Since Melody belonged to Lu Qingxu, it was only fitting that he provide the venue for their gathering when visiting her.
The group decided to visit Melody at the hospital first, then head to his club in the afternoon.
Lu Mingzhe and Xiang Wan had returned with their child, and everyone knew Lu Mingzhe had a daughter.
It was their first formal meeting, and it wouldn't look good to come without a red envelope. However, they were unsure of the appropriate amount. Before the afternoon arrived, Zhou Jinbei messaged Jiang Nan Fang and Chen Jiaojiao in their group chat, asking about the amount.
Jiang Nan Fang replied, "These things are just for good luck; the amount doesn't really matter. But your second brother has known Lu Mingzhe for so long, it would be awkward to give too little, and too much would be too much for the envelope."
"How about this, we give a gift instead. There's still time, let's go out shopping."
Zhou Jinbei thought this was the best idea.
These days, giving money felt so common.
"Jiaojiao, why aren't you saying anything? Aren't you going tonight?"
Chen Jiaojiao was in a predicament.
Although she and Xiang Yang had already registered their marriage, they had kept it a secret from everyone, especially Xiang Wan.
If she went, she'd feel guilty and awkward. But if she didn't go, she'd feel even more awkward.
She had no romantic feelings for Lu Mingzhe. They had known each other for so long, and they were so familiar with each other. If everyone else went and she didn't, it would seem like she was dwelling on past events. She was in a difficult spot.
Therefore, she decided to call Xiang Yang for advice.
Unexpectedly, Xiang Yang said his sister had told him that she knew his sister had returned to Nancheng recently, and he would also make time to come back that evening.
"You don't need to prepare anything, I'll prepare the gift. Just dress up nicely and come."
Chen Jiaojiao pretended she hadn't seen the message because she was busy. After discussing it with Xiang Yang, she replied to them.
"I was busy just now and didn't see the message. Sure, I'll go, but what gift should I give? And in what capacity? I won't give anything."
"I can go shopping, let's head out now."
After preparing the gifts, around five in the afternoon, everyone gradually arrived at the private room of the club.
Although Zhan Bei Jue had a child, none of the four were at the scene, and everyone was already very familiar with each other.
It was the first time they saw Nian Nian so young, so adorable and cute. She instantly became the center of attention, a pampered darling, and everyone wanted to touch her and play with her.
Everyone greeted each other, exchanged blessings, and the room was filled with laughter and warmth.
Zhou Jinbei, being pregnant and having never raised a child before, was overcome with maternal affection and showed particular fondness for Nian Nian.
She held Nian Nian so tightly that she was reluctant to return her to Lu Mingzhe. It was only when Xiang Wan reminded her not to strain herself and her unborn child that she reluctantly let go.
"Oh, Melody and Lu Qingxu are suffering in the hospital right now. We're here laughing, drinking their wine, and occupying their space. Doesn't that seem a bit heartless?"
Lu Mingzhe enjoyed teasing her. "Heartless? How much does that cost per pound? You actually know about this thing?"
Zhou Jinbei glared at him. "What do you mean by that? Are you calling me heartless? If anyone in this group is heartless, it's you. How dare you say that about me?"
After a few drinks, Lu Mingzhe started to feel a bit tipsy and was about to argue with Zhou Jinbei about how he was heartless when Xiang Wan's phone rang.
She glanced down, interrupting Lu Mingzhe.
"Xiang Yang is here. I'm going to pick him up. Quick, come with me."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jiaojiao's nerves immediately tensed.
Lu Mingzhe put his arm around Xiang Wan's waist, handed the child back to Zhou Jinbei, and eagerly went out to meet them.
Soon, Xiang Yang, wearing a baseball cap, mask, and sunglasses, dressed in trendy clothes, with a celebrity-like aura, was brought in by the two of them.
As they watched him gradually remove his disguise, revealing his young and handsome face, Zhou Jinbei and Jiang Nan Fang's eyes lit up, and they couldn't help but exclaim.
"He's so handsome, no wonder he can be a celebrity. He instantly outshines all these old timers."
Xiang Yang greeted everyone individually, calling his older brothers and sisters sweetly.
When he reached Chen Jiaojiao, Chen Jiaojiao pretended not to know him and shook his hand casually.
Lu Mingzhe, well aware of their relationship, didn't introduce them and vaguely glossed over it.
He then arranged for Xiang Yang to sit next to Xiang Wan.
Having not seen her brother for a long time, and seeing how much more mature he had become, Xiang Wan had a lot she wanted to tell him.
She looked at her brother's eyes with affection, occasionally tidying his hair and adjusting his clothes. All her attention was focused on him, and she completely ignored Lu Mingzhe for the rest of the evening.
It wasn't just Lu Mingzhe who felt uncomfortable; Chen Jiaojiao was also uneasy.
She hadn't seen Xiang Yang for a long time either.
In fact, this was the first time they had met since they registered their marriage.
Not only could she not speak to him openly, but she didn't even dare to make eye contact.
Watching him interact so sweetly and warmly with his sister, seeing his hand held tightly by Xiang Wan, she wished that the person beside him was her.
Although Xiang Yang missed his sister and wanted to talk to her, he now had a wife, and hearing his sister talk so much might eventually bother her.
He could feel Chen Jiaojiao's gaze occasionally sweeping over him. He really wanted to talk to her, even find an opportunity to be alone with her, but Xiang Wan was too excited.
From the moment they sat down, she had been pulling him, constantly asking questions and inquiring about his work, as if they hadn't spoken in ages. Xiang Yang couldn't find an opportunity.
Finally, Lu Mingzhe couldn't stand it anymore. He picked up a glass of soda, sat down between them, put his arm around Xiang Wan, and said.
"Alright, you've been holding onto him for over an hour, your eyes have never left his face. Aren't you tired?"
"It's not like you won't see him again, why are you so clingy? If you keep this up, I'll get jealous. You should look at me too. Here, have some water and rest."
Xiang Wan wasn't thirsty; she still had so many questions for her brother. She glared at Lu Mingzhe and pushed him away.
Xiang Yang quickly shifted slightly to the side.
"Brother Mingzhe is right, it's not like we won't see each other again. Why are you watching me so closely?"
"Sister, take a break and have some water. I've taken two days off, don't worry, I'm not leaving tonight."
"Not leaving tonight? That's great! Come stay at my place, don't go to a hotel. It's not just me who has questions, Grandma does too. She hasn't seen you in so long, she misses you terribly. We'll video call tonight, spend some quality time with her."
Chen Jiaojiao heard all of this clearly.
Even his evening time was taken up by his sister. How wonderful.
Everyone present was in pairs.
Although Zhan Bei Jue was talking to Ah Zhong, he had Jiang Nan Fang sitting in his lap.
Ah Zhong held Zhou Jinbei, who in turn held Nian Nian.
As for Lu Mingzhe, he was holding Xiang Wan. Chen Jiaojiao was the only one sitting in the middle like a fool, watching them show off their affection.
The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt. After Xiang Wan mentioned that Xiang Yang would be video calling Grandma, she abruptly stood up.
"I'm going to the restroom."
She didn't really need to go to the restroom; she sat in a stall, fiddling with her phone, feeling frustrated.