Reborn with Consumption System

Pan Ge put herself in such a humble position that it was impossible to refuse.

Since Han Lie had to go out to eat anyway, he figured he might as well take advantage of a good meal and see what she was up to.

"Okay, where to?"

Pan Ge maintained her modest demeanor, seeking Han Lie's opinion. "It's November now, and the crab milt has just formed. How about we find a place to eat some hairy crabs?"

Wow, a true lady, huh…

In a single sentence, Pan Ge had commanded Han Lie's respect.

In his previous life, it was probably around the age of 28 that Han Lie had accidentally learned about the intricacies of eating hairy crabs from someone bragging. True connoisseurs only ate female crabs in October and male crabs in November. In October, the female crabs were full of rich, golden roe and sumptuously fatty. When the cold air arrived in November, the male crabs' milt would be perfectly formed, at its freshest, sweetest, and most delicious. At this time, the female crabs' roe would have hardened and become chunky, with a mediocre taste. Han Lie, who hadn't understood the difference before, used to send his boss gifts of paired male and female crabs, making him look like a complete bumpkin.

Ordinary people are often like this, limited by their knowledge, frequently making gaffes, and not just when it comes to food. It's not a huge deal, and it doesn't usually affect making friends. But, you know, when trying to make friends across social circles, people often gauge your standing from small details. If you don't have some Special talent, it's actually quite hard to truly connect with them. Of course, if you really did have a "Special" talent, you might end up getting closer in a more... carnal way. That's why the old saying "Don't try to force yourself into different social circles" really does make sense.

Now, Pan Ge inviting Han Lie out felt a bit like "forcing the blend."

He couldn't think of any common ground he might have with her. Forget it, I'll just suck up to her directly if I get the chance…

So, the shameless man played dumb. "That sounds great, but I'm not familiar with Magic Capital. You pick the place."

"How about Wang Baohe on Fuzhou Road? It's an old establishment from before the liberation, a must-experience for newcomers to Magic Capital."

Wang Baohe, eh? That does bring back some memories.

The place was ridiculously expensive. Han Lie had only been there twice, but he remembered the crabs and the yellow wine distinctly.

"Great, thanks for the recommendation. I'm looking forward to it."

Putting down his phone, Han Lie quickly tidied himself up. There wasn't much to tidy; he just changed into a clean tracksuit. Han Lie's pockets were nearly empty; he didn't even have enough money left to buy a decent pair of shoes. But for a college student, wearing a pair of Jordans was quite alright, not shabby at all.

He took a cab straight to Fuzhou Road. Upon mentioning Wang Baohe, the driver knew it immediately.

When Han Lie arrived, Pan Ge was already waiting inside.

Today, the young lady was dressed in a little black dress, with sheer grey tights and white boots. She really knew how to put an outfit together. Her face was lightly made up, with orange lipstick and orange-toned eyeshadow that made her dazzlingly beautiful.

When she stood up, smiling and waving to Han Lie, he really couldn't help himself and quietly swallowed.

Damn, this woman is trying to seduce me!

"Come and sit! Shall I order?"

Clearly, today's Pan Ge was warmer than usual, all charming smiles—a beauty that could kill softly.

Han Lie kept his expression firm, trying to speak as little as possible. "Yeah, you take care of it."

Level 3 acting skills weren't enough. Plus, his Level 3 expression management was probably failing too.

Pan Ge beckoned the waiter over, ordering with focused expertise, clearly familiar with the menu.

"Four hairy crabs, make sure they're male and over half a pound each."

"One portion of crab milt with clear noodles. Han Lie, you must try this, it's super delicious!"

"Shrimp and crab crispy noodles, crab meat with scallops, molten-yolk crab shells, eight-treasure rice... Oh, Han Lie, would you like some of their yellow wine?"

Han Lie nodded. "Sure."

Steamed hairy crabs with yellow wine—one word: exceptional!

As they waited for the dishes, Pan Ge chatted with Han Lie, smiling sweetly. "Hey, don't you think the decor here is a bit lacking?"

Wang Baohe was a century-old establishment, and its current decor still retained the style of the state-operated era, which was indeed a bit dated.

However, as they say, it's what's inside that counts; flavor is what matters.

