In the afternoon, Ding Sheng Group held a welfare event, setting up large sun umbrellas and chairs near all the high schools in Jinghua City where the college entrance examination was taking place. Alongside, they offered iced red tea and snacks.
Naturally, young master Guan wouldn't miss such a good opportunity to curry favor.
Dressed in a white T-shirt and white casual pants, Guan Mingxu exuded a sunny, handsome, and youthful aura.
Hearing the surrounding praise for Ding Sheng Group, he scoffed dismissively, "Shen Chi Yan only knows how to use these petty favors to win people over. I'm different."
Upon spotting Song Qi Nian, he excitedly ran over, waving a small pink elephant cup. "Xiao Nian Nian, look what I brought you."
Before Song Qi Nian could react, he immediately unscrewed the lid, took out the spoon attached to the cup, scooped a spoonful of the contents, and brought it to Song Qi Nian's lips. "The best summer drink, prepared by young master Guan himself: chilled bird's nest with lemon and plum."
Ever since he decided to pursue Song Qi Nian, Guan Mingxu had been contemplating how to win her away from Shen Chi Yan.
A few days prior, after trying chilled bird's nest with lemon and plum at a private kitchen, he wanted Song Qi Nian to taste it too.
Therefore, he pleaded and cajoled, and after days of learning from the head chef, the chef finally shared his secret recipe.
Song Qi Nian shied away slightly, maintaining a normal social distance from Guan Mingxu. Not to mention that she was a married woman, she simply didn't like Guan Mingxu and shouldn't engage in such intimate gestures with him.
Seeing Guan Mingxu's smile freeze, Song Qi Nian immediately took out her phone. Just as she was about to type, Guan Mingxu chuckled, "What you want to say, just use sign language. I can understand."
Song Qi Nian was somewhat surprised.
Guan Mingxu's heart pounded as Song Qi Nian's beautiful and captivating deer-like eyes gazed at him. He cleared his throat, "Don't look at me like that. Since I want to pursue you, I naturally have to be proficient in sign language."
Although she couldn't reciprocate Guan Mingxu's affections, Song Qi Nian was still quite pleased. She gestured with her hand, "Thank you... and, I'm sorry, I..."
Knowing what Song Qi Nian was about to say, Guan Mingxu interrupted her, "I know you don't like me, but it's enough that I like you. Please don't feel pressured. My liking you is my business, it has nothing to do with you."
Guan Mingxu's words were generous and forthright, leaving Song Qi Nian with nothing more to say.
After all, he was Qin Qin's friend, and her savior. She couldn't possibly cut off all contact with him.
"If you don't want me to feed you, then eat it yourself at your own pace."
Seeing Song Qi Nian hesitate, he added, "I spent a long time making this. You mustn't let my effort go to waste."
Song Qi Nian looked at Guan Mingxu, who was sweating profusely, and nodded with a smile.
They sat together, Guan Mingxu's gaze intently fixed on Song Qi Nian as she ate the chilled bird's nest he had prepared.
"How is it? Delicious?"
Song Qi Nian nodded in pleasant surprise and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Then, do you like me even a little bit?"
Being a few years younger certainly made a difference; he was quite direct.
Song Qi Nian almost choked on a plum. Seeing her face flush red, Guan Mingxu chuckled and patted her back, "Look at you getting scared. Is that question really so terrifying?"
Before Song Qi Nian could reply, the first student emerged from the campus.
Many reporters waiting at the entrance rushed forward to interview them.
They asked if the exam was difficult, what the essay topic was, and so on.
Song Qi Nian also immediately stood up and looked towards the school gate, waiting anxiously and nervously for Song Jia Shu.
As soon as the time was up, students began to emerge one after another. Song Qi Nian finally spotted Song Jia Shu.
Unable to call out to him, Song Qi Nian immediately waved her hand towards Song Jia Shu.
Song Jia Shu clearly hadn't seen Song Qi Nian and was still looking around.
At this, young master Guan let out a loud shout, his voice reaching a high pitch, "Song Jia Shu, your sister and I are over here!"
With that shout, everyone's attention turned towards them.
Song Qi Nian: "..."
The parents of the students were either middle-aged or elderly. A combination of handsome young men and beautiful women was rarely seen, and reporters naturally wouldn't let it pass.
They immediately swarmed towards the two of them.
"Excuse me, who is the person taking the college entrance examination to you two?"
Song Qi Nian couldn't speak, but Guan Mingxu was unfazed by the cameras. "It's our younger brother."
"Then are you two siblings...?"
Before Guan Mingxu could answer, Song Jia Shu ran over. "Jie..."
Upon seeing Song Jia Shu, Guan Mingxu familiarly slung an arm around his shoulder. "Brother, how was the exam? Did you finish all the questions? 985, 211 should be no problem, right?"
Song Qi Nian unceremoniously pushed Guan Mingxu's hand away. "Who are you?"
"I... I am your sister's friend."
Song Jia Shu had initially wanted to say 'admirer,' but fearing he might cause trouble for Song Qi Nian, he held back.
Song Jia Shu glanced at Song Qi Nian. Seeing her nod, he said, "It's too hot here, let's find somewhere else!"
This was an opportunity to show off, and Guan Mingxu naturally wouldn't miss it. He insisted on treating Song Qi Nian and Song Jia Shu to lunch, being as enthusiastic as possible.
Song Qi Nian felt a little embarrassed and was about to refuse when Guan Mingxu put on a heartbroken, teary-eyed expression. The siblings had no choice but to accompany him to the restaurant.
During the meal, Guan Mingxu continuously served dishes to Song Qi Nian and then to Song Jia Shu, being more attentive than the restaurant staff.
There was still a math exam in the afternoon. To ensure Song Jia Shu was well-rested, Song Qi Nian planned for him to return to the hotel for a nap after lunch.
Coincidentally, Guan Mingxu received a phone call and had to bid farewell to the siblings.
Guan Mingxu said to Song Qi Nian reluctantly, "Xiao Nian Nian, don't forget me. I'll come find you whenever I have time."
Then, he patted Song Jia Shu's shoulder. "Brother, study hard for your exam. After you finish, I'll take you out to play."
After Guan Mingxu left, Song Jia Shu looked at Song Qi Nian and couldn't help but ask, "Jie, is that guy pursuing you?"
Song Qi Nian nodded with a conflicted expression, unsure of what to do.
She had clearly rejected Guan Mingxu, yet he still wouldn't give up.
"Isn't this quite good? He's so much better than Shen Chi Yan, and he treats you well. Why don't you... divorce Shen Chi Yan and be with him!"
Saying this, Song Jia Shu sighed heavily. "Sigh, if only Jun Shen Ge Ge were still here. You two..."
Before Song Jia Shu could finish speaking, he saw Song Qi Nian's face instantly turn ashen, her eyes filled with deep fear.
He immediately grabbed Song Qi Nian's arm, his face filled with anxious concern. "Jie, what's wrong?"
Song Qi Nian's mind was filled with bloody images. She clenched her fists tightly, trying hard to calm herself.
Seeing Song Jia Shu's flustered and uneasy expression, she feigned a relaxed smile. "Perhaps I drank too many cold things today. My stomach feels a little uncomfortable."