CHAPTER 557: 218 SETTLE ACCOUNTS WITH THE YU FAMILY_2

"Just kidding, Taotie Records is pretty popular—let’s go there."

Taotie Records is a restaurant brand that suddenly became a nationwide sensation over the past two months. It focuses on service and cuisine, and is highly adored by young people.

The first franchise in Qingzhou opened last month, and it’s been packed with customers ever since. Plans for a second location are already underway.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Jing Zhan dashed eagerly inside.

After hiking the mountain all day, she’d only had a cup of instant noodles for lunch and was already starving—everything looked good enough to eat.

Taotie Records was bustling with people. A row of long benches lined the entrance, where customers took a number at the counter and waited to hear their number called before heading inside.

On the small round tables in front of the benches were floral teas, snacks, and pastries for waiting customers to enjoy.

Servers moved between the waiting guests, handing out tablets so that they could pre-order food while waiting.

Jing Zhan took her number and slumped feebly onto a chair. "How much longer do we have to wait?"

Yu Ruohuan casually sat down beside her. She and Liu Runxi made for a striking pair—both attractive and stylish—drawing plenty of lingering gazes in their direction.

"Isn’t that Liu Runxi?"

In the corner, Zheng Jinghan nudged Dai Niantong, who was engrossed in her phone.

Dai Niantong looked up and stole a glance. "It really is. I’ve never understood how he lost the ’school heartthrob’ title to Jiang Shengyao. In terms of looks and aura, how could Jiang Shengyao ever compare to God Liu?"

Standing amidst the crowd, Liu Runxi was truly eye-catching—just looking at him was a visual delight. Forget Jiang Shengyao; even male celebrities in the entertainment industry didn’t hold a candle to God Liu’s striking appearance and charisma. And his intelligence? It put most others to shame.

Dai Niantong sighed, her gaze suddenly shifting to the girl beside Liu Runxi.

"Who’s that girl? She looks unfamiliar—not one of our school’s students, is she?"

Zheng Jinghan studied the girl carefully for a moment. "Definitely not. This is the first time I’ve seen God Liu with a girl other than Shen You’an during his personal time."

On several weekends, visits to the library had revealed Shen You’an and Liu Runxi together. Their close relationship was no longer a secret at Lanya High School, with rumors even whispering that they were dating.

Dai Niantong closed her game app, opened her camera, and discreetly snapped a photo of the pair.

"What are you doing?" Zheng Jinghan asked.

"Come on, he’s Mayor Liu’s son. If we get caught, neither of us will get away unscathed."

"Relax, I won’t post it on the forum."

But Dai Niantong sent the photo to a private group chat of girls. Within minutes, the picture had been uploaded to the school forum.

Dai Niantong smirked—it had nothing to do with her now.

Liu Runxi dining with an unfamiliar girl immediately triggered an uproar on Lanya High School’s forum.

Though Liu Runxi kept a low profile, discussions about him had never ceased.

With his looks, charisma, and background, he seemed like a flower on the mountaintop—admirable but unattainable.

The perfect material for girls’ daydreams.

——Has God Liu strayed, or has our top student lost favor? *doge emoji*

——Wow, that girl really has an amazing aura. Even though it’s just a blurry side profile, you can already tell she’s gorgeous—a total rich and beautiful heiress.

——Anyone spending private time with God Liu must be matched in status, probably a second-generation official. My guess? Childhood sweethearts—it’s the perfect pairing.

——Where’s Shen You’an? Has she already lost favor this quickly?

The forum became a flurry of discussions, mostly praising the girl’s attire, appearance, and vibe, mixed with some mockery directed at Shen You’an.

——Let me tell you this: Shen You’an dreaming of marrying into the Liu family is harder than climbing the heavens. Mrs. Liu would never accept a daughter-in-law from Shen You’an’s background.

——Agreed. I happen to know who this girl is, but I dare not spill the beans—it’d blow your minds. Let me just say this: Shen You’an couldn’t even carry her shoes. If God Liu ends up with her, he’ll save himself decades of hard work.

——Everyone speak freely now. It won’t be long before this post gets taken down—we’re discussing people we shouldn’t. Pray for yourselves.

——Whoa, is she really someone that big?

Unaware of the ongoing forum buzz about him and Yu Ruohuan, Liu Runxi followed the group into the restaurant once their number got called.

As they passed by a private room, its door suddenly swung open, and a girl stepped out.

Unexpectedly, she bumped into Yu Ruohuan.

Yu Ruohuan frowned slightly and shot the girl a cold look.

The girl pressed her lips together. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to." She dropped her gaze and prepared to walk away.

Yu Ruohuan’s gaze inadvertently swept toward the private room. Her expression shifted into a faint smile.

"What a coincidence."

Liu Runxi also caught sight of the person inside. His pupils constricted as his hand at his side instinctively curled into a fist.