Chapter 405: Her Bubble Tea, Her Bubble Tea, and Still Her Bubble Tea

After Yan Zhusheng's pearl-free bubble tea was made, Jian Chun slipped back to the rest area.

Li Luo told Yan Zhusheng and Xu Youyu to find a seat in the rest area and rest for a while, while he stayed behind the counter, watching Lin Xiufeng work and chatting with him.

"Didn't you hire Sister Jian to work?" Li Luo leaned his arms on the counter, curiously asking Lin Xiufeng.

"I signed a contract with her—she only works the night shift. Day shifts are still my responsibility," Lin Xiufeng said. "Besides, I don't have much else to do, and she's usually in class during the day anyway."

"She only asked for a thousand yuan a month, comes in for night shifts, and when she has no classes during the day, she comes here to study like now."

"If I'm busy, I can call her over to help—just give her free bubble tea as payment."

"Is that really a cost?" Li Luo smirked. "She's not into you, is she?"

"Stop saying nonsense," Lin Xiufeng rolled his eyes. "It's you who's acting suspiciously—what's your motive for suddenly showing up here?"

"Oh, just passing by," Li Luo pointed toward the intersection outside. "Heard the subway's being built, so I came to check it out."

"Subway…" Lin Xiufeng sighed at the mention. "Speaking of which, your family bought several shops here—you've made a fortune already. Once the subway opens, how much will property prices here skyrocket?"

"I make money, you make money—we're family," Li Luo grinned.

"Pfft," Lin Xiufeng gave him another look. "Your money's yours—what's it got to do with me? You think you can buy me a new car?"

"Sure," Li Luo nodded. "What kind of car do you want? I'll buy it for you."

Lin Xiufeng: "?"

"I was just joking."

"I'm serious."

"Even if you're serious, I don't need it," Lin Xiufeng tapped Li Luo's head and chuckled. "I know you're making big money now, but keep it for yourself. Your uncle isn't starving—why would I need you to buy me a car?"

At that, Lin Xiufeng smiled mysteriously, leaned in, and whispered, "Actually, I've already paid the deposit—I've reserved the car. I'll pick it up after the New Year."

"Saved up enough?" Li Luo raised an eyebrow.

"The bubble tea shop's doing well, and the fried rice sales brought in a lot too," Lin Xiufeng said. "I've saved nearly two hundred thousand—by year-end, it'll be enough. I'll pay in full."

"Nice, Uncle," Li Luo cheered. "When I turn eighteen next year and get my license, lend me your car."

"You little brat," Lin Xiufeng was speechless. "Cars are like wives, you know? With all your money, just buy your own."

"Sigh… They say women are like clothes, but is our bond really that shallow?" Li Luo feigned a dramatic sigh.

"... Hmph," Lin Xiufeng snorted. "You've got plenty of clothes already—first it was Xixi and that little Yan Zhusheng, now you've added Xu's daughter? Watch yourself."

"I'm just seriously making friends," Li Luo declared solemnly.

"Yes, yes, seriously making friends," Lin Xiufeng didn't even bother arguing. "Just don't overdo it—I've warned you."

"So what car did you reserve?" Li Luo asked curiously.

"Just an Audi," Lin Xiufeng said casually, though his expression was lively. "Want me to take you to see it tomorrow?"

"Sure, I've been wanting to look at cars lately."

"You want to look at cars?" Lin Xiufeng blinked. "Aren't you still without a license?"

"For my dad," Li Luo said. "His car's a wreck—he needs a new one."

"Oh, right," Lin Xiufeng nodded. "Wasn't your dad's car secondhand to begin with? How many years has he been driving it? Why hasn't he replaced it?"

"We agreed he'd replace it," Li Luo laughed. "I even suggested it be treated as a company vehicle."

"But my dad keeps saying he'll buy one, keeps looking, but never makes a decision."

"He's just used to being frugal. Spending hundreds of thousands on a new car still feels painful to him."

Li Luo had already told Li Guohong it was time to consider buying a new car.

After all, the loan for apartment 1502 in Bihai Lanting had been fully paid off.

The remaining three storefronts, under his cousin Chen Lu's bank loan, didn't need urgent repayment—just keep paying monthly installments.

Plus, Li Luo's income had surged recently—his account balance was now more than enough to afford a million-yuan luxury car.

But Li Guohong still felt stingy, convinced his used sedan could hold out a bit longer, and kept saying, "Let's wait a little longer."

Li Luo had finally figured out: unless he applied some pressure, Li Guohong would never buy a car on his own.

"Alright, alright," Lin Xiufeng's eyes lit up at the news Li Luo wanted to see cars. "I'll take you tomorrow."

If Li Luo offered to buy him a car, Lin Xiufeng would absolutely refuse.

But if he just accompanied him to look at cars, offer advice—Lin Xiufeng would be delighted.

Maybe even get to touch some of the pricier luxury models.

Previously, when Lin Xiufeng visited dealerships alone, with little cash and no confidence, he never dared look at expensive cars.

