As Xu Xiuwen and Jiang Ruoyu approached, Xiao Youran asked in surprise, "Xiao Yu'er, what are you doing here?"
Jiang Ruoyu explained, "Sister Youran, it's Brother Xiuwen who brought me here."
"No, I mean how come you're at our school? Shouldn't you be at home?"
Xu Xiuwen interrupted their conversation, "Alright, we'll talk later. I'm starving, let's eat first."
"Oh, okay."
Xu Xiuwen led Jiang Ruoyu to the cafeteria window to get food.
After getting their meals, they followed Xiao Youran back to her seat.
The other three girls from Room 301 were also there.
When the three girls saw Xiao Youran return with Xu Xiuwen, they weren't surprised.
However, they were a bit taken aback when they noticed the unfamiliar girl, especially after seeing her appearance.
Cheng Lu reacted calmly.
An Shishi showed a hint of surprise.
Song Siyu looked puzzled.
Xu Xiuwen naturally introduced Jiang Ruoyu to the three girls.
"This is Jiang Ruoyu; you can call her Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu, these are Youran's roommates."
"Hello, sisters," Jiang Ruoyu greeted politely.
The three girls responded politely as well.
Since a table could only fit four people, the four girls from Room 301 had to sit together.
Xu Xiuwen and Jiang Ruoyu had to take their plates to the table behind.
As soon as they sat down, Xiao Youran joined them with her plate.
An Shishi subtly nudged Cheng Lu's arm and signaled with her eyes that Xiao Youran had come over.
Cheng Lu gave a faint smile and continued eating, not commenting, which left An Shishi feeling a bit bored.
She didn't say more but kept her ears open.
Xiao Youran sat across from Xu Xiuwen.
"Xiao Xu, why did you bring Xiao Yu here?"
Xu Xiuwen smiled, "Isn't it okay?"
"It's not that it's not okay; I'm just surprised. Did Auntie Gu know?"
Xu Xiuwen shook his head, "I haven't told Auntie Gu."
"She'll definitely worry if she doesn't know."
"You're right. I'll call Auntie Gu now."
Xu Xiuwen took out his phone and called Auntie Gu.
She didn't know they had arrived in Jinling and asked when they would be back so she could prepare a meal for them.
Xu Xiuwen quickly said he and Xiao Yu would be eating out and wouldn't be coming home for lunch.
Auntie Gu didn't object but gave a few instructions.
After hanging up, Xu Xiuwen smiled, "Everything's fine now."
Xiao Youran turned to Jiang Ruoyu and asked, "Xiao Yu, why did you come with Xiao Xu? Did he force you?"
Jiang Ruoyu shook her head, "No, Sister Youran, I came willingly. Brother Xiuwen said he would take me to see Jinling University of Political Science and Law."
"Want to study law, Xiao Yu?"
"Yes, Sister Youran."
"Studying law is good. When you graduate, you can be Xiao Xu's private lawyer and make him spend more money."
A glimmer of interest flashed in Jiang Ruoyu's eyes but was quickly concealed.
She smiled and nodded, "Sure, I can be Brother Xiuwen's private lawyer in the future."
Xu Xiuwen interrupted them, "Enough talk. The food's getting cold. Let's eat."
The two girls promptly began eating.
Xiao Youran started with her own plate but soon became a bit restless.
She extended her chopsticks into Xu Xiuwen's plate and, under his gaze, picked up a piece of pork rib.
She chuckled and then popped the rib into her mouth.
After finishing one piece, Xiao Youran wanted to repeat her actions.
But just as she picked up the second piece, Xu Xiuwen suddenly knocked her chopsticks away with his own.
"Xiao Xu, what are you doing?"
Xu Xiuwen, amused by Xiao Youran's accusation, laughed.
"I should be asking you that. Why are you taking from my plate and not eating from your own?"
"Well, your plate looks more appetizing."
"Hehe!"
"Come on, Xiao Xu, just let me have one bite," Xiao Youran said, playfully.
"Alright, alright, I'll give you one," Xu Xiuwen couldn't resist her coaxing, especially when it came from Xiao Youran.
Her cute and coquettish demeanor made Xu Xiuwen unable to remain firm.
So, he took the initiative and put a piece of braised pork rib onto Xiao Youran's plate.
"Hehe."
Xiao Youran was delighted and happily started eating the rib.
For a moment, both of them forgot that Jiang Ruoyu was also there.
Jiang Ruoyu silently observed everything.
Suddenly, she softly said to Xu Xiuwen, "Brother Xiuwen…"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I… I'd like to have a piece of pork rib too. I want to try some."
"Sure, no problem," Xu Xiuwen agreed readily.
