Jiang Nian thought carefully, realizing that Zeng You played on his phone all day during class, but he never actually showed up late.

Couldn't keep it together, what life creed?

"Are Li Hua and the others coming?" Zeng You asked.

"No, they're playing games," Jiang Nian replied. "They said if they came later, there'd be no seats left."

Zeng You was surprised, "Are they that addicted?"

Huang Fang looked at him, somewhat at a loss for words. The group members were all quite abstract; no one could really talk about another.

"Is Zhizhi not coming either?"

"Nope." Jiang Nian put one hand in his pocket, "Before the college entrance exams, she and I can't appear in the same place."

Zeng You: "????"

No, usually in class, he only sneakily played with his phone; it's not like he was oblivious to the world.

How did he miss the memo on the group's new weird rules?

"Oh, oh." Huang Fang guessed a bit of the truth, but she didn't dare get involved, simply choosing not to respond.

To avoid getting framed by someone next time.

Soon, people started arriving. A few girls came first, all staying at the school during the break.

Then Lin Dong and the others arrived.

"Yang Qiming, why is your belly so big?" a girl covered her mouth, giggling without any malice.

"Is it?" Yang Qiming touched his belly, then glanced at Huang Cailang, "I think it's fine."

"Why are some people still not here?" Lin Dong took out his phone and began calling people to hurry them along.

"Dong Que said she wanted to come, but she's already on a plane."

"On a plane?" Yu Zhiyi heard and turned curiously, "Where is she flying to?"

"Hubei, I think, or somewhere." Lin Dong was busy making calls, not having time for Yu Zhiyi's curiosity.

He had envied Jiang Nian before, but he valued a forest more.

"What about Ah Cheng, why isn't he here yet?"

Yu Zhiyi stood still, suddenly squinting her eyes in a smile. She smiled with her lips pressed, then turned and bumped into Huang Fang.

It was awkward.

"I... should we go inside first?"

"Yeah." Huang Fang nodded, suddenly feeling that Yu Zhiyi was like a concubine who's been pampered.

However, based on her understanding of Jiang Nian, he prefers hanging out with the boys, and Yu Zhiyi might be disappointed.

Never mind, don't get involved.

The barbecue place was located by the river, surrounded by sparse residences, situated by the roadside, with a large yard.

Colorful lights were strung from the second floor, nailed to the courtyard walls.

At the door, there was a small stall skewering beef and chicken, with the charcoal stove sparking and thick white smoke billowing out.

People from nearby, after getting off work, also liked to come over and stir up some dishes, order some skewers, and drink with the evening breeze.

"How many people?" the owner, wiping his sweat, jogged over, "There are seats both inside and outside."

"Thirteen."

"Sit outside, the owner will bring a few fans."

"Okay!"

The owner responded, motioning for people to combine tables and bring fans. He brought the bowls, menus, and napkins all at once.

Jiang Nian was there looking at the menu, casually checking a few more items. After all, with so many people, he was worried others might be reluctant to order.

"Tick whatever you want to eat."

They sent out four menus, and after ticking them off, they simply consolidated the orders; no need to buy drinks.

Yang Qiming and Huang Cailang each carried a schoolbag, not to save money, but for the vibe.

As students, when saving, save, and when spending, spend.

Jiang Nian looked up, scanning everyone present. Most of them were boarders; Luo Yong was effectively the middleman of the barbecue setup.

Most of the class went home, and he didn't intentionally gather people, leaving it to Lin Dong to find people for dinner.

No more, no less, thirteen of them.

They broke into small groups, gathered around looking at the menu, exclaiming how expensive it was, and nervously making their choices.

With a clink, the utensils were gently placed on the table.

"Hmm?" Jiang Nian snapped back to reality, only to find that the utensils before him had already been scalded with hot water.

Turning his head, Yu Zhiyi winked at him.

"Hehe."

With Lin Dong ordering, Jiang Nian didn't need to be involved, sitting there under the fan, making casual conversation.

"Do you want to eat grilled eggplant?"

Yu Zhiyi shook her head, "No, too smelly."

"What about oysters?"

"Afraid they're not fresh, better not."

"Ugh, you're too picky." Jiang Nian was speechless, throwing the menu to her, "Check it yourself."

Yu Zhiyi: "....."

She turned to see Jiang Nian ordering for Huang Fang, his attitude considerably pleasant, showing no impatience.

"Hmph!!"

The time gradually passed, and the barbecue was brought out one by one. Soda bottles were opened, and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

They didn't dare buy alcohol as they were by the river. If someone got drunk and wandered off at night, it could lead to trouble.

Yang Qiming initially wanted to pull off a persona, but after eating a skewer, he became a bundle of joy.

After eating, he remembered he hadn't chatted.

"Oops, shit!"

Huang Cailang was even happier; he rarely had the chance to eat skewers. Most around the school were fried.

The skewer chef had some skills; they were grilled to perfection.

"Brother Yang, this chicken wing is delicious!!"

"Really?" Yang Qiming originally wanted to decline, but his hand had already reached out, "Let me try it then."

The girls ate elegantly, quietly engaging in whispering conversations.

"Fangfang, do you want a beef skewer?"

Huang Fang felt a bit restrained because Jiang Nian kept handing her skewers, like he was offering hush money.

"Don't bother, I have my own hands."

"Alright, I was just worried you couldn't reach." Jiang Nian sighed and took a sip of cola.

Yu Zhiyi silently sipped her tea, immersed in a self-pitying atmosphere, feeling quite good.

"You'd better eat more; I'll have to leave halfway." Jiang Nian slightly turned, lowering his voice to her.

"Ah?" She suddenly remembered Jiang Nian had mentioned delivering food, "Oh oh, I can go back myself too."

"Alright." Jiang Nian didn't mind.

However, after saying that, Yu Zhiyi regretted it. But she thought if she changed her mind now, she might be made fun of by someone.