Bai Xiao and the three others came downstairs. Since they were all dressed up beautifully, the four of them instantly turned into a sight to behold, attracting plenty of glances and head-turns.
This time, the commotion was a bit much.
Just as they stepped out of the main entrance, they saw An Zhiyuan standing there in a green suit, wearing a hat. His tall and upright figure resembled a poplar tree as he looked in their direction. His sharp gaze immediately locked onto Bai Xiao, and a faint smile spilled out from his piercing eyes. His serious expression seemed to crack in an instant.
Seeing the three girls beside Bai Xiao, he teased her with a glance—these must be the three roommates and friends Bai Xiao often mentioned.
It looked like today he had turned into a panda in the zoo, surrounded and admired by onlookers.
His dark eyes fixed on her, carrying a hint of a smile, "Xiaoxiao!"
The four walked up to him, and Bai Xiao stood by An Zhiyuan’s side, just in time to meet the gaze of two girls walking past. Their faces flushed red and they immediately steered off the path.
"An Zhiyuan, my beloved—these are Ma Yao, He Juan, and Lin Xiang, my roommates and close friends," Bai Xiao introduced cheerfully.
"Captain An, hello, hello! Your name is famous far and wide," Ma Yao said enthusiastically, shaking An Zhiyuan’s large hand. This sister, who usually claimed not to judge by appearances, had her face flushed all the way to her ears.
"Hello!"
"Ma Yao, enough already! It’s our turn to shake hands with Brother An now. Move aside!" Lin Xiang couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Did she have no self-respect? Sure, Captain An was indeed handsome, but you couldn’t just lose your mind over it.
The short and plump Lin Xiang pushed Ma Yao aside and squeezed in. "I’m Lin Xiang, Bai Xiao’s good friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you! Could you sign your name for me?" She grinned brightly, holding a pen in one hand and gesturing toward the back of her white coat.
An Zhiyuan’s mouth twitched.
"I’ll sign it later and give it to Bai Xiao to pass on to you. No need to waste a perfectly good coat."
What kind of move was this?!
He Juan quietly stepped up to greet him, acting the most normal out of everyone.
Bai Xiao waved her hand, "You’ve seen him now, time to head back. We’re leaving. Bye-bye." She opened the car door and got in.
The three girls glared at Bai Xiao in unison. Truly abandoning friends for romance!
"Bai Xiao, weren’t you supposed to treat us to a meal? No time like the present—why not do it today?" Ma Yao gritted her teeth and spat out the words.
Lin Xiang and He Juan nodded firmly, exuding confidence. "Exactly! Exactly! We haven’t eaten yet. Let’s all have a meal together."
Bai Xiao coldly shut the car door. "Brother An, start the car."
An Zhiyuan got in, started the vehicle, and Bai Xiao mouthed silently: Not a chance!
These three were up to no good.
As the car drove onto the main road, An Zhiyuan finally chuckled. "Your friends are quite entertaining."
Who would’ve expected all this? Asking for an autograph?
Do they think I’m a celebrity or something!
"Brother An, just remember: You’ve said you’re married! Married! Don’t blame me for not reminding you." Bai Xiao turned her head, staring at the man beside her with an increasingly accusatory gaze.
It’s not always a blessing for a man to look this good. Her close friends had already neglected their loyalty for his charm—who knew how many admirers Brother An had outside! This thought brought her back to He Meina, that woman who had once caused quite a stir.
It was like a playful complaint mixed with a hint of coquettishness:
He took her hand, holding it firmly, his eyes capturing her slightly pouting expression. "I remember. I belong to someone already."
"When did you buy this outfit? I haven’t seen you wear it before..." His voice was low, the proximity between them deliberate, carrying an undertone of subtle intimacy.
Hearing him say that, her face showed no sign, but inside, she felt a little delighted. Women dress up for those who appreciate them. Pretending to be indifferent, she replied, "I bought it a long time ago. You just never noticed."