Now, with Li Luo leading, Lin Xiufeng felt confident—and the thought excited him.

But Li Luo didn't take it seriously; after making plans with Lin Xiufeng, he picked up his grass jelly bubble tea and headed to the rest area.

Xu Youyu and Yan Zhusheng were sitting at a window-side booth.

When Li Luo entered the rest area, he noticed three other tables had customers besides them and Jian Chun.

Two tables had pulled their booth curtains shut—probably studying inside.

Or maybe some lovebirds were cuddling in there.

Li Luo sat down at the empty window seat, holding his bubble tea. Yan Zhusheng stared at his drink on the table, then, right in front of Xu Youyu, leaned over and sucked through the straw.

Li Luo: "...?"

"Didn't we agree not to sneak sips?" Li Luo said, dumbfounded.

"I didn't sneak," Yan Zhusheng blinked. "I drank openly."

"Is it good?" Xu Youyu asked curiously from across.

"Mm-hmm," Yan Zhusheng nodded.

Without hesitation, Xu Youyu picked up Li Luo's grass jelly bubble tea, sucked twice through the straw, placed it back, and savored it. "Mmm~ It's good."

"You two are being downright brazen… You've got your own bubble tea—why do you insist on drinking mine?" Li Luo's lip twitched as he muttered.

"Taking something from someone else feels good," Xu Youyu said with a smile. "The milk tea you steal tastes sweeter than the one you buy yourself. Don't believe me? Try it."

Saying this, Xu Youyu handed over his pudding milk tea and raised an eyebrow at Li Luo.

Seeing this, Li Luo didn't bother being polite—he picked up the pudding milk tea and took a sip.

Hmm…

Honestly, it really does taste sweeter.

The pudding also seems tastier than the grass jelly.

Yan Zhusheng, watching from the side, refused to be outdone and handed over her pearl-less pearl milk tea: "Li Luo, try mine—mine's delicious too."

Li Luo sampled them all; each had its own flavor, but all were undeniably sweet.

After finishing their milk teas at the shop, the three chatted idly for a while longer.

Li Luo then asked Lin Xiu to make him another cup of red bean milk tea, and bade farewell to Xu Youyu and Yan Zhusheng.

At the entrance of Bihai Lanting, Li Luo told Xu Youyu and Yan Zhusheng to go home first, then checked the time—three-thirty in the afternoon—and headed toward Fuyi Middle School.

On the way, he stopped by a convenience store and bought some snacks like sunflower seeds. When he reached Fuyi Middle School's gate, he handed out the snacks to the security guards, cracked a few jokes, and was let in without trouble.

According to Fuyi Middle School's rules, once after-school club activities end, students are not allowed to re-enter the campus until the next school day.

But rules are rigid.

Li Luo had originally planned to buy two packs of cigarettes, but then thought it inappropriate for a Gao Zhongsheng to give cigarettes to security guards, so he settled for snacks instead.

The security guards recognized Li Luo, chatted with him briefly, accepted the snacks, and let him in—no hassle, nothing like he'd imagined.

As Li Luo walked toward the gymnasium, he thought the security guards at Fuyi Middle School were pretty nice.

When he returned to the gymnasium, the temporary stage on the first-floor basketball court was still undergoing rehearsal for the New Year's Eve performance.

The Fuyi Middle School choir was performing on stage. Li Luo admired the singing while quietly slipping past the side.

Taking advantage of Ying Chanxi's distraction at the edge of the stage, he crept up behind her.

Jiang Liuxian, positioned at an angle, had already noticed Li Luo approaching.

But at Li Luo's glance, Jiang Liuxian stayed silent, pretending not to see Senior Li Luo.

Just as the choir finished their performance, Ying Chanxi clapped politely, confirmed everything was fine, and prepared to call the next act onstage.

The next second, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Instinctively, she turned her head, wondering who would dare tap her shoulder.

But as soon as she turned, Li Luo's large face popped into view, grinning at her—she was startled.

"Ah! You're so annoying!" Ying Chanxi stepped back half a pace, then blushed and punched him lightly, "You scared me!"

"Hey hey hey, everyone's watching! The Student Council president is hitting people?" Li Luo caught her tiny fist and chuckled, then took the program sheet from her hand and glanced at it. "Next rehearsal is poetry recitation, right? Are the performers here?"

"Y-yes," Jiang Liuxian snapped out of her daze and said quickly. "It's organized by the Calligraphy Club—they're waiting over there."

"Then let them go on."

"Alright."

After arranging the next act, Li Luo slipped the program sheet back into Ying Chanxi's hands.

Ying Chanxi took it and gave him a side-eye: "Didn't you say you were going with Zhusheng and Senior Jiang to your uncle's place? Why are you back here?"

"I already went. Then they went home first—I came here to keep you company."

"Hmph. You're that nice?"

"Of course I am," Li Luo said, taking Ying Chanxi's hand. "Feel my chest—see if my conscience is still there, and still warm."

