I Don't Really Want to Be a Third Wheel

“I don’t have a problem with it, but just the two of us, alone, drinking a little—and we’ve only known each other for a few days. Aren’t you worried?”

“What’s there to be worried about? You’re willing to help me with such a big favor. I trust you completely.”

Su Yang laughed. “What if I’m doing it on purpose?”

“Doesn’t seem like it. Just from looking at your face, I can tell you’re not that kind of person.” Qin Su shook her head with a smile.

“Haha, alright then. Since you trust me that much, I’ll take it seriously.”

“I wasn’t joking with you either!”

“Alright, then let’s drive the car back first.”

“Let’s go.”

With that, the two of them got into their respective cars and drove toward Hong Ran’s shop.

It was five-thirty in the afternoon, and the roads were unusually congested. Even though it was National Day and most people had the day off, there were still a few unlucky ones stuck working overtime.

On top of that, a lot of tourists had flocked to Shanghai, so the traffic was completely gridlocked.

No matter how impressive a sports car was, it still had to patiently squeeze into the flow of traffic and crawl along.

A distance of just over twenty kilometers took them a full hour to cover.

Driving a manual transmission car was a lot of fun, but in bumper-to-bumper traffic like this, it was a real pain.

Between the clutch, the brakes, and constant gear changes, neither hand nor foot got a moment’s rest.

“I’m used to driving automatics now. Switching back to a manual in stop-and-go traffic is kind of tiring.” Su Yang muttered as he got out of the car.

Qin Su walked up beside him. “That’s why manual transmission cars are becoming rarer these days.”

“But on the racetrack, manual still feels better. Too bad the GT3 RS doesn’t come in manual—I’d love to drive one.”

“Well, nothing you can do about that. Only the GT3 has one.”

As they were talking, Hong Ran walked out of the shop.

“Back so soon? I thought I wouldn’t see you until tomorrow. Who knew you’d be here again in such a short time~”

“Haha, Sister Hong—no, sorry, Ranran—I’ll drive the GT3 RS tomorrow. I won’t be taking this GT3 out.”

“Alright, then I’ll send this one back.”

“Okay, sorry for the trouble. By the way, I already filled up the tank.”

Before arriving at the shop, Su Yang had stopped by a gas station to top off the tank. Even though he’d only driven the car for a short while, these kinds of sports cars burned a lot of fuel. Besides, since it was borrowed, it was only proper etiquette to return it with a full tank.

Hearing this, Hong Ran gave Su Yang a thumbs-up. “For doing that, you’re definitely a friend I’m keeping.”

Su Yang waved his hand and smiled. “It’s only right to fill up the gas after borrowing someone’s car. Isn’t that just common courtesy?”

“You’d think so, but plenty of people still don’t bother. Back in the day, I used to lend my car to so-called friends. Hah, they never thought about that. They just took it for granted. So yeah, there’s a difference between people.”

“Then don’t ever lend to those kinds of people again.”

“Of course. Now, aside from my parents and a few close friends, I don’t lend to anyone.”

“Especially in a situation like Susu’s, where the car wasn’t even mine to begin with. Only for Susu would I do it without hesitation. For anyone else? No way.”

“Haha, Ranran, I really like your personality. I think we’re definitely going to become great friends.”

“That goes without saying.”

“Come on, come inside and sit. Later, I’ll treat you both to dinner.” Hong Ran invited them with a gesture.

Hearing this, Qin Su smoothed the hem of her skirt and said, “Sister Hong, Su Yang and I already agreed he’d come eat at my place. Why don’t you join us?”

“Eat at your place?”

“Yeah. Su Yang says he’s a great cook. I figured we’re all tired of eating out, so it’d be better to eat at home.”

“Really? Su Su, you can cook too?”

Su Yang nodded with a smile. “I can. My cooking’s not bad.”

“Oh?” Hong Ran was about to say she’d tag along, but seeing the dynamic between the two, she sensed there might be something else going on. She smiled and said, “I think I’ll pass.”

“Why not?”

“The two of you having a candlelit dinner—if I went, I’d just be a bit of a third wheel. I don’t really want to be a bother.”

“Come on, Sister Hong! What candlelit dinner? What third wheel? We’re just having a normal meal!” Qin Su hurriedly explained.

Hong Ran was older and had more experience in relationship matters. She could already tell that Qin Su was definitely interested in Su Yang—why else would she invite him over to her place? So she politely declined, “Forget it, I won’t go today. After you two win the race tomorrow, we’ll celebrate together.”

“You really won’t come?”

“Really won’t. If you two have a few drinks and want to do something, having me as a third wheel nearby would just ruin the mood.”

“Come on, Sister Hong!” Qin Su blushed and stamped her foot in embarrassment.

“Don’t talk nonsense! That’s ridiculous! You’re taking it way too far!”

“Haha, I’m just teasing you. Alright, I’ll stop messing with you. I’m serious—I’m not going. We’ll eat together tomorrow. I won’t invite you two inside either. You should head back.”

Qin Su’s face was flushed from Hong Ran’s teasing, and she didn’t feel like pressing the matter further.

Su Yang smiled at Hong Ran. “Alright then, we’ll take off. After everything’s done tomorrow, I’ll properly thank you.”

“Thank me for what? Susu and I are like sisters. Just helping her find two cars—small matter, don’t worry about it. Tomorrow, we’ll just celebrate normally and have a good round of drinks.”

“Sounds good. You get back to work. We’re off.”

“Bye-bye.”

Qin Su handed Su Yang the keys to the GT3 RS, then headed toward her own Mercedes G-Class.

Su Yang followed behind, with Qin Su leading the way, and once again they merged into the traffic.

Stuck in traffic, Su Yang pulled out his phone and dialed Qin Su’s number. “Hey, Susu, do you have any groceries at home?”

“Oh, right! If you hadn’t reminded me, I would’ve forgotten. I usually just order takeout. There’s nothing at home.”

“Figured as much. But do you have the kitchen essentials?”

“I’ve got all the basic stuff, but since I almost never cook, I rarely buy groceries.”

“Alright, then let’s stop by a supermarket first to grab some ingredients. Otherwise, we’ll end up ordering takeout at your place anyway.”

“Okay. There’s a supermarket near my place. I’ll lead the way.”

“Got it.”

He hung up and connected the Bluetooth to play some music, since bored during a traffic jam was the worst.

Half an hour later, the traffic finally started to ease.

The two drove out of the congested stretch and soon arrived at the underground parking lot of a large shopping center.

After parking the car, Qin Su led Su Yang into the supermarket.

“So, what good stuff are you planning to make?” Qin Su asked curiously.

“Depends on what you like to eat. I can make just about anything.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Name it.”

“Let me think… Can you make the braised pork belly we have here in Shanghai?”

“Yes. Braised pork belly is mostly the same—just the seasoning and a few details vary.”

“You’re not from Shanghai, but you know how to make it?”

“I told you, I can cook any dish.”

“Wow. Did you study at Xin Dong Fang cooking school or something?”

Su Yang gave a helpless smile: "What Heart East? No, don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it anyway. Just keep ordering."

"This feeling of being able to order whatever I want is so nice, so special."

"Haha, today I’ll make whatever you feel like eating, so don’t be afraid I can’t do it—just go ahead and order."

"Great! Then I’ll also order an oil-exploded shrimp. Hmm… for the main course, can I order a sea cucumber rice?"