"This is my friend, Evan Lin."
When Stella Huang saw Leo Li, her face turned cold. She clearly disliked Leo's attitude.
"Stella's got herself a new boyfriend—pretty handsome, right?" Melissa Xu jumped in, seizing the moment.
"I think it's great! Wasn't Leo always saying that if Stella didn't find a boyfriend soon, she'd get too old for anyone to want her? But look at her now—she's not just wanted, she's got a total heartthrob." Lana Yu chimed in, playing along.
The two roommates watched Leo Li with obvious delight, seeing how sour his expression had become, and secretly felt even more pleased.
Stella shot them a glare—she knew exactly what her two roommates were thinking. But today was all about making Leo Li give up, so she couldn't be bothered to explain.
Victor Wen froze for a few seconds when he saw Evan Lin, then looked embarrassed. He was the one who suggested they drive off and leave Evan behind during that train scam incident.
Wendy Wen, standing nearby, was stunned at Evan Lin's appearance. Dressed in the outfit Irene Xu picked out for him, he looked like a completely different person—his whole aura had changed, making him even more attractive.
Yolanda Jiang took a sip of her drink, glanced at Evan Lin, then at Stella Huang, her eyes full of curiosity.
Claire Li looked dazed for a moment, then quickly stood up and gave a slight bow. "I'm sorry," she said.
She still felt guilty about what happened before. Lately, Claire Li kept recalling how Evan Lin fought off those scammers for her on the train—and how she and her friends left him to face them alone, standing there with that proud, solitary look.
Now, seeing him again, Claire's usual cool indifference suddenly melted away, replaced by a gentle warmth.
The scene caught the attention of nearby guys, who all looked jealous and resentful. Claire Li was a well-known campus goddess, always dressed in designer brands—most students were intimidated by her, except for Yolanda Jiang. No one had ever seen her bow and apologize to anyone before.
Leo Li stood frozen, sensing trouble.
Melissa Xu and Lana Yu instantly turned their heads, surprised, staring at Evan Lin's face. Suddenly, this guy seemed kind of mysterious.
Stella Huang tried to act calm, but deep down she was just as shocked—she never expected Claire Li would actually apologize to Evan Lin.
"Why are you here?" Wendy Wen glared at Evan Lin, clearly annoyed. "Weren't you having a great time with Lynn Chen? How long has it been, and you've already switched girls?"
Rumors about Evan Lin and Lynn Chen were everywhere at school—Wendy had heard plenty. But what really got under her skin was Evan's arrogant, couldn't-care-less attitude.
"None of your business," Evan Lin replied coolly.
That line nearly made Wendy Wen jump up in fury.
Leo Liu, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Bro, you sure had a good time back at Peiying High, huh? But let me give you a heads-up—don't think having Selina Shi cover for you means Hugh Hu will just let you off the hook."
"Hugh Hu's background is way deeper than you think. Honestly, I'm surprised you're here, alive and kicking, after all that."
Leo Liu said this as he raised his glass, watching Evan Lin with amusement.
Leo Liu had tried several times to get to know Lynn Chen, but she'd always turned him down. Lynn only had eyes for Evan Lin, which left Leo more than a little bitter.
"No matter how deep Hugh Hu's background is, when he's in front of me, he still has to behave. If he doesn't, he'll get beaten until he does. As for you, I've heard enough of your mouth—if you keep running it, I'll make you kneel right now." Evan Lin shot Leo Liu a cold look.
The moment those words came out, Leo Liu's face stiffened with anger.
He gripped his glass tightly. His usually handsome, carefree face now looked seriously frustrated.
But Leo Liu really didn't dare say another word—Evan Lin's gaze felt like a knife, cold and sharp.
Ivy Liang's eyes darted between Leo Liu and Evan Lin. Both wore the same white checkered shirt, but even though she liked Leo, she had to admit—right now, Evan's calm, cool presence was on a whole other level.
"Since you're Stella's friend, have a seat. It's my birthday party, and I'm lucky you all showed up for your student council president." Leo Li quickly switched to a friendly smile, breaking the tension and inviting Evan Lin, Stella Huang, and the others to sit down.
Leo Liu snorted and took a seat next to Ivy Liang.
Yolanda Jiang watched the scene, shaking her head inwardly—Evan Lin really was leagues above Leo Liu.
"Your name's Evan Lin, right? You're a senior at Capitalview First High now?" Leo Li asked as Evan sat down.
Evan Lin picked up a cup of tea and took a sip, ignoring him completely.
Leo Li was a bit annoyed, but kept smiling. He turned to Stella Huang and put on a reproachful tone. "Stella, when did you meet this little brother? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Senior year must be pretty stressful, huh? Back when I was a senior, I got up before six every morning, just to make sure I could take first place in every exam. It was exhausting, but I finally managed to become the city’s top scorer and get into Capitalview University. Hard to believe that was years ago."
Leo Li rambled on, closely watching Evan Lin’s expression. Seeing no reaction, he figured Evan’s grades must not be great—maybe he was just good at math and nothing else.
He wanted to put Evan Lin down by bringing up academics, but it wasn’t working. Just then, Victor Wen jumped in, glancing at Leo Li and asking offhandedly, "By the way, President Li, I heard you’ve already signed a contract with Su International Group? You’re starting right after graduation?"
"Su International Group? Isn’t that the main company of the Su family?" Melissa Xu was shocked.
Lana Yu looked envious. "Su International Group has amazing benefits. I know someone who works there—bought a car and a house in just a few years."
"It’s nothing, really. I just got lucky." Leo Li grinned, ignoring Evan Lin completely now. Turning to Stella Huang, he said, "Stella, I know you love photography—once I start working, I’ll buy you the best camera gear and lenses!"
"That’s really not necessary," Stella Huang replied, frowning.
"Don’t worry about it—it’s just a few grand." Leo Li waved it off, then glanced at Evan Lin and deliberately raised his voice. "Besides, I promised you a good life, didn’t I? Even though my starting salary at Su International Group is just over ten thousand a month, I know with my abilities, things will only get better!"