"Who wants to feel that?" Ying Chanxi blushed, glancing around. The Student Council members nearby all quickly turned their heads away, pretending to focus on the poetry recitation onstage.

The performance was boring as hell, yet everyone watched with rapt attention, making the Calligraphy Club members onstage nervous.

In truth, people like Jiang Liuxian were all straining their ears to eavesdrop on Li Luo and Ying Chanxi.

"Just feel it. Why so much talk?" Li Luo lifted her small hand high and pressed it against his chest.

Ying Chanxi had been blushing furiously, thinking how bold Li Luo was to be so intimate with her at school.

But as soon as her hand touched his chest, she realized something was off—this texture felt strange, like something was stuffed inside his clothes?

As she thought this, Li Luo grinned, unzipped his jacket, and pulled out a milk tea, placing it in her palm: "Isn't it warm? I told you so."

Seeing the milk tea, Ying Chanxi suddenly remembered—earlier, when Li Luo left, he'd asked her what kind of milk tea she wanted.

Now, holding the warm cup in her palm, she bit her lip. Her previously chilly fingers instantly warmed up.

Still, she muttered under her breath: "It's just a milk tea. Why hide it? Why keep it inside your clothes?"

"I didn't want it to get cold by the time I got here," Li Luo said. "Is it still warm? Drink it while it's hot—it'll taste bad if it cools down. Your red bean milk tea."

"I know, I know," Ying Chanxi said, clutching the milk tea. Then she looked at Li Luo. "Where's the straw?"

"Here," Li Luo said, fishing a straw from his pocket, peeling off the wrapper, and inserting it into the cup. "Drink."

Watching him do it, Ying Chanxi's cheeks flushed. She took a small sip, then closed her eyes in delight.

After swallowing, warmth spread through her whole body.

Jiang Liuxian saw this and couldn't resist pulling out her phone, opening "Dongdong Tianxia Diyi Ke'ai," and sharing a frontline report with her group friends.

Though the other Student Council members pretended not to look, every one of their peripheral glances wanted to pierce Li Luo.

The diligent, serious Student Council president revealed this adorable, girlish side only in front of Li Luo.

It was truly enviable.

Especially since this guy was also involved with Yan Zhusheng, lead singer of the Rock Club—it made people even more jealous.

But some guys were more practical, secretly taking notes, thinking they'd try this milk tea trick on their own crushes next time.

Though when they grabbed a girl's hand and pressed it to their chest, they might get mistaken for perverts—no one could say for sure.

After Li Luo's interruption, the afternoon rehearsal continued smoothly.

Around five in the afternoon, the rehearsal finally ended.

Most of the programs had no issues, and only a few needed minor adjustments.

Everything was ready, waiting only for the New Year's event.

Li Luo's backpack had already been taken home by Yan Zhusheng and Xu Youyu.

At this moment, carrying Ying Chanxi's backpack, the two left Fuyi Middle School together, heading toward the entrance of Bihai Lanting.

Ying Chanxi hadn't finished the red bean milk tea Li Luo gave her; she had been sipping it slowly all along, and though it was now somewhat cool, she held it in her palms as if it were a treasured possession.

Walking along the road, Ying Chanxi continued sipping her milk tea slowly, walking with Li Luo into Bihai Lanting and arriving at the elevator entrance.

"I can't drink any more," Ying Chanxi glanced at Li Luo and whispered, "I still have to eat dinner."

"Then give it to me."

"You want to drink it?" Ying Chanxi blinked her eyes, looking at Li Luo with a hint of shyness.

"Can't let it go to waste," Li Luo reached out and took Ying Chanxi's milk tea, unceremoniously sucking up the last remaining drop.

Ying Chanxi watched Li Luo bite the straw she had used and finish every last drop; her cheeks immediately flushed red, and she dared not continue looking.

Li Luo threw the empty milk tea cup into the trash bin by the elevator entrance, took Ying Chanxi's small hand, and stepped into the elevator, riding all the way to the 15th floor and returning to 1502.

At this moment, Lin Xiuhong and Cui Suling were already preparing dinner.

As soon as Ying Chanxi returned, her face still flushed, she let go of Li Luo's hand and slipped into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and helped the two aunts.

Lin Xiuhong greeted Ying Chanxi with a smile, and seeing her enter, couldn't help but ask, "Xixi, why is your face so red?"

"Mmm… I drank some milk tea on the way, and it was really hot."

"Oh? Why drink milk tea before dinner?"

"Li Luo bought it for me."

"No wonder," Lin Xiuhong scolded Li Luo, who had just stepped to the kitchen door, "It's already evening—why give Xixi milk tea? You're terrible."

Li Luo looked baffled, glanced at Ying Chanxi, who was guiltily averting her eyes, and chuckled, "I just went to visit my uncle—he insisted on treating us to milk tea, and I couldn't refuse."

"Huh?" Lin Xiuhong frowned and muttered, "Xiu Feng is really something—next time I'll have to talk to him."