"Nan Hua, how was your time alone together?" Zhao Huasheng asked as soon as Nan Hua returned.
Nan Hua flicked his hand off his shoulder and shot him a look. "You know the answer."
"..."
Was this the same person who posted on social media? Had he been possessed?
Unfazed, Zhao Huasheng pressed on, "Seriously, as a brother, don't you have any exciting stories to share with us?"
Nan Hua's lips curled into a wicked grin. "Well, I suppose it's not entirely out of the question. Would you like to experience it firsthand?"
"Uh, I think I'll pass!" Zhao Huasheng retreated as Nan Hua rolled up his sleeves. He knew he couldn't withstand a punch from him right now.
"Heh heh~"
"Actually, I just wanted to mention dinner later... Gotta go!" With his remarkable "lightness skill," Zhao Huasheng slipped out of the dorm before he even finished speaking. For his own safety, he decided it was best to go ahead himself!
...
"This is it. Let's go." Everyone's stomachs were rumbling after a long day of traveling. As soon as Shen Yan arrived, they hurried over.
"You're here! Come, sit down," Zhao Huasheng, feeling a bit lonely, called out to the four of them, eager for company.
"Zhao Huasheng, why are you alone?"
"Cough cough... I found the place, so I came ahead to hurry them up. They'll be here any minute." He couldn't possibly admit he'd been scared away; that would be a total loss of face.
The others noticed the fleeting awkwardness on Zhao Huasheng's face but didn't comment. Song Daiyao, who knew the inside story, glanced at him, her eyes seeming to ask, "Did it go wrong?"
"Completely!"
"..."
Fine. She wasn't going to ask Qiu Xi about it anymore. Asking her would be as futile as asking the wind. Her own life was more important. She wouldn't ask.
"Xi Xi." Qiu Xi turned at the sound of her name and patted the seat beside her. "Nan Hua, come sit."
"Long time no see," she greeted the two who entered behind Nan Hua. It was only polite to say something, especially when they were her boyfriend's friends, to avoid awkward silence.
"Mhm." Yun Yi and Ling Shengyi smiled and nodded before taking their seats next to Nan Hua.
"Alright, shall I order?"
"Yes, yes! I'm starving!" The "rumormonger" couple were quite in sync, even ordering food with a flair. Ever since Song Daiyao had pulled that stunt, Qiu Xi had given them a couple's nickname, which she found quite fitting.
...
"This dessert isn't as good as Xi Xi's!" Song Daiyao said regretfully as she held her after-dinner treat.
"Indeed!" Shen Yan and Liang Yunfei chimed in. After tasting Qiu Xi's homemade pastries, everything else seemed to pale in comparison.
"Oh? Is Xi Jie's cooking that good?" Zhao Huasheng had picked up the nickname from Song Daiyao at some point and started using it himself. He thought it was polite, friendly, and a clever way to avoid trouble.
"You have no idea!"
"..."
He really didn't. Nan Hua must have tried her cooking; his expression gave it away.
"Let me tell you..." During their post-meal digestion, Song Daiyao was in full praise mode, holding forth on the topic. Her words piqued the interest of those who hadn't tasted Qiu Xi's cooking and left Qiu Xi somewhat speechless. If this girl didn't make a living with her mouth, it would be a waste of talent.
However, this conversation reminded her of her upcoming birthday. Perhaps that would be the perfect occasion. The more she thought about it, the more it appealed to her. Qiu Xi turned to the group. "Since that's the case, my birthday is coming up soon, so I'll make a meal then." It was so much easier to just cook a meal; she liked not having to think too hard.
"Really?" Song Daiyao, being a foodie, was the first to speak, her eyes glued to Qiu Xi, afraid she had misheard.
The curious looks from everyone made Qiu Xi pause, then she nodded emphatically. "Yes!"
"Oh yeah!" Now their appetites could be truly satisfied, upgrading from mere dessert to a full banquet!
"Xi Xi..."
"Xiao Xi, it's your birthday. Perhaps we should choose another date?" Shen Yan was being considerate, knowing it was Qiu Xi's birthday. Wouldn't it be better for the birthday girl to rest? Nan Hua, who had been about to say the same thing, nodded in agreement.
"It's fine. I'm not swamped, and I'll be getting paid back with interest," Qiu Xi said nonchalantly. They wouldn't come empty-handed. Of course, she wasn't greedy for gifts; she just wanted to ease their minds. It was just cooking a meal, nothing major, and she didn't do it all the time.
"Xi Xi, now that you've said it, I feel much better. I'll be looking forward to your royal feast." Song Daiyao, who had felt a bit excessive just moments ago, now raised her expectations.
"Heh heh~ Then we won't be polite!" The remaining guests, with their words and smiles, clearly indicated their agreement.
"Okay, it's settled then. Daiyao, you can send out the details for the venue." Since she had already used Daiyao's kitchen and had all the necessary supplies, there was no need to find another place.
"Got it!" With a single glance, Song Daiyao understood Qiu Xi's intentions and assured her she would send out the information.
"Alright, that's settled. We can head back now." Full and satisfied, it was time to rest and recuperate. Campus life would resume in two days.
...
"Xi Jie, we're counting on you!"
"Thank you so much!"
During dinner, while Song Daiyao was out getting something, Zhao Huasheng had briefly confided his plan to confess to Qiu Xi and asked for her help. Qiu Xi and the others had agreed, and he hadn't forgotten to express his gratitude. Qiu Xi smiled in the car, looking at the beaming girl beside her. The more she thought about it, the more she felt the "rumormonger" cp was quite fitting.