08-- Hao Xiang treating to Jun Lin
1000 Words
The two walked up to the cafeteria window. Yan Hao Xiang casually glanced at the menu and , without hesitation , ordered a few signature dishes along with a bowl of beef noodles . When paying , he didn’t even look at the price , his movements crisp and decisive .
Carrying his tray , he walked toward a seat , but after a few steps, he realized He Jun Lin hadn’t followed . Turning back , sure enough , the guy was still standing at the window , head lowered , hesitating among the cheapest vegetarian dishes .
Yan Hao Xiang frowned, turned back , and stood beside him , glancing at his tray—it was all vegetables , with the most substantial dish being tomato and egg stir-fry . He had even only taken half a portion of rice .
“ This is all you’re getting ? ” Yan Hao Xiang asked, displeased.
He Jun Lin pressed his lips together slightly and nodded. “Yeah, it’s enough.”
“Enough? Enough for what?” Yan Hao Xiang looked at the bland meal with disdain. “You think this will fill you up?”
“I can.” He Jun lin’s tone was calm. “It’s healthier this way.”
Yan Hao Xiang let out a derisive chuckle and bluntly exposed him. “Come on, this isn’t about eating healthy. You’re just saving money.”
He Jun lin’s fingers tightened slightly, but he said nothing.
Seeing this, Yan Hao Xiang became even more frustrated. He reached out to grab He Jun lin’s tray. “Enough. Don’t take that. I’m treating you—order whatever you want—”
He Jun Lin immediately shielded his tray, frowning at him. “I can pay for myself.”
“Oh yeah? With this?” Yan Hao Xiang clicked his tongue. “Alright, then tell me—why aren’t you getting something better?”
He Jun Lin avoided his gaze, lowering his voice. “…I’m used to it.”
Yan Hao Xiang paused for a moment, suddenly speechless.
He stared at He Jun lin’s profile and noticed that, while his expression was calm, there was a subtle trace of guilt in his eyes—like he was afraid of being seen through, like he was hiding something.
An inexplicable irritation rose in Yan Hao xiang’s chest.
“Enough of this nonsense.” He directly snatched He Jun lin’s tray, shoving the plain dishes back at the window before turning to the cafeteria lady. “One order of sweet and sour pork, braised ribs, and—”
“Yan Hao Xiang!” He Jun Lin called him softly, a hint of panic in his eyes.
“Shut up.” Yan Hao Xiang cut him off impatiently and continued ordering. “And a drumstick.”
He Jun Lin stood there, lips pressed together as if he still wanted to refuse. But in the end, he said nothing more.
The cafeteria lady chuckled and handed over the food. Yan Haoxiang took the tray and shoved it into He Jun lin’s hands, his tone firm. “Take it. Figure out how to finish it.”
He Jun Lin lowered his head, looking at the noticeably more generous meal. After a few seconds, he finally whispered, “…Thanks.”
“What’s there to thank? Just eat.” Yan Hao Xiang snorted and casually found a seat.
They ate in silence for a while before Yan Hao Xiang asked casually, “By the way, those idiots earlier—what was that about?”
He Jun lin’s hand paused slightly, his chopsticks hovering over his bowl. He lowered his head, his expression stiff for a moment before quickly returning to normal. He replied flatly, “Nothing much… They asked me for a favor before, and I didn’t agree.”
“That’s it?” Yan Hao Xiang frowned. “Who do they think they are? Daring to mess with you in front of me?”
He Jun Lin lowered his lashes, his fingers tensing slightly, but his tone remained calm. “Not everyone is afraid of you.”
“They should be.” Yan Hao Xiang sneered. “And if they aren’t, I’ll make sure they learn to be.”
He Jun Lin fell silent for a moment, not responding. He lowered his head and continued eating, as if unwilling to discuss the topic further.
But Yan Hao Xiang keenly noticed that his movements were a bit stiff, even carrying a trace of guilt—not fear, but more like… he didn’t want to cause trouble for him.
Yan Hao Xiang frowned and tapped the table. “Be honest with me—have they been bullying you all this time ? ”
He Jun lin’s fingers stiffened slightly before he let out a small chuckle . “ No . ”
Yan Hao Xiang narrowed his eyes, staring at him for a few seconds before snorting . “ Better be . ”
He Jun Lin kept his head down, saying nothing more, quietly eating his meal .
Yan Hao Xiang watched him , feeling that same inexplicable frustration again .
He bit into a rib and spoke casually , “ From now on, stop eating that garbage . Got it ? ”
He Jun Lin hesitated . “ What ? ”
“ I said , ” Yan Hao Xiang put down his chopsticks, looking straight at him, his tone matter-of-fact, “when you eat, stop skimping . ”
He Jun Lin pressed his lips together, wanting to argue but unable to find the words .
Yan Hao Xiang smirked . “ If I catch you picking those sad little veggie dishes again , I’ll watch you eat every day . ”
He Jun Lin was silent for a long time before finally sighing and giving a helpless smile. “ … Got it . ”
Yan Hao Xiang nodded in satisfaction, the corner of his lips curving into a victorious smirk .
- Writer
