After the afternoon classes concluded, everyone returned to their dorms briefly before heading to a prearranged Sichuan restaurant near the school.
In addition to the individuals from the two dorms, Cheng Meng, Zeng Xin, Zhang Lang, and several other classmates who were close to Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan were also present.
Naturally, Su Yan had also been invited.
Finally, senior students Xiao Yue and Ning Ru rounded out the group.
With a total of fourteen people, having two tables would have been wasteful and less lively, so Qin Tian asked the waiter to add a few stools, and everyone sat around a large round table.
Ordering food was simple; the two menus were passed around, and everyone ordered one or two dishes they liked.
As there were classes tomorrow, they opted for beer instead of baijiu, ordering two cases, along with several bottles of soft drinks.
While waiting for the food to arrive, Shen Siqi, Lu Lei, and Su Yan, who had prepared birthday gifts for Xia Nuannuan, presented their presents one after another.
The others either didn't know about Xia Nuannuan's birthday beforehand or hadn't expected Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan to invite them, so they hadn't had time to prepare gifts.
Of course, Lü Yanran was not among them.
She had no intention of preparing a gift and felt no embarrassment, sitting there engrossed in her phone.
"It can't compare to the luxurious birthday gift package Qin Tian gave, don't be offended!"
Su Yan teased with a smile as she handed over the gift box.
Laughter erupted around the table.
"Su Yan, why are you teasing me too!"
Xia Nuannuan's face turned a deep red, and she shot Su Yan a playfully chiding look.
"Su Yan, you didn't also repost her status, did you?"
Shen Siqi asked with a smile.
"I didn't!"
Su Yan shook her head with a smile, then added, "But I did see the post on the forum. I don't even need to say it; someone in our class has already guessed it's the two of them."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their amused gazes towards the couple.
Qin Tian calmly took a sip of tea, while Xia Nuannuan's pretty face flushed even deeper.
"Oh dear, this is my fault; I was the one who posted on the forum."
Xiao Yue spoke up.
Shen Siqi and the others, who were unaware of this, looked at her with surprise.
Xiao Yue shrugged, offering a helpless wry smile. "I couldn't help it. They are just too perfect together, and I couldn't resist. I felt I had to find someone to gush about it with, so I posted it on the forum. I didn't expect it to become so popular overnight."
"Senior, I understand you!"
Cheng Meng suddenly revealed a radiant smile, as if finding a kindred spirit. "It's like discovering a great sweet romance drama. When you see the main couple sharing sweet moments, you can't help but want to recommend it to others to watch together."
"Exactly, that's the feeling."
Xiao Yue's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly.
"Senior, no need to say more. We absolutely must have a drink together later."
Cheng Meng said with mock seriousness.
"You bet!"
Xiao Yue readily agreed with a hearty tone.
"Then, as your best friend who was 'recommended' this show, shouldn't I have a drink too?"
Ning Ru, her best friend sitting beside her, asked with suppressed laughter.
"Of course!"
Xiao Yue smiled and nodded.
"Senior, senior, me too! I'm their most loyal CP fan!"
Shen Siqi eagerly raised her hand and exclaimed.
"No problem, you're in!"
Xiao Yue smiled and pointed at her across the table.
"Are you girls forming their fan club?"
Chen Zhuang jokingly asked with a smile.
"It's not impossible!"
Shen Siqi feigned a serious expression.
"Hey, hey, hey, that's enough! Stop now, are you guys never going to stop?"
Xia Nuannuan shyly shouted to halt the teasing.
The table once again filled with the happy laughter of everyone present.
As they chatted and joked, the waiters quickly brought out the food and drinks.
This Sichuan restaurant was recommended by Xiao Yue after Xia Nuannuan inquired.
It was said that this establishment had been operating near Jiang University for nearly ten years and had always been very popular. Many students celebrating birthdays or having class gatherings would come here.
Sichuan cuisine is characterized by its numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant flavors, which are very appealing to young people.
As the dishes were served one by one, everyone found them looking very good and appetizing.
The restaurant also thoughtfully prepared a bowl of longevity noodles for Xia Nuannuan. The waitress, who was a part-time student at Jiang University, delivered the noodles and offered birthday wishes.
"My birthday was yesterday, it's already passed. Today is just for everyone to get together and have a meal."
Xia Nuannuan said, feeling overwhelmed.
"It's alright, I know."
The waitress gently shook her head, her smile bright. "I saw the post on the school forum. I just realized it was you two from your conversation just now."
"Ah?"
Xia Nuannuan blinked in surprise, then felt a little embarrassed.
"Please enjoy your meal, more dishes are coming right up."
The waitress smiled and then turned to head back towards the kitchen.
"Tian Ge, you guys are really famous now. I'm afraid you'll be known throughout the school very soon."
Cao Mingliang teased with a smile.
"We weren't any different before!"
Qin Tian smiled indifferently and picked up a piece of beef for Xia Nuannuan beside him.
"No, this time it's likely to be even more exciting. Especially for you, Tian Ge, you might not realize how much resentment you're attracting!"
Cao Mingliang said with a serious expression.
"That's right. With the forum post going viral, our chances of finding girlfriends have just skyrocketed!"
Zhang Lang chimed in with a pensive agreement.
"Good thing I already have a girlfriend."
Zeng Xin said with a smug smile, feeling fortunate he had acted fast and found a girlfriend back home early.
"Get lost! Shut up!"
Zhang Lang glared at him with envy.
"It's not my fault, though. You should blame the senior."
Qin Tian gestured towards Xiao Yue opposite him.
Xiao Yue looked startled and asked with a sheepish smile, "I just posted it casually, is it that serious?"
Cao Mingliang and the other boys nodded in unison.
"Really? Should I delete the post?"
Xiao Yue suggested.
"It's too late, it's already spread. But don't worry, senior, they don't know it was you who posted it. Tian Ge will be the public enemy of all the guys."
Cao Mingliang said with a hint of schadenfreude.
Hearing this, Xia Nuannuan looked at Qin Tian with guilt and concern.
"Eat your food, don't listen to his nonsense!"
Qin Tian smiled and said.
"Alas, Tian Ge, you're underestimating the wrath of your single male compatriots!"
Cao Mingliang sighed.
Chen Zhuang and Zhang Lang nodded in agreement.
The former was relatively okay, as he already had Shen Siqi as his target. The latter, however, was genuinely single, a lifelong bachelor, and understood the sentiment the most.
"So what? Is someone going to ambush me or knock me out?"
Qin Tian said dismissively.
"Tian Ge, perhaps there really will be someone?"
Chen Zhuang grinned.
"Then who do you think can do it? Are you sure I won't just throw them over my shoulder?"
Qin Tian glanced at him and asked with a smile.
Thinking of how he had previously dominated the Taekwondo club president, Chen Zhuang was instantly rendered speechless.
Cao Mingliang and the others also exchanged glances, feeling a surge of emotion.