What, Su Bai actually bought a car

Logically speaking, for an optional outing like this, a certified homebody like me would undoubtedly choose to stay in.

But then again,

It might count toward practical credits.

And since it’s a chance to go out, there’s always the possibility of mooching food and drinks off Su Bai.

Only a fool would pass up free meals.

Besides, it wouldn’t interfere with grinding mobile games—just pack a couple extra power banks.

And just like that, the travel group expanded to five people: the four guys from Room 510, Building 7 of the male dorm, plus Chen Yusheng.

The question of who would lead the group sparked quite the debate between Xue Tao and Chu Mingzhe.

Both insisted they were the most qualified.

Their argument started over lunch in the cafeteria and carried on all the way back to the dorm.

Finally, at around 8:30 PM, a winner emerged.

The deciding factor, ironically, was pure coincidence.

Chu Mingzhe and Xue Tao had been hyping up their travel squad in the social mixer group chat, boasting about their five-member team—four guys plus Chen Yusheng—and inviting more girls to join.

Chu Mingzhe made sure to highlight his extensive travel experience, mentioning trips to over a dozen countries since elementary school and even sharing some of his photos.

To be fair, his photography skills weren’t bad.

The Shanghai native did have some taste.

His pitch actually worked, attracting a few girls from the College of Arts to add him and chat about travel and photography.

After all, international travel from a young age signaled a well-off background, and being into photography suggested he knew how to have fun—both qualities likely to pique certain girls’ interest.

Unfortunately, none of the girls were particularly impressive.

Chu Mingzhe scrolled through their Moments, his expression morphing into the classic “old man, subway, phone” meme.

“I thought art students were supposed to be different. How is this possible? I assumed Broadcasting and Hosting majors had standards for looks, but… sigh.”

“That bad?” Wang Haoran, bored out of his mind, leaned over for a look. “They seem fine to me.”

“This is after makeup and filters—barely passable. I can’t even imagine what they look like in real life.”

“Ah, got it. Not my thing. All 3D girls look the same to me—face blindness,” Wang Haoran declared, channeling his inner shut-in. “Raiden Shogun clears.”

Xue Tao also took a peek before suddenly exclaiming, “Wait, Shanghai guy, why are they all just chatting with you and not joining the trip?”

“No idea,” Chu Mingzhe admitted, baffled. He’d been talking to several girls, but the moment he brought up the trip, they all politely declined, citing other plans.

“Su Bai, thoughts?” Wang Haoran asked.

Su Bai, ever the laid-back observer, mused, “Probably our group dynamic seems off. Four guys plus Chen Yusheng—her high-achiever, ice-queen vibe naturally puts up a ‘keep out’ sign. Most girls wouldn’t feel comfortable joining.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Though Su Bai usually kept a low profile, his insights were often spot-on.

Xue Tao, annoyed, snapped, “Screw this. Hu Ye’s just cursed. Let me try.”

So Xue Tao took over the group chat, launching into his pitch:

“Listen up, folks! Our group’s biggest selling point? We’re doing a road trip. For scenic spots around Jiangcheng, tours are too restrictive, and public transport’s a hassle. Driving’s the way to go… and guess what? Yours truly happens to have a Magotan 330 at my disposal anytime.”

Gotta admit, the local boy flex was a bit forced.

But it worked.

A girl with a sticky rice ball avatar chimed in:

[Wait, you actually have a car? That’s perfect! We hate cramming into the subway—Mid-Autumn Festival crowds are insane. A road trip sounds amazing.]

Xue Tao’s spirits soared. He immediately DM’d her.

After some chatting, he learned her name was Wan Xinyan, and she had a twin sister, Wan Xinyue, in the same class.

Both had made it into Jiangcheng University’s Broadcasting and Hosting program—a rare feat for twins.

The sisters always stuck together and had been scouting for a comfortable travel group when Xue Tao’s Magotan 330 bragging caught their eye.

A college guy with his own wheels? Also rare.

A quick search confirmed it wasn’t a luxury car, but decent enough.

Perfect for a free-ride tool.

Wan Xinyan accepted Xue Tao’s friend request.

Their conversation revealed an eager, if not particularly sharp, guy.

Dim but enthusiastic? Ideal for manipulation.

A match made in convenience.

Still, Wan Xinyan raised a concern:

[With us, it’d be four guys and three girls. One car won’t fit everyone, right?]

Xue Tao, prepared, replied:

[No worries. I’ll rent a second car. My roommate can drive it. Two cars, seven people—easy.]

Wan Xinyan smiled.

[Good. You’re really thoughtful, Xue Tao. Most guys your age aren’t this mature.]

Flattered by the girls' compliments, Xue Tao was practically floating on air, grinning like an idiot and muttering to himself, "Heh, you think those twins might both fall for me?"

"You've read too much Romance of the Three Kingdoms, huh? Both of them falling for you? Get over yourself," Chu Mingzhe poured cold water on his delusions.

"Anyway, our travel squad’s pretty much set. Seven people is fine, but adding one or two more girls wouldn’t hurt. We’ve got two cars—room for ten."

Watching Xue Tao gloat made Chu Mingzhe sick to his stomach.

How the hell did this old fox get to hog all the spotlight?

Was his own resume—world traveler at a young age, having visited seventeen countries, a skilled photographer with refined tastes—really not enough to impress any girls?

Whatever. It didn’t matter.

Chu Mingzhe had another mission.

「Invite Jiang Qiuran to join the group.」

Honestly, he wasn’t confident.

After all, he and Jiang Qiuran had zero connection.

She was the kind of girl swarmed by rich guys daily—the undisputed queen bee of the so-called "goddess dorm."

But precisely because it was a challenge, Chu Mingzhe was determined to pull it off.

That’d definitely one-up the local boys.

Little punk, let me show you how a real Shanghainese rolls!

Just as Chu Mingzhe’s ambition was about to ignite—

Su Bai, silent until now, suddenly spoke up: "Yusheng just told me Jiang Qiuran asked if she could hang out with us for Mid-Autumn. I said yes for everyone."

"Wait—what the hell, man? She just… volunteered to come?!" Chu Mingzhe’s face twisted in frustration.

"Oh, should I take it back then?" Su Bai shot him a sidelong glance.

Xue Tao jumped in, "Hell no! She’s welcome! More than welcome!"

Then he gave Su Bai a weird look.

No idea why Jiang Qiuran wanted in, but if she was joining, it was a win. After all, in Xue Tao’s eyes, she was the perfect campus belle.