After a while, Wang Ziyu walked over on tiptoe, his steps graceful.
The moment he saw Jiang Wanrou standing beside Fang Yan, he froze in place.
He had not expected that what Fang Yan told him about dating Campus Belle Jiang was actually true.
The original conversation had gone like this:
[Little Ziyu, if you haven’t eaten yet, come join us. I’ll treat. But you pay.]
[Trying to take advantage of me again? Get lost!]
[Seriously not coming? I’m eating with Campus Belle Jiang.]
[If I believe even half a word, I’m your son!]
[Then come over! If Campus Belle Jiang isn’t with me, I’ll be your dad!]
[Alright, alright, my dear son. Your dad is coming!]
…
Fang Yan stepped forward to greet him, a toothpick in his mouth as he nudged Wang Ziyu with his elbow. “When you’re surprised, you really like biting your fingers, huh?”
Wang Ziyu was indeed biting his finger, his handsome face filled with disbelief. “What is going on?”
“Stop being shocked. Put your finger down. Don’t bite it anymore.”
Fang Yan grinned. “If you really want to bite something, you can bite me.”
“You… stop talking nonsense.” Wang Ziyu shot him a charming glare, clearly annoyed.
“Hehe, I just like that stubborn look of yours.” Fang Yan threw an arm around his shoulder. This brother of his really was a treasure.
Jiang Wanrou, who still did not fully understand the situation, lifted her cool gaze and looked at Wang Ziyu. That counted as a greeting.
“Little Ziyu, sit down first,” Fang Yan said, pulling him to sit opposite them.
Jiang Wanrou remained seated beside Fang Yan.
That seating arrangement made Wang Ziyu even more stunned.
Seriously, bro? Are you two actually dating?
He wanted to say something but did not dare. Campus Belle Jiang said nothing and simply sat there quietly eating her beef noodles. What right did he have to comment?
Whether the noodles were especially delicious or she was simply hungry, Jiang Wanrou ate with full focus, completely ignoring the strange looks around her.
Fang Yan smiled. He had never seen her like this at school.
Girls usually ate noodles slowly, so he chatted casually with Wang Ziyu. His teasing made Wang Ziyu blush and roll his eyes repeatedly, that alluring expression something most girls would need years to master.
After a while, a shrill scream rang out.
“Ah!” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
“Wanwan, why are you with Fang Yan?”
Fang Yan looked up and saw Chen Ruru running over. From a distance, she looked like a short, round little Mario.
He did not dare laugh out loud. If she heard him, she would definitely snap back at him. He was not afraid, just too lazy to argue.
“N-Not just with him,” Jiang Wanrou said softly. “You’re here too. And Wang Ziyu.”
“Uh… that’s true.” Chen Ruru glanced around. It was indeed not just Fang Yan. She and Wang Ziyu were also present. So technically, it was not a date.
Thank goodness. She patted her completely flat chest in relief.
“Wanwan, why did you suddenly ask us out for lunch?”
“I… I don’t know.”
“You don’t know???”
Jiang Wanrou had just told Chen Ruru another lie. If Fang Yan had not suggested inviting her, it really would have been just the two of them. She did not know how to explain and cast a helpless look at Fang Yan, the boy who had coaxed her into lying.
Fang Yan, clearly experienced in such situations, replied calmly, “Sit down first. Didn’t we all eat too little at last night’s gathering? Everyone was busy drinking. Since we’re the closer friends, it’s reasonable to have a small get-together. No drinking this time, just eating.”
“Hmm, that makes sense.” Chen Ruru nodded. She had not eaten much at the gathering last night either, trying to maintain her image.
After convincing herself, she started ordering. “Boss, one more beef noodle. Extra beef!”
The shop owner, busy in the kitchen, responded loudly, “Coming!”
Fang Yan twirled the toothpick in his mouth. “Wait, you’re asking for extra beef? Just a reminder, this place isn’t cheap.”
“So what? You’re paying anyway.”
“When did I say I was paying?”
“You invited us out. Shouldn’t you pay?”
“That’s unbelievable. What kind of logic is that? Why should I pay?”
“Because you’re a guy!”
Chen Ruru’s so-called feminist logic was fierce.
Fang Yan did not bother arguing further. He would rather scroll through short videos and roast strangers online.
“Ruru, it’s fine. I’ll pay for this meal,” Jiang Wanrou said softly, wiping her mouth with a tissue.
“That won’t do, Wanwan. You already spent a lot last night. I can’t let you pay again. I wouldn’t even have the appetite,” Chen Ruru insisted.
“It’s fine. Altogether it’s only about 100 yuan. That’s not even enough for one of my usual meals,” Jiang Wanrou replied calmly.
Her rich-girl statement instantly silenced Chen Ruru.
When the owner brought her beef noodles, Chen Ruru did not hold back at all. So much for not having an appetite. Even Jiang Wanrou stared in amazement. This chapter was taken from NovelPing without permission.
Had she come here with an empty stomach?
After Chen Ruru finished eating, she finally realized something was off about the seating arrangement. She put down her chopsticks and tapped the table. “Fang Yan, why are you sitting next to Wanwan?”
“Why are you sitting opposite Jiang Wanrou?” Fang Yan shot back.
“That’s because it was the only seat left!”
“So was this one.”
“You’re talking nonsense!”
“Want some?”
Seeing the two about to argue again, Jiang Wanrou had no choice but to mediate. “Alright, alright. Why do you two start fighting every time you’re together? Can’t you just sit down and talk properly?”
“Fine. For Wanwan’s sake, I won’t argue with you,” Chen Ruru said, letting out an ungraceful burp. So much for maintaining a ladylike image.
“And then?” Fang Yan asked with the toothpick still in his mouth.
“I’ll eat you!” Chen Ruru lunged dramatically, as if she wanted to devour him.
Thankfully, Jiang Wanrou stopped her in time. If she had been any slower, Chen Ruru might not have been able to keep up the act.
Fang Yan stood tall at 1.8 meters, broad-shouldered and lean-waisted. Compared to him, Chen Ruru at 1.5 meters had to crane her neck just to look at him.
After peace was restored, Fang Yan suggested they browse around and see if there was anything useful to buy for school.
Surprisingly, Chen Ruru agreed. Once they started college, it would be harder to buy things from their hometown except during winter and summer breaks.
“Hey, Yan boy, what do we guys even need to buy? Just bring some clothes and a blanket, right?” Wang Ziyu said, confused.
“Jiang Wanrou, wait here a moment.” Fang Yan pulled Wang Ziyu aside into a corner.
“Are you crazy? Even if we don’t need to buy anything, don’t you think Jiang Wanrou and Chen Ruru do?” Fang Yan whispered. “How can you be so selfish? Think about them.”
“And once Campus Belle Jiang goes to college, you probably won’t have many chances to see her again. Be grateful I’m giving you this opportunity to walk around with her.”
After finishing his little pep talk, Fang Yan returned with a grin.
Wang Ziyu muttered quietly, “I might be slow, but I’m not stupid. It’s obviously you who wants to spend more time with Campus Belle Jiang.”
They had not been shopping long when a young, elegant woman stepped in front of them.
She looked to be in her forties, though she was well maintained and appeared to be in her thirties.
The moment Jiang Wanrou saw her, she froze.
She had not expected Fang Yan to be right.
Her mother had really come.