The Well-Behaved Da Chi No, It's the Crumbling Da Chi

The subtle rivalry between boys often comes with an unspoken understanding.

The moment Lin Yu spoke, Shi Yanhai had a sinking feeling.

Whether intentional or not, Lin Yu’s words made Shi Yanhai hope that Chi Qingshui would continue her usual cold and distant refusal.

Chi Qingshui glanced at Lin Yu, her emotions in turmoil.

Her thoughts weren’t about any rivalry between boys.

Instead…

Why would Lin Yu say that?

It was obvious.

The four of them had deliberately come over to stir up trouble.

Probably because Shi Yanhai had feelings for her…

Did Lin Yu know that Shi Yanhai had been pursuing her?

Was this his way of implying that she might have feelings for Shi Yanhai too?

Misunderstandings could happen in other matters.

But when it came to matters of the heart—absolutely not!

If she refused now, would it make her seem guilty?

Besides, Lin Yu had mentioned that the three of them would just stay for a short while.

If they talked openly, Lin Yu would hear everything.

She wasn’t afraid of him misunderstanding!

Chi Qingshui nodded and replied with a "well-behaved" tone:

"Alright, I won’t hold everyone up from dinner. A few minutes should be fine."

[Ding!]

[Bloodthirsty Assault—a combo skill with your Dao Companion—deals a critical multiplier strike to the leader of the Flame Sea Demons!]

[Reward: 50 Spirit Stones.]

Shi Yanhai’s eye twitched: "!!!"

Why?!

Hadn’t he also said he wouldn’t take up too much of Qingshui’s time?

Why was it that when he asked, she was "busy," but when Lin Yu casually mentioned it, she agreed?

Were Lin Yu’s words some kind of imperial decree?!

Calm down. He had to stay calm.

Could it be…

That he’d been too absorbed in gaming lately, neglecting his interactions with Qingshui?

Was she upset and trying to make him feel threatened?

If Lin Yu knew what Shi Yanhai was thinking, he’d be utterly dumbfounded.

Had Shi Yanhai conveniently forgotten that he and Chi Qingshui used the same laundry detergent?

Did they have to share shampoo too before it counted as a relationship?

The only thing Lin Yu marveled at was Shi Yanhai’s "HP bar."

The leader was indeed the leader.

Unlike small fries who’d lose their composure over a few words.

"Alright, let’s go with Lin Yu’s suggestion."

"We’ll… head inside first. Sorry for interrupting your dinner."

"Come on, guys, let’s grab a table inside."

Shi Yanhai straightened his back and walked away.

He couldn’t let Qingshui see him looking dejected.

Lin Yu: Damn, impressive!

Gotta hand it to the youth these days.

Even after losing face, he could still walk away like a winner.

Once the group left,

Shen Buyao clasped her hands together:

"My bad, my bad. I promised myself I wouldn’t swear today."

"Who knew I’d run into some young horndog the moment I stepped out? Ugh…"

Xia Yiwei, having picked up on the subtle tension, grinned:

"Don’t sweat it, Yaoyao."

"Look at Lin Yu—he’s not even mad."

Chen Qimeng added thoughtfully:

"Even though they’re Lin Yu’s classmates, judging by his reaction…"

"It doesn’t seem like they’re particularly close friends?"

Chen Qimeng phrased it delicately.

"Not close" was an understatement—they were practically hostile!

People who talked behind his back didn’t deserve to be called friends.

But…

To maintain his good image—

And to give his little girlfriend a bit of a challenge—

Lin Yu played along:

"Yeah, we’re not that close. But let’s not gossip about them."

"In class… Qingshui and the class president get along pretty well."

Chi Qingshui: "!!!"

So it was true!

Lin Yu really thought that way.

This was all Shi Yanhai’s fault—why did he have to come over and make a scene?

She’d made it clear long ago that they were just classmates.

Mo Shangying timidly raised her hand and murmured:

"Qingshui, even someone with zero dating experience like me can tell…"

"Your class president seems to have a thing for you, right?"

"I bet everyone else noticed too. Hehe."

Chi Qingshui scanned the group.

Their expressions said it all.

Even Ye Mengfu gave a slight nod.

Shen Buyao tapped the table lightly and smirked:

"Ah, youth—charging fearlessly into love."

"Too bad his brain’s not up to par. Can’t even lie convincingly."

"Oh, and—"

"Maomao, you’ve been staring at me this whole time. Got something to say?"

Finally addressed, Maomao blurted out:

"Yao! That guy’s last line was partly from Chapter 3 of The Scholars!"

Having gotten that off her chest, she exhaled in relief.

She’d been itching to say it, but the conversation had been too fast-paced.

Now, everyone else just stared blankly.

Everyone: "???"

Lin Yu: "..."

This was all Lin Yu’s fault.

Maomao’s current "Battle-Cat Mode" was purely to impress him.

Chi Qingshui, however, wasn’t distracted. She hurriedly explained:

"Shi Yanhai and I are just classmates."

"Since he’s the class president and the student council head, we discuss class matters more often."

"But it’s all official business—never casual chats."

"Even on WeChat and QQ, it’s only about class stuff."

Everyone: "???"

Chi Qingchi: "Sis… the first sentence would’ve been enough."

Lin Yu remained unshaken.

Who would’ve thought their usually composed top student would get so flustered?

If they teased her any further,

She might’ve pulled out their chat logs to prove her innocence.

But everyone had only said half of what they meant.

It was obvious—

Shi Yanhai had feelings for Chi Qingshui.

It was also obvious—

Chi Qingshui had zero interest!

What should’ve been a lighthearted topic had unexpectedly rattled her—

Even her little sister was surprised.

Chi Qingshui took a deep breath, realizing she’d overreacted.

She…

She just didn’t want Lin Yu to misunderstand…

"I just wanted to clarify so no one gets the wrong idea."

"All this talking… made me thirsty?"

Desperate to change the subject,

She grabbed a bottle of wheat juice from the nearby crate, poured it into a cup, and downed it in one go.

Under everyone’s stunned gaze, she coughed.

"Ugh… what is this?"

......

Inside the small restaurant,

The atmosphere at the "demon youths’" table was heavy.

Shi Yanhai sat slumped, half his soul gone.

Gao Yumin’s face was stiff, as if he’d checked out long ago.

Gou Feng poured drinks for the two.

They…

"Gulp gulp… thud!"

"Gulp gulp… thud!"

Their movements were synchronized—draining their cups before slamming them down.

Gou Feng refilled them helplessly.

"Gulp gulp… thud!"

"Gulp gulp… thud!"

Gou Feng (x3)…

Zhao Bin quickly intervened:

"Are you trying to turn them into perpetual motion machines?"

"You wanna drown them in alcohol?"

Gou Feng gave him a knowing look and said:

"Just let them drink. When they're drunk enough, the pain will fade."

...