Xu Xiuwen smiled and said, "Lu Lu, you're so good to me. Come on in."
Cheng Lu walked in and started to take off her shoes.
An Shishi suddenly appeared from behind her.
Xu Xiuwen asked in confusion, "Why are you here too?"
An Shishi grinned, "I'm Lu Lu's good friend, of course I came along."
The two women changed into slippers.
Xu Xiuwen took the plastic bag Cheng Lu was carrying.
As he walked towards the dining area, he said, "To come all the way here so early to bring me breakfast, I really am so lucky."
An Shishi chuckled and asked, "Master, I heard Youran stayed over last night?"
Xu Xiuwen noticed Cheng Lu glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
He nodded, "Yes, I told Lu Lu about it last night."
An Shishi mischievously asked, "So did you do anything to let down our Lu Lu?"
Xu Xiuwen immediately frowned and glared at her, "What could I have done to let Lu Lu down?"
An Shishi shook her head, "I don't know."
Ignoring her, Xu Xiuwen turned to Cheng Lu and took her hand, "Lu Lu, don't listen to Shishi's nonsense. Xiao Youran and I are completely innocent."
Cheng Lu nodded and asked calmly, "Where is Xiao Youran?"
Xu Xiuwen explained, "She should still be sleeping."
"Which room is she in?" Cheng Lu asked.
Xu Xiuwen said, "The room across from the master bedroom."
Cheng Lu promptly headed towards Bedroom C.
Xu Xiuwen quickly followed her.
Cheng Lu reached the door of Bedroom C, turned the handle lightly, and opened the door.
She peeked inside and saw Xiao Youran sleeping soundly on the bed.
Cheng Lu's expression remained calm.
She gently closed the door and turned to head back to the living room.
Xu Xiuwen let out a quiet sigh of relief.
If it hadn't been for An Shishi's timely reminder, if he had been sound asleep and Cheng Lu had come in to find him and Xiao Youran cuddling, it would have been a disaster!
Thinking this, Xu Xiuwen threw a glance at An Shishi.
An Shishi winked at him, as if saying, "Praise me."
Xu Xiuwen didn't compliment her.
Even if he did, it wouldn't be right now.
Xu Xiuwen asked Cheng Lu, "Have you and Shishi eaten yet?"
Cheng Lu shook her head, "Not yet."
Xu Xiuwen nodded, "Then you two go ahead and eat. I'll go wash up."
After Xu Xiuwen finished washing up and returned to the dining area, Cheng Lu and An Shishi had already transferred the breakfast from the plastic bags to plates.
She had bought enough food for four people: pan-fried buns, wontons, and congee.
Cheng Lu had already set the table with bowls and chopsticks.
As Xu Xiuwen sat down, Cheng Lu asked, "Should we call Xiao Youran to eat with us?"
An Shishi, already sipping her congee, looked at Xu Xiuwen with a smile.
Xu Xiuwen said, "I'll go get her."
Cheng Lu nodded.
Xu Xiuwen stood up and went to call Xiao Youran.
Arriving at Bedroom C, Xu Xiuwen closed the door behind him and walked to the bedside, calling Xiao Youran's name.
Xiao Youran quickly woke up.
Seeing Xu Xiuwen standing by the bed, she immediately reached out and said, "I want a hug."
Xu Xiuwen lowered his voice, "Stop it, Cheng Lu and the others are outside."
Then he raised his voice, "Are you getting up for breakfast? Cheng Lu and Shishi brought breakfast. If you're hungry, hurry up and get ready to eat."
Xiao Youran pouted, "I want a hug. If you don't hug me, I won't get up."
Just getting out of bed, with her sleepy eyes and a cute pout, Xiao Youran was incredibly adorable.
Xu Xiuwen hesitated for a moment but eventually made up his mind.
He quickly bent down, picked up Xiao Youran, and then immediately let go, saying, "I've hugged you, now get up quickly. I'll be waiting for you in the living room."
Xiao Youran nodded obediently.
Xu Xiuwen left the room.
Back in the living room, Xu Xiuwen had just sat down when Cheng Lu asked, "Has Xiao Youran gotten up yet?"
Xu Xiuwen nodded, "She's up."
Cheng Lu responded with an "Mm."
As if summoned by the mention of her name, Xiao Youran walked out of the room wearing slippers.
She was still dressed in the outfit Xu Xiuwen had given her the previous day: a white shirt and black shorts.
Her long, pale legs were exposed to the slightly chilly morning air.
Instead of heading straight to the bathroom, Xiao Youran walked to the junction of the living room and hallway.
She glanced at the three people by the dining table.
They all noticed her as well.
Cheng Lu immediately recognized the clothes Xiao Youran was wearing as Xu Xiuwen's.
