Chapter Forty-Four: The Interrogation of the Sisterhood (Please Keep Reading)

The woman waving from ahead had bright, clear eyes, delicately arched brows, and long lashes that trembled ever so slightly. Her flawless fair skin held a touch of rosy blush, and her thin lips were as tender and dewy as rose petals. She wore a strapless gown in a shade of soft blue, her figure graceful and alluring.

“Let me introduce you—this is my good friend, Siqi Liu,” Su Rouxue said, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze as she looked at the woman before her. Then she turned to the young man at her side.

“Hello, my name is Xia Shu,” Xia Shu nodded, awkwardly waving his hand.

Up close, seeing his handsome yet boyish face, Siqi Liu’s eyes sparkled with delight. A faint smile played on her lips as she exclaimed, “You’re even more attractive in person than you were in the video!”

“Are you also a student at Yun City University, Sister Siqi?” Xia Shu asked, curiosity showing in his expression.

“Yes, I am. Xue’er and I have been together since junior high, then high school, and we both got into Yun University. Now I’m already married, and she’s only just started her first real relationship,” Siqi replied, her tone tinged with playful teasing. Yet, the admiration in her gaze never wavered. She turned and walked to stand beside Su Rouxue. “Let’s head upstairs—the food is ready.”

“All right,” Su Rouxue answered, smiling and nodding.

Their dining place was on the second floor of this countryside guesthouse. Though set in a rural area, the inn was beautifully decorated. Ornate carvings greeted them at the entrance, there was a hot spring in the courtyard, and the property was spacious enough to host forty or fifty guests at once.

“I’ve heard you all mention this place before. The atmosphere really is nice,” Su Rouxue remarked, glancing around with satisfaction.

“Yes, and it’s not too expensive either. We’ve got a private room with all kinds of entertainment—after dinner, we can sing karaoke, and later tonight, we can enjoy the hot spring together,” Siqi Liu added. “By the way, we’re staying here tonight. I’ve already booked the rooms.”

As she spoke, Siqi glanced at Xia Shu. “As you wished, I booked a double room for you and your boyfriend.”

“Thank you, Siqi,” Su Rouxue replied.

Xia Shu keenly felt Siqi’s gaze flicker over to him now and then. There was something curious in her tone—was she worried he and Su Rouxue might do something out of the ordinary? Or perhaps…

He let his imagination wander for a moment but did not dwell on it.

For now, he would play the part of an innocent novice, saying as little as possible among these seasoned friends.

Upon reaching the second floor and entering their private room, including Xia Shu and his companion, there were eight people in all. After the usual round of introductions, it became clear that everyone had brought their significant other. This was the only time Su Rouxue’s circle of close friends had ever all brought their partners to a gathering.

Among them were two striking older women. One, Lu Xuhan, wore a short-sleeved orange top and had her hair tied into sweet twin ponytails. The other, Wang Xiaoyu, donned a vintage French-style gray dress, her short hair just brushing her shoulders, exuding a more aloof elegance.

After everyone introduced themselves, the conversation naturally shifted focus to Su Rouxue—and the main target of curiosity was, unsurprisingly, Xia Shu.

No one was more enthusiastic than Siqi Liu, who was never shy about saying or asking anything. “Xia Shu, what’s it like dating my dear Xue’er?”

“Uh, how should I answer… It feels special, subtle, wonderful—hard to put into words,” Xia Shu replied, improvising as best he could.

“How many relationships have you had before this?”

“Just this one!”

“Who confessed first?”

“I did!”

“When did you become an official couple?”

“August sixteenth.”

“So, did you fall for Xue’er’s looks, or was it her wealth that attracted you?”

“Uh… I like Xue’er mainly because of how she makes me feel. Sure, I was attracted to her beauty at first sight, but whether or not she’s rich doesn’t change how I feel about her!”

“Good answer.”

The questions grew more and more outrageous as the inquisition went on. Though Xia Shu had imagined such an interrogation before coming, actually facing Su Rouxue’s friends’ relentless curiosity was far more overwhelming.

“All right, let’s eat. We’ll have plenty of chances to get together in the future, and you’ll all get to know Xia Shu better in time,” Su Rouxue intervened, eager to defuse the situation. Sitting beside Xia Shu, she noticed his leg shaking beneath the table and his hands fidgeting awkwardly—an amusing sight.

“Oh? Xue’er’s coming to his rescue!” Siqi Liu teased, grinning at Su Rouxue.

“Isn’t it only right?” Su Rouxue replied. She wrapped her hands around Xia Shu’s arm, leaned her head on his shoulder, and smiled with happiness.

“Hehe, that’s wonderful. I hope your love lasts and lasts. Xue’er always had good taste, after all,” Lu Xuhan giggled.

“It definitely won’t disappoint!” Xia Shu replied confidently, turning to meet Su Rouxue’s gaze with a look of affectionate indulgence.

Their sweet display made the other friends look on with envy.

“Look at them—so loving! It’s no wonder, since they just started dating,” Siqi Liu remarked, glancing at her own partner.

At that, Li Heng wrapped an arm around Siqi Liu’s slender waist and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Why be jealous? In a month, we’ll be getting married. We’re at a different stage now!”

“Mmm…” Siqi Liu’s face flushed bright red. After a quick kiss, she pushed Li Heng away and let out a soft hum, her expression instantly turning coy.

Wang Xiaoyu sighed softly, exchanging a knowing look with her own partner. “Siqi never misses a chance to show off their love.”

“Would you like to try it too?” Wang Xiaoyu’s boyfriend teased.

“No, let’s keep a little dignity!” she replied, laughing.

The conversation shifted and a cheerful atmosphere filled the room.

“I’ve already married Siqi, and the wedding’s next month—don’t forget to come! Also, Siqi won’t be drinking tonight,” Li Heng announced, raising his glass with a smile.

“Oh? Is Siqi not feeling well?” Lu Xuhan asked.

“Heh, it’s because Siqi is already expecting a little one!” Li Heng declared.

At this, Siqi Liu lowered her head, her cheeks growing even redder.

“She’s pregnant?”

“No wonder you registered your marriage last month and are having the wedding so soon—you’ve got a little bundle of joy on the way! Congratulations!”

Su Rouxue gazed at Siqi Liu with a meaningful look. Now she finally understood why Siqi had been complaining about old Li sleeping on the sofa so often lately…