So, Jiang Ruoyu extended her chopsticks and picked up a piece of braised pork rib from Xu Xiuwen's plate.
She then lowered her head and began eating the rib.
Xiao Youran had no reservations about Jiang Ruoyu.
Seeing this, she had no dissatisfaction whatsoever.
Soon, Cheng Lu and the other two finished their lunch.
The three of them did not leave immediately but continued sitting at their seats.
Xiao Youran suddenly asked, "Xiao Xu, are you taking Xiao Yu to Jinling University of Political Science and Law this afternoon?"
"Yes, I'll take her there for a tour after lunch."
"Can I join you?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruoyu paused eating and turned to look at Xu Xiuwen.
Without thinking much, Xu Xiuwen replied, "Sure, but don't you have classes this afternoon?"
Xiao Youran grinned, "Afternoon classes aren't important; I can skip them."
"Xiao Youran, have you learned to skip classes now?"
Xiao Youran didn't feel guilty at all and smiled, "I learned it from you."
"Good things you don't learn, only the bad ones!"
"Oh, skipping class once in a while is fine."
"Let's hope so. If your exam results aren't good, see how you explain it to Aunt Zhang!"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine with the exams," Xiao Youran said confidently.
"Alright then, you can join us this afternoon."
"You're the best, Xiao Xu!" Xiao Youran smiled happily.
Suddenly, An Shishi from the neighboring table chimed in, "Master, I'd like to join you this afternoon as well. Is that alright?"
An Shishi's unexpected comment caught everyone off guard.
Xu Xiuwen looked up and met An Shishi's gaze.
Before he could speak, An Shishi continued, "Xiao Yu, you won't mind if I come along, will you?"
An Shishi, with her subtly green-tea demeanor, showed a hint of her true nature.
However, from Jiang Ruoyu's reaction, she didn't seem to notice.
Xu Xiuwen softly scolded, "What's the point of going? Why are you trying to join the fun?"
"If you're not taking me, just say so. No need to be so harsh!" An Shishi said, feigning innocence.
Xiao Youran didn't pick up on the subtlety.
She noticed Xu Xiuwen's tone was too harsh and advised, "Xiao Xu, why are you being so mean? If Shishi wants to go, just take her along. It'll be more lively with an extra person."
An Shishi, feeling 'moved,' said, "Youran, you're the only one who's nice to me. Unlike some people who are always so harsh."
Jiang Ruoyu also responded softly, "If Sister wants to go, she should come along."
With both Jiang Ruoyu and Xiao Youran agreeing, Xu Xiuwen could have easily given in.
However, he was concerned that An Shishi might cause trouble if she joined. She wasn't exactly the most obedient person.
He remained firm, "No, I don't have time to deal with you this afternoon."
An Shishi pretended to shed a few tears and said, "Wuwu, Master is so mean to me. I'm so sad."
Keep on pretending!
Xu Xiuwen could see through her act.
Xiao Youran, however, didn't notice.
She was about to say something when Cheng Lu spoke up first.
Cheng Lu said to An Shishi, "Shishi, why don't you skip the outing this afternoon and join me for class instead?"
An Shishi had always seen Cheng Lu as an authority figure.
Sometimes, Cheng Lu's words carried more weight than Xu Xiuwen's.
This was no exception.
Upon hearing Cheng Lu, An Shishi's attitude immediately changed.
She nodded and said, "Alright, I'll listen to you and won't join in the fun."
With An Shishi voluntarily backing down, Xiao Youran decided to drop the matter.
She then turned to Song Siyu and asked, "Siyu, are you coming this afternoon?"
Song Siyu shook her head immediately, "I'm not going either."
"Okay then."
Xu Xiuwen glanced at the three girls and finally said to Cheng Lu, "Lu Lu, you all can head back to the dorm after finishing your meal. There's no need to wait for us."
Cheng Lu nodded.
She glanced briefly at Jiang Ruoyu and then at Xiao Youran before standing up. "Then we'll head back to the dorm."
"Alright, take care."
Cheng Lu and An Shishi stood up and walked out of the cafeteria, with Song Siyu following them.
Once outside the cafeteria, An Shishi suddenly imitated Jiang Ruoyu's tone and said to Cheng Lu, "Sister, aren't you worried that your Brother Xiuwen will be out with other girls this afternoon?"
She was quite skilled at mimicking, her tone nearly perfect.
Cheng Lu laughed at her.
"Shishi, be serious."
"I am serious."
Noticing Cheng Lu's relaxed expression, Song Siyu couldn't help but ask, "Cheng Lu, aren't you at all worried that Xu Xiuwen might be cheating? He's quite a scumbag!"
