Since he'd run into his girlfriend at the dining hall entrance, naturally they had to share a table.
The purpose, of course, was PDA.
Some say couples who show off split fast.
However, Tyler didn't think so. Wasn't finding a girlfriend in college all about enjoying that cool feeling and envious gazes from single guys?
Tyler shamelessly leaned close to Chloe, trying to hold her hand, but she disgustedly dodged.
"Chloe..."
"Don't be so grabby. We've only been together a few days. Do you actually like me, or are you just trying to cop a feel?"
"Of course I like you! I even threw a whole confession event for you! The venue was Harborview, a Michelin-rated place. Just the room rental was several grand, and that was a discounted rate I got through my uncle's connections. As a local, I've got some pull..."
Tyler seized the opportunity to launch into bragging mode.
Next to him, Evan wore a disdainful expression.
Chloe kept a smile plastered on her face but cursed internally.
Seriously, who asked?
Booking a Michelin private room then bringing up connections? Doesn't that just require money?
She'd seen related info on Instagram several times and was actually quite clear about it, but to cater to Tyler's need to flex, she still smiled and said:
"Tyler, you know so much. I had no idea about any of this."
"Right? Haha, in the future I'll unlock even more knowledge you don't know."
Tyler winked and made faces.
Ryan started playing Honkai: Star Rail. Even while waiting in line for food, he didn't forget his boosting duties—truly a mobile gaming master.
Imogen remained expressionless, secretly chatting with Arden.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Your roommate's so annoying.
[WestOfEden]: He's a bit much, but I think it's more entertaining than annoying. Don't you think such an interesting pair of, uh, rivals is pretty rare?
[BlakeOutCurtains]: They really are! [startled cat sticker]
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Can we ditch them and find somewhere to eat alone?
[BlakeOutCurtains withdrew a message]
Oh no, I think I got too carried away... Imogen guiltily looked around, her fair skin near her ears turning red.
Eating with Arden in front of his roommates would definitely lead to all kinds of weird rumors.
Though she didn't really mind...
But she'd still be embarrassed for now.
So Imogen could only keep secretly texting Arden.
To prevent Chloe from crushing on Arden again, Tyler pulled Chloe to sit at the far end of the long table, away from Arden.
Ryan was completely absorbed in his game, finding a random spot to eat and grind.
The remaining three were Evan, Arden, and Imogen.
To be fair, Evan wanted to sit across from or next to Imogen, but he was too shy and embarrassed, so he sat diagonally from her.
Thus, Arden and Imogen ended up face to face.
But because Imogen was shy, they had to communicate by typing on their phones under the table.
[WestOfEden]: [facepalm emoji]
[WestOfEden]: Why does this feel like we're spies meeting? It's so absurd.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: I have social anxiety.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: [peeking cat sticker]
[WestOfEden]: Social anxiety's normal—most geniuses have it. I don't, which is why I'm not academically gifted.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: ..
[BlakeOutCurtains]: That's backwards causation.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Besides, we both got into the same school, so how can you say you're not academically gifted?
[WestOfEden]: Don't even mention it. I got in by sheer luck. Not the same as a powerhouse like you who started projects in high school. I feel like I'll just coast through and get my degree, while you've got a limitless future.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Hmm.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Whatever, you're rich anyway.
[WestOfEden]: Who told you that?
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Using such expensive electronics and spending over a grand on a gaming companion—you gonna tell me you're not rich?
[WestOfEden]: You got me there]
[BlakeOutCurtains]: It must be nice being rich. If you're rich, you don't have to grind so hard just to survive.
[WestOfEden]: [dazed emoji]
[WestOfEden]: You seem really strapped for cash.
[WestOfEden]: How about this—if you really need money, I'll send you more boosting orders.
[WestOfEden]: League's fine, other games work too.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: I don't need pity.
[WestOfEden]: On the contrary, it's not pity at all! I genuinely enjoy playing with you. I'm paying for emotional value.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Oh.
Imogen across from him had a slightly conflicted expression.
She secretly glanced at Arden and was immediately convinced by his pure, sunny, wholesome demeanor.
Hmm, he really doesn't have any weird intentions toward me.
And he's legitimately loaded!
A stunning girl like Imogen had encountered plenty of guys who flaunted wealth trying to pick her up.
She easily saw through them.
Her family said she was naive and clueless about people, but she wasn't stupid at all—she was extremely sharp.
A little logical analysis was all it took to see through things.
Someone like Arden was genuinely wealthy.
He spent money casually on his interests, but his daily necessities and clothing didn't show off, nor did he flaunt in front of classmates.
He had a very clear, grounded personality, truly living life to the fullest.
Kinda embarrassing to admit, but Imogen really did need to earn money from Arden!
She didn't even realize the subtle affection blooming in her heart for him.
Mainly, talking with Arden was incredibly relaxing. After all, Arden knew her little secret about boosting, and their interests aligned perfectly, so conversation felt uninhibited and refreshing.
Before Arden, Imogen had never made any close friends.
Never.
While the two communicated face-to-face via phone like undercover agents,
Evan, sitting diagonally from Imogen, kept his head buried shyly for ages, barely touching the food in front of him.
Suddenly, he shot to his feet.
"Imogen!"
"?"
Imogen looked up from her phone, puzzled.
"...Never mind."
Evan sat back down.
He was still too much of a coward. He'd rehearsed what to say throughout the entire meal but didn't dare speak.
Arden watched from the side, wanting to laugh. Seriously, what's with the hesitation?
Show some of that Gatsby swagger, bro!
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Arden, your roommates are all so weird...
[WestOfEden]: Not really—just those two are weird. Ryan's pretty normal.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Who's Ryan?
[WestOfEden]: The one playing mobile games.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Does he really love mobile games that much?
[WestOfEden]: I'm letting him play my account, and in return he helps with boosting.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Oh, your account—you must've spent a lot on it, right?
[WestOfEden]: I dropped over seven hundred on this banner.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: Does that mean you'll spend another seven hundred next time?
[BlakeOutCurtains]: [shocked cat sticker]
[BlakeOutCurtains]: I don't understand you rich people...
Imogen gave Arden a meaningful look.
After much internal debate, she finally gathered courage to send a message.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: To be honest, I really need money lately.
[BlakeOutCurtains]: So please, don't hold back—use me as much as you want!
[BlakeOutCurtains withdrew a message]
In reality, once something's been seen by the other person, retracting becomes meaningless.
Instead, it only amplifies the feeling of shame.
Imogen's beautiful light grey eyes darted around nervously, her elegant neck—which could rival a swan's—now flushed crimson.
Seems her neck's very sensitive. Kissing there during... that... would definitely be super effective.
—That thought inexplicably popped into Arden's head.
He swallowed, feeling a bit flushed himself.
Curse these terrible thoughts!