Chapter 19: The Truth

As soon as Zhu Yu heard that deep, gentle voice, he brightened up instantly. He turned around in Bai Chen’s embrace, bringing them even closer—if Bai Chen lowered his head just a little, their lips would brush against each other.

Just moments ago, Zhu Yu had been feeling cold, but now, all of a sudden, he wasn’t anymore.

Bai Chen’s body tensed slightly, his warm and uneven breath brushing over the top of Zhu Yu’s head.

Zhu Yu switched off his phone, tilted his head up, and smiled at him, revealing his small, sharp canines. “Senior Brother! What a coincidence! You saved my forehead again.”

Bai Chen took a slight step back, putting some distance between them. His breathing also steadied. “What were you thinking about? You looked completely absorbed.”

Zhu Yu answered honestly, “I was calculating how much money I have left.”

“A friend of mine… he needs money.” Zhu Yu lowered his head as he walked alongside Bai Chen toward the dormitory. “He asked to borrow some from me.”

“But don’t you barely have any money to begin with?” Bai Chen asked, puzzled.

“Yeah, but… his family situation is pretty bad.”

For some reason, the way he said it had a slight Taiwanese accent.

“He’s having financial troubles?” Bai Chen asked.

“Mm.”

“What kind of troubles?”

“He said his mom is sick, and his dad abandoned them. Basically… his mom is in the hospital again.”

Bai Chen’s brows furrowed slightly, as if he sensed something off. “When did you two meet?”

“Not long ago… He’s also Chinese. He’s the one who sent me tea before.”

“Xiao Yu.”

Bai Chen suddenly called his name.

“Hm?” Zhu Yu looked at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Don’t trust people too easily.”

“You mean him?”

Bai Chen didn’t want to directly tell Zhu Yu to be wary of his friend. He knew that Zhu Yu genuinely cared about all of his friends, so if this person was someone important to Zhu Yu, Bai Chen didn’t want to assume the worst.

But from what Zhu Yu had described, this person had only just met him and was already asking to borrow money. In Bai Chen’s eyes, the entire friendship might just be a scam.

“Mm.” Bai Chen nodded.

Zhu Yu kept walking forward, just about to speak when he was suddenly pulled back.

“You walked past it, Xiao Yu.”

Zhu Yu tilted his head and saw that he had nearly reached Room 516.

“Oh, oh! I didn’t notice.” He fumbled in his pocket for his keys.

Judging by his reaction, he probably didn’t take Bai Chen’s warning to heart.

Bai Chen caught his wrist, the one rummaging for the keys. “Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?”

Zhu Yu slowly shook his head, but a second later, he realized what Bai Chen had just said. He abruptly looked up at him.

“But I didn’t buy any groceries today, and I didn’t call you either!”

His eyes sparkled. “So… does that mean I can eat your cooking?”

Bai Chen chuckled as he opened the dormitory door. He didn’t let go of Zhu Yu’s wrist, pulling him inside with him.

“It’s fine, because you’re Xiao Yu.” Bai Chen’s deep voice carried a magnetic warmth.

Zhu Yu’s face turned bright red, and he mumbled awkwardly, “Senior Brother, if you keep this up, I’m going to fall in love with you.”

Bai Chen knew Zhu Yu was joking, so he didn’t respond to that. Instead, he asked, “How about shredded lemon chicken and tomato beef stir-fry tonight?”

“Or is there something else you want to eat?”

Upon hearing that, Zhu Yu dramatically clutched his chest with one hand and flailed the other in the air. “Senior Brother, quick… quick, catch me!”

Bai Chen’s expression darkened slightly, his brows furrowing as he quickly steadied Zhu Yu. “What’s wrong? Do you feel unwell?”

“I’m about to faint from happiness.” Zhu Yu leaned half his weight against Bai Chen.

Bai Chen let out a helpless laugh. He found Zhu Yu’s antics a little exasperating, but at the same time, he thought they were adorable.

