"Too late, we've already eaten and left."
The response came quickly.
Lu Jincheng was typing his response when another message from Zhou Sinin popped up.
"But we're planning to go to a cocktail bar, want to join?"
Mist Bar, near Nanhu University, is a typical cocktail bar catering to those who enjoy a light buzz and a quiet atmosphere.
The music in the bar was soothing, and the decor was uniform, not like the cocktail bars of the future, where every detail needs to be unique to retain customers.
In the scattered booth seats, Lu Jincheng immediately spotted Zhou Sinin and her friend; there were two cocktails on the table, each a different color.
In the dim and intimate lighting, the girl named Guan Yongyi immediately caught his eye.
Her short hair was neatly styled, and she wore black framed glasses on her oval face, with long, thick eyebrows slightly arched, giving her a spirited look.
Her straight nose fit perfectly with the black glasses, accentuating her delicate and three-dimensional features.
Although it was summer in September, Guan Yongyi was wearing a lively, knee-length skirt, but her aloof demeanor was unmistakable.
There were quite a few men in the bar eager to hit on her, but seeing Guan Yongyi with her chin propped on one hand and legs casually crossed, they dismissed the thought.
She didn't say a word, yet her whole demeanor kept people at bay.
Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.
A beauty's best friend is likely a beauty too!
Lu Jincheng took a seat opposite them and glanced at the colorful drinks in their glasses. He snapped his fingers to catch the attention of a server.
"Hello, Macallan 12-year-old Sherry Oak, on the rocks."
Guan Yongyi glanced sideways just as her eyes met Zhou Sinin's.
Seriously, how can he be so seasoned?
For most freshmen just stepping into the university campus, a bar was a novel place.
Girls with strict upbringing and disciplined lives usually only get a chance to visit a bar after graduating from high school.
Guan Yongyi thus confirmed her initial impression.
He didn't even need a menu to order his drink, huh, typical player.
Zhou Sinin took the lead, introducing Guan Yongyi and Lu Jincheng to each other.
When she mentioned that Guan Yongyi was a law student, Lu Jincheng raised his eyebrows and gave her a teasing look.
"No wonder she always has that poker face!"
"This girl is naturally suited for studying law."
He thought to himself.
Mr. Lu in his past life had many dealings with female lawyers and judges, and each time they confronted him, he'd mentally take notes.
Someday, I'll tear off these aloof masks!
His notes from the past life were now just history.
Luckily, there was still time.
Thus, led by Zhou Sinin, the conversation naturally revolved around the three of them.
Lu Jincheng, having lived two lifetimes and being well-versed in socializing with women, could handle any topic.
One hand resting on the table, he gently swirled the ice ball in his classic glass with his index finger while smoothly talking, well-spoken.
They discussed finance and law, explaining the trends of digital currency to Zhou Sinin and discussing the three layers and four elements of criminal law with Guan Yongyi.
When hobbies came up, Guan Yongyi mentioned that people from Guangdong like old-school activities, such as drinking tea.
Surprisingly, Lu Jincheng was also a tea aficionado, able to discuss the nuances between Phoenix Single Bush and Rock Tea, and distinguishing White Peony from Tribute Eyebrow by inspecting the leaves.
His voice was warm and gentle, and his tall, handsome appearance had the two ladies nodding continuously.
1v2 high-tier setup, beauties in tow, not far from the Arhat Table, the boys listening to Lu Jincheng's eloquent chat were feeling sour.
— "Pfft, why does he get to play with two such gorgeous girls all by himself?"
Isn't it just showing off?
But then again, the ways males show off are limited: birds flaunt their feathers, humans flaunt their wealth.
And showcasing one's experiences is the most elegant way to flaunt wealth.
After some discussion, Guan Yongyi had to admit that this scumbag really knew a lot.
Astronomy, geography, humanities, philosophy—he kept things lively with jokes and extensive references without letting the atmosphere cool down.
"Having talked for so long, shall we play a little game?"
Seeing that the cocktails and sherry were almost finished, Lu Jincheng snapped his fingers to call the waiter over.
"I have, you haven't."
Lu Jincheng spread his fingers with a smile.
"The game is simple. Starting with anyone, say something you've done that others haven't. Everyone has five lives; if you haven't done it, fold a finger, and when all five fingers are folded, you have to drink a full glass."
It was a game meant for spilling revelations after drinking, suitable for friends who had just met.
Otherwise, if you know each other too well, knowing each other's true colors, it's no fun.
"Great! You know the rules, you start."
Having heard Lu Jincheng's suggestion, Guan Yongyi ordered another Long Island iced tea.
"I've seen all three 'Tiny Times' movies, you haven't."
After the 2014 college entrance exams, coinciding with the nationwide release of 'Tiny Times 3,' watching one wasn't unusual.
The first question was just a test; frankly, winning or losing this game didn't matter. The key was to find common ground with the girls.
With that, Zhou Sinin's fair right hand remained unchanged, but Guan Yongyi bent down her thumb.
"Hahaha, you haven't seen it!"
As a native of Shanghai, Zhou Sinin had watched the entire 'Tiny Times' trilogy, whereas Guan Yongyi wasn't much interested in Shanghai youth stories. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Guan Yongyi pursed her lips and said nothing; her response lay in her eyes and the corners of her mouth.
"My turn! I've made eight thousand in stocks in one day, you haven't."
Zhou Sinin giggled, looking together with the still Lu Jincheng towards Guan Yongyi.
What do you mean, forming little cliques?
"Fine, just you wait!"
Guan Yongyi, riled up by a sense of competition, bent down her index finger.
She moved her fringe and crossed her arms, her eyebrows and eyes showing a touch of mockery: "I've interned at the Red Circle Law Firm, you haven't."
Alright, so that's how we're playing?
Lu Jincheng and Zhou Sinin glanced at each other, shrugged their shoulders, and lost a point.
How does someone just after high school get to intern at Red Circle Law Firm...
Wait, dude, have you passed the bar exam? Do you have a legal qualification certificate?
So many non-top-five faculties' 985 college students don't even get the chance.
Damn nepotism really sucks!
But turning around, those kids with family backing really do get ahead faster.
Be it Zhou Sinin, immediate stock trading for six figures post-high school, or Guan Yongyi qualified to intern at Red Circle, they were born in Rome.
Life's first divide is amniotic fluid.
"I have 'Royal Flush' on my phone, you don't."