Lu Yan chuckled and nodded under Xia Fei’s expectant gaze: “Alright, when we get to school next Monday, I’ll highlight the key points for you.” 

“Hmm, it would be even better if you could lend me your notes to look at.” Xia Fei suddenly recalled hearing at the tutoring center that top students have their own study methods, and their notes can benefit many people. 

“I don’t have the habit of taking notes,” Lu Yan said, looking helpless. 

Xia Fei and Lu Yan had been deskmates for a while, and thinking back, Xia Fei realized that Lu Yan indeed didn’t take notes in class. So he nodded and thought, well, at least he highlights the key points. He could review based on those highlights later. 

Xia Ruan looked at the two who had just finished their friendly negotiation and couldn’t help but look up to the sky. Couldn’t her brother have a little ambition? Lu Yan’s future value would be counted in billions, yet her brother felt he had repaid a favor just by having him highlight some points. Xia Ruan glanced at Xia Fei beside her, who looked smug, and felt like her heart was bleeding. They totally missed out on a huge opportunity. 

“Ruan Ruan, what are you thinking about? Let’s go.” Xia Fei leaned close and said loudly, unable to hide his joy in his tone. 

“You’re that happy?” Xia Ruan asked quietly. 

“Of course. Ruan Ruan, you don’t know, I heard from that guy Lu Jizhou that about 70 to 80 percent of the stuff Lu Yan marks ends up on the test. We’re totally gonna do better this time, and that means double the allowance!” Xia Fei was practically glowing just thinking about it. 

Xia Ruan shook her head and thought, let him enjoy it for now—he’ll regret it later. 

Almost home, Xia Fei suddenly remembered something and anxiously said, “Ruan Ruan, tomorrow is Grandpa’s birthday, but we haven’t prepared a gift yet.” 

Xia Ruan was calm: “It’s fine. I’ve already decided what to give him.” 

“What are you going to give?” Xia Fei was curious. 

“You’ll know tomorrow.” Since Xia Fei couldn’t keep a secret, Xia Ruan decided to keep it to herself for now. 

Xia Fei was about to ask more when Zhou Jingyi’s voice came from inside, “Xiao Fei, Ruan Ruan, do you want something else to eat?” 

They both answered together, “No, we’re good!” 

“Next time, remember to invite your classmates over to hang out. Friendships should be mutual, okay?” Zhou Jingyi said gently. 

“Got it, Mom.” The siblings tacitly didn’t mention that the classmate was Lu Yan. She had already nagged Xia Fei many times to invite Lu Yan over, but Xia Fei always avoided it. 

“Oh right, tomorrow is Grandpa’s birthday. You two should go to him in the morning. Your dad and I will come after we’re done with work in the evening,” Zhou Jingyi reminded them as they were about to go upstairs. 

Early the next morning, Xia Fei and Xia Ruan asked the driver to take them to where Zhou Yanheng lived. 

Xia Fei glanced at Xia Ruan, who was resting against the chair back, then looked around hesitantly and gently nudged her: “Ruan Ruan, Ruan Ruan?” 

“Ugh… you’re not sleepy?” she mumbled. She’d had a bad dream last night—something about Lu Yan acknowledging his family and going after their family and Grandpa’s company first. Even though he eventually backed off, others who wanted to curry favor with him cut off all their paths forward. She literally woke up from hunger, and it wasn’t until she saw the familiar ceiling that she could finally breathe again. 

“You didn’t sleep well last night?” Xia Fei carefully looked at her, wondering if she had forgotten about the gift and if he should remind her. 

Xia Ruan softly said yes. She had been running non-stop in the dream and felt like she had just run a marathon upon waking. Seeing Xia Fei’s gaze still on her, she reassured him, “Don’t worry, I’ve already thought of Grandpa’s gift. The banquet is in the evening. At noon, we’ll personally make lunch for Grandpa and bake a cake. I think he’ll appreciate the thought more than anything we could buy.” 

“What you say sounds good, but are you sure we can really do it?” Xia Fei wasn’t being self-deprecating, but they had never done these things before. Plus, after talking to Lu Yan last night, he’d really come to understand just how different people could be. 

“Relax, I’ve got it all under control. You just have to help me when the time comes. I’m going to sleep a bit now. Wake me up when we arrive,” Xia Ruan said and closed her eyes. 

Zhou Yanheng lived in a villa in the suburbs, surrounded by beautiful mountains and water. Xia Ruan took a deep breath after getting out of the car—the air in the countryside was really fresh. 

Though over sixty, Zhou Yanheng was still in good health and was very happy to see the two. 

“Grandpa, you look even younger than last time!” Xia Fei said dramatically as he clung to his grandpa’s arm. 

Xia Ruan held back a laugh. Her brother really was committed to the art of flattery—especially when pocket money was involved. 

Zhou Yanheng’s smile widened at Xia Fei’s words. He rubbed Xia Fei’s head: “Tell me, did your mom cut your pocket money again?” 

Xia Fei pretended to be surprised: “Grandpa, how did you know?” 

Xia Ruan checked the time, looked at the happily chatting Xia Fei, and had an idea. She stood up and waved at Xia Fei: “Brother, come here for a moment.” 

Xia Fei ran over, his smile even brighter with the pocket money in hand: “What’s up, Ruan Ruan?” 