“Senior Brother, I also want steamed egg custard.” As expected, just thinking about food made Zhu Yu feel hungry again.

So many things were on his mind, but for now, he should just focus on what to eat.

“Alright, I’ll make it.” Bai Chen nodded.

“Then I’ll go get Liu Bo.” Zhu Yu said before heading off.

While Bai Chen was cooking, Zhu Yu brought Liu Bo over and immediately started working on something at the coffee table.

Bai Chen had no idea what Zhu Yu was up to.

When he turned around, he saw Zhu Yu resting his chin on the table, probably doing calculations. He was using both hands, his delicate brows scrunched together in frustration.

In the end, he even pulled out his laptop, looking completely stumped. His soft pink hair had turned into a messy fluff from all the thinking.

Bai Chen pressed his lips together, feeling like he really needed to remind Zhu Yu of something.

Even though his reminder might make Zhu Yu a little unhappy.

Zhu Yu hummed a tune while Bai Chen came out carrying the leftover mooncakes from last night, placing them gently beside him.

Smelling the aroma, Zhu Yu quickly reached for a meat floss and salted egg yolk mooncake, taking a bite before letting out a long sigh. “Senior Brother, if you were even one second later, I would’ve starved to death.”

“So many things to do, I don’t even have enough brain cells left.” Zhu Yu only started chewing the mooncake after speaking.

His cheeks puffed up as he chewed nonstop, looking just like a hamster eating.

Bai Chen lowered his long lashes, his gentle gaze quietly resting on Zhu Yu’s face. His thin lips, initially pressed together, slowly softened with a faint touch of warmth. He then sat down on the sofa behind Zhu Yu.

His eyes landed on Zhu Yu’s laptop screen.

Taking advantage of the moment, Liu Bo wriggled out of Zhu Yu’s arms and jumped onto Bai Chen’s lap.

“Chen Ding—” Bai Chen softly murmured the name.

Zhu Yu nodded and turned to look at Bai Chen. “Senior Brother, what do you think of the poster I made?”

“You made this for him?”

“Mm.”

Bai Chen didn’t want to discourage Zhu Yu at this moment. At first, he wasn’t entirely sure, but after seeing the images of tea plantations and tea leaves, he was certain—

That person was probably after Zhu Yu’s money.

This was a common low-level scam back in China, but Bai Chen didn’t expect it to spread overseas. And unfortunately, Zhu Yu was unaware of it.

Still, Bai Chen couldn’t help but voice his concern. “You shouldn’t trust someone you just met too much.”

“Maybe wait until you know him better…”

Zhu Yu nodded enthusiastically, his pink fluffy hair bouncing with the motion. “I know! Senior Brother, don’t worry too much about me.”

Bai Chen lowered his gaze. He felt like he needed to tell Zhu Yu some bad news, but first, he asked, “Have you lent him money already?”

Zhu Yu shook his head and swallowed the last small piece of mooncake.

Bai Chen visibly relaxed.

“I asked him, but he said a hundred pounds wasn’t enough.”

“Of course, I really wanted to help him, but earlier outside, you reminded me—you were right. I can’t trust someone I just met too quickly.” Zhu Yu’s tone carried a hint of disappointment, as if he felt bad for not being able to help.

“So, I thought of another way. I can help him by making a poster!”

“He can use it to promote his business!” Zhu Yu’s voice picked up with excitement again. “And I even designed it for free! Nowadays, hiring someone to make a poster costs money!”

Bai Chen was momentarily stunned. Looking at the serious expression in Zhu Yu’s eyes, he suddenly burst into laughter.

If Chen Ding hadn’t been so greedy, he might have actually managed to scam a hundred pounds from Zhu Yu.

Bai Chen couldn’t help but praise him. “Xiao Yu, how are you so smart?”

