Logically speaking, for a genuine shut-in, an optional outing like this would definitely be declined.
However, on the other hand—
It might count toward quality practice credits.
And since it's an outing, there's a chance to eat and drink on someone else's dime.
Who would pass up a free meal?
Anyway, it wouldn't interfere with mobile gaming. Just bring extra power banks.
Thus, the travel team instantly expanded to five people.
The four-man crew from Harrison Hall 510, plus Imogen Blake.
Regarding who should captain this team—
Tyler and Evan had considerable debate.
Both felt they were most suitable.
The two argued from the moment they started eating in the dining hall until they returned to the dorm.
Finally, at 8:30 PM, a clear winner emerged.
The reason for the outcome was quite coincidental.
Evan and Tyler were making noise in the joint event group chat, saying their travel team already had five people—four guys plus Imogen—and they were looking to recruit a few more girls.
Then Evan specifically emphasized his experience traveling internationally since elementary school, having visited over a dozen countries, and even shared travel photos he'd taken.
Honestly, Evan's photography skills were pretty good.
Mr. Sophisticated indeed had some taste.
He actually attracted a few girls from the Arts school to add him, discussing travel and photography.
After all, being able to travel abroad since childhood implied wealth, and knowing photography meant he knew how to have fun—easily piquing some girls' interest.
Unfortunately, the quality of those girls wasn't great.
Evan scrolled through photos on their Instagram stories, displaying a "disappointed old man" expression.
"Where are the art students I was promised? Why are they all like this? I thought Broadcasting had appearance requirements, but apparently... sigh!"
"Is it that bad?" Ryan, bored, leaned over to look. "These all seem decent?"
"This is after makeup and filters. They're barely passable. I can't imagine what their actual bare faces look like."
"I see. I don't get it. All 3D women look the same to me—I'm face-blind," Ryan stated with peak shut-in energy. "Not as good as Raiden Shogun."
Tyler also leaned over to watch for a while and suddenly exclaimed, "Yo Evan, why are they all adding you just to chat and not agreeing to join the travel team?"
"I don't know either. What's going on?" Evan was also confused. He'd chatted with several girls, but when he mentioned travel, they all politely declined, saying they had other plans.
"West, what do you think?" Ryan asked.
Arden thought for a moment and said lazily, "Probably because our group looks too weird—four guys plus Imogen. Imogen, being the aloof honor-student type, has an aura that keeps people at a distance. She usually doesn't get close to other girls."
Everyone agreed Arden's analysis made sense.
Although Arden was usually low-key, he sometimes had remarkably clear perspective on things.
Tyler grumbled, "Damn it, must be because you're so uncharismatic, Evan. I'll handle it!"
So it was Tyler's turn to blast the group chat.
"Everyone, the biggest feature of our group is we're planning a road trip. After all, for attractions around Bayside, group tours lack freedom, and public transit is inconvenient. Road trip is actually most suitable... I, though not particularly special, own a Volkswagen Passat that's available anytime..."
Had to admit, although the local rich kid's flex was a bit obvious—
It actually worked.
A girl with a mochi avatar spoke up:
[Is there really a car? That's awesome! We don't want to squeeze onto the subway. There'll definitely be crowds during Fall Break, so a road trip would be perfect.]
Tyler's spirits lifted, and he quickly sent a DM to add the girl.
After brief exchange, he learned the girl's name was Willow Rowan, and she had a twin sister named Wynona Rowan in the same class.
The two were twin sisters, and it was quite rare that both had been admitted to Broadcasting at Pennbrook.
The sisters were used to sticking together and were wondering which team to join for a comfortable outing when they saw Tyler bragging about his Volkswagen Passat.
Pretty rare for a college guy to have a car.
They looked it up—wasn't a luxury car, but not bad either.
Anyway, as transportation for a trip, definitely sufficient.
So Willow accepted Tyler's friend request.
After brief chat—
She felt this guy was very enthusiastic, just not very smart.
Not smart was good. Made him easier to manipulate and use.
Thus both parties hit it off.
However, Willow still thought of a question:
[If we join, it'll be four guys and three girls. One car won't be enough, right?]
Tyler had anticipated this and replied:
[Minor issue. I'm planning to rent another car. One of our roommates can drive, so he'll drive it. Two cars for seven people—super comfortable.]
Willow said contentedly: [That's perfect. Tyler, you're so thoughtful! Most guys don't seem as mature as you.]
Flattered by the girl, Tyler felt completely lightheaded, grinning foolishly and muttering, "Hehe, you think both twins will fall for me?"
"Are you high or something? Both fall for you? You think way too highly of yourself," Evan poured cold water on him.
"Anyway, our travel team is taking shape. These seven people are good to go, and if we can add one or two more girls, even better. Two cars can seat ten people anyway."
Watching Tyler gloat—
Evan felt incredibly uncomfortable.
How did this clown get to show off so much?
Could it be that his refined taste, having traveled to seventeen countries at a young age, being cultured and skilled in photography, couldn't attract girls?
Whatever, didn't matter.
Evan had another important mission.
"Invite Lily Everett to join the team."
To be honest, he felt very uncertain.
After all, he had no connection with Lily.
And she was courted daily by a bunch of rich guys—practically the most popular girl in Goddess Dorm.
However, precisely because this task was difficult, Evan had to find a way to complete it.
This way he'd surely overshadow the local rich kid.
You little punk, let Mr. Sophisticated show you his power!
Just as Evan's ambition was about to ignite—
Arden, who'd been silent for a while, suddenly spoke: "Imogen just told me that Lily actively asked her if she could hang with us during Fall Break. I agreed on everyone's behalf. That cool?"
"Wait, dude, you... how did she just proactively ask to come??" Evan's face contorted in discomfort.
"Oh, should I refuse then?" Arden raised an eyebrow.
Tyler quickly interjected, "Refuse what? Come on, welcome!"
With that, he gave Arden a strange look.
Although he didn't know why Lily wanted to join proactively, since she was coming, it was good news. Tyler certainly welcomed her—after all, Lilywas the most perfect campus goddess in his heart!