My Neighbor Is A Freeloader

Chapter 12 [Can You Buy Me Supper?]

Tzuyu’s idea of an “important presentation” is actually just a campus lecture. The reason for it being important though, is because this lecture has been selected to be one of University B’s “Star Lecture Series of the Year”.

The lecture is from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Sana makes sure that she knocks off on time that day so that she has time to help supervise Tzuyu’s wardrobe after dinner. Since the audience consists mainly of students, she insists that he leave out his tie with his black shirt and suit. Qiao Feng tries to discuss further. “Can I wear a bow tie at least?”

“Sure, but please wear it on your head.”

So Tzuyu gives up and Sana asks: “Is there a Question and Answer (Q&A) session after the lecture? Do you need my help to raise some questions?”

Tzuyu shakes his head. “No need. I know what they are going to ask.”

“What will they ask?”

“They will ask if I have a girlfriend.”

What a confidence!!!….. ok, maybe he probably speaks from experience. “What is your answer to this question in the past? Do you reply honestly?”

“Of course. Unless it is absolutely necessary, I never lie.”

“Yo Handsome, you cannot continue this way. If someone asks you if you have a boyfriend, do you mean you will answer honestly too?”

Tzuyu looks at her strangely. “Of course.”

“You, you….. you mean you told someone before that you have a boyfriend?”

“No! I do not have a boyfriend. I am not gay!” Tzuyu is unhappy and disappointed at her questioning. Although there have been questions on his sexual orientation – even from his family no less – he has never been upset answering this question before this. Sana notes his unhappiness and tries to smooth over the situation. “Ha, ha. I am joking…”

Maybe he is a little shy to confess directly again that he is gay. It's okay. I mean who would confess it openly again after again, right!? It is so embarrassing to do so. He had already confessed to me once. Seem like he doesn't want to talk about it again anymore. So, I shouldn't press him too hard. Don't worry. Your big sister really understands you. I won't ask you again. And also, I won't tell anyone that you are gay.  She thinks to herself.

“You are testing me?” He asks.

“Huh? Um yes, I am only trying to test you.”

Tzuyu nods sagely. “Ok. I get it.”

Sana doesn't dares to ask what Mr Genius has understood.

They reach the lecture hall and as she expects, his appearance causes a mini uproar especially among the girls and some even take out their phones to snap pictures of him. Amidst the small disturbance, Tzuyu says into his mike.

“You may take photographs but please do not upload them to the web.”

The hall is getting packed and Sana tries to find a seat since she does not relish having to stand for the next 2 hours. At the rate people are pouring in, she will probably not even have any room to stand if she does not do something soon. Left with no choice, she uses her “secret weapon” and smiles sweetly at a guy with an empty seat beside him.

“Hello, is this seat taken?”

“Yes…. ah, no! Please take a seat.” The guy removes his book from the chair and mentally apologizes to the friend whom he is keeping the seat for.

At 7.30pm, Tzuyu starts his lecture. At first Sana tries to pay attention but it is not long before she gives up. Out of boredom, she turns her attention to the lecturer. He has removed his jacket before the lecture starts which is a good move since the room is getting hot. His black shirt is tucked neatly in his pants and he looks great – handsome and tall, his expression focused, his delivery clear and smooth.