“Hmph, you think so too, right?!” Zhu Yu beamed at the compliment, unable to suppress his smile. He quickly sat on the sofa, snuggling up next to Bai Chen.

“I’ll send him the poster in a bit.” He picked up his laptop and placed it on his lap. “If he agrees, I can help promote it too.”

Bai Chen chuckled. “Mm, I think that’s a good idea.”

Zhu Yu lifted a hand and wiped his forehead with his sleeve—though there wasn’t any sweat—then leaned back against the sofa. “I’m exhausted.”

Bai Chen raised an eyebrow. “Great work, Student Xiao Yu.”

“The steamed egg custard I made for you should be ready soon. I’ll bring it out for you to eat first.” Bai Chen picked up Liu Bo and gently placed him on the sofa beside him.

Zhu Yu’s eyes lit up. “That fast?!”

“Wait for me! I want to help too!”

“Alright, finish up and come join me.” Bai Chen headed to the kitchen.

Zhu Yu was about to go crazy.

Aaaah, why is there so much to do?!

He sent a message to Chen Ding: 【I don’t have that much money, but I thought of a way to help you.】

【Zhu Yu: I made you a poster. You can use it to promote your family’s tea in your friend circle.】

【Zhu Yu: (Image)】

【Zhu Yu: If you’d like, I can help spread the word too.】

Chen Ding didn’t reply right away, so Zhu Yu figured he must be busy.

But he wasn’t in a rush to wait for an answer. Instead, he looked at the poster over and over again, feeling like it still wasn’t perfect. So, he sent it to a Chinese friend from the same major.

【Zhu Yu: Zhouzhou, do you think there’s anything I can improve on this poster?】

【Zhu Yu: I made it for someone.】

【Zhu Yu: (Image)】

After sending the message, Zhu Yu locked his phone and placed it on the table.

“Senior Brother, I’m done for now!” Zhu Yu shut his laptop and got up, heading toward the kitchen.

Bai Chen was peeling the skin off the boiled tomatoes. “The steamed egg custard should be ready soon.”

“Don’t touch it, you’ll burn your hands.” Bai Chen noticed Zhu Yu was about to lift the pot lid and reminded him.

Zhu Yu quickly withdrew his hand, rubbed it against his leg, then stepped closer to Bai Chen. “Do you need any help?”

Every time Zhu Yu got close, Bai Chen could catch the pleasant scent of camellia flowers on him.

Even the strong sourness of the tomatoes in his hands couldn’t overpower the fragrance coming from Zhu Yu.

Bai Chen’s hands paused for a moment. “Wash the scallions over there.”

He subtly sent Zhu Yu away from his side.

Zhu Yu went over to the basket and took out the scallions. “These ones?”

“Mm.” Bai Chen nodded and lowered his head to continue peeling the tomatoes.

His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing the faint blue veins on his forearms. He wore a pair of transparent disposable gloves, his fingers long and well-proportioned, the skin fitted neatly against his knuckles. His nails were trimmed clean, and the red tomato juice soaked his fingertips and the back of his hands, giving off an oddly sensual look.

Zhu Yu, holding the scallions, returned to Bai Chen’s side.

“Senior Brother, when will the egg custard be ready?” Whenever Zhu Yu asked like this, it meant he was truly starving.

Bai Chen took off the disposable gloves, walked over, and lifted the transparent lid of the pot. A rich, savory aroma immediately wafted out, and Zhu Yu instinctively took a deep sniff.

“It’s ready to eat.” Bai Chen carefully took the egg custard out, then accepted the washed scallions from Zhu Yu’s hands. He chopped a few and sprinkled them over the custard.

“Come eat it while it’s hot. Leave the rest of the kitchen to me.” Bai Chen carried the egg custard toward the living room, while Zhu Yu followed closely, stepping on his shadow as he walked.

He hadn’t noticed it in the kitchen earlier, but now that they were out in the living room, Zhu Yu suddenly heard his phone constantly chiming with message notifications.