However, her expression remained calm as she reminded, "Xiao Youran, hurry up and get ready for breakfast."
An Shishi also noticed Xiao Youran's clothes.
She bit her lip and smiled to herself, curious to see whether Cheng Lu would get upset and how Xu Xiuwen would explain.
Xiao Youran went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Xu Xiuwen was prepared for Cheng Lu to question him about why Xiao Youran was wearing his clothes.
Instead, Cheng Lu did not question him and calmly ate her pan-fried buns.
It was An Shishi who couldn't resist asking, "Master, why is Youran wearing your clothes?"
Xu Xiuwen quickly explained, "She didn't bring any clothes last night, so I lent her mine."
Cheng Lu smiled and said, "Don't mention it. It's nothing."
Seeing that Cheng Lu did not say anything, Xu Xiuwen felt a quiet sigh of relief.
An Shishi couldn't help but add, "Lu Lu, you're so generous. If it were me, I'd definitely be upset if my boyfriend's clothes were worn by another woman."
Cheng Lu smiled but didn't respond.
Soon, Xiao Youran finished washing up and came out of the bathroom.
She walked to the dining table and sat down next to Xu Xiuwen.
Xiao Youran smiled and said, "Thank you for the breakfast."
Cheng Lu calmly replied, "No need to thank us. It was just a small gesture."
Xiao Youran smiled faintly and picked up a pan-fried bun to eat.
After taking a bite, she said, "Xiao Xu, this pan-fried bun isn't very good. The potstickers from downstairs in our neighborhood are better, don't you think?"
Xu Xiuwen, who had been feeling slightly reassured seeing the two women getting along, was suddenly alarmed by Xiao Youran's comment.
The atmosphere instantly shifted.
As Xu Xiuwen had a bite of the pan-fried bun still in his mouth, he noticed Cheng Lu's expression turn icy.
He shivered slightly and did not respond but said, "Just eat quietly."
Xiao Youran pouted, "I'm just speaking the truth. This pan-fried bun isn't as good as the potstickers from our neighborhood. Haven't you always said that potstickers are your favorite? When we have a holiday, let's go eat them together."
Xiao Youran emphasized the words "from our neighborhood."
Xu Xiuwen thought, "Please don't say more. If you keep this up, Lu Lu will turn into an iceberg!"
Cheng Lu suddenly spoke up.
She picked up a pan-fried bun and placed it into Xu Xiuwen's bowl, smiling, "These pan-fried buns are a specialty of Hangzhou. Xu Xiuwen, do you like them?"
Xiao Youran, not to be outdone, asked, "Xiao Xu, which do you think is better, potstickers or pan-fried buns?"
An Shishi watched the exchange between the two, her heart filled with silent amusement.
Xu Xiuwen, meanwhile, wore a bitter smile. It was clear to him that while they were talking about pan-fried buns and potstickers, they were actually referring to themselves.
He knew that any answer he gave would be inappropriate.
After hesitating, he finally said, "Both are good, but the dumplings are the best!"
An Shishi laughed and said, "Master, we have the same taste. I also like dumplings."
Xu Xiuwen shot her a sideways glance, silently telling her not to cause trouble.
Cheng Lu heard Xu Xiuwen's words and remained calm, not pursuing the matter further.
Xiao Youran felt a twinge of disappointment at not hearing the response she wanted, but then felt happy again, thinking that at least Xiao Xu didn't choose Cheng Lu.
At least this time, he hadn't chosen Cheng Lu.
After breakfast, Xu Xiuwen asked An Shishi, "Are you going to do the dishes today?"
An Shishi nodded and began clearing the dishes, heading to the kitchen.
The dining area was left with only Xu Xiuwen, Cheng Lu, and Xiao Youran.
Cheng Lu glanced at Xiao Youran and asked, "Aren't you going to change clothes? Or are you planning to go to class dressed like that?"
Xiao Youran looked down at her clothes and smiled, "Is there a problem? I think Xiao Xu's clothes fit me quite well."
Xu Xiuwen, fearing a fight between them, quickly changed the subject, "What classes do you have this morning?"
Cheng Lu replied, "We have College English 2 and Microeconomics."
Xu Xiuwen asked, "Aren't you bringing any books for class?"
Cheng Lu answered, "I've got them in my bag."
Xu Xiuwen nodded, then found himself at a loss for words.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
Xu Xiuwen hurriedly said to Xiao Youran, "You didn't bring any books, did you? Go get them quickly so you don't miss your class."
Xiao Youran glanced at Xu Xiuwen, recalling what he had said the night before.
She wanted to address it directly but decided against it, as it might seem like she was forcing Xu Xiuwen to make another choice.
She wasn't confident she could win against Cheng Lu just yet.
She responded with a soft, "Alright, I'll head back now."
Xiao Youran left the room.
