Qing Xiaoyan sighed helplessly, but ultimately said no more. She gazed at Xia Zhiyue with a face full of emotion, realizing that the fragile girl from back then had finally grown up.
"This is..." Qing Xiaoyan looked warily at Xing Yuan, who stood beside Xia Zhiyue with a covetous gaze. For some reason, he felt as if he were being watched.
Xing Yuan was unhappy, very unhappy. Why did everyone want to snatch her beauty away? She didn't want the beauty to smile at anyone but her.
Thinking this, Xing Yuan's eyes filled with grievance, and she instinctively stood between them, blocking their line of sight.
"A... sister," Xia Zhiyue explained.
She had seen Xing Yuan's identification. Her age was exactly one year younger than hers, so being her sister was perfectly reasonable.
Her expression was one of extreme helplessness. Why was Xing Yuan acting like this again? Anyone who didn't know would think she was guarding her food!
"Aren't you an only child?" Qing Xiaoyan's expression was shocked. His years of experience as an agent immediately made him consider how to handle public relations. This girl couldn't have just appeared out of nowhere. Could it be that Xia Zhiyue's father had a messy private life!
"No!" Xia Zhiyue saw Qing Xiaoyan's misunderstanding and quickly waved her hands.
"She, she's a child of a relative. Her family suffered a great tragedy and she was a bit stimulated, so I brought her to stay with me for now to take care of her."
Qing Xiaoyan suddenly understood and smiled, "Oh! I see! As long as you're alright, that's what matters. They've all heard you're back, and most of the people staying in this hotel are from our company. Coincidentally, we're planning a gathering tonight to welcome you back."
"Okay! How about this! Tell me the room number, and I'll go back and tidy up before I come over." Xia Zhiyue was tempted, but looking at Xing Yuan, who was beside her looking bewildered, she hesitated. What if Xing Yuan had a problem seeing so many people!
Xia Zhiyue watched Qing Xiaoyan leave and quickly re-entered the room, swiftly locking the door.
She looked at Xing Yuan, whose face was etched with confusion, and said, "Come here!"
Xing Yuan shuffled over, her expression one of dissatisfaction, as if she were expecting to be coaxed.
Xia Zhiyue couldn't help but laugh, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"Good girl~ I'll help you with your makeup again. Don't be afraid, no matter how many people I know, I won't abandon you," Xia Zhiyue promised earnestly, hoping Xing Yuan wouldn't always be so insecure. Otherwise, if she saw her greeting someone else, she'd be furious.
Xing Yuan closed her eyes aggrievedly, allowing Xia Zhiyue to fuss with her face. Although she didn't know what her sister was going to do to her face, she never wanted to refuse her.
"All done!" Xia Zhiyue breathed a sigh of relief, confirming that there was no trace of zombie characteristics on Xing Yuan.
"Let's go! Remember to hold my hand tightly, or if you get lost, I won't come back for you!" Xia Zhiyue turned and took Xing Yuan's cool hand, a playful smile on her face.
Xing Yuan was still dazed, only able to fix her eyes on her beautiful sister. From time to time, she would look at their clasped hands and smile foolishly.
"Ah! Didn't you say you were welcoming me? You've already started drinking?" Xia Zhiyue looked at the crowd at the table, wearing a standard ceremonial smile.
"You haven't arrived until now. Were you doing your makeup? Women's makeup is so troublesome." Zhou Hai had a mocking smile on his face. His public image was always that of a tough guy, and he prided himself on being a straight man.
Of course, compared to those female stars, he disliked those effeminate young men even more. Wheat-colored skin was the healthiest for men, yet they insisted on making themselves look like ghosts.
"Yes! Of course, we women need to put on makeup when we go out," Xia Zhiyue replied with a calm smile, pulling out a chair and sitting down with Xing Yuan.
Zhou Hai was surprised that Xia Zhiyue directly admitted it and couldn't find words to retort. He finally sneered and looked away.
Ran Qing let out a soft laugh, as if mocking.
Xing Yuan's gaze was instantly drawn to Ran Qing. She had a pair of clear, bright eyes, slightly curved willow brows, long eyelashes that trembled slightly, and fair, flawless skin that exuded a faint pink hue. One hand was placed by her lips, concealing a smile.
So beautiful! Xing Yuan, the lustful ghost, was online. She stared intently at Ran Qing opposite her, as if considering how to take this beauty home.
Xia Zhiyue noticed Xing Yuan's gaze immediately and lightly tapped her head with a hint of annoyance, saying softly, "Is she pretty?"
Xing Yuan nodded, then glanced at Xia Zhiyue, and frantically shook her head. With extreme self-preservation instincts, she hugged Xia Zhiyue's arm and gently shook it. Not pretty, not as pretty as sister.
Xia Zhiyue felt a slight displeasure, probably because she felt that in Xing Yuan's heart, she was no longer the only beautiful person.
She should have been looking forward to this scene. After all, this way, the other party wouldn't pester her anymore, and she could go on adventures with these people to fight zombies. She would have her own life in the future. But why did her heart ache so much?
Xia Zhiyue's brows furrowed slightly, as if pondering why she had such strange thoughts. Did she still want to be with this somewhat intelligent zombie forever? They had no relation to each other.
Ran Qing watched the subtle interaction between the two opposite her with curiosity, a hint of amusement rising in her heart. She hadn't expected Xia Zhiyue to bring back a beautiful young girl after going out.
They didn't follow the same path, and usually had no conflicts of interest. They were like well water not interfering with river water. But... she was genuinely curious! After all, in her eyes, Xia Zhiyue was never someone who would meddle in other people's business.
Qing Xiaoyan seemed to have also sensed the undercurrents beneath the apparent calm. He stood up and raised his wine glass.
"Come, come, let's first raise our glasses together to welcome Xia Zhiyue's safe return."
The others obligingly stood up and drained their glasses.
Xing Yuan also wanted to drink, but Xia Zhiyue forcefully held her in her seat. Who knew if zombies could drink, or if they would become beastly after drinking!
Qing Xiaoyan, satisfied, poured himself another glass and continued, "This glass is to wish for world peace and for us to soon return to our former lives."
"Good! Cheers~" One glass after another, the crowd slowly became tipsy.
Xia Zhiyue was among them. Although she was a celebrity and had attended social events, she would deliberately dilute her drinks with water.
But this time, whether it was due to a gloomy mood or recent stress, she genuinely drank more than half a bottle. In the end, they helped each other back to their rooms.