Chapter 407 - 305: Xiaorui, What Great Wrong Did You Commit?

The atmosphere seemed to freeze for a moment. On his friend’s phone screen, Li Ruihao saw a photo of himself at the stand just moments ago.

Because Xue Rui had wanted to take his picture, he had even smugly flashed a "V" sign. He’d thought no one would try to smear him on the campus social platform...

The reality, however, was that this photo had appeared in their work group chat, and the person who sent it was the group owner...

They were required to take photos of the watermelon stand and report back to the group. Xue Rui would also @everyone to issue new requirements and tasks.

He shot a glare at the person next to him. ’Why didn’t you say so earlier?’

But the other person just shrugged, held back a laugh, and shook his head with an innocent expression, clearly thinking—’I did, but you weren’t listening.’

The little fatty on the side noticed there was new gossip to be had. He leaned over slightly, trying to casually eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Boss Xue, you’re here! Why didn’t you say anything in the group chat? I would have come to greet you."

"This is a classic case of not recognizing one of our own. Look at this mess..."

Li Ruihao forced an awkward smile. He stood up to make room for Xue Rui, gesturing for him to come into the tent and rest.

’He looks even younger than me! And he’s my boss?’

’Who would have guessed?’

He hurriedly pulled a watermelon from the corner of the freezer. After patting it a couple of times for show, he took a knife and sliced it in half. Then, he methodically pared off the rind, cut the fruit into small chunks, and placed them in a transparent container, even sticking a toothpick on top.

"Boss, have some watermelon." Li Ruihao pushed the watermelon towards Xue Rui.

Xue Rui nodded and took it. ’For Li Ruihao to guarantee the stand wouldn’t be shut down by the university, he must have some special skills. He’s quite perceptive...’

’Still, our boss-employee relationship is just temporary. I heard he was interested in working for All-Purpose Campus, but does he really need to be this over-the-top?’

’It’s just an online job that pays for your social insurance. You’re a C9 university student, for crying out loud!’

"I have to say, I preferred your defiant attitude from before. Why don’t you show me some of that prestigious university student aura?" Xue Rui said, his tone teasing.

"Boss, please don’t joke around. The university is impressive, but what does that have to do with a slacker like me?" Li Ruihao said sheepishly.

Xue Rui smiled, satisfied. ’People as self-aware as Li Ruihao are rare.’

The little fatty who was skipping military training stared at Xue Rui in astonishment, his eyes wide. ’Senior Li Ruihao isn’t even this deferential in front of his own girlfriend!’

’Is this the intimidating power of a boss?’

Xue Rui picked up a toothpick, speared a piece of watermelon, and rolled his eyes, mimicking the little fatty’s earlier expression. This angered the little fatty so much that he was about to stand up and argue—after all, this guy wasn’t his boss.

However, Li Ruihao, who was standing nearby, shot him a fierce glare, and he quickly sat back down obediently.

"Did you bring these?" Xue Rui asked, poking the transparent plastic box with his toothpick.

Li Ruihao nodded and said, "Yes. If a teacher comes by to ask questions, I cut a box to give to them..."

"I did it on my own initiative."

"You did well." Xue Rui patted Li Ruihao’s shoulder.

He had to admire Li Ruihao’s thick skin. After being publicly embarrassed just moments ago, he could now act as if nothing had happened and report on his work. This was a truly adaptable person.

"Boss, you can rest assured with me here. There will be absolutely no problems," Li Ruihao promised, patting his chest.

He assumed Xue Rui was here to inspect the operation. After all, from receiving payment to getting the supplies, he had never met the person in charge. The boss had only created a group chat.

If he were in the boss’s shoes, he would definitely visit each university to check things out too.

"I’m here to see my girlfriend. Which formation is Gu Muxue in?" Xue Rui asked.

When Li Ruihao heard the name "Gu Muxue," a face instantly flashed through his mind.

"So you’re Classmate Gu’s boyfriend! We were just talking about who could possibly be worthy of her..."

"Find a way to call her over, but don’t tell her I’m here." Xue Rui waved his hand dismissively. ’Why is this guy such a suck-up?’

Li Ruihao gave him a look that said, "I get it," and headed toward the military training grounds.

The reason Xue Rui didn’t want his arrival announced was that he was afraid the little rascal would get upset and ignore him. This way, it would also be a surprise for her.

Looking in the direction Li Ruihao had pointed, Xue Rui quickly spotted a familiar figure in the crowd.

The formation was facing away from him, so he couldn’t see her expression. He figured he hadn’t been here long, so she probably hadn’t seen him yet.

So, he found a low stool and hid behind the freezer, poking just half his head out to keep an eye on the training grounds.

Before long, Xue Rui saw Li Ruihao call over Gu Muxue and her group. The girl exchanged a few words with her classmates and then started walking toward the watermelon stand on her own.

Xue Rui opened his phone and saw a private message from Li Ruihao: *Boss, mission accomplished!*

*You and the missus can chat first. I’m going out to buy some food.*

Xue Rui’s act of hiding behind the freezer earned him a furtive glance from the little fatty.

"Everyone’s been dismissed. Why haven’t you left yet?" Xue Rui asked.

By now, a number of students had come over to help themselves to some watermelon. Most of them just grabbed a melon and cut it themselves.

The little fatty clutched his stomach and said, "I’ll leave after the drill instructor does. Otherwise, I’ll blow my cover."

Xue Rui understood immediately. The kid was faking a stomach ache to get out of military training.

"Your acting is too fake," Xue Rui said, shaking his head.

’You really think they can’t see through it? They just can’t be bothered to call you out.’

"You think you’re so good? Then why don’t you show me how it’s done?" the little fatty retorted.

Xue Rui ignored the little fatty, simply pulling a pair of disposable gloves from a nearby desk drawer and putting them on.