Thinking about the food, what came out of his mouth instead was pure flattery. "With you here, even a humble shack would shine. How could it be lacking?"

Pan Ge covered her mouth and giggled. "Oh, aren't you quite the charmer?"

Might as well keep sucking up!

"You're treating me to such a wonderful meal. It shows you're as kind-hearted as you are beautiful. Shouldn't I compliment you?"

"Pfft! Hearing you say that, why do I feel like 'kind-hearted and beautiful' is just another way of saying 'rich and gullible'?"

"Then you've definitely misunderstood." Han Lie shrugged. "My professional ethics are well-known; I always have the utmost respect for my patrons."

If her previous smiles had seemed a bit forced, more out of politeness, Pan Ge's smile now was genuinely much warmer.

"Wow, you really know how to make a girl happy!"

When she said this, combined with her tone, expression, and gaze, Han Lie suddenly felt a bit dizzy.

Level 3 psychology wasn't enough for this. He couldn't fathom her thoughts or the true meaning behind her words. It seemed like a mix of praise, criticism, and probing. Too many possibilities, too much confusion.

Han Lie could only sigh silently to himself. Ah, faced with a truly high-level player, my mediocre skills are completely insufficient... Damn it, I really need to get busy earning money and leveling up! Of course, even though I can't figure her out, I still have a way to respond—just change the subject!

Suddenly, Han Lie sniffed the air, his face lighting up with surprise. "Wow! That smells amazing! Beautiful Miss Pan, you've really got me hyped up for this!"

Pan Ge felt a small flicker of pride, drawn into a typical girlish reaction by Han Lie.

"Right? Their hairy crabs are really special. Make sure to eat plenty later!"

The previous topic was naturally bypassed.

Within two minutes, the first dish was served: the shrimp and crab crispy noodles.

It wasn't a large serving, nor was it exquisitely presented, but it was perfect in color, aroma, and flavor.

Pan Ge happily took out her phone. "I'm taking a picture, okay?"

Han Lie nodded with a smile, watching her raise her phone.

A few seconds later, Han Lie suddenly realized something was off. Wait, it's just crab. What's there to take a picture of? Even if Pan Ge loved posting on her social feed, shouldn't she at least be posting about gourmet food from places like Sushi Ichijo or something of that caliber? The ambiance and plating here at Wang Baohe…

Han Lie's face maintained his smile, but he was already subtly trying to lean away.

With each new dish served, she took two photos.

After relentless adjustments, Han Lie successfully managed to position himself as far out of frame as possible.

Finally, when all the dishes were on the table and she had finished her photo session, he discreetly took out his iPhone 5S under the table and opened her social feed.

There was indeed a new post.

The text read: "Finally, the first weekend of November! Enjoying Wang Baohe with a classmate today!"

Four photos were attached.

On the first quick scan, Han Lie quietly breathed a sigh of relief. I'm definitely not in the pictures.

Then he casually zoomed in on the photos, curious about what she had actually captured.

But the first photo made Han Lie's head spin.

Well, I might not be in the frame, but my size 43 shoes weren't shy at all; they were blatantly visible! Forget it, no need to ask. This is definitely for Xi Luting to see. Others might not recognize those red and white Jordans of mine, but Xi Luting absolutely would.

This Pan Ge, she truly lived up to her nickname, Black-hearted White Lotus.

"Come on, try this, it's super tasty!"

Han Lie looked at the enthusiastic Pan Ge and could only smile wryly inwardly.

I managed to play Xi Luting like a fiddle because I had the advantage of foresight, securing my position with a decoy account and catching her off guard with a two-pronged attack. If I underestimate my "peers" because of this small victory, I'll likely suffer a big loss sooner or later. Teacher Pan, well played. You've taught me another lesson!

As he was nursing this thought, Han Lie was surprised to see Pan Ge's expression suddenly freeze, her eyes filled with panic.

Behind me? What's behind me?

A thought flashed through Han Lie's mind. Just as he was about to turn and look, a flurry of footsteps sounded from behind him.

Then, a robust, resonant voice greeted Pan Ge.

"Well now, sweetie, having a meal with a friend?"

Pan Ge scrambled to her feet and blurted out, "Dad!"

Han Lie was gobsmacked.