Time: noon
Place: Yan's Private Kitchen, University City
When Chen Shu reached the school gate, Qingqing was already on her little scooter to pick him up. They arrived at the restaurant at 11:50, but everyone attending the gathering was already there except Zhang Suannai, who was treating them.
That included Brother Jiang and Brother Meng.
Seeing three empty seats, Chen Shu sat beside Brother Meng. Qingqing sat beside him, and everyone exchanged greetings with him.
Yan Keling glanced at the clock on the wall and said quietly, "It's already 11:55. Why isn't Senior Sister Suannai here yet?"
That raised everyone's concern.
They looked at one another and traded theories.
Brother Meng offered one. "Say, could it be that you all made her angry the other day, so she came up with a way to get back at us? She invited us to dinner, then stood us up."
"Umm..."
Everyone fell silent.
Even the Group Leader frowned.
Zhang Suannai had spent days begging them for this chance to show off in person, but it was still possible she'd nursed a grudge, swallowed the humiliation, lured them all here, and then stood the whole group up.
The Group Leader looked toward Ning Qing and Master Tongdeng.
Ning Qing ignored him completely.
Master Tongdeng shook his head helplessly. His expression said that the Bodhisattva of Calamity's attainment of Buddhahood had disrupted the Predicted Timeline. For now, even the Buddhist Order couldn't foresee the future.
Everyone grew more conflicted.
Only Chen Shu seemed fairly calm. Even if Zhang Suannai meant to do that, she couldn't possibly have tricked Qingqing too. Still, to make sure, he turned and called out:
"Excuse me."
"Yes, sir! What can I help you with?"
"We've already chosen our dishes, right?"
"Yes. Just let me know when everyone's here, and