I do with so much tea? If I had that money, I’d rather spend it on some Vietnamese pho.”

That explanation… actually made sense. Chen Ding was clearly thrown off for a moment.

“Yu, there’s a customer.” Chloe called out.

“Got it.” Zhu Yu replied.

He turned back to Chen Ding. “I’ll make it up to you with another cup of coffee later.”

With that, Zhu Yu got up and walked toward the front counter.

Chen Ding watched his figure disappear before pulling out his phone from his pocket.

【Chen Ding: Damn it, isn’t he supposed to be rich? What a stingy bastard.】

【001: Didn’t you say you could reel in this big fish?】

【Chen Ding: What do you know? I refuse to believe I won’t get a single cent out of him.】

【001: Just don’t screw this up.】

【Chen Ding: Relax, I won’t. I’ve got a Plan B.】

Chen Ding put his phone away.

His gaze fell on Zhu Yu, who was busy at the counter. A rich second-generation kid, draped in designer brands, using the latest smartphone, exuding wealth from head to toe.

Too flashy.

Too eye-catching.

Of course, even if he wasn’t after Zhu Yu’s money, just for Zhu Yu’s face alone, Chen Ding wouldn’t mind tricking him into his hands just to have some fun.

After all, this Zhu Yu didn’t seem very smart.

A few minutes later, the café quieted down again, and Zhu Yu brought over a cup of coffee.

“Here’s the coffee I owe you.” Zhu Yu sat across from Chen Ding.

“Thanks.” Chen Ding said.

The coffee was quite expensive, but since Zhu Yu worked there, he got a staff discount.

Zhu Yu picked up his unfinished coffee and downed the rest in one go.

Watching his actions, Chen Ding asked, “Do you like coffee?”

Zhu Yu shook his head. “Not really.”

He didn’t dislike it, but he definitely wouldn’t say he liked it—it was way too bitter.

Life was already bitter enough, of course, he had to eat something sweet to comfort himself.

“Zhu Yu, I have an idea.” Chen Ding decided to cast another line. “Can you give me some advice?”

Zhu Yu nodded. “Sure.”

“What do you think about selling tea in the UK?” Chen Ding asked.

Zhu Yu frowned. He had finally moved on from the topic of tea—why was it coming up again? Was Chen Ding some kind of tea spirit?

“I don’t know.” Zhu Yu looked at him. “Do British people like tea?”

“That’s why I’m asking for your opinion.” Chen Ding said.

“Then… should I ask my British friends for you?” Zhu Yu offered.

When you’re abroad, you should help your fellow countrymen whenever you can.

Zhu Yu had a huge bias in favor of Chinese people living overseas.

“If you could, that would be great.” Chen Ding’s eyes were filled with gratitude. “I already asked my friends here, and they seem to like it.”

Zhu Yu took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and found a few British friends he was on good terms with.

【Zhu Yu: Do you guys like drinking tea?】

He sent the question to a group chat.

It was such a random question that, sure enough, the first replies he got were all:

“?”

Zhu Yu only started receiving responses after explaining his question.

Most of the replies were along the lines of “it’s okay.” Then, he suddenly remembered—weren’t they pretty fond of black tea? That was the most imported type, right?

He wasn’t entirely sure, but overall, it seemed like they found it acceptable.

Zhu Yu put his phone back in his pocket and looked at Chen Ding. “They all said it’s alright.”

“Then… what do you think about me starting a tea business in the UK?” Chen Ding asked excitedly.

Zhu Yu let out a small sigh. He actually understood where Chen Ding was coming from. Unlike himself, who only needed to worry about his own expenses, Chen Ding—who was the same age as him—was in a completely different situation. A sick mother, an aging grandfather, and… what else was there?

“I support you!” Making money wasn’t shameful—if anything, Zhu Yu admired him for it.

Chen Ding was overjoyed, nearly failing to conceal his victorious smile. But fortunately, Zhu Yu was simple-minded and didn’t think too much about it.

“But Zhu Yu, I might need to borrow some money from you,” Chen Ding said, looking embarrassed. “I don’t mean anything else by it, just enough to cover the shipping fees. I don’t have that much money on hand right now, and the shipping costs for getting the tea sent from home are pretty high.”

However, in the next second, the embarrassed look shifted from Chen Ding’s face to Zhu Yu’s.

Because—he had no money.

Right now, Zhu Yu was living paycheck to paycheck, earning money from his part-time job during the day and then spending it all at night—starting over from zero the next morning.

His monthly allowance arrived at the beginning of the month and was completely spent by the end of the first week.

Savings? Ha. What a joke.

He didn’t have a cent to his name. His four pockets were emptier than his face was pale.

Seeing Zhu Yu hesitate, Chen Ding thought his sudden request had made Zhu Yu suspicious, so he quickly added, “Of course, I can write you an IOU.”

“Zhu Yu, you’re one of the few Chinese people I’ve met here who truly supports me,” he continued, putting on a pitiful act. “You’re the only one who can help me.”

Zhu Yu really wanted to help him, but…

Did he really look like a rich person??

