Thinking of her current heavy workload, a car wouldn't be of much use, so Yang Rui didn't insist on buying one.
The five of them drove to a barbecue restaurant called "Kao Zhuang Yuan" by Donghu Lake. It was a popular spot for late-night snacks, and the interior was already full. The outdoor seating area with over a dozen tables was also almost completely occupied.
Two tables were still empty by the roadside, and a waiter showed them to one of them.
"Don't be shy, order whatever you want. My brother has money."
Yang Rui didn't hold back. She took the menu and ordered a large spread of barbecue with her three classmates. They also ordered a case of beer, seemingly intent on drinking until they dropped.
Seeing his sister set out six places and bowls and chopsticks, Yang Jian asked curiously, "Rui Rui, are you expecting more classmates to come?"
"Yes, but not classmates, my boyfriend."
"What? Boyfriend? You're dating someone?"
Yang Rui rolled her eyes at him. "Brother, do you have to make such a fuss? I'm about to start my senior year. If I don't date someone now, won't I have lifelong regrets?"
"What kind of logic is that? Do you have to date in college?"
"Of course! Doesn't everyone have a passionate romance in college? That's what makes college life exciting and perfect. I'm an adult now, you can't interfere with me."
"Alright, I won't interfere, but I need to vet him. If he's a total loser, I won't agree."
Yang Jian felt a bit uneasy, like his sister, whom he had lived with for over twenty years, was being snatched away. This was probably the typical feeling for any older brother.
"Don't worry, brother. Do you think my taste is that bad?"
"That's right, Brother Jian. Rui Rui's boyfriend is quite handsome. Although he's not as tall and strong as you, he has a great presence. And he's from Hancheng, owns a house and a car."
A girl named Tong Xiao spoke up to support Yang Rui.
"A local? How did you meet?"
"I introduced them. His parents and my parents both work at the shipyard, so we know each other's backgrounds well. His character is definitely fine. You'll know when you meet him."
Tong Xiao was a bit delicate, slender, and wore glasses, appearing very quiet. However, she spoke fluently and with surprising confidence.
As they were talking, a brand-new Xiali car stopped across the road, and a man in his early twenties got out.
Yang Rui quickly stood up and waved to the man. "Ma Ming, over here."
As Ma Ming approached, Yang Jian took a look. He found the young man indeed had a good presence. He was about 1.78 meters tall, with fair skin, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes, resembling the Hong Kong star Aaron Kwok, especially his hairstyle. However, he wore glasses, making him appear slightly more delicate.
"Ma Ming, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Yang Jian. You were born in the same year, and you're two months younger than him."
Yang Rui pulled Ma Ming over to Yang Jian.
"Hello, Brother Jian. I'm Ma Ming. Rui Rui always tells me she has a tall and handsome brother. Meeting you today makes me feel pressured."
Ma Ming spoke humorously and extended his right hand.
Yang Jian shook his hand. "Hello, have a seat."
Seeing Yang Jian's somewhat aloof demeanor, Ma Ming felt a bit awkward and obediently sat down next to him.
"Ma Ming, you're probably not a student anymore. What do you do?"
Yang Jian began his interrogation.
"I just graduated with a master's degree in finance. I'm working at a securities company now."
"How long have you and Rui Rui been dating?"
"A little over two months. I'm a bit introverted, and Rui Rui is straightforward. We complement each other well, and we get along harmoniously."
Ma Ming seemed a bit nervous, perhaps worried about Yang Jian's disapproval.
Yang Jian glared at Yang Rui. "I knew it. I told you I was busy with studies, and you were hiding here? I'll have Mom deal with you later."
Yang Rui stuck out her tongue. "Brother, I really was studying. Ma Ming has experience with postgraduate entrance exams, and our majors are related. He's been tutoring me during the summer break."
Tong Xiao raised her hand. "Brother Jian, we can all testify. Rui Rui has been studying very hard during this time."
The other two girls nodded in agreement, confirming that Yang Rui wasn't lying.
"I don't care how eloquently you explain it. If you don't get into graduate school this year, it proves you were lying."
Yang Jian hadn't fully come to terms with her dating yet, and his tone was stern.
Ma Ming poured him a drink. "Brother, don't worry. Rui Rui has a good foundation. With my tutoring, there will definitely be no problem."
"Alright, I'll believe you for now. But Ma Ming, I'm warning you. If you're going to date, date properly. Don't play any dirty tricks. If you bully my sister, you won't be able to handle the consequences."
"Brother, you're making me sound so wronged. Rui Rui is lucky if she doesn't bully me. How could I dare to bully her? I'm dating her with marriage in mind. My parents are planning to visit your home before the end of the year to meet your uncle and aunt and finalize the engagement."
"That's true. You need a good temper to get along with her. If you were hot-tempered, it would be like oil and water clashing, and you'd break up in three days. But isn't it too early to talk about marriage now? She still has to study."
Yang Jian knew his sister too well. Like him, she had a stubborn personality and could erupt at any moment, even resorting to physical action. Ma Ming's personality seemed suitable for her.
"It's alright. We're just getting engaged. Rui Rui said she'd consider our marriage after you get married."
"That's not necessary. After she graduates from college, if you both feel it's right, you can get married."
Yang Jian slowly began to accept Ma Ming, seeing sincerity in his eyes. He didn't seem like a person with deep ulterior motives.
Ma Ming and Yang Rui were both delighted. Getting their brother's approval felt like passing the first hurdle.
As they were talking, the barbecue arrived. The girls, like starving ghosts, began to devour the food and chug beer with great gusto.
Since they had to drive, Yang Jian and Ma Ming appeared much more refined, only drinking beverages.
"Mom, I want barbecue."
A young couple, holding a robust-looking boy of about six, walked past Yang Jian's group. The boy was clearly attracted by the aroma of the barbecue.
"Han Han, you just finished eating cola chicken wings at Grandma's. Why do you want to eat again? It's too late now. Come back tomorrow, okay?"
The young mother tried to pull the child away, but the boy sat down on the ground and started crying, "I want to eat, I want to eat!"
This child was clearly spoiled and refused to give up, rolling on the ground.
Yang Rui took a lamb skewer and offered it to the boy. "Little friend, have this."
The boy's eyes were fixed on the skewer, but his mouth was stubborn. "I don't want it. Grandma said I shouldn't eat things from strangers."
"Then have some. I'm a bit hungry too. Thank you, beautiful lady."
The young father frowned and discussed with his wife. Reluctantly, he picked up his son, walked to a nearby empty table, and then smiled and nodded at Yang Rui.
The little boy immediately stopped crying and started tearing up the paper napkins on the table.
The mother ordered some lamb skewers, beef skewers, and also tofu and ham sausage, likely all the child's favorites.
The barbecue arrived quickly, but the little boy only ate two lamb skewers and then stopped. He started playing with the metal skewers, poking randomly at the unfinished barbecue. The couple didn't stop him, focusing on their own food.
Perhaps not satisfied with playing, the little boy suddenly threw the metal skewer he was holding into the air. One landed on Yang Jian's table, fortunately not hitting anyone.
Another skewer, however, landed on the back of a bare-chested strong man sitting nearby. The impact wasn't strong, and the skewer soon fell to the ground.
The strong man, caught off guard, jumped up with a cry, possibly stung by the skewer.