Much later, everyone sat tipsy in a private dining room at a hotel in Shrek City.
Tian Chen leaned back in his chair, his gaze slightly hazy, though he was still fairly clearheaded.
He looked at the girls around him, and warmth welled up in his heart.
Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo had stayed beside him all along, their smiles and words making him feel especially close to them.
Tang Ya, Xiao Xiao, and Wang Dong'er were also swaying drunkenly, but satisfied smiles rested on all their faces.
Just then, Ma Xiaotao rose from her seat across the table and slowly walked over to Tian Chen. Her steps were a little unsteady; clearly, she had drunk quite a bit too, but her eyes remained bright and resolute.
"Xiao Chen, you've really grown up today." She gently patted Tian Chen's shoulder, her voice slightly hoarse but filled with tenderness.
Tian Chen smiled faintly and looked up at Ma Xiaotao. Her face looked particularly soft in the dim light, her eyes full of affection and pride.
"Xiaotao, thank you for always being there for me."
Ma Xiaotao shook her head slightly, a faint smile curving her lips as she poked Tian Chen's head.
"Silly little brother, I'm your senior and your friend. Of course I should be there for you. Seeing how outstanding you were today really made me proud."
She gently sat down and leaned against Tian Chen's other side, saying quietly, "Little Chen, do you know? I've actually been worried about you all along. You're so young and so talented that it's easy for people to envy you and target you. But after seeing your performance in the arena today, I can finally put my mind at ease."
Something stirred in Tian Chen's heart. He took Ma Xiaotao's hand and