Chapter 6 My Treat

In the backstreets near the school. Dwayne was furious after witnessing Yvonne and Paul's smug expressions. Ashton was concerned about him, so he took him out for a drink. There was another important reason for them to leave the dormitory. Two of their dormmates, Zack and Stefan Jennings, were Paul's followers. They often acted arrogantly, taking advantage of Paul's influence to boss Dwayne and Ashton around. Now that Dwayne and Paul had completely fallen out due to the issue with Yvonne, wouldn't Dwayne and Ashton get into trouble if they returned to the dormitory? So, they decided to go to the backstreets and enjoy a drink. Here, luxury restaurants and street stalls coexisted. They catered to students based on their wealth. Those with money went to luxurious restaurants to enjoy life, while those with less money settled for street stalls to eat and drink. Even though they were all students from the same school and eating on the same street, the level of service and food quality varied greatly! "I just called Gracie, and she's bringing some of her dormitory friends to join us for dinner. Let's go together!" Ashton suggested to Dwayne as they walked along the backstreets and observed the lively crowd. "Sure!" Dwayne nodded. Gracie Dean was Ashton's girlfriend, and he asked her to bring some of her dormitory friends to offer comfort to Dwayne. When a man is going through a breakup, having women to console him might help him get over the heartbreak quicker. Maybe Dwayne would even find a new girlfriend among Gracie's dormitory friends and forget the past unpleasantness. Dwayne understood Ashton's intentions, so he didn't say much. He simply pointed to a restaurant on the side of the road and said, "Let's eat here tonight!" Ashton looked in the direction he pointed and gasped. "Dwayne, this is The Copper Tree! Even if we order the cheapest dishes and eat half-full, we'll probably have to sell blood to get by for the rest of the semester!" "It was always you treating me to meals in the past. This time, it's my treat!" Dwayne smiled. "Don't worry. I still have enough money!" "But—" Dwayne pushed Ashton into the restaurant before he could finish his sentence. "Good evening, sir. How many of you?" As Ashton walked into the hall and was ready to leave, he heard the enthusiastic voice of a waiter. "There are six of us, and four ladies are yet to arrive. Please arrange a private room for us," Dwayne said calmly. "Of course, sir. This way, please!" The waitress smiled and led the way, while Dwayne pulled Ashton along, following behind. Ashton forced a bitter smile. Well... It seems there's no turning back now. Looks like I really will have to sell blood this semester! The Copper Tree was the most well-known restaurant on the backstreets of the university. The interior was lavishly decorated, resembling an ancient palace. Walking inside felt like they had been transported to a royal palace. All the waitresses were dressed in beautiful, well-fitted uniforms that accentuated their elegance and figures. By the time Ashton made his way to the private room and took a seat, he still felt like he was in a dream as he looked dazedly at Dwayne. "Dwayne, are we really going to eat here?" "Of course!" Dwayne nodded. "Don't forget our agreement. We're going to eat and drink to our heart's content tonight. This is your chance to splurge like a moneybag! So, eat and drink as much as you want later!" Ashton sighed softly. It seemed that Dwayne was deeply hurt and on the verge of going crazy! He called Gracie, and soon, she arrived with three other girls from her dormitory, chattering as they entered the private room. "Dwayne, where did you strike gold to afford eating here? Just to clarify, Ashton and I are both poor!" Gracie, though not in the same class as Dwayne, had heard about his breakup with Yvonne. The news of Yvonne and Paul being together and planning to spend the night together had become quite a big deal in their faculty. The main point was that Paul was going to buy a diamond ring worth over 11 thousand for Yvonne, which had left many women envious. As the news spread, everyone came to know about Dwayne's unfortunate story of being betrayed by his girlfriend. Therefore, Gracie understood Ashton's intentions for inviting her, and upon sitting down, she started joking to lighten the atmosphere in the private room. "Don't worry. It's my treat tonight!" Dwayne smiled and casually placed a plastic bag containing 150 thousand cash on a nearby chair. The girls from Gracie's dormitory were all experiencing The Copper Tree for the first time. They were looking around excitedly, and their eyes shone upon hearing that Dwayne was treating them. Coupled with his handsome appearance, they were quite taken by him. He was so handsome and wealthy enough to dine at The Copper Tree. Where else could they find such a man?! When they received the menu, they gasped at the prices. They knew The Copper Tree was expensive, but they hadn't expected it to be this pricey! Even a small plate of peanuts cost 6 bucks, which was quite outrageous! Upon seeing the specialty dishes on the menu, some costing tens and others reaching three figures, they hesitated to order and eventually returned the menu to Dwayne. "Forget it. Let's just order some of your recommended specialty dishes!" Dwayne told the waitress. With a respectful bow, the waitress left the room. Soon, various dishes were brought to the table, filling it up completely. The girls took out their phones and took many photos of the exquisite dishes. They posted the pictures on their Instagram Stories before reluctantly starting to eat. "Wow! It's delicious!" Gracie's eyes lit up. The dishes were beautifully presented and tasted delicious, and the girls couldn't help but indulge in the feast. Meanwhile, Dwayne and Ashton requested a crate of beer and began to toast and drink. They showed no signs of stopping until they were drunk. After a few rounds of drinking, Gracie went to the restroom and returned with an annoyed expression before sitting back down in her seat. "What's wrong?" Ashton, with six or seven empty bottles in front of him, asked with a tipsy smile. Gracie glanced at Dwayne nearby, who seemed perfectly composed, before whispering, "I saw Yvonne on my way to the restroom!" She saw Yvonne? Dwayne straightened up subconsciously and perked up his ears. After hearing Gracie's account, he finally understood what had happened. It turned out that Yvonne had come to The Copper Tree with Paul that night. While on her way to the restroom, Gracie had caught them passionately kissing in the hallway. Seeing Dwayne's dejected state in the private room, she couldn't bear it any longer and sarcastically taunted Yvonne. To her surprise, Yvonne didn't feel ashamed. Instead, she boasted, "People should strive to move up in the world, just as water naturally flows downhill. I can't achieve anything by being with a loser like Dwayne! Besides, isn't Ashton also a poor loser? Gracie, I advise you not to stick with him forever. Tonight, Paul invited some wealthy guys to dinner, and I think you look presentable enough. Should I introduce you to them?" Paul agreed, his eyes filled with desire as he looked at Gracie. Although her appearance couldn't match Yvonne's seductive charm, she possessed a pure and innocent appeal. Besides, who would refuse a good time? Disgusted by the two, Gracie returned to the private room in a huff. Upon seeing Dwayne and Ashton drinking in a pitiful silence, she couldn't take it anymore. "Can you two stop drinking in silence? Listen, Ashton, you must earn a substantial amount of money in the future and show those two who's in charge, understand?" Ashton nodded earnestly. "Don't worry, Gracie. I'll work hard and earn a significant amount of money. Then, I'll provide you with a better and happier life! I—" "Hahaha... Ashton, you poor loser! What did you just say? Are you sure you didn't hear it wrong?" Just as Ashton was making a promise, the door of the private room suddenly swung open, and Paul, looking arrogant, entered with Yvonne in his arms.