Chapter 74: Truth or Dare (Part 2)

"You must have misheard it just like I did—it’s next week, not today. We’re about to head back," Qian Yinyin said, disappointment clear in her voice.

Ji Niansheng was not about to let such a good opportunity slip away. "Then let’s find something fun to do ourselves. We can’t just make this trip for nothing. Besides, it’s way too early to head home."

"Exactly, since we’re already here," Gu Panxi chimed in, naturally agreeing.

"I don’t mind," Qian Yinyin replied, then turned to Dan Chouchou and Qiao Xi. "What about you two?"

"I’m fine with anything," Dan Chouchou said, glancing at Qiao Xi. "What about you, Qiao Xi?"

Qiao Xi was indifferent at first, but hesitated as soon as she remembered that Oya was here as well.

"The three of them are all staying. You have no reason not to join in, so it’s settled," Ji Niansheng said, seizing the moment of hesitation. She casually placed her hand on Oya’s shoulder. "Come on, let’s go get something to eat. As for Xiaowei, you can be our guardian for once."

Oya didn’t object when Ji Niansheng put her arm around him, so he agreed. As they turned to leave, he glanced at Qiao Xi, but she never looked his way.

"I can’t help feeling that Niansheng is a bit too enthusiastic tonight," Wang Xiaowei remarked, watching Ji Niansheng’s retreating figure.

"Really?" Qian Yinyin asked. She and Gu Panxi both knew Wang Xiaowei well—they were good friends.

The next moment, Wang Xiaowei’s gaze shifted to Qiao Xi and Dan Chouchou. "Aren’t you going to introduce me?"

"Oh right, you haven’t met them yet," Gu Panxi suddenly realized. She began the introductions. "This is Qiao Xi, and this is Dan Chouchou. I’m sure you’ve heard their names before."

"They transferred from Maple Sun, right? Their reputation precedes them," Wang Xiaowei said admiringly.

"He plays baseball with Niansheng. His name is Wang Xiaowei, but you can just call him Xiaowei," Qian Yinyin told Qiao Xi and Chouchou.

"So what now? Are we just going to stand here and wait?" Gu Panxi asked.

Wang Xiaowei glanced around and suggested, "There’s more space over there. Why don’t we go sit and wait?"

"Let’s go then," Gu Panxi agreed, and the group made their way over.

"Qiao Xi?" Dan Chouchou called softly to the girl beside her.

"Yeah?" Qiao Xi looked over, puzzled.

"Are you alright? You seem a little off."

"I’m fine."

Dan Chouchou wanted to say more, but Gu Panxi’s voice interrupted. "Chouchou, you and Qiao Xi can sit across from us."

So the two of them sat down on the grass opposite the others.

Soon, Ji Niansheng returned carrying a large bag filled with snacks and drinks.

They and Oya sat down, making a circle of seven.

After munching on some snacks, Ji Niansheng spoke up. "Now it’s time for a game."

"What game?" Qian Yinyin asked.

"Guess what I’m holding in my hand?" Ji Niansheng raised her left hand as she spoke.

Gu Panxi, chewing on beef jerky, looked over and answered right away, "I know—playing cards!"

"Congratulations, you got it right," Ji Niansheng replied instantly.

"Oh, come on, anyone could tell that," Qian Yinyin rolled her eyes, then asked, "You’re not about to do magic tricks, are you?"

"That would be boring—I’d be the only one having fun," Ji Niansheng said, intentionally keeping them in suspense. However, seeing that no one seemed particularly interested, she decided to reveal the answer herself. "It’s Truth or Dare. It’s only fun when everyone plays together."

"No way, not that game," Qian Yinyin immediately protested.

"I love it, let’s play!" Gu Panxi was wholeheartedly in favor.