"What, aren't you afraid?" Situ Jun raised an eyebrow and retorted.
Jiang Zexi, his bared teeth not yet retracted, had his smile vanish instantly. He glanced at Xia Wanfu, who was staring at him, and immediately cowered.
He sat there obediently, head lowered, not daring to look around or speak carelessly anymore.
"Haha, still dare to laugh at me, look at how timid you are!" Situ Jun laughed unrestenly, completely forgetting his own cowardly demeanor moments ago.
"What are you laughing at."
Su Yinwan couldn't help but scold in a low voice. She truly couldn't stand having such a embarrassing boyfriend.
Situ Jun covered his ears again, his laughter abruptly stopping.
Li Bowen chuckled, "You guy, finally someone can keep you in check."
"That's because I'm letting her!" Situ Jun remained defiant.
Su Yinwan said dismissively, "Don't say that, as if I'm unreasonable. Just tell me if you've always been this timid since you were little?"
"Yes, yes, yes, whatever you say is right." Situ Jun didn't dare to say another word. If he dared to argue, he'd be kicked off the bed that night.
Wen Xuaxuan asked curiously, "Didn't you meet at the full moon banquet?"
Facing the others, Su Yinwan's expression softened. She smiled and said,
"No, he and I have known each other since we were children. My family and his grandmother's family were neighbors, but then I went abroad."
So that's how it was. It wasn't a drunken mistake, but childhood sweethearts.
Wen Xuaxuan's impression of Su Yinwan changed.
In fact, she hadn't been very optimistic about Su Yinwan at first, because she felt their relationship was too casual.
However, it was impossible not to overthink the situation at the time.
Li Bowen glanced at Situ Jun and teased, "No wonder you haven't found a girlfriend all these years; you already had someone in your heart!"
Although it wasn't the truth, Situ Jun wouldn't bother to explain.
They were just children back then, and hadn't even started developing romantic feelings, so they never thought about it that way. He hadn't looked for a girlfriend all these years because he hadn't found the feeling he wanted.
However, meeting Su Yinwan in the hotel was indeed unexpected. The innate sense of familiarity combined with her unique beauty had indeed attracted him.
"Oh, please. I recognized this guy at a glance. He didn't even recognize me when I stood in front of him."
Su Yinwan was clear-headed and didn't need Situ Jun to explain. She understood.
Situ Jun said shamelessly, "That's because you were too beautiful, so beautiful that I was momentarily dazzled and didn't recognize you."
"Smooth talker!" Su Yinwan gave him a huge eye-roll, completely unimpressed.
The others chatted and laughed.
Gong Zhijing had been silent the entire time. From the moment Su Yinwan said she and Situ Jun knew each other since childhood, her good impression had significantly decreased.
If she was childhood sweethearts with Situ Jun, she would also be good friends with Situ Jing.
It wasn't that she thought of people maliciously, but human hearts were treacherous, and one had to be wary.
But at this moment, her gaze was clear and devoid of other emotions, suggesting she likely didn't know the cause of Situ Jing's death yet.
People are inherently protective of their own, and their hearts are biased.
Even if she knew everything, her heart would surely still lean towards those she was more familiar with.
However, with Situ Jun around, she believed he would manage the relationships well.
The current harmony was hard-won. Between him and Ling Yucheng, Situ Jing was the secret that each kept hidden in their hearts and couldn't mention.
They appeared to have no reservations and had returned to their previous relationship.
But whenever they saw each other, they would always think of Situ Jing, and thus become cautious.
All reunions in the world bore indelible cracks.
While lost in thought, Ling Yucheng suddenly took her hand and whispered in her ear, "What are you thinking about? We have delicious food in front of us, aren't you tempted?"
Gong Zhijing lowered her head and saw a string of glistening roasted meat skewers being offered to her, sprinkled with chili, looking very tempting.
At some point, the servants had brought several platters of barbecue to the table.
Everyone else started eating skewers, with some small beers, and blowing in the night breeze, it was quite pleasant.
Due to breastfeeding, Gong Zhijing couldn't drink alcohol, so she drank juice. She also couldn't eat too many skewers.
Fortunately, after a bit of fun, they moved on to the main meal.
After dinner, Gong Zhijing and Ling Yucheng rushed back to take care of their baby.
Since giving birth, she didn't have much interest in going out. She'd only be out for a while before longing to go back.
Everyone had their own little families, and after a brief gathering, they all went their separate ways.
The night deepened, with countless stars spread across the sky.
Li Bowen and Wen Xuaxuan walked hand in hand on the winding mountain road of Linglu Mountain.
The streetlights cast a dim, warm glow, stretching their shadows long and far.
Li Bowen had initially intended to drive her home, but Wen Xuaxuan insisted on going for a walk with him.
He raised his hand to check his watch and said, "It's getting late. If we don't leave soon, by the time I drive you home, it'll be past midnight."
Wen Xuaxuan suddenly stopped, looked up at him slyly, and giggled, "Then I won't go home tonight."
Although he really wanted her to stay, Li Bowen still remembered not to overstep.
"Don't be silly, it's getting too late if you don't go back."
Wen Xuaxuan was in a playful mood and just wanted to tease him. She suddenly stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his neck, and said affectionately, "No, just tell me, do you want me to stay?"
Li Bowen instinctively put his arms around her waist, coughed, and turned his head away, not daring to meet her eyes.
"I do, but I can't..."
"You can."
Wen Xuaxuan kissed him on the lips, her boldness unbelievable.
"Li Bowen, I've been craving your body for a long time."
This was the after-effect of reading too many novels; provocative words came to her lips easily.
Li Bowen's face instantly turned red, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his breathing grew heavier.
He said helplessly, "You're doing this on purpose!"
Wen Xuaxuan let go of him, stuck out her tongue playfully, "I am doing it on purpose, tee hee..."
Li Bowen took a deep breath, gritting his teeth and suppressing the urge to devour her.
Seeing him like this, Wen Xuaxuan felt a pang of guilt. She said seriously, "Honestly, I told my parents I'm not going home tonight, and they agreed."
Li Bowen didn't believe her at all and turned to leave, "Okay, stop playing. I'll drive you home."
He didn't believe her when she told the truth.
Wen Xuaxuan stomped her feet in frustration and shouted, "I'm telling the truth, you blockhead! I'm not talking to you anymore."
After shouting angrily, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"Hey! Don't wander off alone."
Li Bowen looked back and, seeing her walking alone, quickly went to chase after her.
As soon as he chased, Wen Xuaxuan immediately started running.
"Stop running, aren't you childish."
Although he said that, Li Bowen slowed his pace, deliberately not catching up to her.
But Wen Xuaxuan didn't play by the rules. She suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at him with a sly grin.
"Honestly, I'm not going home tonight."