Laughter and chatter filled the air as the group soon arrived at their destination.
It was the same Chen Ji Barbecue restaurant where they had their first gathering after the initial roll call following the start of the semester. Over the past year, Qin Tian and the others had frequented this place for skewers, becoming familiar with the two owners.
This familiarity was precisely why Chen Zhuang could call ahead to reserve tables.
Otherwise, given Chen Ji Barbecue's current popularity, especially during dinner hours, it was usually a place where one had to queue.
As business boomed, the restaurant had hired more waitstaff, several of whom were senior students from Jiangcheng University working part-time.
The owners were very grateful for the restaurant's success, largely driven by students from Jiangcheng University. They offered competitive wages and benefits for student part-time employees.
Upon seeing Qin Tian and his group enter, the female owner warmly greeted them and led them to two large round tables already prepared inside.
With the help of a few waiters and the addition of some plastic stools, the two tables were filled to capacity.
The eight girls from two dormitories occupied one table. The lucky ones fortunate enough to share a table with them were Zhuang Zhe, the host of the evening, and Qin Tian.
The remaining boys, including Chen Zhuang and Cao Mingliang, had to squeeze into the other table.
The female owner brought over the menus, and everyone prepared to order.
"A Zhe, did you bring enough cash? I won't hold back!"
Chen Zhuang turned to Zhuang Zhe and loudly asked.
All eyes turned to Zhuang Zhe.
He, who had previously been a rather inconspicuous presence in class, was now, uncharacteristically, the focus of everyone's attention.
Zhuang Zhe smiled slightly and calmly nodded, "No problem, order whatever you like!"
"Brother Zhe is generous!"
Chen Zhuang grinned, offering a resounding compliment.
"Brother Zhe is generous!!"
The boys echoed in unison.
The girls at the other table chuckled and were visibly delighted.
The atmosphere immediately became lively.
No one stood on ceremony with Zhuang Zhe. They passed the menus around, ordering a wide variety of grilled skewers. They also requested two cases of ice-cold beer and one bottle of Beibingyang soda.
"Please wait a moment, your food will be out shortly."
The female owner, holding a full page of written orders, said with a beaming smile before quickly turning and leaving.
The drinks and a few cold appetizers were served promptly.
Chen Zhuang and Zhuang Zhe each took a bottle opener and got to work. Aside from a few girls who opted for drinks, everyone else received a bottle of beer.
Soon, everyone had their beer or beverage.
"Come on, everyone raise your glasses! Let's wish Zhuang Zhe and Tian Jing success in finding each other and wish them a sweet and happy future together."
Qin Tian raised his glass with a hearty laugh and called out loudly.
"Tian Ge is right! Come on, everyone drinking beer, no need for glasses, just grab your bottle and let's toast!"
"Zhuang Zhe, congratulations!"
"Sweet and happy, forever happy!"
"Forever happy!!!"
Everyone eagerly raised their bottles, adding their own wishes and sending their sincere congratulations to the couple.
With Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan, the class monitors, present, and considering the collective activities from the previous year like military training and the outdoor barbecue, the students of Economics Class One had a strong sense of camaraderie.
The still-single boys undoubtedly felt a mix of envy and jealousy towards Zhuang Zhe, but their blessings were equally genuine.
"Thank you, everyone!"
Zhuang Zhe also picked up his beer bottle and smiled, thanking everyone.
Tian Jing, who was as quiet as her name suggested, didn't say much but gently raised her glass of soda with a sweet smile.
"Cheers!"
Qin Tian initiated the toast!
"Cheers!!"
Everyone responded in unison, then tilted their heads back to drink.
Other customers in the restaurant were drawn to the commotion, casting curious and envious glances their way.
They typically came for barbecue in groups of three to five friends; a party of ten would already be considered quite lively.
However, a gathering that felt like an entire class, all there to celebrate the newly formed couple, was something many of them had never witnessed before.
Nibbling on peanuts, tossed cucumber, and edamame served as appetizers, they ate, drank, and chatted while waiting for the grilled skewers.
Xia Nuannuan had Qin Tian on her left and her good friend Su Yan, whom she hadn't seen in a while, on her right.
The two girls were chatting about their recent lives, their beautiful faces blooming like flowers. This drew the attention of many boys nearby, but none dared to approach.
Firstly, Qin Tian, a prominent figure at Jiangcheng University, was sitting beside them, and the students currently enjoying their barbecue had at least some awareness of his relationship with Xia Nuannuan.
Secondly, although the other girl was also very beautiful, she exuded an aura that kept people at a distance, making them hesitant to disturb her.
"Su Yan, have any boys been pursuing you recently?"
Xia Nuannuan asked with a smile.
Su Yan simply smiled in response, not answering, which clearly implied an affirmative.
Jiangcheng University had a large student body. Even if most boys lacked confidence when facing her, the sheer numbers meant there were still plenty of excellent and self-assured young men.
A girl like Su Yan, who possessed both talent and beauty, along with an exceptional demeanor, would never lack suitors.
Men's desire to conquer and possess is innate, and a "high mountain flower" like Su Yan easily ignites this desire.
Xia Nuannuan's eyes lit up slightly. She raised her right hand to cover her mouth and asked in a soft, curious tone, "Then haven't you found anyone you'd like to get to know?"
Su Yan smiled and shook her head.
"Okay, those boys are so pitiful."
Xia Nuannuan feigned a look of pity.
Su Yan playfully rolled her eyes and nudged her chin towards Qin Tian, saying, "Those boys secretly glancing at you are the pitiful ones, alright? At least I'm still single. With someone like him around, those boys have no hope."
"What are you talking about? Who's secretly glancing at me?"
Xia Nuannuan retorted, her face flushing.
"If you don't think so, just casually sweep your gaze around!"
Su Yan said with amusement.
"Fine, I will!"
Xia Nuannuan pouted and slowly looked around.
As expected, several boys averted their eyes in a flustered manner when they met her gaze, lowering their heads to eat skewers and pretending to chat and laugh with their friends.
"Well?"
Su Yan looked at her with a playful smile.
"Ahem, I didn't see anyone!"
Xia Nuannuan coughed lightly, stubbornly sticking to her denial.
Su Yan rolled her eyes again and didn't press the topic further.
Before long, the waiter brought two large platters of fragrant grilled skewers, placing one on each table.
Famished, everyone immediately began to grab for them.
With more people than food, it was first come, first served!
In front of these sizzling, aromatic skewers, no one was willing to yield.