Since You're Already a Tycoon, Why Bother with Traditional Romance

Couple's gaming booths—what’s so great about them?

Well, it’s all about the two computers placed side by side in a snug little room, radiating big-time ambiguous vibes.

Close the door, and it’s just the two of you—no outsiders allowed.

Su Bai knew some classmates with serious gaming addictions loved going to internet cafes for dates, turning their meetups into sweet duo-queue sessions.

The bolder ones even saved on hotel expenses.

The more upscale evolution of this? E-sports hotels, though naturally, the price tag climbs accordingly.

Su Bai wasn’t worried about money these days, but given Chen Yusheng’s socially awkward nature, an e-sports hotel was probably off the table. A couple’s booth, though? After a bit of hesitation, she followed him in.

Mainly because Su Bai had just topped up 5,000 yuan at the counter—with a promotion running: "Top up 5,000, get 5,000 free."

Then he casually mentioned that from now on, their gaming sessions here would be on his tab.

At first, Chen Yusheng refused, but Su Bai coaxed her with logic: "Since I’ve hired you, I should provide decent working conditions. Spending my money at the internet cafe is no different from a boss paying office rent—it’s only natural.

Since when do employees cover the rent for their workspace?"

Chen Yusheng paused. Huh. That actually made sense.

As a straight-laced STEM girl, she valued logic. And since Su Bai had logically convinced her, she obediently followed him into the couple’s booth.

Boot up.

Clock in… wait, no—log in.

"You went to pick up a car this morning?"

"Yep."

"What’d you do this afternoon?"

Chen Yusheng glanced at Su Bai, her cheeks faintly pink, and added, "Not trying to pry or anything. Just curious. You know, casual chat. No pressure to answer."

"No worries, we’re friends. Sharing daily stuff is normal. I went shopping in the afternoon, grabbed some pastries. Brought them here—snacks for when we get hungry mid-game."

Su Bai placed the box of artisanal Chinese bakery treats on the desk, right between their monitors.

Say what you will about internet-famous desserts, but one thing’s undeniable: they look damn good.

Chen Yusheng audibly swallowed but kept her face stoic.

"I’m not hungry."

"Okay."

"Logging in."

"Me too. Let’s go."

And so, the fun began.

Time flies when you’re immersed in battle. Before Su Bai knew it, their two-hour gaming session was almost up.

The room-service dinner they’d ordered earlier hadn’t been filling, and now, barely past 9 p.m., his stomach was growling.

He reached for the pastry box—only to find it empty.

…Huh?

Seriously? When did you—?

Su Bai hadn’t noticed a thing. Impressive stealth, Chen Yusheng.

When his gaze landed on her, she feigned innocence. Under his stare, she finally cracked, murmuring, "Sorry. I kinda… ate them all."

"Hey, no big deal. Did you skip dinner before coming?"

"No, I ate."

"Then you didn’t eat enough."

"…Yeah."

"Things that tight financially?"

"It’s not like I can’t afford food. Just been busy, no appetite… But those pastries were amazing."

Chen Yusheng licked her lips, looking like a starved kitten who had just discovered cream. The contrast between her cool demeanor and that adorable expression was striking.

Su Bai grinned. "Let’s fix that appetite. Come on, late-night snacks on me."

Chen Yusheng almost refused. Su Bai treating her again meant more spending—even if money wasn’t an issue for him.

But her pride was a stubborn thing.

Ever since her mother fell ill, Chen Yusheng had faced too much cruelty from the world. Su Bai, though? He’d shown her nothing but kindness.

Good people shouldn’t be taken advantage of, and good men shouldn’t be treated like ATMs.

Watching her hesitate, Su Bai’s solution was simple:

He opened WeChat and transferred her 400 yuan.

Chen Yusheng: "?"

New gig: Keep me company for hot pot. Two hours, same rate as gaming.

"…This feels wrong."

"Why? I won’t bite."

"That’s not what I—ugh, fine."

Chen Yusheng surrendered.

Hot pot with Su Bai couldn’t be that expensive, right?

Then they reached the underground parking lot.

The Mercedes GLE’s unlock chirp echoed, its headlights flashing as the imposing black silhouette emerged from the shadows.

Luxury cars—especially tall SUVs—carry an unspoken intimidation for the uninitiated.

"This the car you picked up today?"

"Mm."

"It’s gorgeous." Chen Yusheng hesitated, then asked, "Can I sit in the passenger seat?"

"Of course. Why not?" Su Bai chuckled.

"I heard that seat’s reserved for girlfriends or wives. Not just any girl."

"So? I don’t have a girlfriend."

As he said it, an image of Zhou Jialu, his senior, flickered in his mind.

Technically, he’d never called her his girlfriend.

Why stick to old-school romance when you’re living the high life?

More close companions, each in their own lane—wasn’t that the dream?

Chen Yusheng, cute and gaming-savvy; Zhou Jialu, alluring and full of surprises.

Legs for days here, curves for days there.

No overlap, no drama.

Perfection.

Romantically, Su Bai was a staunch reformist.

"You don’t have a girlfriend? …Okay, then."

Chen Yusheng climbed in, relieved.

Had Su Bai been taken, she’d have kept her distance. But he wasn’t.

And that stirred something unnecessary in her chest.

Her musings ended as they pulled up to their destination.

Staring at the restaurant’s grand entrance, Chen Yusheng deadpanned, "This looks like a place for hot pot?"

"What does it look like to you?"

"Some overpriced, tasteless Western joint."

“Ha! Accurate.” Su Bai laughed. “But a friend recommended this place. It’s sour soup hot pot—a regional specialty from the southwest. Great for reviving your appetite.”

"Oh."

Inside, the tangy aroma hit Chen Yusheng immediately.

Her stomach growled in approval.

Nervous in unfamiliar upscale settings, she stayed quiet, eyes down.

Social anxiety at work.

No matter—Su Bai ordered the works: every appealing item on the menu, a lavish spread.

High-end hot pot, a trend popularized by Shanghai’s "foreign-style" hot pot spots, had reached Jiangcheng. The presentation might differ (like this sour twist), but the core of its premium pricing remained unchanged.

"Upscale" dining ambiance, "upscale" service, and "upscale" ingredients.