“Someone’s messaging you.” Bai Chen commented.

Faced with delicious food, Zhu Yu was completely unbothered by anything else. “No rush, no rush, I’ll take a bite of the egg custard first.”

His eyes stayed locked onto the dish in Bai Chen’s hands the entire time.

“Alright.” Bai Chen placed the egg custard on the coffee table.

The freshly sprinkled scallions had been softened by the rising steam, and the soy sauce drizzled on top had already seeped into the custard, with sesame oil glistening on the surface.

Zhu Yu picked up a spoon. “I’m digging in, okay?”

“Go ahead.” Bai Chen gave a small nod.

Zhu Yu’s phone chimed again with another message notification, lighting up the screen. Bai Chen glanced at it from the corner of his eye.

His eyesight was slightly nearsighted, so he couldn’t make out who had sent the messages. However, he had no intention of prying. He was simply worried that the person named Chen Ding might have come up with a new excuse to scam Zhu Yu.

Right now, chicken breasts were boiling in the kitchen, but Bai Chen wasn’t in a rush to go in and cook.

He sat on the sofa, positioned just behind and to the right of Zhu Yu.

The egg custard was steamed to perfection, incredibly tender. The soy sauce mixed with the custard, and it melted in the mouth as soon as it touched the tongue. The flavors of the scallions and sesame oil filled the mouth without overpowering the taste of the eggs, which remained deliciously fresh.

“Senior Brother, this is so delicious!” Zhu Yu exclaimed. “You’ve saved a starving student about to die from hunger.”

“That exaggerated?” Bai Chen chuckled at Zhu Yu’s words.

Zhu Yu turned his head. “You wouldn’t believe it, but before I met you, I was so hungry I was writing my own will.”

It seemed like a sad topic, and Zhu Yu appeared a little down as he continued, “Because I really thought I was going to starve to death.”

“Seriously! I wrote probably… ten or so letters. I’ll read them to you when I have time.” Worried that Bai Chen wouldn’t believe him, Zhu Yu added this last part.

Bai Chen cleared his throat. “Well… you really don’t have to…”

Zhu Yu nodded in understanding. “I get it. After all, listening to someone read their will might be a bit too much for you.”

Just as he was about to say something else, his phone on the table chimed with a message notification. The notification sound from the iPhone was especially loud, and Zhu Yu, feeling irritated, picked up the phone to check it.

Just one glance, and his eyes were glued to the message screen.

It was a message from Fan Zhou. The earlier messages from Chen Ding had been overshadowed by the new ones from Fan Zhou.

【Fan Zhou: How do you know this person?】

【Fan Zhou: He’s f*ing, damn bastard, he scammed me, his two hundred pounds.】**

【Fan Zhou: Zhu Yu, you didn’t get scammed by him, did you?】

【Fan Zhou: Zhu Yu, why didn’t you reply to my messages? I’m scared!】

【Fan Zhou: You really didn’t get scammed, did you?】

【Fan Zhou: How much did you lose?】

【Fan Zhou: Ugh! He’s shameless, scamming your money and making you do promotional posters for him, his face is huge.】

【Fan Zhou: Don’t worry, let’s report him to the police. ^[1]“This monk can’t run away from the temple” (这跑得了和尚跑不了庙) is a Chinese idiom. It means that even if a person escapes, they still have ties or responsibilities they … Continue readingThis monk can’t run away from the temple.】

【Fan Zhou: I know two other people who’ve been scammed by him and his partners. Let’s team up, find him, and teach him a good lesson!!】

Zhu Yu was stunned, his mind blank as he read through the messages.

Bai Chen noticed the change in Zhu Yu’s expression and leaned over to him, asking, “Xiao Yu, what’s wrong?”

Zhu Yu’s eyes were glistening, and he looked up at Bai Chen, his voice full of surprise. “Senior Brother, Chen Ding… he’s a scammer.”