Dinner was ready by eight in the evening. The dining table was a bit small, so they used the coffee table as well. Ye Cheng, being short, ate at the coffee table, and Aunt Zhang insisted on joining him there.
Before anyone could pick up their chopsticks, there was a knock at the door. They exchanged glances, and Lin Zehan stood up. "Don't move, I'll get it."
Ye Wan was curious as to who would visit so late. When the visitors entered, her eyes widened in surprise. It was Gu Yunting, followed by Jin Lan and Jiang Jingxiu.
Gu Yunting came empty-handed, Jin Lan carried a very large fruit basket, and Jiang Jingxiu held a big bouquet of flowers.
"We've come at just the right time, we're starving," Jin Lan said with a smile.
When Jiang Yan saw him, her body stiffened slightly, and her grip on her chopsticks tightened.
Jiang Mi wished she could disappear into a crack in the earth and kept her head down, not speaking.
Aunt Zhang, being perceptive, quickly got up and took the gifts from the two young masters. Jiang Jingxiu said, "These are for the little patient."
Aunt Zhang smiled and agreed. Ye Cheng stood up and thanked them both.
"Why have you come?" Ye Wan stood up and looked at the three of them. The dining area was already crowded; with three more tall figures, it was going to be extremely tight.
"To take you home," Gu Yunting said indifferently.
"But I haven't eaten yet. Have you eaten?" Ye Wan asked, blinking her eyes.
Jiang Yan and Jiang Mi almost giggled at her naivete. She was truly oblivious; Gu Yunting had clearly come to celebrate Ye Cheng's recovery and discharge, yet Ye Wan still thought he was there to take her home.
"Mr. Gu, please have my seat," Jiang Yan quickly offered, moving aside.
Jiang Mi also instinctively offered her seat.
Aunt Zhang did not return to her seat. She told them to eat, saying she wasn't hungry and wanted to rest before eating, then left first.
Finally, they all managed to squeeze in. Jiang Mi and Jiang Yan had to sit on small stools, next to Ye Cheng.
Despite the uneven seating, everyone's mood was quite cheerful.
Gu Yunting frowned, looking at the cramped space.
Lin Zehan looked displeased. He felt that Gu Yunting was taking advantage of the situation, using Ye Cheng's illness to drag his sister back into a pit of misery.
However, it was Ye Cheng's day of recovery and discharge, so he was mindful of the atmosphere and said nothing to spoil it.
They all raised their glasses to celebrate Ye Cheng's recovery and discharge from the hospital.
Ye Cheng was genuinely happy. It was the first time so many people were wishing him well. His big eyes sparkled, and he raised his juice to toast everyone.
After dinner, Gu Yunting suggested they leave. Ye Wan glanced at the time; it was past ten. She asked him to wait and went to the kitchen to get a thermos.
"Let's go... Brother, could you please see Jiang Mi home?"
Jiang Yan lived in the same complex, so she didn't need a ride.
"It's on my way, I'll take her," Jiang Jingxiu offered proactively.
Ye Wan looked at Jiang Mi, and seeing her nod, she didn't object. Regarding the matter between Jiang Mi and Jiang Jingxiu, she was an outsider; ultimately, it was up to the individuals involved.
And so, everyone dispersed.
...
In the car, Gu Yunting looked at the thermos in her hand and asked, "What's inside?"
"Food I prepared for you. I cooked all the dishes today and saved a portion to bring back for you," Ye Wan explained.
"Why?" Gu Yunting was surprised that she was still thinking of him. Didn't she hate him? He had forcibly dragged her back to her painful memories.
"Today is Ye Cheng's recovery and discharge. I didn't forget, you were the one who donated bone marrow to him! You worked hard too!" Ye Wan said sincerely, looking at him.