It was the season for crayfish, and the open-air food stalls were bustling during the dinner rush.
When Qin Tian arrived by taxi, most of the large round tables were already occupied.
He saw groups of boys and girls of similar ages eating, drinking, and chatting merrily.
Qin Tian overheard some people discussing test questions and comparing answers.
Clearly, like him, they were students who had just finished their college entrance exams and were celebrating.
"Qin Tian."
A familiar voice called out.
Qin Tian turned and saw Xia Nuannuan sitting at a table, raising her arm and waving at him with a sweet smile.
Besides her, Zhang Peng, Su Yan, Tian Jiajia, and the class monitor Mu Nan had already arrived.
A smile spread across Qin Tian's face as he quickly walked over.
"Brother Tian, you're late!"
Zhang Peng said with a laugh, munching on the complimentary melon seeds from the stall owner.
"Someone else isn't here yet!"
Qin Tian said dismissively and sat down in the empty chair to Xia Nuannuan's left.
"Mister Perfect, it's only been a few days, but you look even handsomer!"
Tian Jiajia, seated to Xia Nuannuan's right, said with a bright smile, showering him with praise.
Qin Tian smiled and nodded. "Good eye. I feel that way too."
"Hahaha..."
Everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"So narcissistic!"
Xia Nuannuan playfully rolled her eyes at Qin Tian, then turned to Tian Jiajia and said, "The exam's over. Even if you flatter him now, he can't predict another essay topic for you."
"No, no, it's the truth,"
Tian Jiajia said with a serious expression.
Xia Nuannuan pouted amusingly and reminded her, "Don't forget, I was the one who invited you to the group chat!"
"Oh my!"
Tian Jiajia suddenly exclaimed, reaching out to touch Xia Nuannuan's face. She praised her with feigned surprise, "Nuannuan, what skincare products have you been using lately? Your skin looks better and better, so radiant and beautiful!"
"Don't flatter me!"
Xia Nuannuan blushed with embarrassment and batted her hand away.
Watching this scene, everyone laughed even harder.
"Flatterer, that's just like you!"
Zhang Peng chimed in unexpectedly.
Tian Jiajia glanced at him with a calm expression and said, "Jerk Zhang, I'm in a good mood today, so I won't bother with you. Don't provoke me!"
Zhang Peng sneered but didn't continue to tease her.
Today wasn't the day for them to spar. A little jest was enough.
"By the way, Class Monitor, you don't need to treat us today. A buddy of mine who had a stroke of luck is coming and will insist on paying the bill."
Qin Tian said to Mu Nan.
"What's going on?"
Mu Nan asked, looking bewildered.
Upon hearing this, the others also turned to Qin Tian with curious gazes.
Qin Tian smiled and briefly recounted his encounter with Xue Qian at the exam venue.
After listening, everyone suddenly understood, exchanging glances.
"Holy crap, what kind of rotten luck did this guy have to step on dog shit when he went out!"
Zhang Peng couldn't help but complain, his envy and jealousy evident.
"I said I'd treat first, and now I get to tag along and freeload. I feel a bit bad,"
Mu Nan wore a helpless expression.
"There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. We still have over two months of vacation, and even if we go to different places after school starts, we can gather again during the New Year holidays. It'll be like this in the future too. Let's get together more when we have the chance."
Qin Tian picked up his cup, took a sip of the tea Xia Nuannuan poured for him, and said with a light smile.
Everyone nodded in agreement with his suggestion.
Afterward, Cui Ying and Qiu Man arrived. The only person missing from their study group was Liao Juan.
Within two minutes, Qin Tian received a call from an unknown number.
As expected, Xue Qian, the guy who insisted on paying, had arrived.
Qin Tian turned and saw him, calling out to him.
Xue Qian walked over with a cheerful smile.
Upon seeing so many beautiful girls, especially the campus belle Su Yan, his face showed surprise. He secretly congratulated himself for insisting on treating.
As long as he could blend into this circle, even ten meals would be worth it, let alone one.
He only regretted not tidying himself up before coming home. Qin Tian, the big shot, really should have given him a heads-up.
"Sorry I'm late, Brother Tian, ladies, good evening!"
Xue Qian approached with a broad smile and greeted them proactively.
Qin Tian stood up to welcome him and introduced everyone to Xue Qian one by one.
When he finally introduced Xia Nuannuan, Xue Qian immediately said with a smile, "I know, it's obvious she's your girlfriend. Brother Tian, I've heard about your exploits in Class Seven."
Xia Nuannuan's face instantly turned red, and the others showed mischievous smiles.
Zhang Peng stroked his chin, looking at Xue Qian with surprise, and nodded slightly.
This guy could be befriended. Clearly, he was one of them.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Qin Tian pretended to glare at him sternly and urged, "Sit down quickly!"
"Sure!"
Xue Qian nodded with a playful grin.
"Brother, brother, sit here!"
Zhang Peng waved him over.
"Okay!"
Xue Qian agreed with a smile and walked over to sit next to him.
Zhang Peng patted him on the shoulder and grinned, "Buddy, you're something else. You got assigned right behind Brother Tian. You should buy a lottery ticket, you might win the grand prize."
"Hey, why didn't I think of that!"
Xue Qian slapped his forehead and said excitedly, "Brother Peng, you're amazing! I'll go buy one after we eat!"
"Haha... That's great. If you win the jackpot, give me half!"
"Absolutely!"
"Brother, be honest, how much did you copy on the exam?"
"Not much, not much."
"You copied all the multiple-choice questions, right?"
"Hehe..."
"Then you're good to go. Just estimate your score assuming all the multiple-choice questions are correct. Wow, I'm so envious I could slap my thighs!"
As Zhang Peng spoke, he actually slapped his thighs hard.
The two of them chatted enthusiastically, as if they had known each other for a long time.
At this moment, the class monitor took out his phone and called Liao Juan.
Liao Juan had just left home and was on her way. It would take about ten more minutes. She told them not to worry about her and to start ordering food.
So, everyone asked the owner to bring the menu and started ordering.
The signature crayfish were a must, so they ordered a basin of each flavor. Then they ordered several other dishes and a case of ice-cold beer, along with two bottles of orange juice.
Beer with crayfish was the true enjoyment of eating at such a food stall in the summer.
Soon, the owner brought the beer, juice, and a few cold appetizers like edamame and preserved egg with tofu.
"Brother Peng, let me, let me."
Xue Qian quickly grabbed the bottle opener.
Zhang Peng smiled brightly and picked up a piece of edamame, thinking that this guy had good observational skills. He finally wasn't just referred to as "Old Man Zhang" or "Jerk Zhang."
Tian Jiajia watched this scene, covered her mouth with her hand, and leaned towards Xia Nuannuan to whisper, mostly complaining about Zhang Peng.
Xia Nuannuan's eyes curved into crescents, and she smiled without saying a word.
They were a couple who bickered playfully, she understood it all!