Chapter 105: The Pub Quiz Arrival

Ming, who usually maintained a stoic reserve, whistled quietly. "Nice optics. That’s a serious machine, Ethan."

Hailey, accustomed to the wealth, was less surprised but gave the car an appreciative look. "I guess we’re carpooling, then. Six people in that? Ming, Max, you guys are small, you can squeeze in the back with Quinn and Ruby. I’ll take shotgun."

The group converged on the car, already strategizing the tight fit. Max, trying to maintain a low profile, sighed at the thought of being squeezed next to Ming and the two girls. Ming, who genuinely was on a tight budget and felt awkward riding in such a pricey car, just nodded resignedly.

Before anyone could attempt the challenging maneuver, Max spoke up, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Wait, hold on," Max interrupted, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a key fob. "We don’t have to cram. We can take my car too."

He pressed the unlock button on the fob, and a few spots down, lights flashed on a pristine black Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It was a massive, aggressive SUV that screamed ’executive wealth,’ even more loudly than the M30.

Silence descended. Ethan raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. Ming’s jaw dropped slightly.

[ALERT! ALERT! We have a stealth capitalist among the proletariat, Champion! Max’s loyalty may be purchased, but his income is already secured! Analyze Max’s background immediately!] The system shrieked internally in a sarcastic tone.

Max blushed under the sudden scrutiny. "It’s just... it’s the family car. I told my dad I needed something ’safe’ for the Cambridge winters." He stammered, clearly uncomfortable with the attention his expensive lie generated. Max, despite his wealth, clearly preferred to remain unnoticed.

Ming slapped Max’s arm, instantly recovering his composure. "You big liar! You’ve had that thing for months and pretend you’re struggling to buy an old copy of Starcraft!" Ming, who was indeed struggling financially, couldn’t hide his annoyance at Max’s feigned poverty.

Ethan laughed, finding the sudden revelation hilarious. "Perfect. Max, you take Ming, Quinn, and Ruby. Hailey, you’re riding with me. Let’s race to this Pub Quiz place."

The groups divided instantly. Ming, Quinn, and Ruby piled into the comfortable Cayenne, Ming still grumbling about Max’s secrecy. Ethan and Hailey got into the M30.

The drive was electric. Ethan and Hailey were alone in the sporty BMW.

"Wow," Hailey said, looking over at Ethan. "So Max has a Porsche? Everyone here is rich, aren’t they? Except Ming, I guess."

"It’s MIT, Hailey. Wealth is just another metric of success," Ethan shrugged, pulling the M30 effortlessly into traffic. "So, Pub Quiz strategy. Are you good at history or science?"

"I’m great at engineering trivia, obviously," Hailey laughed, leaning slightly closer. "But I’m also really good at pop culture. Which is funny, considering how..." she trailed off, running a hand subtly over her flat chest, her voice laced with self-deprecation.

Ethan chuckled, keeping his eyes focused ahead, allowing a teasing edge into his voice. "Considering how... unassuming your knowledge base is in that area?"

Hailey punched his arm playfully. "Hey! That was mean! I meant considering how nerdy I am."

"No, you didn’t," Ethan corrected, his tone dropping slightly to flirtatious. "But you have to admit, the flat jokes write themselves." He paused, then softened his tone. "Don’t worry, Hailey. There are plenty of guys who prefer sharp logic and easy maneuvering to... uh, excessive bulk."

Hailey gasped, a genuine, joyful laugh escaping her. "Oh my god, you are terrible! But thank you." The playful, slightly risqué exchange instantly built a connection based on shared sarcasm and intellectual appreciation.

[Flirting Protocol Confirmed. Subject finds insults empowering. Suggesting escalating physical contact for emotional bonding.]

Ethan ignored the System, enjoying the drive and Hailey’s presence.

"Don’t believe me? I like them small like that, so I can handle them comfortably."

Hailey turned completely red, her breathing catching. "Stop it! Don’t say that, Ethan!"

Ethan chuckled deeply. "It’s the truth. You’re very cute. You’re beautiful just the way you are, Hailey. And your face... your face is gorgeous, and I’m dying to bite that blushing cheek."

[LOLICON! LOLICON! I thought you didn’t like lolis, kid? Now you’re flirting. You like ’em small!] The System exploded with laughter.

Ethan thought with a predatory smile. Besides, her pussy must be super tight because she’s so thin. It will probably feel really good.

[Hahahaha. I like you more and more, kid. I’d give you money for that answer, but I can’t give it away for free, ha!]

Hailey leaned back against the seat, her heart racing, but a wide smile spread across her face. "You’re crazy, Ethan. Absolutely crazy. So I’m really your type?"

"Totally. You’re brilliant, sarcastic, and you handle insults well. You’re perfect," Ethan replied, accelerating the M30 to match Max’s Cayenne. "Now, brace yourself. I’m about to humiliate you in the art history section."

A few minutes later, Max, in the black Porsche Cayenne Turbo, expertly parked in front of the trivia bar on a busy street in Cambridge. Immediately, Ethan’s black BMW M30 with silver accents smoothly slid in and parked precisely alongside it.

Max quickly got out, but before he could move to the passenger side, Ethan was already out of the M30. He walked over to Hailey’s door, opened it, and, with a gentlemanly flourish, extended his hand to her.

"My lady," Ethan said with a smile that was not mocking, but genuinely courteous.

Hailey chuckled, feeling the heat in her cheeks—a new sensation. She had never been treated with such formality. As she took Ethan’s hand, he helped her slide out of the seat, holding eye contact for a moment longer than necessary.

Seeing the interaction, the others quickly moved. Max and Ming got out of the Cayenne and tried to imitate the action.

Max opened the door for Ruby, copying Ethan’s hand movement, but doing so with awkward stiffness. Ruby let out a spontaneous burst of laughter at his clumsiness.

Ming, for his part, moved to help Quinn. He was naturally reserved, and the idea of ​​making such a noticeable gesture made him uncomfortable. His low self-esteem, fueled by his awareness of his financial limitations compared to his friends, made him hesitate. Even so, he forced a small smile and extended his hand to Quinn. She took it with a gentle smile, noticing his discomfort and appreciating the effort.

"You’re quite the gentleman, Ming," Quinn told him.

Ruby and Quinn laughed, both blushing and feeling flattered. None of them were used to guys at MIT, who were usually more interested in algorithms than social formalities, treating them with such courtesy.