Seeing Xiao Youran leave without any unusual remarks, Xu Xiuwen felt a quiet relief.
With Xiao Youran gone, only Xu Xiuwen and Cheng Lu remained in the living room.
Cheng Lu suddenly snorted coldly and sat down on the sofa without saying a word.
She crossed her arms and wore a stony expression, giving off an icy vibe.
Xu Xiuwen hesitated for a second, then went over and sat down beside her.
He asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did someone upset you?"
Cheng Lu asked, "You must have been very happy sleeping with Xiao Youran last night."
Xu Xiuwen awkwardly laughed and said, "Lu Lu, what are you talking about? Who slept with Youran?"
Cheng Lu said, "I mean, you must have been thrilled that Xiao Youran stayed over."
Xu Xiuwen took Cheng Lu's hand and placed it in his palm, gently stroking it.
He said, "Lu Lu, why would you think that? My heart only has you. It wasn't you staying over, so why would I be so happy?"
Cheng Lu, hearing this, felt somewhat reassured.
She snorted, "How do I know if what you're saying is true?"
Xu Xiuwen said, "It's absolutely true. If you don't believe me, I can swear on it."
Cheng Lu replied, "No need to swear. I don't think you'd lie to me."
Xu Xiuwen felt a sigh of relief inside.
He continued to stroke Cheng Lu's hand.
Cheng Lu finally noticed and gently tried to pull her hand away, but couldn't.
She asked with a smile, "What are you doing?"
Xu Xiuwen grinned, "Just admiring your hand."
Cheng Lu gave him a look and said, "What's so special about my hand?"
Xu Xiuwen shook his head, "You're wrong. Just look at your hand."
He gently lifted Cheng Lu's right hand.
Her hand was slender and delicate, yet full and fair, with nails that were white and slightly pink, soft and glossy.
Her nails were immaculate, not a speck of dust on them, looking like a piece of pure art.
Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but praise, "Your hand is really beautiful and soft. It feels very nice to touch."
Cheng Lu chuckled and muttered, "Pervert!"
Just then, An Shishi finished washing the dishes and came out of the kitchen.
She had overheard Cheng Lu's comment and asked, "What pervert? Did Master do something bad again?"
Xu Xiuwen immediately shot An Shishi a reproachful glance and said, "Why is it always your business?"
Cheng Lu suppressed a smile, nodding toward An Shishi. "Yes, this person is a pervert. He kept touching my hand and saying how beautiful it is."
Cheng Lu glanced at her hand and asked, "Shishi, do you think my hand is pretty?"
An Shishi walked over and took a look at Cheng Lu's hand. "It's beautiful. I've always thought your hand is very pretty."
"Really?" Cheng Lu beamed with happiness.
Suddenly, An Shishi extended her hand and flicked it at Xu Xiuwen's face.
She had just finished washing the dishes, and droplets of water from her fingers splattered onto his face.
The coolness of the water on his skin was refreshing, but Xu Xiuwen immediately said, "An Shishi, are you crazy? Why are you flicking water on my face?"
An Shishi grinned, "Sorry, it wasn't intentional."
"Do you think I'll believe you?" Xu Xiuwen retorted.
He turned to Cheng Lu and said, "Lu Lu, next time, come alone or let me pick you up. Just don't bring her along."
An Shishi frowned, "Master, do you think I wanted to come? I was just covering for Lu Lu. I wouldn't want to see you otherwise."
Xu Xiuwen replied, "That's great. In the future, if I go to pick her up, you won't need to cover for her."
Watching An Shishi and Xu Xiuwen bicker, Cheng Lu smiled to herself.
She wasn't naive and had suspected An Shishi might have feelings for Xu Xiuwen.
But from their usual interactions, she dismissed that thought.
She felt Xiao Youran posed a bigger threat.
From Xiao Youran's recent behavior, it seemed she wasn't giving up and was trying to cling to Xu Xiuwen.
Cheng Lu was confident with other girls, believing Xu Xiuwen wouldn't betray her.
However, the special relationship between Xiao Youran and Xu Xiuwen made her less sure.
Cheng Lu didn't want to leave Xu Xiuwen with the impression that she was easily jealous or possessive, so she always tried to restrain herself around him.
Before leaving, Cheng Lu asked, "Are you going to class today?"
Xu Xiuwen shook his head, "I've taken an extended leave. I won't be going to classes for a while."
Cheng Lu nodded and then left with An Shishi.
After the two women left, Xu Xiuwen went to the master bedroom.
He carefully removed the duvet cover, pillowcases, and bed sheets, and washed them.
After erasing all possible traces, Xu Xiuwen finally felt relieved.
With matters in Jinling settled, Xu Xiuwen drove to Guangming City.
He needed to visit the Guangming Distillery.