Cheng Lu was well aware of Song Siyu's opinion of Xu Xiuwen and wasn't upset by her words.
She smiled faintly and said, "Trust is crucial in a relationship, so I trust him."
Hearing Cheng Lu's response, Song Siyu fell silent.
Although she didn't have a high opinion of Xu Xiuwen, Cheng Lu was indeed a remarkable girl.
Having known her for over half a year, Cheng Lu's behavior, character, and qualities were all above reproach.
To be honest, if she were in Cheng Lu's place, it would be hard not to be moved by someone like her.
The two girls quickly finished eating and watched Xu Xiuwen quietly as he finished his lunch.
Xu Xiuwen, under the gaze of both girls, finished his meal.
He glanced at the time and said to the two of them, "It's too hot now. Let's go to my place for a while."
Xiao Youran nodded in agreement.
Jiang Ruoyu asked with some confusion, "Returning home and then coming back here seems like a waste of time."
Xu Xiuwen smiled and explained, "I'm not going back to Jinling. I bought an apartment near the school too. We'll go there."
Jiang Ruoyu was surprised and widened her eyes.
Xu Xiuwen didn't elaborate further and simply smiled, "Let's go."
Back at Jiangning Garden.
Jiang Ruoyu observed the large house before her.
The house was exquisitely decorated and had great taste.
She really liked the place.
Xiao Youran said to Jiang Ruoyu, "Xiao Yu, let me wash some apples for you."
After saying this, she walked straight to the kitchen.
When she came out again, she carried a plate.
The plate held four or five fresh apples.
Xu Xiuwen picked up an apple casually and headed towards the bedroom, saying, "I'll go to the bedroom and charge my phone."
After Xu Xiuwen left, only Jiang Ruoyu and Xiao Youran were left in the living room.
Xiao Youran sat on the sofa, carefully peeling an apple.
Jiang Ruoyu couldn't help but ask, "Sister Youran, I have something to ask you."
"Go ahead and ask," Xiao Youran continued peeling the apple, seemingly unconcerned.
"You and Brother Xiuwen aren't living together, are you?"
Xiao Youran was startled.
The small knife in her hand nearly cut her finger.
While she was secretly relieved, she did not forget Jiang Ruoyu's question.
She turned to Jiang Ruoyu and said, "Xiao Yu, you scared me."
Seeing Xiao Youran's reaction, Jiang Ruoyu forced a smile and said, "Sorry, Sister Youran."
Xiao Youran shook her head and said, "It's fine. Why would you think that Xiao Xu and I are living together?"
Jiang Ruoyu pointed to the house, "Isn't this house something Brother Xiuwen bought for you two to live together?"
Xiao Youran laughed.
She shook her head and said, "No, I usually live at school and only come here occasionally."
"Oh, I see…" Jiang Ruoyu said, seeming to understand.
Soon, Xu Xiuwen came out of the bedroom.
Jiang Ruoyu didn't bring up the living-together topic again.
Xiao Youran also kept quiet about it.
The three of them watched TV in the living room for a while.
Xu Xiuwen fell asleep while watching.
Jiang Ruoyu and Xiao Youran sat together, chatting while watching TV.
They had a close relationship when they were younger, and though there was some awkwardness after high school due to not seeing each other often, the awkwardness gradually faded as they chatted.
Before they knew it, it was 2 PM.
Xiao Youran woke Xu Xiuwen up.
He rubbed his sleepy eyes and gradually became more awake.
Xiao Youran chided playfully, "Xiao Xu, you're really something. Both Xiao Yu and I are here with you, and you're still sleeping."
Xu Xiuwen chuckled, "I didn't sleep well last night."
Jiang Ruoyu, of course, knew that his lack of sleep was because of her.
After all, he had arrived at her home early in the morning while it was still dawn.
She felt quite guilty and said, "I'm sorry, Brother Xiuwen, for keeping you up."
Xu Xiuwen hurriedly said, "Xiao Yu, don't say that. It's not your fault."
Xiao Youran added, "Yes, Xiao Yu, don't overthink it."
Jiang Ruoyu nodded but still looked a bit apologetic.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore," Xu Xiuwen said. "It's about time. Let's go visit Jinling University."
"Okay."
"I'll follow your lead, Brother Xiuwen."
So the three of them left Jiangning Garden.
Xu Xiuwen drove the two girls to Jinling University of Political Science and Law.
The university did not allow outside vehicles to enter.
Despite Xu Xiuwen's efforts to persuade the gatekeeper, the guard refused to let them in.
Xu Xiuwen had no choice but to let the girls get out of the car first and then find a place to park.