Ding Xiang cocked her head, peeking sideways at Han Lie, her eyes twinkling with amusement and a hint of envy.

"No more spinning, no more spinning!" Chen Yanfei turned and walked briskly. "Lead the way, let's check out your campus!"

She thought no one had seen, but that scoundrel's sharp eyes had already noticed the blush on her cheeks.

Heh, if she knows how to blush, things will be easier!

On their way, the group saw several more international couples.

Chen Yanfei muttered resentfully, "Why is it always white and black guys with local girls? I haven't seen any local guys with foreign girls... It seems what they say on the campus forum is all true..."

Ding Xiang, not usually one to talk much, nodded along. "The ratio really does seem skewed; no wonder there's so much debate online."

Suddenly, Chen Yanfei turned to Han Lie. "Tough Guy, you're a guy too, and you're around here all the time. What do you think?"

Han Lie was certainly disgruntled. Even at thirty, he was still a cynical old youth. However, having encountered these situations up close, he recognized the complexity of the reasons. Facing Chen Yanfei and Ding Xiang, he didn't want to mindlessly vent negative emotions. So, he pondered for a moment, trying to phrase his thoughts as neutrally as possible.

"The reasons behind such situations are actually quite complex. The gold-digging that's fiercely criticized online does exist, but its prevalence isn't high. To put it bluntly, the local second-generation rich are far more impressive than most foreign students.

From my personal observation, the primary reason is that foreign students are more daring in expressing themselves—they're bolder, more direct, and unafraid of failure. If one attempt doesn't work out, they simply move on to the next. What's the big deal? Take those guys earlier, for example. What did they lose by trying? Honestly, if you have that kind of initiative, regardless of your nationality, it's actually quite easy to find a girlfriend.

In contrast, Huaxia men tend to be more modest, reserved, and introverted. They generally don't dare to pursue foreign women. This disparity in approach—one outgoing, the other reserved—naturally leads to a large gap.

Secondly, there's the allure of novelty and vanity. Whether men or women, once they tire of local options, they often think about trying a different 'flavor.' Everyone's just playing around; no one should take it too seriously.

Moreover, scarcity creates value. Many people who are ordinary in most respects might use a 'rare' international partner to gain attention and boost their social standing within their small circles. This behavior isn't gender-specific. It's just that it's harder for men to achieve this, while it's much easier for women to offer themselves. Therefore, what becomes outwardly visible is this skewed ratio.

In reality, genuine cross-cultural love and purely 'cheap' encounters are both minorities, which is why they garner so much public attention.

Personally, as long as it's not an eyesore to me, my attitude is: I don't care, I don't judge, it doesn't concern me. The path you choose is your own, and you bear the consequences. It's as simple as that."

"Impressive, Tough Guy! One truly has to see you with new eyes after such a short time!" Chen Yanfei, a smart and forthright girl, found Han Lie's analysis reasonable and did not skimp on praise.

Ding Xiang quietly observed the eloquently speaking Han Lie, her admiration growing ever stronger.

Han Lie chanced to turn his head and noticed her admiring gaze, feeling a little pleased with himself. At the same time, he was puzzled: How could such a superb girl seem so easily fooled?

Seeing they were about to reach his dormitory building, he had no time for deep thought and modestly replied, "These views aren't new; you've just had less exposure to such discussions."

Chen Yanfei shook her head. "It's easy to say, but how many people truly possess the ability to think independently?"

Han Lie just smiled, not saying anything more.

Just then, Ding Xiang's phone rang. Chen Yanfei took her bag, then, finding it heavy, handed it to Han Lie. "Hold this for a moment, make yourself useful!"

"Alright, alright, you're the boss." Han Lie didn't take it seriously and casually asked, "By the way, what are you guys doing here? The beautiful Ms. Ding hasn't said a word; it doesn't look like she's here to ask for my advice. Did you just come to see what I look like?"

"Psh! Don't flatter yourself." Chen Yanfei disdainfully curled her lip, then gestured towards Ding Xiang with a tilt of her chin. "Xiangxiang's younger brother also studies here, though not in your department. She came to visit him, and I just tagged along to see you."

When Han Lie heard this, a bolt of lightning seemed to strike his mind, and he was momentarily stunned.

Both surnamed Ding, the guy handsome, the girl beautiful… It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it?!

While he was pondering this, a handsome young man came rushing out of the apartment building entrance, his footsteps echoing—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP! He excitedly shouted, "Sis!"

The moment he shouted, his eyes met Han Lie's, and his expression instantly froze.

Damn it! Logically, I should call him Boss… But I don't want to introduce my sister to Boss… So, here's the problem—should I pretend I didn't see him? If I fail to play dumb and get exposed, will Boss be standing by my bedside when I wake up in the middle of the night? CRAP! This is so annoying, so damn unlucky!

Ding Yu was agonizing over his dilemma when he suddenly saw his sister turn and greet Boss Han with a faint yet sincere smile.

Ding Ding watched, dumbfounded, as Han Lie took his sister's bag. Then, as his sister gestured for him to come over while rummaging through the bag, he felt his entire world collapse.

I took every damn precaution… And the problem didn't even start with me… Sis, are you offering yourself up on a silver platter?!

His sister's voice, seemingly distant and ethereal, drifted over. Ding Yu walked forward woodenly, his heart filled with despair and gloom.

My sister's bag! I used to be the one who carried it! Even her high school classmates never got this treatment! What gives you the right, Han Lie?! I'll fight you to the death! You want to be my brother-in-law? Over my dead body!

"Han Lie, this is my brother, Ding Yu."

Ding Yu heard his sister's introduction. It had the distinct tone of a girl introducing her younger brother to her boyfriend.

Ding Yu looked up resentfully, his gaze meeting Brother Lie's clear and profound eyes. It was as if he were transported back to the afternoon they first met.

A shiver ran down his spine, and he instantly plastered a smile on his face.

"Hello, Brother-in-law!"

Ding Xiang and Chen Yanfei stared at each other, wide-eyed and utterly baffled.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.