"I'm back…"
Ye Ziming originally walked in with a cheerful step and called out to Lu Chuan and the others. However, when he saw the chaotic scene before him, the last "le" was stuck in his throat.
He walked over to An Ran and whispered, "How come they're here?"
"How would I know? It's so annoying." An Ran rolled her eyes at Liu Meina's back and then tightened her hold on Liu Ruoyan.
At this point, they couldn't leave nor could they stay, making the situation even more frustrating.
Ye Ziming glanced at Liu Ruoyan's expression. She stood quietly behind Lu Chuan and Liu Meina, staring at them with calm eyes, showing no sign of disturbance. He had no idea what she was thinking.
"Hurry up, Lu Chuan. It's almost time."
As the countdown approached, Liu Meina anxiously urged Lu Chuan to quickly lower the claw.
Lu Chuan wasn't distracted by her. Calmly, he rocked the joystick left and right, and after determining the position, he pressed the button forcefully in the last three seconds. The claw descended steadily onto the little rabbit. Although it swayed precariously, causing Lu Yuhang to cover his mouth in fear, it eventually landed securely in the prize slot.
"Yay~ Great job, Lu Chuan. You're amazing." Lu Yuhang cheered, jumping up with both hands in the air.
"Lu Chuan, you're incredible. We tried for so long and almost ran out of tokens without success, but you did it on the first try," Liu Meina said, taking the stuffed animal from the machine and looking at Lu Chuan with added admiration.
She handed the little rabbit to Lu Yuhang. "Here, it's for you. I envy you for having such an amazing brother."
"It's so cute." Lu Yuhang hugged the rabbit and petted it a few times. It was a pure white bunny, about the length of his forearm, fluffy and smooth, with a great texture.
After a few moments of petting, he turned to Liu Ruoyan.
Seeing Lu Yuhang turn, Liu Ruoyan forced a smile on her otherwise gloomy face.
Lu Yuhang shoved the rabbit into Liu Ruoyan's arms and said coolly, "Here, Liu Ruoyan."
"Huh? For me?" Liu Ruoyan was stunned, unsure of how to react.
Lu Chuan, Liu Meina, Ye Ziming, and An Ran all looked at Lu Yuhang in confusion.
"Hey, stuffed animals are things girls like. I don't need it, so just take it, Liu Ruoyan. My brother won it for you."
Seeing Liu Ruoyan's lack of response, Lu Yuhang pushed the rabbit towards her again, maintaining a cool demeanor and an arrogant tone.
No one expected him to make such a sudden gesture, and everyone's reactions were varied.
Liu Meina, who had just shown disappointment at not getting the stuffed animal and admiration for Lu Chuan's success, was now green with envy as Lu Yuhang gave the special stuffed animal to Liu Ruoyan.
Lu Chuan raised his eyebrows, watching the interaction between Lu Yuhang and Liu Ruoyan with great interest.
Liu Ruoyan suddenly realized she had misjudged. The way this little brat, who seemed so cold yet gentle, was so much like Lu Chuan. As she accepted the stuffed animal from Lu Yuhang, she felt a warm feeling inside.
"This little guy, I didn't realize you're such a warm-hearted boy," An Ran said, patting Lu Yuhang's head and intentionally linking her arm with Liu Ruoyan's. "Ruoyan, even the little handsome guy prefers you. I'm so jealous."
"It's no big deal. Liu Ruoyan is our group's favorite," Lu Yuhang said proudly, turning to Liu Meina with a tone full of regret. "Too bad I only have this one brother to share. Sorry, don't be jealous, pretty sister."
"Oh~" Liu Meina tucked her bangs behind her ear and smiled awkwardly.
This little guy is quite the character, so interesting. No wonder he's Lu Chuan's brother. Ye Ziming leaned against the nearby game machine, enjoying the show.
Then Lu Yuhang tugged at Lu Chuan's hand. "Aren't we going to eat? Hurry up, I'm hungry."
Lu Chuan ruffled his hair and picked him up. "Okay, okay, let's go. I'll take you to get something delicious."
"Alright, Academic Committee, we're leaving. Bye~" Ye Ziming, with a mischievous look, said goodbye to Liu Meina and the others before quickly catching up with Liu Ruoyan and the others.
The hot pot restaurant was upstairs. On the way, Lu Yuhang wrapped his arms around Lu Chuan's neck and stuck his tongue out at Liu Ruoyan. Liu Ruoyan responded with a playful face, and they both burst into laughter.
At this time, the hot pot restaurant was not crowded. The group found a window seat and sat down.
While everyone went to get the sauces, Liu Ruoyan leaned in and whispered to Lu Yuhang, "Did you say I'm the group's favorite?"
"Yeah," Lu Yuhang answered without hesitation.
"Do you know what it means to be the group's favorite?"
"Of course I do. Liu Ruoyan, do you think I'm as dumb as you?"
Being the group's favorite doesn't mean being called by first name by little kids, not even being called 'sister,' getting teased, and being bullied every day. Liu Ruoyan pouted, feeling a bit indignant.
The little brat seemed to understand her feelings. He shook his head impatiently and said, "Ah, it's just that I like you so I tease you, got it? Don't worry, I'll protect you. Except for me and my brother, no one can bully you!"
What?? The way you show affection is a bit strange.
The table was filled with various delicious dishes: beef and lamb slices, fish balls, shrimp balls, tripe, and assorted vegetables. Since there were children who couldn't eat spicy food, they had ordered a divided hot pot. Soon, the soup in the pot began to boil, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.
Ye Ziming, adding meat to the pot, said, "Today's really lively. Did you see Liu Meina's expression just now? A mix of sadness, envy, and helplessness. It was so pitiful, it made me laugh so hard."
"Why bring her up?" An Ran filled everyone's glasses with drinks and raised her own. "Let's celebrate our good results in the exam."
"Right, right. Thanks to Lu Chuan. Eat more," Ye Ziming agreed.
"No, it's the result of everyone's review together," Lu Chuan said softly.
Liu Ruoyan and An Ran looked after Lu Yuhang while he ate. Soon, he was full and sitting on the side, watching cartoons on Lu Chuan's phone. When he got tired, he leaned against Liu Ruoyan and rested his head on her shoulder, showing a sense of reliance.
Liu Ruoyan sensed the unique scent of milk from the little boy and suddenly found him much easier to get along with, even finding him quite adorable.