Even his hair was dyed by himself—because barbershops here were outrageously expensive.

“Chen Ding, I really want to help you, but…” Zhu Yu looked troubled. “My family controls my allowance.”

“Otherwise, why would I even be working a part-time job here?” Zhu Yu said helplessly.

Chen Ding calmly stared into Zhu Yu’s eyes, trying to spot any hint of a lie.

But it was clear—Zhu Yu wasn’t lying.

“I-Is that so?” Chen Ding let out a dry cough, clearly unwilling to give up.

Zhu Yu’s expression was sincere. “Yeah, I really can’t help you…”

Chen Ding lowered his eyelids, his eyes flickering slightly. His tone was sorrowful, and his entire demeanor was weighed down by gloom. “I really had no other choice but to come to you for help.”

“My mom has to be hospitalized again soon, and the money I make from my part-time job here is nowhere near enough.” Chen Ding’s voice trembled.

Zhu Yu saw his shoulders shake, then watched as he covered his face with both hands, seemingly overcome with sorrow.

If he wasn’t completely out of options, he probably wouldn’t ask others for help, right?

Having grown up under the protection of the Zhu family, Zhu Yu had never seen the darker sides of human nature. He couldn’t tell good people from bad, and on top of that, he had a soft heart.

Seeing Chen Ding so distressed over his family’s situation, Zhu Yu couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

Actually, Zhu Yu could get his hands on some money, but he didn’t fully trust Chen Ding. After all, they hadn’t known each other for long. Aside from the fact that Chen Ding was named Chen Ding, he knew nothing else about him.

But at the same time, Zhu Yu felt that he shouldn’t assume the worst about a fellow countryman.

Chen Ding had it so rough.

His family situation was tough.

If helping him could truly solve his family’s problems, then… maybe it wasn’t impossible.

Zhu Yu struggled internally for a long time before finally reaching out and lightly tapping Chen Ding’s arm. “I can help you.”

“But… don’t lie to me.” Zhu Yu fixed his gaze firmly on him.

For a brief moment, Chen Ding’s hand visibly stiffened, and a sharp glint flashed through his eyes—but Zhu Yu didn’t notice any of it.

“Zhu Yu, I actually understand your concerns. We haven’t known each other for long, after all. If I were in your position, I probably wouldn’t agree either.” Chen Ding’s words were careful and measured.

Zhu Yu: “You don’t have to say all that. I’ll think of a way to help you.”

“Do you need a lot of money?” Zhu Yu asked.

Chen Ding: “International shipping fees can be pretty expensive…”

Zhu Yu: “Alright, I’ll ask around when I get back.”

“You’re really willing to help me?” Chen Ding asked, worried that Zhu Yu might change his mind. He quickly added, “Regardless, I really appreciate it.”

“I’ve also borrowed from a few friends already. I just need a bit more to make up the difference.”

Zhu Yu nodded. “Alright.”

Then he added, “Don’t be sad. Auntie’s illness will get better.”

“If she knew her son was doing so well abroad, she’d definitely be proud of you.” Zhu Yu’s eyes sparkled as he spoke, his words filled with sincerity as he tried to comfort Chen Ding.

Chen Ding looked into those earnest eyes and at that innocent face.

For a rare moment, he actually felt a twinge of guilt. He found himself reluctant to lie to this face. But that guilt vanished in an instant.

After all, he had come this far—^[1]“he was just one step away from closing the net” means that Chen Ding was very close to successfully carrying out his plan or schemehe was just one step away from closing the net. No matter what, softening his heart was not an option.

Later, when he was about to leave, Zhu Yu asked him for his family’s business license.

Chen Ding assumed Zhu Yu wanted to verify whether he was lying, so without hesitation, he sent over the business license he had meticulously photoshopped in advance.

When Zhu Yu got home, he received his part-time payment from August.

He had worked a little over three hours in total, but August, likely out of consideration for Zhu Ting, rounded it up to four hours.

Converted to RMB, it was nearly 800 yuan.

Standing in the elevator, Zhu Yu used a calculator to total up the balances in all his bank accounts—even withdrawing the few cents left in his WeChat Wallet.

Altogether, it barely added up to a little over 1,000.

He looked up the shipping cost online—a 10-kilogram package would be around 1,000 yuan.

But Chen Ding had said his family was sending over about 40 to 50 jin of tea leaves.

The numbers were starting to make Zhu Yu’s head spin.

Their apartment hallway wasn’t a straight path, and he needed to turn a corner to reach his dorm.

Engrossed in his calculations, he had his head down and didn’t notice the wall at the corner—he was about to walk right into it when, suddenly, a large, strong hand reached out from behind, grabbing his arm and pulling him back.

“Ah—!” Zhu Yu stumbled backward, taking several unsteady steps. The back of his head landed straight against a firm yet slightly soft, broad chest—one that felt secure and steady.

He found himself half-embraced by a sturdy, broad frame, the rich scent of locust blossoms lingering around him.

A warm, and familiar voice sounded by his ear—

“Xiao Yu, why aren’t you watching where you’re going?”