Several luxury cars, gleaming in the morning light, were already parked in the open space. Everyone gathered was a close friend, creating a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. Maintaining her usual composure in public, Yan Zhen politely greeted each person Yan Zhao introduced her to.

When they reached Chen Huaixu, Yan Zhao's tone shifted to playful teasing. "Chen, you've been living it up lately. I've even caught wind of some gossip."

Gossip? Yan Zhen perked up, all ears.

Chen Huaixu glanced at Yan Zhen, his expression carefully neutral. "It's just a cut lip. People love to exaggerate and make up stories. You're not buying it, are you?"

He wore a camel-colored trench coat that accentuated his height and long legs. Unlike his usual meticulous style, his shirt was unbuttoned at the top, the collar casually folded, lending him an unexpectedly relaxed air.

Lu Jingxuan joined them, draping an arm around each of their shoulders. He beamed at Yan Zhen. "It's been a while! You're even more beautiful than I remember."

Flattered, Yan Zhen returned the compliment with practiced sweetness. "Lu gege, you're looking more handsome than ever, too."

Lu Jingxuan laughed heartily. "Have fun today, Meimei. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be your knight in shining armor. If Chen Huaixu gives you any trouble, come to me, too. Your freeloading gege here will just watch the show, but I'll have your back."

Yan Zhen instinctively glanced at Chen Huaixu, only to find him already looking at her. Caught in his gaze, she quickly looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

"Looks like everyone's here! Listen up!" Lu Jingxuan strolled to the center of the group, hopped onto the hood of his SUV, and swung his long legs with an air of nonchalant charm. "Thanks for coming out today, everyone. We're all old friends here, so I'll skip the formalities. The goal today is simple: eat well, drink well, have fun."

As people applauded, he held up a hand, signaling he wasn't finished. "We'll be heading to Xishan Mountain from here in a bit. It's about an hour and a half drive. To keep things interesting on the road, I've prepared a little game."

Someone protested, "Lu, have you lost your mind? How can we play games while driving?"

"Let me finish!" Lu Jingxuan clicked his tongue. "There are enough of us to make even pairs. One person drives, the other plays the game. You can switch at the rest stops. There will be three rounds, and there's a catch. The loser of each round gets a penalty. The loser of the first round covers everyone's gas. The second round loser covers tonight's drinks. As for the third round…"

He paused for dramatic effect. "We'll announce that penalty tonight."

"Damn, Lu Jingxuan, did that financially troubled hotel bankrupt you? If you're short on cash, just ask. You don't have to resort to this."

Lu Jingxuan's sore spot had been poked. He jumped off the car, rolling up his sleeves. "Don't rub salt in the wound. Looks like someone's asking for a beating."

Laughter rippled through the group. "He seems so silly," Yan Zhen remarked.

Yan Zhao glanced at her, a smile playing on his lips. "Don't talk, you two are birds of a feather."

Yan Zhen blinked. Was that any way for a brother to talk about his sister?

After the playful scuffle subsided, Lu Jingxuan smoothed his ruffled hair and caught his breath. "Alright, time to get going. Pair up, everyone!"

He looked at Yan Zhao and Yan Zhen. "You two siblings together?"