Sheng Ning’an thought that at worst they could invite her for a meal, and she could just treat them to fruit and beverages; she surely wouldn’t let the two suffer a loss.
Although she wasn’t lacking money, she also didn’t like to be surrounded by people who were always looking for a bargain.
This arrangement was good for them.
For two consecutive days, Sheng Ning’an had eaten with the two in the cafeteria.
Shi Yue watched as they took turns inviting Sheng Ning’an for meals and felt once again like she was being excluded.
She thought the two were just ingratiating themselves with Sheng Ning’an.
On the third day, Sheng Ning’an decided to find Xu Weiran for lunch and also bring some fruit for her Young Uncle.
After all, it was her Young Uncle who had footed the bill, yet she was the one enjoying the meals.
It wasn’t until she reached the institute that she found out Xu Weiran hadn’t come to work that day.
Sheng Ning’an called and learned that he was at the hospital with Mr. Xu.
"What happened to Uncle?" As soon as Sheng Ning’an heard that Mr. Xu was in the hospital, she immediately asked with concern.
She was actually rather fond of Mr. Xu.
Although Mr. Xu wasn’t much of a talker, every time she visited the Xu Family home, Mr. Xu would busy himself in the kitchen for quite a while.
The old man wasn’t good at expressing himself, but his intentions were all there in the cooking.
"It’s nothing serious; he just twisted his back while fishing." Mr. Xu didn’t have many hobbies, and as he got older, aside from cooking at home, his only pastime was fishing.
He had hurt his back while fishing yesterday, and this morning the pain had become severe.
Mother Xu had called Xu Weiran, and he had taken the day off to bring Mr. Xu to the hospital for a check-up.
They had completed the CT scan in the morning, and he was currently getting acupuncture.
Sheng Ning’an inquired about the hospital’s address, wanting to visit, but Xu Weiran declined.
Xu Weiran glanced at his father lying in the bed undergoing acupuncture and said, "There’s no need to come over; it’ll be over soon! He seems to be fine, and just now he was saying that after the acupuncture, he’ll continue fishing this afternoon."
The enthusiasm of fishing enthusiasts is quite hard for outsiders to understand.
However, next time she thought of giving a gift, she could consider getting Mr. Xu a better fishing rod.
Leaving the institute, Sheng Ning’an was ready to head back to school when she unexpectedly ran into Zhou Xian on the way.
"Thank you for last time with the post!"
"Don’t mention it; besides, you’ve already thanked me." Zhou Xian had just finished class, and there were other students around, who showed curious glances when they saw the two standing together.
Sheng Ning’an: "Last time was just a verbal thank you. If you’re not too busy, may I invite you for a meal?"
She was someone who disliked owing favors; if someone helped her out, she felt indebted to them, so inviting them for a meal was her way of settling that debt of gratitude.
"Give me a moment," Zhou Xian said, not declining the offer, and sent a text message on his phone.
In a little while, they saw someone running toward them.
"Old Zhou, what’s up?" The newcomer had a loud voice, but as soon as he finished speaking, he noticed the Beautiful Sheng standing in front of him, and his eyes lit up, "Hey, Beautiful Sheng? Are you here to see our Xian Xian?"
"Don’t talk nonsense!" No sooner had he spoken than Zhou Xian gave him a stern look, "We just happened to meet."
Noticing the looks from the others nearby, Xiao Yue realized his words might be misunderstood and sheepishly corrected, "All right! I was just joking. What did you call me over for?"
Zhou Xian turned to Sheng Ning’an and said, "You don’t mind one more person, do you?" He paused before adding, "You’re quite popular at our school."
What he meant was that there were quite a few people at their school who knew Sheng Ning’an.
Sheng Ning’an understood that he was considering her position; if it were just the two of them, being seen together might lead to unnecessary speculation and rumors.
"Thank you!" she said.