"I find you more agreeable," Chen Wen explained.

Zhong Yun was indifferent; he didn't dislike this classmate who seemed more worldly.

Tianhai, being quite open-minded, welcomed Chen Wen's inclusion. After talking for a bit, the two felt as if they were old friends meeting after a long separation—a true kindred spirit.

Chen Wen possessed a broad spectrum of knowledge. When he learned Tianhai was passionate about firearms, he dove into the topic with him. Though not as professional as the enthusiast Tianhai, his insights were enough to make Tianhai feel like he’d finally met someone who truly understood—a true 'thousand cups are not enough for a knowing friend.'

Immediately, Chen Wen launched into an excited torrent, spewing countless technical terms, making it all the more impressive that Chen Wen could keep up.

Zhong Yun could only interject occasionally, but the three were engrossed in heated conversation.

Approaching the school gate, they saw a crowd gathered outside. Zhong Yun's sharp ears caught a low gasp: "Huan Chi!"

Reaching the gate, the three saw a pale-faced young man dressed entirely in white, sporting a pair of dramatically styled sunglasses, clutching a massive bouquet of 'Xīn Lán Jiā Rén' roses, leaning ostentatiously against a stunning black sports car.

Zhong Yun instantly recognized the show-off as Fei Yingming from the previous day and immediately understood who he was waiting for.

"Wow, a Huan Chi," Tianhai’s eyes lit up as he looked at the black sports car. He had absolutely no resistance to things like firearms, mechs, starships, or sports cars.

"Show-off," Chen Wen spat dismissively. Zhong Yun glanced at him, thinking, That sentiment aligns perfectly with my own.

Just as the three were about to leave, Fei Yingming broke into a smile and walked toward the school gate. The surrounding students inwardly mused, The main event has arrived. I wonder which girl is lucky enough to be the one.

Turning their heads, a collective, massive sigh went up from the crowd. Everyone thought, It's her. At that moment, every male and female present felt their hearts sink.

The boys were mourning the loss of the school's most beautiful flower, and the girls were dismayed that such a handsome, wealthy, and supremely promising prospect was being claimed.

Zhong Yun couldn't help but look over. As expected, Fei Yingming and his group were waiting for Liu Yunqi.

Chen Wen suddenly wore a peculiar smile, as if anticipating a good show.

Tianhai, surprised that the rich kid was waiting for Liu Yunqi, shot a worried look at Zhong Yun, hoping he wouldn't be overly affected. He suggested, "Let's go," while subtly signaling Chen Wen.

Chen Wen paused briefly, seeming to understand, and nodded, "Let's go."

As the three walked away, Zhong Yun glanced back. He could vaguely see Liu Yunqi getting into Fei Yingming's black "Huan Chi," and his heart felt as if something had violently ripped through it.

That was the old Zhong Yun’s reaction, not mine, he silently reminded himself.

Tianhai and Chen Wen noticed Zhong Yun’s low spirits and lost the desire to chat, heading straight for their usual haunt.

"This place is nice," Chen Wen surveyed the decor and nodded.

"The food is good too," Zhong Yun added.

"And the people are nice," Tianhai concluded last.

The restaurant was lively, almost completely full. Chen Wen suggested moving elsewhere, but Tianhai shook his head, saying it wasn't necessary.

"Are we going to wait?" Chen Wen asked, looking at the packed hall.

"Welcome!" A small figure skipped lightly over. "Brother Zhong Yun, Brother Tianhai, you’re here! We saved your seats for you."

The young girl was about fourteen or fifteen, wearing a sweet smile that revealed two adorable dimples, instantly winning favor.

Chen Wen then understood why Tianhai had said the 'people are nice.' He deliberately teased her, "And Brother Chen Wen, too."

The little girl wrinkled her nose at him, ignored him, and turned sweetly to Zhong Yun, "Brother Zhong Yun, you haven't been here for a month. I heard you were sick. Are you better now?"

Zhong Yun patted his chest. "Completely recovered."

