The restroom was blocked.

No one took a car; instead, they walked straight out of the school and followed a small path for a few hundred meters until they saw a sign for Huang Family’s Clay Pot Chicken.
“Is clay pot chicken okay for everyone?”
“Sure. Actually, I’ve been here once before with my classmates—the food’s pretty good.”
“That’s great.”
The group made their way inside. Xu Lin immediately felt that, at a small restaurant like this, he could finally afford to treat everyone—he could actually play the host for once. Or, at the very least, he wouldn’t go broke doing so.
“Welcome! What can I get for you?”
“Your specialty is the clay pot chicken, right?”
“Yes, besides that we have stir-fried dishes and handmade dumplings.”
“Then we’ll have a clay pot chicken, a cold appetizer, and an order of dumplings.”
“Medium or small portions?” The server pulled out a notepad, ready to take the order.
“What about a large?”
“You definitely won’t finish a large. Even without the dumplings, you wouldn’t be able to finish it with just four people—unless you’re all big eaters.”
“You’re very straightforward, miss. Let’s go with the medium, then.”
“Alright. Downstairs or a private room upstairs?”
“A private room.” Xu Lin glanced at Chu Qingchan and Li Qinnuan, both wearing masks. Being a celebrity really wasn’t easy.
Thank goodness he had no plans to enter the entertainment industry himself. Filming a short public service video wouldn’t make him famous, and the script for that “blacklisted screenwriter” project was still just talk for now.
If they really wanted him as the male lead in an art film, he doubted it would ever become wildly popular—everyone knew art films were usually box office flops.
He thought back to the critically-acclaimed movies from before his rebirth, and none of them were by this blacklisted screenwriter. It seemed that project had already flopped.
But seeing how determined the other party was, if they truly wanted him to give it a try, he might as well help fulfill their dream. After all, it was honest work—nothing to be ashamed of! At least it was money earned with dignity.
He could make plenty of easy money with his foreknowledge, but that kind of money felt dirty to him.
Once inside the private room, the two starlets took off their masks and sat down. Xu Lin glanced at the twelve seats in the room.
He thought to himself, if only his “Twelve Zodiac” system were fully unlocked—imagine seating twelve girls around this table. What a sight that would be…
He admitted it was a foolish fantasy. Right now, he hadn’t even unlocked all twelve; just getting the current few together for a meal was as hard as ascending to heaven.
Chu Qingchan and Chu Fengyi were sisters, so that was manageable. Ji Yun and Bai Xiaoxiao got along, too. But as for inviting Teacher Su and President Ye, what excuse could he possibly use to bring them to dinner?
Finding a reason to gather three or four was doable, but six at once? He simply couldn’t find any justification that would hold up.
And besides, President Ye was a major boss. Although her affection was unlocked, she’d be leaving in a few days, and there’d be no further chance to increase it.

He sighed.
“What’s with the sigh? Come sit,” Chu Qingchan beckoned him over, and Xu Lin took his seat.
No sooner had he sat than Chu Fengyi immediately placed herself on his right, flanking him together with her sister.
“Qinnuan, come sit too,” she prompted.
“Oh… okay.” Liu Qinnuan, not used to such situations, froze for a moment before sitting next to Chu Qingchan.
Though both Chu sisters were renowned ice beauties, Chu Qingchan was actually quite gentle.
“Miss Liu, are you a native of Jinling?”
“No, it’s just that most of my recent filming work is based in Jinling, so I’ve settled here for now. My hometown is Guanming County in Changqing.”
“Guanming? I’m from Linshui.”
“Linshui? That’s really close—only a few dozen kilometers!” Liu Qinnuan was surprised to find Xu Lin’s hometown so near hers. If she ever needed to find him… perhaps…
“Yes, if you ever want to visit your Sister Chu Qingchan, you can come to Linshui and find her.”
“I’ll definitely pay a visit.”
“I should be in Linshui for the time being. Once you’re less busy—I’ve quit the industry, so I’m just a free spirit now.”
Chu Qingchan nodded, but under the table, she gave him a gentle poke with her finger.
“People think I’m busy, but I’m really not. I only took one TV drama and one movie this year, both in Jinling. That’s why I transferred schools.”
“I see.”
“Qingchan, watching you act today, you were in such great form. I don’t think you should quit—it’s a shame.”
“I think it was only because I left the industry that I could grow this way. If there’s a chance, I might return one day. Besides, I’ve found something I truly want to do now.”
Just then, the clay pot chicken arrived, and everyone began eating and chatting—mainly Chu Qingchan and Liu Qinnuan.
The two got along instantly. Liu Qinnuan, rare among people, quickly adapted to Chu Qingchan’s cool demeanor and forthright personality.
Chu Qingchan, in turn, liked Qinnuan’s temperament. Of course, she also wanted to keep her from chatting too much with Xu Lin—he already had enough girls around him.
Unbeknownst to her, although Chu Fengyi spoke the least, she was the most active. Her petite foot had been resting on Xu Lin’s thigh the whole time.
He shot her a glare, but she whispered that her legs were tired and asked him to massage them.
Xu Lin didn’t dare. Who knew if the next moment she’d reward him or punch him?
But after a few minutes, Chu Fengyi grew bolder, venturing further up his leg until he quickly stood up.
“I’m going to the restroom.” He wasn’t exactly an expert at keeping calm—any longer and there’d surely be an incident.

He left the private room, went to the restroom, and splashed his face with cold water, finally calming himself.
But before he could step out, a little fairy bumped right into him, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him and edged closer.
“Miss Liu… is there something you need?”
“Xu Lin, I’d like to ask you for a favor.”
“What is it?” He stepped back quickly, glancing around. “Let’s go outside first—this is the men’s room.”
“It’s safe here…” She moved even closer, right in front of him.
Xu Lin grew nervous. What was this situation? Why mention safety? He wasn’t that kind of guy!
If someone walked in now, it’d be instant social death—for both of them. What was this girl thinking?
“Well, what is it?”
“Xu Lin… I… I…”
Was she about to confess? No way—could he really be that charming?
“Xu Lin, please help me. Someone is stalking me!”
“What?” He was stunned at first, but then something clicked.
Whenever he stood near her, he felt a strange gaze, though he couldn’t see anyone. On the way over, she’d seemed nervous and had gravitated toward him on purpose.
“I’ve felt that gaze too… When did it start?”
“Around half a month ago. At first, it wasn’t so intense, but lately it’s gotten worse. I’m really scared, but I can’t just call the police—I’m afraid it’s all in my head.”
“But when I saw you notice it too today, I realized it wasn’t just my imagination. Xu Lin, can you help me?”
“Of course! A stalker must be dealt with—it’s really dangerous. But we can’t do it alone; we’ll need help from the police…”
Wait—Chu Fengyi was here, wasn’t she? That should make it easier. Just handle it directly!
But as soon as he thought of Chu Fengyi, he felt a chill. Turning around, he saw her at the door, staring at him coldly.
“What’s going on?”
Chu Fengyi looked from one to the other—Xu Lin, confident and slightly smiling, and the girl, red-faced and on the verge of tears.
She was furious!
“I… Hey! Don’t do anything rash! Ah!”