Jiaojiao seemed a bit troubled: "We haven’t told Brother Xian, it’s not very nice."

"No worries, I’ll talk to him," said Duan Xi.

Jiaojiao nodded, and looking at the crowd behind her, she felt her spirits lift. She had always liked lively gatherings, and now it was rare to have everyone together, so naturally, she was happy.

Around three in the afternoon, Ruan Lei hurriedly arrived, and by four, everyone was ready, just waiting for Lu Xian before they could set off.

Lu Xian returned from the company, momentarily speechless at the sight of so many people. Jiaojiao walked over awkwardly and whispered an apology: "Brother Xian, I’m sorry, if you don’t want everyone to come along..."

"No worries, the venue is open, anyone can enter," Lu Xian replied, feeling a bit let down but not entirely surprised. Duan Xi had always been like this since childhood, and it’s not the first time; he’s used to it.

Jiaojiao still felt quite apologetic; after all, they hadn’t informed him beforehand, which was their mistake.

"Alright then, is everyone ready? Let’s go. Do you want to sit with me..." Lu Xian tried to change the subject, but before he could finish, a dark shadow was kicked over to him and landed in his arms.

"Brother..." Lu Zishu looked up, clutching his bottom, blinking at his brother and feeling that his eyes were quite scary at the moment, calling out in a trembling voice.

"This kid has no ride, so you, the brother, can take him. Jiaojiao can ride with Xiaoxi," said Ruan Chi, the kicker, smiling and locking eyes with Lu Xian with unwavering confidence.

The two exchanged looks while everyone else watched on the sidelines, inexplicably feeling a bit tense and holding their breath, not daring to make a sound.

A few seconds later, Lu Xian lowered his gaze and turned to get into the car.

Lu Zishu continued clutching his bottom, a bit at a loss, until Lu Xian yelled from inside the car for him to hurry, prompting him to scramble into the vehicle.

After getting in, the rear door clicked open, and it was Ruan Chi who had opened it.

Ruan Chi adjusted his glasses with his index finger, leaned half his body in, and cheerfully asked: "Mind if I hitch a ride too?"

Lu Xian didn’t respond, with lowered eyelids, hiding his thoughts from everyone.

Ruan Chi, behind him, was unfazed, leisurely settling into a seat.

Lu Xian, Ruan Chi, and Ruan Jie had been classmates from primary through high school for over ten years, sharing a brotherhood that even Lu Zishu, his actual brother, couldn’t break into.

This was the first time Lu Zishu had seen the two seemingly at odds. Though he didn’t understand the reason, it didn’t stop him from clutching his seatbelt and trembling, wishing he could become invisible.

In this car, the atmosphere was very subdued, while in the other car, having witnessed the entire scene, Jiaojiao’s expression was somewhat strange.

She had never been emotionally dense; previously, she was just too young to attach importance to feelings. But now, having clarified things with Duan Xi, she understood well.

Yet, she felt it was unlikely. Lu Xian had been close to her brothers since childhood and treated her well, but in her eyes, it was like how other brothers treated her. She never imagined he might have feelings for her.

Besides, he was six years older than her. When she met him, she was only six years old! How could he like her?