“Keep entertaining Grandpa. I’m going to cook,” Xia Ruan arranged. 

Xia Fei hesitated: “So I won’t be helping at all?” 

Xia Ruan patted his shoulder: “Making Grandpa laugh is a kind of skill, too.” 

When Xia Ruan entered the kitchen, the housekeeper hurried up: “Miss, just tell me if you need anything.” 

Xia Ruan waved her hand: “No need, I want to personally make lunch for Grandpa.” 

Although Auntie was a bit doubtful, she still smiled and said, “Then I’ll stay here and help.” 

Xia Ruan knew this was because she didn’t believe Xia Ruan could do it, so she didn’t refuse her offer. 

Zhou Yanheng and Xia Fei had walked around the garden outside, but still couldn’t see Xia Ruan. He asked, “Where’s Ruan Ruan?” 

Xia Fei smiled broadly: “Ruan Ruan went to prepare your birthday gift, so Grandpa, you can stroll around outside with me until she finishes.” 

Hearing that Xia Ruan was preparing it with her own hands, Zhou Yanheng’s smile deepened: “Really?” 

Xia Fei nodded: “Of course, Ruan Ruan said that a handmade gift shows sincerity.” 

Zhou Yanheng was touched by Xia Fei’s words—the child had grown up and become more sensible. 

Since Xia Ruan came here, she hadn’t stepped into the kitchen until today, so she was a bit awkward at first. The aunt watched nervously, afraid she might somehow ruin the kitchen. But as time passed, Xia Ruan became more skilled, and the aunt’s worries slowly faded away. 

Last night, Xia Ruan had specifically gotten some information from Xia Fei, so the dishes she cooked today were all Zhou Yanheng’s favorites. 

After Xia Ruan served the longevity noodles last, Zhou Yanheng kept saying “good” three times, clearly seeing that it was made with effort. He held Xia Ruan’s hand softly and said, “Ruan Ruan, I’m happy enough that you and Xia Fei put in the effort. Next time, don’t go through so much trouble.” 

“I just wanted to make something for grandpa myself. It wasn’t hard at all.” Xia Ruan pouted, clinging to his arm. 

Though Zhou Yanheng was over sixty, he kept up with trends. Before anyone dug into the meal, he took a photo and posted it to his Moments with the caption: “My Ruan Ruan made my birthday meal herself.” His old friends were envious, and he smiled in satisfaction as the likes and comments came flooding in. 

After lunch was Zhou Yanheng’s nap time. During this, Xia Ruan took Xia Fei to make a cake together. 

The evening banquet started at seven. At three, Zhou Jingyi sent someone to pick them up for styling. 

This was Xia Ruan’s first time attending such a banquet. She felt excited inside but kept calm on the outside. Loving beauty is a girl’s nature. After finishing her hair and makeup and changing into the pale pink dress Zhou Jingyi picked out, Xia Ruan couldn’t help but take a picture and post it on social media. 

Since adding Xia Ruan on WeChat, Lu Yan had gotten into the habit of browsing his moments. That day, he put down his book, casually opened Moments, and saw the photo Xia Ruan posted. His scrolling finger suddenly stopped. 

By night, Xia Ruan’s excitement had completely faded. Although it was Grandpa’s birthday banquet, most of the discussions were about company matters. 

Seeing Lu Yanzhi there surprised her. According to her brother, since Lu Yanzhi rejected their childhood engagement, he hadn’t appeared at any banquets hosted by Grandpa. 

“Ruan Ruan, come here to Grandpa,” Zhou Yanheng waved at Xia Ruan. 

When she walked over, she saw Grandpa proudly introducing her to an elderly man beside Lu Yanzhi: “This is Ruan Ruan, and all the dishes at lunch were cooked by her personally.” 

Old Master Lu nodded affectionately at Xia Ruan: “Ruan Ruan, do you remember Grandpa Lu?” 

“Hello, Grandpa Lu,” Xia Ruan replied obediently, no matter how she complained inside. 

Old Master Lu looked at Xia Ruan’s obedient face and sighed. Truly, girls change a lot as they grow up. He glanced at Lu Yanzhi, who was smiling brightly like a blooming flower, then said to Zhou Yanheng, “The old folks will chat; the kids will probably find it boring. You guys go and have fun.” 

Zhou Yanheng glanced at Lu Yanzhi, snorted lightly, then waved to Xia Ruan: “Ruan Ruan, take this little guy around.” 

Xia Ruan, understanding that guests should be treated well, took Lu Yan Zhi around. He seemed to never stop talking, while Xia Ruan just responded now and then. 

Lu Yanzhi suddenly chuckled: “Xia Ruan, do you hate me?” 

Xia Ruan curled her lips: “How could I? You’re overthinking.” 

Lu Yan Zhi raised an eyebrow with a playful look in his eyes. “Really? Because I can feel that you’re completely resisting me.” 

Luckily, the birthday song and cake-cutting ceremony came just in time to rescue Xia Ruan from embarrassment. 

Meanwhile, Lu Yan, who just finished his night run and got home, received a WeChat message from Lu Jizhou. Opening it casually, he saw the message: “Lu Yan, hurry up, the soft girl is about to be kidnapped.” It was accompanied by a photo.