Chapter 70

It was clear that Chen Jian had put a lot of thought into this dinner. The restaurant and the dishes were of high quality.

The 909 dormitory had 8 boys, plus 5 female relatives, making a total of 13 people who could just fit around a large table.

The dinner was ostensibly to celebrate Chen Jian and Su Yi's new relationship, but throughout the evening, everyone focused on Bian Xuedao and Shan Rao, with Shan Rao being the primary subject of attention.

Su Yi had experienced Bian Xuedao standing up for her and Chen Jian in a fight on her birthday, so even though she was usually calm and reserved, she was particularly attentive to Shan Rao, who had come with Bian Xuedao.

The dinner revealed the social hierarchy.

Shan Rao saw how well Bian Xuedao was treated by his dorm mates and knew that this was due to his good relationships with them. She understood that such a man would likely do well in society.

Seeing that Bian Xuedao wasn't drinking, Shan Rao didn't drink either. The people at the table, including Ai Feng, no longer urged Bian Xuedao to drink, but the atmosphere remained lively.

During the dinner, Chen Jian dropped a piece of news: Tong Chao had recently been getting close to a girl.

This was the most interesting topic, and everyone eagerly asked Tong Chao about the situation.

Tong Chao was straightforward: "I met her a few days ago while studying in the library. She has seen me play soccer."

Everyone responded with an "Oh," as it was not surprising that a boy with athletic skills would be popular with girls.

"Which department is she in?"

"Which year is she in?"

"Where is she from?"

"What's her name?"

The questions came in rapid succession.

"She's in our year, studying Wildlife and Nature Reserve Management, from Chengdu, and her name is Xia Ning," Tong Chao said.

Everyone continued to press him, asking for more details about how they met in the library.

Tong Chao described their first conversation, first interaction, and first date.

While Tong Chao was talking, Yu Jin made faces at Kong Weize, clearly indicating that Tong Chao was already one step into a relationship, leaving only him as the last single person in the dorm.

The conversation at the table then revolved around Tong Chao and Xia Ning, whom no one had met. Everyone gave Tong Chao advice, with the goal of helping him get to know Xia Ning quickly and establish a relationship.

To help Tong Chao get to know Xia Ning faster, everyone offered suggestions.

Some suggested going out to eat and shop together, some suggested giving gifts, some suggested calling ten times a day and sending 50 text messages, and some suggested studying together every day.

Ai Feng, being quick-witted, said to Tong Chao, "None of our suggestions will be useful. You're the youngest in the dorm, and with so many sisters here today, why don't you let them give you advice from a girl's perspective?"

Chen Jian, who was good at creating a lively atmosphere, added, "Advice shouldn't be free. One piece of advice for one glass of wine, how about that?"

It was clear that Tong Chao was very interested in Xia Ning. Hearing Chen Jian's words, he immediately filled his glass and looked at the girls at the table, which made everyone laugh.

Zhou Ling usually didn't speak much in such situations, knowing that she was different from the others.

Su Yi and Li Xun had similar personalities, mostly smiling and occasionally joining the conversation.

Nan Jiao, who was usually the most talkative, seemed a bit out of her element with this topic and had no good ideas.

Seeing that Tong Chao was a bit awkward, Shan Rao took over the conversation: "Do you know what her hobbies are?"

Grateful for the help, Tong Chao looked at Shan Rao and quickly said, "She really likes photography. She always has her camera with her and often goes out to take photos."

Shan Rao said, "You could get a camera and ask her for photography tips. If she doesn't refuse, you can go out to take photos with her, and you'll get to know each other better."

Tong Chao thought for a moment and casually asked, "What are your hobbies, Sister?"

Shan Rao took a sip of tea and smiled at Bian Xuedao without answering.

Bian Xuedao whispered a few words in Shan Rao's ear, seeking her opinion. Seeing her nod, he said, "Old Eight, you should hurry up. Shan Rao and I have discussed it, and we plan to go to Beidaihe for a few days during the summer break. Anyone from the dorm who wants to go can sign up in advance, and we'll cover the expenses. We'll treat everyone to our engagement dinner in Beidaihe. You can also bring your significant others."

At first, there was silence, then cheers erupted in the private room. Everyone knew that Bian Xuedao wasn't one to make empty promises and that he was always generous to his dorm mates, so no one hesitated. Those with girlfriends immediately discussed their summer plans with them, planning to join the trip and enjoy the treat.

Bian Xuedao looked at Yang Hao and said, "Since I'm putting in so much effort, why don't you bring your girlfriend and let everyone meet her?"

Yang Hao smiled and said, "I'll ask her and try to bring her."

After finishing his drink, Li Yu stood up and said, "I'm not trying to steal the spotlight from Old Bian, but I've already booked a KTV room for this afternoon. Everyone is welcome to join us."

The atmosphere was now at its peak.

Bian Xuedao and Li Yu, who were willing to spend money for their friends, made everyone in this small circle feel comfortable and relaxed, both in conversation and in play.

In the KTV room, Li Yu started with a loud rendition of "Too Silly," followed by Yang Hao with "A Real Man," and then the free-for-all began.

Shan Rao had only provided a few harmonies for Su Yi and then sat next to Bian Xuedao, sipping her drink.

She really enjoyed the feeling of this friend circle and appreciated how Bian Xuedao had designed their engagement dinner in such a novel way, especially since he had sought her opinion before announcing it.

Shan Rao was immersed in a deep sense of happiness, almost unable to pull herself away.

Li Yu, holding the microphone, said, "Minister Shan, you can't do this! I saw you perform on stage during the school anniversary. If you don't sing, I won't tell you that Old Bian can sing."

Seeing Bian Xuedao smiling at her, Shan Rao put down her beer, clapped her hands, and said, "Alright, I'll sing one for you, to show you that Old Bian can sing!"

Shan Rao chose Li Wei's "True Lover."

As the music started, Shan Rao entered the rhythm of the song.

As soon as she began to sing, everyone was surprised to find that Shan Rao could capture the sexy and playful tone of Li Wei's voice. Her rendition of "True Lover" was wild and passionate. She didn't deliberately look at Bian Xuedao while singing, but everyone in the room could feel that she was singing to him, with direct and bold love pouring out of her voice, sincere and genuine.

Li Yu, listening to Shan Rao's singing, sighed to Li Xun beside him, "They are a singing power couple! I already can't compete with Old Bian, and now with Minister Shan, I have no chance at all."

"True Lover" completely set the tone for the singing. Regardless of whether the songs were chosen correctly or not, as long as they were chosen, someone would sing them.

Shan Rao sat back next to Bian Xuedao, said nothing, and picked up her drink, smiling as Li Yu and the others fought over the microphone.

Seeing that Bian Xuedao wasn't drinking, Shan Rao used a toothpick to pick a grape and offered it to him, then switched to watermelon, and then to apple. The two of them sat closer and closer, eventually naturally leaning against each other, both tacitly agreeing not to move.

Bian Xuedao felt Shan Rao's warmth, and every now and then, she would turn to give him a look, making sure he didn't feel left out.

When Li Yu and Chen Jian came over to urge Bian Xuedao to sing, Shan Rao sat up straight and joined in the cheering.

Bian Xuedao looked through the song list and chose Zhang Yu's "Single Love."

Li Yu said, "That's a good choice. One just boldly declared love, and the other is now declaring loyalty."

Ai Feng asked Li Yu, "Have you carefully read the lyrics of 'Single Love'? Isn't it about saying 'goodbye' loudly? That doesn't fit!"

Li Yu said, "Of course I've read them carefully; I can almost recite them. I'm telling you, there's no better song to declare loyalty to Minister Shan."