There was a pause on the line.
Zeng Rou sighed. "I told you long ago, this circle isn't something you can break into with hard work alone. That's why I gave up my stable job and opened my own shop."
"Sometimes I really don't get you. Auntie is the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department at a top hospital, and Uncle is a regional manager at a pharmaceutical company. If you listened to them and became a doctor, you'd never have to worry..."
Zeng Keqin cut her off coldly. "Did my mom tell you to call?"
"Of course not. I'm doing this for your own good. While you still have options, go back and take the civil service exam. The family can arrange for you to work at the court. That's no worse than being a lawyer."
Zeng Keqin clutched her phone. "I'm not going back."
Zeng Rou was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. "Fine. Think it over. If you change your mind, let me know anytime."
"Mm. Thanks, sis."
After hanging up, the sounds of laughter from the group drew near, but she felt out of place.
Zeng Keqin looked at the pile of stuff still in the trunk and suddenly felt suffocated.
"Daydreaming again?"
A teasing voice came from behind.
Zeng Keqin turned her head.
Jiang Shiyu was leaning against a tree trunk nearby, arms crossed. His red hair was tousled by the wind, and he wore a dark green windbreaker with the collar turned up, looking steadier than usual.
He said in that irritating tone, "Why do you look like someone owes you five million?"
Zeng Keqin shot him a glare. "Mind your own business."
Jiang Shiyu walked over, bent down, and looked her in the eye.
"Have you forgotten you have a friend?"
Zeng Keqin was taken aback.
"Friends are meant to be bothered. If you keep everything to yourself, what's the point of having me as a friend? Decoration?"
Zeng Keqin stared at his face, so close. The setting sun turned his eyes amber, deep and captivating. The words she wanted to say were all forgotten.
"Qinqin, you're here!"
Shouts came from not far away. Liu Ying and Fang Yu ran over, out of breath.
Jiang Shiyu quickly straightened up, touching the back of his neck.
Zeng Keqin also stepped back, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Their eyes swept over the two of them. Fang Yu tugged Liu Ying's sleeve, exchanged a knowing glance, then mysteriously pulled out balloons and fairy lights from their bags.
"We're planning to celebrate Yueyue's birthday at midnight. The cake is in the car, not taken out yet. Later, Xiao Yu and I will set things up on that little hill over there—it won't be easily noticed."
Zeng Keqin: "What should I do?"
Liu Ying glanced at Jiang Shiyu. "Senior Jiang, could you and Qinqin help by keeping Wang Chunyue occupied and making sure she doesn't go to the hill?"
Jiang Shiyu answered promptly. "Sure, we'll try."
*
The charcoal in the barbecue grill crackled, covered with various vegetables and meat. Everyone sat around the grill, eating and roasting, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Wang Chunyue scanned the circle and suggested, "Let's play a game! Eating alone is boring."
Wu Mengting, leaning on Qian Bo's arm, asked, "What game?"
"Let's play 'Never Have I Ever'!"
She explained, "Everyone holds up ten fingers and says something they've done that no one else has. Those who haven't done it put down a finger. Whoever puts down all ten first loses, and the loser has to answer a question from the group honestly."
Everyone got excited and formed a circle.
Fatty raised his hand. "I'll go first!"
Wang Chunyue couldn't wait. "Alright, let's start!"
Fatty held up ten fingers, thought for a moment, then said, "I've been abroad!"
Two people put down a finger.
Next was Qian Bo. He puffed out his chest. "I have a girlfriend!"
Fatty and Liao Junyu each put down a finger. "You did that on purpose!" Then they turned to Jiang Shiyu and blurted out, "Why aren't you putting one down?"
Jiang Shiyu's casual gaze swept across the crowd, landing on Zeng Keqin. He paused for a second, then smiled ambiguously. "Does having a female friend count?"
Author's note: None