"That's good. I stewed soybean and spare rib soup today; you absolutely must finish it, okay?"

Seeing her smile, the gloom in Zhong Yun’s heart vanished instantly, and a smile surfaced on his face without him realizing it. "Don't worry, I’ll drink every last drop until the bowl is upside down."

Chen Wen mimicked her voice in a nasally tone, "Brother Chen Wen wants soybean and spare rib soup too."

The little girl made a face. "Not for you."

Chen Wen burst into laughter.

Tianhai chimed in from the side, "Xiao Qing, you are too biased, only thinking of your Brother Zhong Yun."

"Brother Tianhai is the meanest," Xiao Qing retorted playfully, but her eyes quickly flickered towards Zhong Yun, her cheeks coloring slightly.

As they spoke, the four ascended to the second floor, settling at a table by the window, where a sign reading "Reserved" sat.

Once Zhong Yun and the others were seated, Xiao Qing brought out the menus and handed one to Chen Wen.

Chen Wen casually flipped through it and asked Zhong Yun and Tianhai, "What do you guys want to eat?"

"What we eat isn't up to us," Tianhai laughed. "We have to ask our little chef, Xiao Qing."

Chen Wen clapped his hands. "That's wonderful! It looks like I’m getting an honest, home-cooked meal today thanks to you all."

"Thanks to Xiao Yun," Tianhai corrected.

"No share for you."

Despite the banter, Xiao Qing took the menus back. Soon after, she brought steaming, piping-hot dishes.

Seeing the table filled with small plates of exquisitely prepared food, Chen Wen exclaimed, "What a feast! What a blessing!" As he spoke, he scooped up food with his hand and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling indistinctly, "So good."

Xiao Qing tapped his hand with her chopsticks. "You, that's unsanitary!" She then handed him chopsticks.

After setting out bowls, Xiao Qing first served Zhong Yun a bowl of soup. "The temperature is just right, try it."

Chen Wen protested from the side, "Why only serve Zhong Yun? What about the two of us?"

Xiao Qing rolled her eyes at him. "Don't you have hands?" Ignoring him, she used serving chopsticks to place a few dishes in front of Zhong Yun. "Eat slowly. Call me if you need anything. I'm quite busy today, so I can't stay with you."

"Go ahead, work is important," Tianhai assured her it was fine. Then Xiao Qing skipped cheerfully away.

Chen Wen stared fixedly at Zhong Yun, examining him from every angle, even making clicking sounds with his tongue, as if looking at a strange artifact.

This made Zhong Yun uneasy. "What are you looking at?"

Chen Wen slapped Tianhai’s arm and said, perplexed, "You tell me, this guy isn't as handsome as me, not as tall as me, and his eloquence is nowhere near mine. Why does Xiao Qing like him and not me? It’s simply unfair."

Tianhai chewed on a very chewy braised pig's trotter and replied, "I've pondered this question for two years and still haven't figured it out. I think it deserves to be listed among Mingzhou's Top Ten Unsolved Mysteries."

"Hmph," Zhong Yun flipped him a middle finger. "This is called charm, got it? Charm!"

The three devoured the entire table of food like a whirlwind. Chen Wen reclined halfway in his chair, patting his bulging stomach. "I’ve decided, I’m sticking with you guys from now on."

Tianhai laughed. "You don't have to be so dramatic." He then turned to Zhong Yun, "You ate so much today, leaving no room for dessert?"

"What, there’s dessert?" Chen Wen cried out tragically. "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Who told you to eat so fast that I didn't get a chance to speak?" Tianhai scoffed.

"You’re ruthless," Chen Wen muttered, looking thoroughly dejected.

Xiao Qing was already prepared. Seeing them finish, she brought out three bowls.

"Wow, longan and lotus seed congee. Chen Wen is stuffed, save that bowl for me," Tianhai called out.

Smelling the fragrance in the bowl, Chen Wen’s appetite was instantly whetted, and he snatched it, clutching it to his chest. "Dream on, this one’s mine."

"Damn it, choke on it then," Tianhai said sulkily.