The group headed up to the second floor of the bar and found a table to sit down.
Summer sat to the left of Renee Qiu, grabbed the drink menu from the table, handed it over, and patted his chest: "Tonight, order whatever you want to eat or drink—it's all on me."
But Renee didn't even glance at Summer. Instead, she turned to the boy on her right and asked softly, "Howard, do you want to order anything? It's all on Summer tonight."
The boy called Howard smiled, "Since Summer's treating us today, let's let him decide."
"Summer, your goddess Renee is ignoring you," one of the girls teased with a giggle.
Everyone at the table was pretty good-looking, but Renee Qiu was by far the most beautiful.
Another boy tried to smooth things over. Just then, a waitress brought drinks. He opened a bottle, laughed, and said, "Come on, Renee goddess, Summer invited you especially tonight. The rest of us are just tagging along, so shouldn't you have a drink with him?"
Summer perked up at that, but Renee just shook her head and didn't take the drink.
The mood turned a little awkward.
"I'll drink for Renee," Howard Zhou said, taking the glass from the other boy with a small smile. "She doesn't really like alcohol."
As soon as Howard said that, Renee blushed a little, and the girls at the table immediately started teasing.
"Ooh, he called her Renee—it sounds so close!"
"Wow, he's actually blocking drinks for our goddess Renee in public. Howard, have you already won her heart?" The girls crowded together, chattering and laughing nonstop.
Howard Zhou was the oldest in the group, looking about twenty, while Summer seemed much more youthful.
Howard didn't deny it; he just smiled gently.
Seeing this, Summer didn't pick up his glass. He frowned deeply, looking at Renee beside him, feeling bitter inside.
"Howard's drinking with you—why aren't you drinking?"
Noticing Summer had no intention to drink, Renee looked at him impatiently and said, "Drink up!"
"Fine, I'll drink!" Summer picked up his glass and downed it in one go.
Howard didn't hesitate either. Watching Summer, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
At that moment, Howard Zhou stepped forward, grabbed Summer's wrist, and pulled his hand away.
Don't lay hands on her. I'm warning you—otherwise you'll regret it." Howard was taller than Summer.
Summer, I've told you before—we're not right for each other. We're not the same kind of people. You're too immature!" Renee shouted at Summer.
Birds of a feather flock together. You even invited someone like that to drink with us—were you just trying to look generous in front of Renee?" Howard shook his head and glanced downstairs, where Evan Lin sat on the couch with his drink.
Howard looked at Evan's shabby clothes with disdain. "Someone like that isn't worth investing in. Your taste doesn't show generosity—it just makes you seem childish."
Summer, since you and Renee are classmates, I'll let you off.
But if you keep pestering her, don't blame me for letting my cousin teach you a lesson. Don't think you're something special just because your family has a little money." Howard snorted coldly.
Howard glanced down again and smiled, "Looks like your cheap friend is in a bit of trouble."
Summer was stunned and looked down.
A waitress walked over to Evan Lin, tapped the table, and said sharply, "Brother Tyler from the second floor wants you to go up and pour drinks for them."
Pour drinks for him? Evan Lin squinted, glancing up at the second floor.
What else? Aren't you Big Tank's new recruit, the new waiter?" The waitress sneered. "Things aren't like they used to be. Don't think working for Big Tank means you can slack off. You'd better get moving, or if you anger Brother Tyler, you'll be in real trouble."
With that, the waitress walked away.
Evan Lin stood up, felt Summer's gaze, picked up his glass, nodded slightly at Summer, then drained his drink.
Still toasting him, huh? Summer, looks like this guy's really latched onto you.
Howard Zhou sneered.
Summer, you shouldn't have bought that guy a drink. If he gets into trouble, don't let him drag you down with him. If something happens and we get caught up in it, that'll be bad," one of the girls complained.
Summer's group and Tyler Zhou's group were seated directly across from each other on the second floor.
Summer didn't say a word. He clenched his teeth—here, he really didn't dare do anything to Howard Zhou. In another place, they might've already started fighting.
Evan Lin stood up and headed toward the other side of the second floor.
They were all students from Minghai Normal College, and Summer's unrequited love for Renee Qiu was nothing new.
A boy, sensing the awkward atmosphere at the table, quickly changed the subject: "Uh, Howard, I heard your cousin works here?"
Howard Zhou nodded.
Howard's so handsome, so his cousin must be pretty great too, right? Hehe, maybe you could introduce us sometime?" a nearby girl asked expectantly.
I don't know if my cousin's here—he's usually pretty busy," Howard replied with a smile.
What's your cousin's name?
Tyler Zhou.
Tyler Zhou! Wait, is that the same Brother Tyler?" A boy holding his glass trembled slightly, looking shocked.
A girl on the other side asked curiously, "Who's Brother Tyler?"
It's Tyler Zhou. I heard this place used to be under Imperial Grand, but then Tyler Zhou single-handedly took down Big Tank and now the bar belongs to him.
As soon as the boy spoke, a chorus of exclamations rose around the table.
These students might not know Tyler Zhou's name, but everyone knew Imperial Grand. The fact that Tyler dared to challenge Big Tank for turf made him seem instantly impressive.
Howard Zhou smiled, "It's nothing special. My cousin learned some kung fu as a kid, so he's pretty capable."
After saying that, Howard couldn't help looking a little proud.
At the table, the host Summer was completely ignored. He glanced at Renee Qiu beside him, poured himself another drink, and in a moment of hot-headedness grabbed her arm.
Renee was startled, glaring at Summer: "What are you doing?"
Renee, I want to talk to you alone. Come with me.
As he spoke, Summer tugged at Renee's wrist, trying to pull her out.
Let go!" Renee struggled, but couldn't break free.
Hey, Renee said let go—don't you understand?