Little squad, assemble!

"Hey, what a coincidence! I was just heading to the restroom, hehe," Chen Zhixuan improvised awkwardly to cover his embarrassment.

"Ah, yeah, me too. I was about to go as well. How about we go together?" Cheng Yuxin’s cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, then she stepped ahead of Chen Zhixuan.

"Is something going on with you lately? I noticed you haven’t replied to my messages," Chen Zhixuan murmured hesitantly from behind.

"My phone got lost a few days ago. Such bad luck! I only just started using a new one this morning," Cheng Yuxin replied earnestly, not quite sure why she cared so much about his question.

"Haha, I thought something worse had happened. Losing money to avoid disaster, right? At least you’re okay," Chen Zhixuan said, feeling as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

"Alright, I can reluctantly accept that excuse. I’m heading to the restroom now. Bye-bye," Cheng Yuxin said before dashing into the restroom.

After a moment, Cheng Yuxin peeked out cautiously, looking around. Seeing Chen Zhixuan waiting by the door, she chuckled softly, "Not bad, at least you know to wait outside."

"You’re quick! Or maybe you didn’t go at all? Were you looking for me by the private room just now?" Cheng Yuxin teased.

"I did go! Don’t you know guys are fast in the restroom?" Chen Zhixuan replied, leading her back to the private room, silently wondering, "Did she figure it out? Awkward."

"How about after the office meeting ends, we grab some late-night snacks together?" Cheng Yuxin asked quietly, lowering her voice.

"Sure, anything you want. I’ll wait for you," Chen Zhixuan replied, his excitement barely contained beneath a calm exterior. "You go ahead; I’ll come in too. We can talk on WeChat later," he added, waving his phone.

"Okay, let’s chat on WeChat. I’m heading in now," Cheng Yuxin smiled, pushing open the door and glancing back at Chen Zhixuan before entering.

"Bro, can’t bear to part, huh? Why don’t you just transfer to her class? I’m so jealous. Didn’t even come to school today and already scored?" Chen Feng’s teasing voice drifted nearby.

"Get lost! What are you talking about? She’s just a friend. What’s on your mind all day? Bugs, probably. Let’s drink," Chen Zhixuan said, though he was secretly pleased.

Feeling lighter, Chen Zhixuan mingled more comfortably with his classmates. "Chen Feng, order me ‘Three Days Three Nights’—let’s set the mood," he said.

Chen Feng knew better than to point it out; it was clear Chen Zhixuan was happy.

"I’m not tired at all; I’ve been dancing three days and nights. Even drinking soda makes me dizzy. Oh, I’m completely unstoppable..." Chen Zhixuan sang, drawing many classmates’ attention.

"Wow, didn’t expect Xiao Xuan to sing so well. Suddenly he seems pretty handsome too, haha," the girls whispered, admiring him.

"Chen Yan, this guy is way ahead of us. I just saw his girl next door in the private room. He was all gloomy before, now he’s like the nightclub prince, haha," they joked.

"We’re almost done here. What about you? Afterward, let’s go eat hot pot. I’ve got two classmates joining; you shouldn’t feel awkward. You already know Xiao Ma, and I’ll introduce you to the other one. They’re good friends of mine," Cheng Yuxin texted.

"We’re about finished too. Alright, see you at the entrance," Chen Zhixuan responded, practically bursting with excitement. Chen Feng and Chen Yan watched him grinning like a fool and teased, "Xiao Xuan, my friends and I from the next dorm are hitting the internet café later. We’re short one for five bucks. Don’t run off, you have to come."

"I’m not going. I’ll head back to the dorm. You guys go ahead. I’ll keep an eye on things here. Good luck winning in the game," Chen Zhixuan thought, hoping to be left alone.

"Hahaha, just messing with you. We’re all good. You focus on taking care of the girl in the next private room. Chen Yan and I are counting on your happiness," Chen Feng laughed.

"Hey, Mingyue! Hey, Xiao Ma! What’s her name?" Chen Zhixuan asked cheerfully, looking at Cheng Yuxin.

"This is Xiao Si, my roommate. Xiao Si, this is Xiao Xuan, from Electrical Engineering. So, is he your type? Haha," Cheng Yuxin joked.

"Not bad, he’s my type, but I’m afraid to eat him, haha," Xiao Si and Xiao Ma burst into laughter, while Cheng Yuxin blushed deeply, embarrassed beyond words.

"Let’s create a group chat. We’re all juniors now, a little squad," Cheng Yuxin said happily, setting up a four-person chat and renaming it, "Little Squad, assemble for future events!"

With that, the group set off for the hot pot restaurant.