The news of Qi Tianlin's departure reached Le Tianyu and the others, who had already left the training camp, through their private group chat.
They were all curious about what had happened and asked many questions in the group chat, but no one responded at the moment.
However, they had already guessed that it was most likely that Brother Jue had gotten involved with Qi Tianlin's gossip, which gave him his own ideas.
Whatever decision the other party makes, it must be the result of their careful consideration, so there's no need to say anything more.
So, those of them who hadn't yet tasted Qi Tianlin's melons all sent their blessings in the group chat, wishing Qi Tianlin smooth sailing and a bright future, and they tagged him.
Those who weren't very familiar with Qi Tianlin didn't participate in the dinner; they all went about their own business—some practicing dancing, others humming songs.
Actually, everyone is very busy, but with Shang Shujue, the master of the melon patch, around, everyone can steal a moment of leisure and refresh their understanding of Su Youchuan, the national male god.
After having a farewell dinner with everyone he knew, Qi Tianlin returned to the training camp with gifts. Jian Yichen was still a little disappointed, but much better than before.
"I'll go myself. You can all hear what Brother Jue is thinking, so there's no need to make a fuss and arouse his suspicion. This kind of thing is too mysterious to be said directly."
Qi Tianlin carried a beautifully packaged cream cake, a gift bag with the brand logo, a set of aged wines, and a fine tea set in a wooden box; each item was prepared with great care.
Listening to his words, everyone felt there was some truth to them, so they saw him to the elevator and didn't follow him any further. Qi Tianlin sincerely expressed his gratitude and went to the dormitory floor where Shang Shujue was located.
It was already 11:23, lunchtime. Normally, Shang Shujue would have already eaten and drunk her fill and was preparing for a nap, but not now...
"... It doesn't taste good, it's all bitter."
Song Yanqing regained consciousness. After opening his eyes, he expected Shang Shujue to press him about what happened before he fainted.
As a result, the other party didn't mention it at all, and even continued to take care of him as meticulously as before, as if they had never heard of it.
Song Yanqing frowned as he ate the porridge the man handed him, complaining that it was bitter. It was unclear whether the bitterness was in his mouth or in his heart; who could have guessed?
He finally mustered up the courage to confess his feelings while he was injured and could do whatever he wanted, but before he could even get a response, he fainted.
My first confession of love ended in a major setback!
Moreover, judging from Shang Shujue's attitude, it's obvious that he didn't take what he said to heart and simply regarded it as the nonsense he uttered before he passed out.
Shang Shujue didn't intentionally avoid asking Song Yanqing about liking him for so many years.
Firstly, because the other person looked really weak; their face was still very pale and bloodless, making them look pitiful.
He couldn't bear to see the other person crying with that kind of face; he felt a tiny bit of heartache...
Secondly, he didn't know how to bring it up, so it's best to pretend you don't know and ask him again if he brings it up again.
"You had an IV drip, and the medicine has spread throughout your body, so everything tastes bitter."
"This porridge is the best you've ever tasted. If all else fails, I can order you a mousse cake."
Shang Shujue's mind was filled with countless thoughts, but she frowned slightly on the surface and patiently offered suggestions to Song Yanqing, who was somewhat willful after falling ill.
"..." Song Yanqing stirred the congee with preserved egg and lean pork in his bowl, then scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth. It was still very bitter. He glanced at Shang Shujue, ate without any taste, and remained silent.
"Fine, you're not feeling well, so you're the boss. I'll buy it for you, okay? Why are you looking at me like that, all pitiful? I don't care about you."
Shang Shujue said he wasn't worried about the cost, but he unlocked his phone very quickly. However, before he could even open the food delivery app, there was a knock on the door.
The door has been repaired; if the person inside doesn't open it, the person outside can't open it either.
I'll go open the door.
As Shang Shujue opened his food delivery app and searched for cake shops, he walked towards the door. Song Yanqing just watched him, his gaze following his figure, but he remained silent.
As soon as the door opened, Qi Tianlin felt himself being locked onto by a sharp gaze.
He reflexively looked over, but after meeting Song Yanqing's gaze, he immediately looked away, his heart tightening slightly.
Oh dear, I didn't expect Mr. Song to wake up. Did I interrupt their important conversation?!
" Qi Tianlin, what brings you here? This is...?"
[Huh? Why does this kid look like he's about to give me a gift? Do we have some special connection? I was even thinking of having Yu Yang pull some strings and get him voted out of the show (°ー°)]
Song Yanqing's gaze lingered on Qi Tianlin, then he silently looked away and continued drinking his porridge. Qi Tianlin instantly felt the chilling sensation that had been piercing his back vanish without a trace.
Although Qi Tianlin hadn't expected Brother Jue to solve the problem this way, he was still quite grateful. He felt relieved that he wasn't being watched, so he quickly carried his things inside. After putting them down, he explained his purpose.
When he said this, he deliberately pretended to be embarrassed, making it seem as if he had thought it through carefully.
" Brother Jue, didn't you give Jian Yichen a bag of pineapple buns before? I tried one and thought it tasted pretty good, so I wanted to come and ask you for the secret recipe for pineapple buns."
"I plan to make this for my younger brother when I get home. He really loves pineapple, especially those pineapple buns filled with pineapple filling; I'm sure he'd love them too..."
"But I know that secret recipes for foods with unique flavors are very important."
"I thought about it and finally decided to buy some things and bring them over, hoping to exchange the secret recipe for pineapple buns with you."
After Qi Tianlin finished speaking, he saw Shang Shujue sitting on the sofa looking at the gifts on the coffee table with no expression on her face. He felt a little unsure whether the other party believed him or not.
[Wow~ This kid really is a brother-obsessed siscon. He's so generous to his brother! Buying me so many things just to get a pineapple bun recipe? No wonder he became the bottom later on, he's really... hopelessly in love...]
Shang Shujue glanced at the slightly reserved Qi Tianlin, her face expressionless, but inwardly she was already marveling at him, and even felt a little excited that she had stumbled upon something amazing.
Song Yanqing stopped scooping porridge, stopped drinking it, put down the bowl, got out of bed, and silently walked to sit down next to Shang Shujue.
Shang Shujue seems to know everything, but it seems... he doesn't want to be with him? Song Yanqing frowned slightly, and then Shang Shujue handed him a cup of hot water.
Song Yanqing: "..."
Qi Tianlin glanced at Song Yanqing and Shang Shujue silently, comparing their height difference, and couldn't help but complain in his heart.
Brother Jue, don't get too cocky. If nothing unexpected happens, you'll end up like the one at the bottom, the pot calling the kettle black.
"I overheard you two days ago that you also like cakes from Lilavei, so I went and bought one..."
"Oh, this is a thirteen-year-old red wine that's been stored on the counter. It should taste quite good. And this is a tea set; you seem to really enjoy tea..."
"This is a limited edition Huajue fountain pen, and it also comes with ink from the same series. The box also contains a warranty card and three ink refill vouchers. When Brother Jue runs out of ink, he can redeem them at any store... um, that's all."
Although Qi Tianlin was muttering to himself, he earnestly explained the things he had bought to them, appearing sincere and enthusiastic.