The atmosphere slowly relaxed again after Xu Jin's arrival.
Cakes were opened.
Snacks passed around.
Yun Hu became the center of attention, shamelessly moving from lap to lap like a celebrity making rounds.
Juri was currently holding a ribbon toy, waving it lazily while Yun Hu attacked it with surprising ferocity.
Zhou Kai leaned back against the sofa, watching with a faint smile.
Xu Jin sat closer to Chen than necessary.
Xiao remained quieter than usual but participated when spoken to.
At some point, between laughter and cake crumbs—
Juri suddenly said, "We should go on a trip sometime."
The room paused for half a second.
Zhou Kai immediately straightened. "That's actually a great idea."
"A trip?" Chen repeated.
"Yeah," Juri continued enthusiastically. "After exams. Somewhere close. Just to relax."
Zhou Kai nodded. "We never go anywhere. It'll be fun."
Xu Jin glanced at Chen briefly, then said calmly, "I don't mind."
Zhou Kai shot him a look.
That was too fast.
