Shen Li was about to speak when Gu Xingchuan rudely interrupted. “Aren’t you two done? Why are you still embracing in the hallway?”

Song Yi thought to himself that he was the one who sat on him, and that how childish he was for being jealous. However, Song Yi who was feeling victorious, felt jubilant and responded with a smile. “It’s been ages since our last meeting. Let’s grab a seat and catch up.”

There was a nearby Chinese restaurant with a simple yet elegant ambiance, exuding a strong Chinese style. Song Yi requested a private room with beautiful scenery on the beautiful beach.

As they placed their orders, Song Yi moved to sit opposite Shen Li but Gu Xingchuan beat him to it. Song Yi ended up sitting beside Gu Xingchuan and cast a gentle gaze at Shen Li, saying. “All the dishes I ordered were your favorites; I hope I’ve remembered your taste correctly.”

Shen Li’s eyebrows arched as he smiled. “Your memory is remarkable, Song Yi. You still recall my preference after so long.”

“You used to eat at my house a lot, and what you liked to eat were all my mom’s specialty dishes. I couldn’t forget them even if I wanted to.”

During high school, Shen Li’s family situation seemed strained. So, for a long time, lunch and dinner were often at Song Yi’s house. After dinner, they would sprawl across the table, tackling homework together. It was a wonderful time.

Shen Li took a sip of water with a strange expression on his face, but it was fleeting. He spoke expectantly, “Back in the capital, I want to try Auntie’s food again.”

“My mother will be delighted. She often mentions you.” Song Yi felt a warmth in his heart as he reminisced about sitting together with Shen Li and Zhao Hongyan’s family for dinner.

Shen Li nodded and said, “Alright, it’s a deal. I’ll prepare some gifts for Auntie.”

Song Yi smiled and said, “Coming to my house is the biggest gift.”

Unable to endure any longer, Gu Xingchuan tapped his porcelain tea cup against the mahogany table, making a resonating sound.

Shen Li attempted to say a few words but Gu Xingchuan’s presence rendered him speechless. He gazed softly at Gu Xingchuan and offered a warm smile. “Xingchuan, join us for a chat, I really like your new song!”

Gu Xingchuan glanced at him with a gloomy expression and a perfunctory “hmm”.

Feeling shut out, Shen Li turned to Song Yi for help. With a light smile, Song Yi poured a cup of tea and handed it to Shen Li. “Can’t you see? He’s envious.”

Gu Xingchuan was momentarily taken aback, then shot a meaningful glance at Song Yi and retorted maliciously. “Are you suggesting I envy you? What’s going on in that head of yours?”

Blushing, Shen Li looked between them with a gentle smile. “You haven’t changed a bit. Don’t quarrel over me anymore, it’ll hurt your classmates’ feelings.”

Song Yi nodded her chin in agreement, not wanting to keep talking about Gu Xingchuan in front of Shen Li. He changed the topic and said, “Why did you come to the seaside?”

Shen Li said, “A friend of mine brought me here. We live in that resort and he went out for something. I didn’t expect to bump into you all like this.”

“So it’s like that, then you can invite your friend to have a meal together. With more people, it’s lively.” Song Yi intentionally probed.

—