"Tick tock~"
The clock in Su Cheng's home was so quiet that every passing second produced a distinct ticking sound, until finally, with a soft click, the hour struck.
The dining room door gently swung open as Su Cheng walked out, carrying a plate with steady steps.
"Dinner is ready."
He placed the final dish—a plate of lightly seasoned greens—on the table before calling out to the living room.
His words acted like a definitive announcement, cutting through whatever atmosphere lingered in the living room. At his summons, everyone who had been sipping tea or watching TV immediately stood up in unison.
"You've worked hard."
"Thank you."
"Appreciate the effort."
"Junior really went all out, huh?"
"Please, everyone, make yourselves comfortable."
The dishes on the table were a study in contrasts—some intensely flavorful, others extremely mild. The tofu and greens, for instance, seemed seasoned with nothing more than a pinch of salt.
Clearly, the meal had been prepared with everyone's preferences in mind, making it a thoughtful and well-balanced spread.
"Wow, this looks amazing!"
Cornelia couldn’t help but cheer as she took in the feast before her. Then, turning to Li Guanqi, who was serving rice, she asked, "Will the celebration banquet be even grander?"
She assumed this was a farewell dinner for Su Cheng before his competition.
Though, in a way, it wasn’t wrong to call it that.
The question, however, gave everyone pause.
"Well, we’ll see when the time comes," Li Guanqi replied, handing Cornelia a bowl of rice.
"But shouldn’t someone say a few words for the occasion?" Cornelia asked, looking around after accepting the bowl, as if suddenly struck by the thought.
All eyes then turned to Liu Qingyue.
Naturally—she was the senior figure present.
"Su Cheng has been under your care all this time," Liu Qingyue said with a smile, before glancing at Gu Ruoxue beside her. "As the current head of Su Cheng’s club, I think you’re the most suitable person to give the toast."
She deftly passed the responsibility to Gu Ruoxue, and the room’s attention shifted accordingly.
The atmosphere grew subtly tense. This situation had stemmed from one of Liu Qingyue’s lies, and now she was asking Gu Ruoxue to smooth things over—wasn’t that an indirect confirmation of that lie?
Moreover, Gu Ruoxue wasn’t exactly pleased with Su Cheng’s behavior to begin with. And now she was supposed to give him a toast?
Gu Ruoxue shot Liu Qingyue a sidelong glance, only to find her smiling back as if to say, Revenge is best served immediately.
Su Cheng, being sharp, understood exactly what game they were playing.
He stood up, poured a glass of beverage for Gu Ruoxue, then returned to his seat.
"Well then," Gu Ruoxue began, rising slowly and raising her glass. "Since someone refuses to fulfill their duty as the senior, I’ll reluctantly take on the role this once."
Everyone stood—even Ji Qingyi.
"May you cherish every moment of your journey. No matter what challenges or setbacks you face, remember that we’ll always be here to support you. Take care of yourself, and we’ll await your return."
"I won’t let you down," Su Cheng replied firmly.
Clutching her glass, Gu Ruoxue took a deep breath.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers—"
Glasses clinked, and the meal began in earnest.
Cornelia, after downing a bottle of walnut milk, seemed slightly more alert—but only slightly. Soon enough, she reverted to her usual self, happily digging into the food.
Dinner ended quickly, with everyone dispersing to their own tasks. Liu Qingyue and Li Guanqi started clearing the table, Ji Qingyi and Gu Ruoxue settled on the living room sofa with tea, and Su Cheng went to walk Cornelia home.
Worth noting—Cornelia left with several bottles of walnut milk tucked under her arm.
"Aren’t you planning to stay tonight?"
Ji Qingyi, flipping through a magazine on the sofa, couldn’t resist asking as Su Cheng and Cornelia departed.
"If you want to stay, I won’t stop you. Just be careful not to lose sight of the bigger picture."
Ji Qingyi chuckled softly but said nothing more.
Su Cheng had stayed at her place before, so it wasn’t unusual for her to spend the night here. Besides, she was waiting for him to give her something—they had agreed to go up to the rooftop later, release a sky lantern, and gaze at the stars together.
"Senior Gu, are you leaving soon?"
Li Guanqi emerged from the kitchen, noticing Gu Ruoxue’s posture—as if she were ready to leave the moment Su Cheng returned. Her expression stiffened slightly.
She didn’t want Gu Ruoxue to go, because—
"Little Guanqi, how about sharing a bed with me tonight?"
Liu Qingyue wrapped her arms around Li Guanqi from behind, nuzzling her ear as she whispered. Li Guanqi tensed momentarily before breaking free and turning to respond, "If that’s what Senior wants, I have no reason to refuse."
"Yay! I get to cuddle you tonight."
Delighted, Liu Qingyue hugged her again, rubbing her cheek against Li Guanqi’s, who shivered slightly and shot a pleading look at Gu Ruoxue.
Click!
Just as things were about to spiral, the sound of a key turning in the lock echoed from the entrance, and Su Cheng stepped inside.
"I’ll take my leave now."
Seeing Su Cheng return, Gu Ruoxue picked up her bag and strode toward the door, her long legs sheathed in thigh-high socks drawing attention. As she was about to pass him, Su Cheng shifted slightly and caught her wrist.
"Hm?"
Gu Ruoxue turned, surprised.
"Stay."
Su Cheng smiled, pulling her back gently.
Gu Ruoxue’s eyes flickered. "No."
"Then just a little longer."
"Only a little."
Su Cheng released her and walked to the sofa, sitting beside Ji Qingyi.
"Are you staying tonight, President?"
"Yes."
"Here, President."
Su Cheng produced a pink item out of nowhere and handed it to her.
"I didn’t think you’d remember."
Ji Qingyi took it, her face impassive as she slipped it into her pocket—though a faint trace of warmth flickered in her eyes. "You’re quite thoughtful."
Their casual exchange, however, left Li Guanqi frozen in place, her eyes dimming as she bit her lip hard, struggling to suppress something.
How could this be?
Maybe I’m seeing things.
Yes, that must be it.
Desperate for reassurance, she looked up at Gu Ruoxue, expecting her to remain composed.
But to her confusion, Gu Ruoxue merely frowned, glanced at Liu Qingyue—who shook her head subtly—then studied Ji Qingyi’s reaction, as if piecing something together.
Then, as if seeking confirmation, Gu Ruoxue met Li Guanqi’s gaze. Their eyes locked briefly before both quickly looked away, an unspoken understanding passing between them.