"He's kidding." Long Rao immediately interjected.
"No, I'm not kidding. He could join our gang!" Long Tang grinned.
OUR GANG?
Chen Jingyun was even more alarmed. The seemingly neat, smart, and quiet Long Rao was also in a gang?
"Uhm, I'm sorry. I don't-"
"It's not a real gang. It is just our friend group." Long Rao calmly explained. "Not a gang."
"AW, why do you have to take the fun out of everything?" Long Tang let go of her and grabbed onto his friend instead.
"I'm just saying the truth."
Long Tang sighed and looked back at her, reassuring her.
"Don't listen to him. It is a gang."
This time, Chen Jingyun sighed in relief she didn't get involved with a real gang. God knows what her grandfather would think.
"Well, what is this gang called and how many members are there?"
Long Tang's eyes brightened up like Christmas lights.
"Ooh, we just recently started, we're currently called 'Red Stones' but that might change if you have a great suggestion! Oh, and we're three. But if you join us..."
"Four?" Chen Jingyun arched her eyebrow. "Who is the third one? Is he also surnamed Long?"
"Nah, he is Fu Wang."
Hearing that name, Chen Jingyun glowed. "Fu Wang? Like that cake brand?"
Long Tang burst out in a laugh. "Ah, so good! Why did I never think of that before? You're a genius, shorty!"
Long Rao looked back and shook his head.
"...It's Fu Wang from the prestigious Fu family."
Oh? Fu family?
Prestigious... Fu family...
That Fu Wang?
The one that followed and fawned over me?
Oh no.
Chen JIngyun went cold as she stopped on the spot. The memories of every social party coming back to her.
"Is he... Is he that guy who likes to flaunt his wealth, loves to dress pompously, and likes to drink water in a wine glass?"
Looking at her with surprise, both guys nod.
"Wow, how do you know him?"
Turning as pale as a white sheet, Chen Jingyun slowly shook her head. "No, he's just very notorious..."
"Damn right! He seems to be such an obnoxious guy, but he is actually very down to earth, and humble..."
Not listening to him, Chen Jingyun sank into her thoughts.
She couldn't afford to meet that Fu Wang kid!
That guy... he had a knack to spot her in a full crowd.
Those masquerades nights and Halloween parties were proof of her worries.
Biting her lip, Chen Jingyun asked. "When is he coming back?"
"Uh, I think next week?" Long Tang scratched his chin while Long Rao shook his head.
"The day after tomorrow. Wednesday."
Oh, she might just faint.
"Oi, bro, you don't look quite alright. What happened?"
"I think... I think I need to go." Chen Jingyun seemed delirious as she took a step back.
"Wait..." Long Tang reached out to her but Long Rao held him back.
"You need help getting there?"
Chen Jingyun shook her head. "No, thanks. Bye, guys."
See you never!
"Aw, bye then."
Chen Jingyun turned away and walked further away from them.
Just her luck.
What is she supposed to do?
Kicking pebbles and scrapping the sole of her shoes, Chen Jingyun wallowed in a different kind of misery.
At one point, a basketball rolled her way. Looking at that brick-colored ball, Chen Jingyun wanted nothing more than to kick it. But she knew better.
Picking it up, she felt the rough texture of the ball, bounced it, rolled it, and tried to spin it on her finger.
Nothing looked right, but at least it took her mind off her crisis.
Running towards her in full sports gear, it was Luo Shao and Su Long.
"Oh, it's Qin Yun."
"What's up, Little Yun?" Luo Shao approached her with a grin. "How was your detention?"
Taken back, Chen Jingyun arched her eyebrow as she returned the ball.
"How did you know?"
"Well, with all the ruckus you guys were making. Anyone in the entire upper classes would know."
"Oops, I guess."
"Well, we were going for dinner. Want to join us?"
"Ah, sure."
Looking up from his phone, Su Long beckoned them over.
"Let's go, Minghao is already there."
Inside the restaurant, there was the dark lord sipping on his tea with four sets of hot meals waiting for them. He had taken off his blazer, only leaving the white shirt.
He looked especially dashing.
It was no wonder glances were sent his way.
"Oh, you ordered first!" Luo Shao brimmed with happiness as he took a seat. "This is my favorite."
"I was starving." Su Long followed and then there was only one seat left.
It was a bowl of hearty curry rice.
Taking her seat, Chen Jingyun smiled at him.
"Thank you."
Grabbing her spoon, Chen Jingyun began to dig in with happiness. Her eyes shone and seemed to smile on their own.
When the mood was already set, the four of them carried on a lighthearted conversation. However, Luo Shao changed the course of the topic.
"Oi, Minghao, is it true there is a new red envelope case?"
Frozen for a moment, Chen Jingyun slowed down her pace.
Her case.
Across her, Li Minghao lowered his chopsticks and wiped his lips with a napkin. He looked aristocratic and regal. Nothing seemed to tamper down his fineness.
"Yes."
Joining the conversation, Su Long asked. "Is Chief Li Yang going to lead the case?"
Li Minghao shook his head.
"No."
Su Long and Luo Shao looked at each other with surprise in their eyes.
Before they could open their mouths, Li Minghao already grabbed his chopsticks.
"No more questions. Eat."
Following suit, the two boys continued eating as the topic drifted away.
Chen Jingyun who had remained silent glanced up to Li Minghao. She was curious and confused as to why he would know the details of her case.
Who was he?
Looking around the table, the boy's faces, and manners, she began to ask herself.
Actually, who are these people?