Comfortable flattery, and it even makes sense (Bonus update)

Lin Yu had still underestimated Little Chi's reverence for snacks.

On the first day of his rebirth, he thought Little Chi might be the most difficult girl to handle in the apartment.

Looking back now...

How hard is it to placate a big foodie girl?

As long as you provide regular, timely treats, you can keep her firmly by your side.

Lin Yu straightened his back, pointed at the corner of his clothes she had grabbed, and said:

"Let me give you a chance to explain. Speak properly, don't get handsy and take advantage of me."

Little Chi immediately let go and even considerately smoothed out the wrinkles on Lin Yu's clothes.

Then,

she began her explanation:

"Little Lin, think about it carefully..."

"I had just finished helping Sister Yaoyao deal with that sudden traffic accident."

"There was still equipment in the car that hadn't been taken back to the apartment, yet the moment I got your message, I chose to go along with you."

"Doesn't that show the nature of our relationship? Doesn't that show my sincerity?"

Lin Yu continued to stand with his hands behind his back: "..."

Although on the surface, Little Chi's line of reasoning seemed flawless,

anyone familiar with her would understand the real reason.

Was it for him?

It was entirely for the sake of the snacks!

Did she really think she could convince Lin Yu with that?

Not a chance!

Little Chi herself surely knew this explanation was rather weak.

So she shifted gears and started buttering Lin Yu up:

"Little Lin, let's talk about you..."

"What kind of guy are you, don't I know?"

"If I had explained the situation back then, you definitely wouldn't have wanted to trouble the three of us, right?"

"Even though tomorrow is your birthday, and the birthday boy's wishes should come first, you would still stick to your principles and not bother people who are busy."

"I know you too well. You're just that kind of good-natured guy!"

The corner of Lin Yu's mouth twitched slightly: "..."

Hold it in, must hold it in!

Can't laugh yet!

Little Chi's skill at manipulating a guy's psychology was truly impressive.

Even though he knew it was just an excuse she came up with on the spot,

hearing it still made him inexplicably happy.

No wonder those in power always favor smooth talkers.

"It's precisely because I know your character that I kept it from you at first."

"Later, I thought, you must have a lot to do today."

"If Sister Yaoyao and Goose-Goose-Goose could come help too, wouldn't we get things done faster?"

"Little Lin, I really don't care about the snack rack in your room."

"I just genuinely hope you don't misunderstand me. Even the best friendships can't withstand the cracks of misunderstanding!"

Watching Little Chi analyze things with a dead-serious face,

Lin Yu couldn't hold back his laughter any longer.

It would be hard for anyone not to crack up at a time like this!

He waved his hand dismissively, saying:

"Alright, alright, enough with your sappy explanation."

"If you want to confess your feelings, you shouldn't choose a supermarket, right?"

"I'll consider it as you genuinely wanting to help me. I won't make a big deal out of it."

Chi Qingchi maintained her composure, responding:

"What do you mean 'consider it'? That's exactly what it was! So, about the snack rack..."

It never took more than three sentences.

Little Chi's true colors were immediately revealed.

Lin Yu said nonchalantly:

"In light of your 'excellent' performance, you still retain the 'firing rights' to the snack rack in my room."

"Just don't let your sister know, or she'll say I'm spoiling you again."

Little Chi excitedly clenched her small fists, as if she had just won a glorious battle.

Immediately after,

Lin Yu asked the question he was concerned about:

"You and Xiang Tiange... what made you decide to arrange a meal together today?"

"Was it a last-minute plan, or was it arranged a while ago?"

This was something Lin Yu had been wanting to clarify since they were outside.

Because he and Xiang Tiange already had plans for a late-night snack tonight.

It was hard to tell if Little Chi knew about this.

If Xiang Tiange were to ask Little Chi about Lin Yu, showing even a hint of excessive interest,

given Little Chi's sharpness, she would absolutely sense something was off.

That kind of situation absolutely must not happen!

Even if it meant painfully giving up an "external sect friend" in the end, it couldn't affect the grand undertaking of the "sect's internal affairs."

Little Chi wasn't overthinking it. Having just regained access to the snack rack,

she was naturally forthcoming and holding nothing back in response to Lin Yu's question.

"It was decided last minute, we were just chatting casually."

"She knew I was going to the school, so she came to hang out with me."

"You seem quite interested in Goose-Goose-Goose, could it be..."

Little Chi immediately shot him a mischievous look.

Lin Yu remained unmoved and calmly replied:

"Nothing much. It's just that the day before yesterday, I happened to run into her while accompanying two aunties shopping."

"Seeing her again today, so I asked an extra question."

No need to give excessive explanations; the more you explain, the messier it gets.

Just find a small, appropriate reason to make the behavior sound reasonable.

"You guys ran into each other too? What a coincidence, Pingchuan is such a small place."

Little Chi said in surprise.

Judging by her micro-expressions, her surprise seemed genuine, not acted.

This reaction

was quite satisfactory to Lin Yu.

At the very least, it indicated Xiang Tiange hadn't discussed this matter with Little Chi.

This incident, which was highly relevant and perfect as a little anecdote for "inquiring about someone," Xiang Tiange hadn't even mentioned to Little Chi.

It could basically be confirmed that the two of them hadn't really talked about Lin Yu.

Good, good, everything was still under control.

"Enough marveling, let's hurry up and shop."

"Meet at the entrance after paying!"

After saying that,

Lin Yu left Little Chi's side and headed for the next battlefield.

Antique Sister, Shen Buyao!

Her shopping speed was truly far behind the other two girls.

When Lin Yu found her, there were only two items in her cart!

"Yaoyao? Are you taking a stroll?"

Lin Yu popped up and spoke suddenly.

Startling Shen Buyao, making her whole body tremble!

"Damn Lin Yu, are you trying to scare me to death?"

"What stroll! I'm buying things according to your list!"

"Where are the pistachios? I've been looking forever and can't find them..."

Shen Buyao grumbled, then dove back into her search.

Lin Yu glanced casually at the items near her, picked up a bag in front of her, and said:

"Isn't this dried hawthorn? It's on the list too, why didn't you take it?"

Shen Buyao took out her phone, looked at it, then held it up to Lin Yu's face:

"Why didn't I take it..."

"Dried hawthorn is item six, see?"

"What I'm looking for now is item three, pistachios!"

Lin Yu: "..."

So?

You think you're in the right?

No wonder Shen Buyao was so slow!

Is her brain only the size of a nut?

Such an old lady!

Can only remember one item at a time, refusing to look at the next until she finds the current one?

If we wait for her to finish shopping, when will that be?

Lin Yu helplessly tossed the dried hawthorn into the shopping cart.

The next second,

Shen Buyao swiftly took it back out.

Lin Yu: "???"

Shen Buyao: "Shoo, shoo, don't cause trouble. I have my own rhythm!"

...

(Bonus chapter delivered. More to come tomorrow.)