The hot pot restaurant three people went to was recommended by Song Qi. He used to frequent this place with his teammates, and the taste was excellent.
After the waiter at the entrance led them to a table for four, he handed them the menu.
Since Song Qi had been here before, they let him order, while Song Duanli used hot water to clean their cutlery.
While waiting for the food, Song Qi and Shen Jianxi chatted idly. Although Song Duanli didn't say much, his presence was undeniable. He would pour Shen Jianxi water, or feed her some of the complimentary snacks, which made Song Qi clench his fists.
Just as he was about to speak, someone suddenly sat down beside them. The three looked over and recognized the newcomer: it was Xie Shu.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Xie Shu familiarly poured himself a cup of water, looking at them with amusement. "I came back today wanting to have some hot pot and didn't expect to run into you. Mind if I join you for a table?"
Although his tone was a question, his actions were not hesitant at all. As he spoke, he had already finished washing his own set of tableware.
None of the three were fools. While they didn't know how Xie Shu knew they would be eating at this restaurant tonight, it was unlikely to be a coincidence as he claimed. However, none of them pointed it out.
Shen Jianxi suppressed the urge to laugh. Song Duanli and Song Qi's expressions were terrifyingly grim. She didn't want to draw the fire onto herself.
Suddenly, her hand felt warm. Song Qi placed his hand over hers, gently lifted it, and declared his claim.
In his eyes, they had been together since that night. Although it hadn't been explicitly stated, he believed they both knew it in their hearts.
"Of course, you can. Xi Xi, and Big Brother, we all welcome you."
As he covered her hand, their gazes, like sharp knives, shifted to their clasped hands. Hearing him say that now, Xie Shu was about to lash out when he was interrupted by the arrival of the food.
"Hello, here are the dishes you ordered."
A familiar voice beside her made Shen Jianxi's eyes widen in disbelief. She turned her head and happened to meet Fu Yi's smiling gaze.
Her hand was still clasped with Song Qi's. She wondered if Fu Yi had heard his declaration of ownership just now.
Suddenly, she calmed down. Of everyone here, only Xie Shu had the status of an ex-boyfriend. She had never given a clear answer to any of the others. She was still single.
Once she realized this, Shen Jianxi didn't panic at all. She even enthusiastically urged them to start eating: "The pot is boiling, shall we put the meat in first?"
Then she looked up at Fu Yi and said, "Do you want to sit down and eat with us?"
Fu Yi seemed surprised by her words and her forthright attitude, showing no signs of guilt. He exchanged a look with Xie Shu, their eyes conveying a meaning only they understood. Then, he shook his head at Shen Jianxi and said, "No, you guys eat. We have rules."
"Oh—okay then!" Her tone was somewhat regretful, but her expression was incongruously happy.
Inexplicably, the four men present choked slightly. They all felt as though the plate of meat held more importance to her than they did.
Fu Yi couldn't stay too long. After a brief chat, the supervisor noticed him. There was nothing he could do but leave, as Xie Shu was watching over things here anyway.
Even though there were still three potential targets at the table, Shen Jianxi felt her spirits lift a little with each one who left.
The meat just added to the pot had changed color. Shen Jianxi picked up a piece with her chopsticks and pondered for a moment. Song Qi and Xie Shu had both been successfully captured. Currently, only Song Duanli was left. Her attitude towards him had been very resistant recently, but now that it had improved, Song Duanli's affection would rebound quickly. This instant rebound would be enough for her to complete the capture.
Although she had thought a lot, to the three of them, it had only been a second or two. Having figured it out, she placed the meat on Song Duanli's plate. Under his surprised gaze, she deliberately didn't give any to the other two, and started eating herself.
Song Duanli had thought her attitude in the afternoon was the limit. He hadn't expected her to personally put food on his plate tonight. Most importantly, it wasn't that everyone got one, but only he did!
77: "Beep! Affection +4, current Song Duanli affection is 82."
"Capture successful!"
Shen Jianxi's eating didn't stop. Out of sight of the three, the corners of her lips curved into a beautiful arc.
Capture successful meant he was out of the game, you fool.