He tricked the female lead into becoming his boyfriend, but then went on to criticize the male lead.

The heat from dinner gradually dissipated, leaving traces of the sumptuous meal on the table.

Sang Jiuning took the initiative to get up and clear the dishes, her movements quick and efficient. Wen Zhaoci naturally stepped forward to help.

The two worked side by side in the kitchen, the water gushing and the occasional unintentional touch of their bodies creating a subtle, ambiguous ripple in the air.

Before long, the house was tidied up neatly. Just as Wen Zhaoci wiped his hands clean, his cell phone suddenly rang.

He picked up his phone and saw that the caller ID showed Jiang Shangyu. He then pressed the answer button.

A lively voice came from the other end of the phone: "Aci, are you free right now? Everyone's gathered together, come out and have some fun!"

Wen Zhaoci turned her head, her gaze gently falling on Sang Jiuning, and asked softly, "Jiang Shangyu and the others are saying they want to go out and play, do you want to come along?"

Sang Jiuning glanced at her phone; it wasn't even eight o'clock yet, so she still had plenty of time.

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "We can go together, but we can't stay out too late. The dormitory gates close at 11 p.m., and if we don't make it in time, we won't be able to get back."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Wen Zhaoci nodded in response and said into the phone, "Send me the location of the gathering, and we'll leave immediately."

After hanging up the call, the two quickly tidied themselves up and then drove towards the agreed location.

The half-hour drive passed in the blink of an eye, and the two pushed open the door to the private room side by side.

The noisy singing instantly rushed over, the dazzling lights swayed and flickered, and familiar faces came into view.

Jiang Shangyu and Lin Luoluo were all there; they were all friends who had come to the hot spring resort together.

In addition, a pretty girl was nestled beside Chi Nam-rye, presumably his new girlfriend.

A glance to the side reveals Zhao Muze and Gu Shichan holding hands, singing "Today You're Going to Marry Me" together with deep emotion.

The two singers were quite skilled, and every lyric was perfectly timed to the melody. Their sweet and melodious voices instantly filled the atmosphere in the private room, eliciting bursts of laughter and chatter from those around them.

Wen Zhaoci led Sang Jiuning into the private room, greeted everyone with a smile, and then sat down next to the empty seats.

Upon seeing the two arrive, Gu Shiyan immediately picked up the wine bottle and expertly poured a glass of wine for Wen Zhaoci, and also thoughtfully poured a glass of mild fruit wine for Sang Jiuning.

After doing all that, he grabbed the microphone and enthusiastically announced, "Taking advantage of today's lively occasion, I'd like to sing 'Princess,' dedicated to my girlfriend, Li Ruoxi!"

Suddenly, the rousing accompaniment began, and the loud singing filled the private room, instantly pushing the already lively atmosphere to its peak, with cheers and applause rising and falling.

With the opening act setting the mood, the couples present eagerly stepped forward to sing.

Couples expressed their feelings to each other through songs, some passionate and others sweet.

Ji Nam-rye also stood up and sang along with his new girlfriend. The light and soothing "Simple Love" flowed slowly, and the sweet and innocent melody made everyone tease him.

After a round, everyone took turns singing, but Sang Jiuning and Wen Zhaoci remained quietly seated and never picked up the microphone.

Upon seeing this, Gu Shiyan immediately took the lead in making a fuss, and the friends around him echoed him, urging the two to sing a duet.

Sang Jiuning's cheeks flushed slightly, and she subconsciously turned her head to look at the boy beside her.

Wen Zhaoci, with a faint smile in his eyes, calmly took the microphone and handed it to her.

The two tacitly chose a song, and the soothing melody of "Encounter" slowly began to play.

"I woke up in a certain month of a certain year, after hearing winter depart..."

The cool, magnetic male voice intertwines with the sweet, soft female voice, creating a harmonious and exceptionally pleasing melody.

The private room gradually quieted down as everyone listened attentively, and tender emotions slowly spread with the singing.

After the songs were finished, everyone started playing dice and truth or dare games, laughing and joking around, and everyone was immersed in the joy of the gathering.

Sang Jiuning completely let go of her inhibitions and immersed herself in the fun, having long since forgotten the previously set time limit.

Time flew by amidst laughter and joy, and by the time everyone had had their fill and stopped, the night was already deep.

Sang Jiuning subconsciously took out her phone to check the time. The moment she saw the numbers on the screen, she was immediately taken aback and exclaimed softly, "It's already 11:30! Oh no, the dorm doors have been closed for ages, there's no way I can get in."

She was filled with regret. She had specifically told them not to go overtime, but she got so engrossed in playing that she missed her dorm time.

Friends around me gradually packed up their things and left, all booking designated drivers to go home.

Sang Jiuning turned her head to look at Wen Zhaoci, who stood beside her with a calm expression, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Why didn't you remind me of the time?"

Wen Zhaoci looked down at the girl, her eyes showing just the right amount of innocence, and said slowly, "Seeing how much fun you're having, with your eyes and brows radiating happiness, I really couldn't bear to interrupt you, so I didn't say anything to remind you."

Sang Jiuning was speechless for a moment, unable to find any words to refute him.

"Let's arrange for a designated driver to take us back," Wen Zhaoci said, breaking the silence.

After thinking for a moment, Sang Jiuning made a plan: "You can call a designated driver, I'll take a taxi to my brother's villa and stay there for the night."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Zhaoci slowly moved closer to her, his deep voice carrying a gentle tone of persuasion: "Baby, it's too late at this time. Your brother must be fast asleep by now. Going back rashly will only disturb his rest."

Sang Jiuning wanted to argue, but her wrist was suddenly gently grasped by a warm hand.

Wen Zhaoci didn't give her a chance to refuse, and directly led her to the parking area, carefully guiding her into the car.

The carriage was dimly lit. The young man glanced at her and said sincerely and gently, "Just go back to my apartment tonight and stay for the night. You can sleep in the big bed in the bedroom, and I'll make do on the sofa in the living room. We won't bother each other."

Sang Jiuning really had nowhere better to go at the moment, so after weighing the options, she had no choice but to nod in agreement.

The car drove smoothly and soon arrived at the apartment.

The bathroom was furnished with brand-new toothbrushes, toothbrush holders, and soft towels, all exquisitely designed and spotless, clearly prepared especially for her. Sang Jiuning's gaze swept lightly over the counter, and she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

After a quick and efficient wash, the water washing away her fatigue, she dried her face and turned to walk slowly towards the master bedroom. Just before entering, she subconsciously turned back to look at Wen Zhaoci, who was still in the living room, her eyes crinkling with a smile, and said softly, "I'm going to rest now, goodnight."

The boy stood at the boundary between light and shadow, a gentle smile playing in his deep eyes. His tone was languid and tender as he replied, "Okay, goodnight, baby."

As soon as she finished speaking, Sang Jiuning thought that the other party would obediently stay on the sofa in the living room to rest, but to her surprise, Wen Zhaoci lifted his foot and walked straight towards the master bedroom.

This action instantly made Sang Jiuning frown, her steps halting by the bedside. She looked at the approaching person with a puzzled expression: "Didn't you say you were sleeping on the sofa tonight? Why did you come along?"