Mi Lu was rash and startled when she spoke, drawing the attention of those around. Jian Dan felt a bit embarrassed, "This is my last delicious meal of the week. Once I start living at school, I can’t just come and go as I please. I don’t want it to be this way, but try to understand my cravings."
With a giggle, Mi Lu said, "I’m just joking. Don’t take it seriously. I want to eat too. Let’s plan to eat together during the holidays. I also want to enjoy good food in the capital."
"Sure, that sounds great."
When it came to food, Little Jian Dan could go on and on without end.
Lin Chengyu and the others had followed them, entering through a different door and sitting opposite them, listening to their childlike chatter, something novel for kids who grew up in their type of households, being precocious.
Naive, yes, but also artificial.
Only a girl truly pampered by her family, neither expected to enter a strategic marriage nor to achieve anything significant, could be genuinely naive. However, in this circle, achieving that was incredibly difficult.
The innocence that Mi Lu and Jian Dan showed was alluring and highly desirable.
Chengyu admitted that his initial interest in Jian Dan wasn’t pure, but after the simple exchange, he had no more ulterior motives. Such a pure person was not suited to be brought into his circle and exposed to corruption.
Bo Qin protected her so well, probably because he had his own considerations and did not want Jian Dan to be overly tainted by the mundane world. He was capable of protecting her.
Moreover, Bo Qin was unlikely to let anyone have the opportunity to taint her.
From the moment he appeared at the school, it was clear that Bo Qin treated her differently.
Han Jin laughed, "It’s really unexpected to find such an innocent girl. I’m quite interested in Jian Dan."
Zhou Yan, deadpan, scoffed at his words, "You better not be interested. Didn’t Chengyu say? The man who brought her here is called Bo Qin, a person protected by the Bo Family. Would you dare to mess with her?"
No matter the motive, it shouldn’t be projected onto Jian Dan.
Zhong Xiaoyu deeply agreed, "Chengyu, what do you think?"
"My thoughts are the same as Zhou Yan’s, a girl valued by Bo Qin is best not messed with, and can’t be messed with either."
The group fell silent, not because it was wrong to say, but because pursuing benefits and avoiding harm is human nature.
Mi Lu couldn’t resist, took a bite of the chopped chili fish head, and downed her water furiously, "This is way too spicy. How can you eat something this spicy?"
Jian Dan looked at her puzzledly, "I like spicy food. And besides, I’m not spicy."
The boys at the next table couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.
Speaking in a low voice, Lin Chengyu did not join in the conversation but smiled the brightest.
Zhou Yan couldn’t help but smile, "Both girls have really good personalities."
Mi Lu, though having returned from abroad, worked hard to fit into the group. Jian Dan was a no-brainer; her personality easily made everyone like her.
After finishing their meal, the two talked about the other two roommates, whose origins were unknown.
Jian Dan thought simply, "It should be fine, right? You’re so nice, the other two roommates must be easy to get along with, too."
Raising an eyebrow, Mi Lu laughed, "That might not be the case, Little Jian Dan. You are too trusting. Do you know how bad people can get once they turn bad?"
"That is true." Jian Dan agreed. Remembering how her relatives behaved after her father’s death, if not for Bo Qin taking her away, she wouldn’t know what her life would have become.
The more she thought, the worse she felt about herself.
Bo Qin had been so good to her, but what about her?
She suddenly desired such a person, and her face turned pale.
Mi Lu immediately noticed something was off with Jian Dan and, confused, waved her hand in front of Jian Dan, "Little Jian Dan, what’s wrong with you?"
Jian Dan came back to her senses, smiled, and said, "It’s nothing. I’m just a bit tired. Have you finished eating? Maybe we should go back."
Mi Lu nodded, "Okay, let’s go."
As soon as the two paid the bill and left, Lin Chengyu and the others started talking, "What’s up with those two girls? Weren’t they just fine a moment ago? Why did they suddenly..."
Zhou Yan, watching the girls’ retreating figures, pondered, "They probably thought of something, so they were emotionally stirred. It’s not really out of control, just... a bit overthinking."
Lin Chengyu thought deeper than Zhou Yan.
Jian Dan was young and susceptible to temptations. Bo Qin was outstanding, and considering she stayed by such a Bo Qin, it’s evident how attractive Bo Qin was to her. For those involved, it might seem fine, but anyone who wakes up from this will realize the frailty of such feelings.