30: KTV

"It seems you quite like eating beef," Jiang Yuan said with a gentle smile. He noticed that although Liu Zhuoyun was introverted, her genuine, little gluttonous appearance in front of delicious food was exceptionally cute.

"Mm, I've always eaten beef at home, but the beef here isn't very good; it's a bit tough." Liu Zhuoyun nodded, making her own judgment on the quality of the meat before her. Her tone carried a hint of innocence, as most of the beef she ate was top-tier imported from Australia or the UK, or sold directly from better private farms domestically, so she could naturally tell the difference upon tasting this.

"If you like it, then eat more! Zhao Xin, you'd better step it up and keep us well-fed!" Jiang Yuan said gently to Liu Zhuoyun, then immediately turned his head to smile at Zhao Xin, his voice carrying a touch of teasing.

"You got it, Brother Jiang! You and Sister-in-law just sit tight! I guarantee I'll let you eat your fill!" Zhao Xin was very savvy and joked. He had keenly captured Jiang Yuan's special care for Liu Zhuoyun and immediately called her "Sister-in-law."

Instantly, Liu Zhuoyun, who was eating beef, stiffened all over. Her cheeks turned bright red, and she was too shy to even lift her head.

"What nonsense are you spouting! We aren't that yet." Jiang Yuan explained. However, the more he explained, the more strange the others' gazes toward him became. This attempt to cover up only made things look more suspicious, as if he was only making it worse.

This meal lasted a full two hours. What shocked Jiang Yuan the most was that Liu Zhuoyun, who looked quiet and delicate, had actually eaten so much.

"Brother Jiang is surprised, right!" Seeing Jiang Yuan's look of disbelief, Zhang Xueya explained with a smile, "When I first met Sister Yun, I was also surprised. A little girl eating so much, her appetite is even bigger than mine! Later, Sister Yun told me that she has practiced martial arts since she was young and knows kung fu, so her appetite is larger than an ordinary person's."

"I see. Well, Zhuoyun, are you full?" Jiang Yuan nodded, a flash of understanding in his eyes, and asked considerately.

"Mm." Liu Zhuoyun felt a bit embarrassed but still nodded. After all, everyone was a bit more familiar now, and she had loosened up a bit. Since last night, she hadn't been full, but she was too shy to eat more. Today, she really couldn't hold back anymore and finally let go and had a full meal.

After the meal, the group left the barbecue restaurant.

The night in Yanji was even livelier than the day; the brightly lit streets were filled with bustling crowds and various specialty shops. Zhang Xueya suggested going to the nearby night market to stroll around and experience the nightlife of Yanji.

Jiang Yuan readily agreed. He felt that experiencing local customs with friends was more interesting than looking at scenery alone. He walked beside Liu Zhuoyun to ensure she wouldn't be separated by the crowded masses.

Passing by a stall selling traditional ethnic Korean rice wine, Liu Zhuoyun's gaze stopped involuntarily. Jiang Yuan noticed this detail and asked with a smile, "Do you want to try some?"

Liu Zhuoyun hesitated a bit, but eventually nodded gently, her eyes carrying a hint of longing.

Jiang Yuan saw her curiosity about these novel things and bought a small cup of rice wine to hand to her. She took a small sip, and a look of surprise appeared on her face. This sweet rice wine with a slightly tipsy feeling was clearly to her taste.

Watching her rarely reveal such a genuine and happy expression, Jiang Yuan felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction in his heart.

At Zhang Xueya's suggestion, the group, now full and satisfied, decided to go to a KTV to continue the revelry. Although the night market in Yanji was lively, for young people, KTV was undoubtedly one of the best places to release youthful energy. Soon, they found a stylishly decorated KTV near the night market.

Entering the private room, the deafening music instantly enveloped them, and dazzling colorful lights flickered in the air, creating a feverish atmosphere.

Zhao Xin and Li Yu, the two boys, immediately grabbed the microphones and unceremoniously activated "mic hog" mode, singing one DJ pop song after another—things like "Friend's Wine," "Horse-Taming Man"... They were hoarse and full of passion.

Song Qinghan and Shen Lingke also joined in. They ordered some currently popular songs, taking turns singing, singing with dedication and beautifully. The entire room instantly turned into their personal concert venue, filled with laughter and the vitality of youth.

As for Jiang Yuan and Liu Zhuoyun, they sat quietly in a corner of the sofa, becoming loyal listeners. Jiang Yuan held a bottle of beer in his hand, occasionally swaying gently to the music. Liu Zhuoyun held her cup of rice wine, watching her friends sing to their hearts' content amidst the lights and shadows.

Neither of them had any intention of taking the microphone, just silently appreciating and enjoying this liveliness. However, their "quietness" was soon noticed by the lively Zhang Xueya.

"Hey, why are you two just listening and not singing! Come, come, come, Brother Jiang, you go first!" Zhang Xueya walked over with a microphone, smiling, and directly shoved the microphone into Jiang Yuan's hand, her tone carrying a hint of teasing that brooked no refusal.

Jiang Yuan smiled helplessly; he had originally wanted to decline, but he couldn't resist everyone's enthusiasm. He took the microphone and casually selected a song he often listened to.

The gentle intro slowly began to play. Jiang Yuan closed his eyes, waiting for the right moment. "The moon sets, the river ripples with autumn waves, a boat full of clear dreams presses against the Milky Way. Only the night birds sing, with no one to harmonize with the mournful song. Carving paulownia wood into a zither to watch the mountain scenery..."

The moment Jiang Yuan opened his mouth, the entire room fell silent. His singing voice was deep and magnetic; every note seemed to carry the power to pierce through people's hearts, affectionate and dedicated. He wasn't the type of singer who deliberately showed off his technique, but his vocal condition was excellent, and his grasp of emotion was just right, making everyone immersed in his singing.

"May I ask, how many in this world truly know me? A three-foot jade zither, broken bones. Like a severed string, a broken heart, all alone in the vast heaven and earth."

"Wow! Brother Jiang, you sing way too well!" As the song ended, Zhang Xueya was the first to burst into an exclamation, her eyes full of incredible admiration.

Zhao Xin and Li Yu also nodded repeatedly, clapping excitedly: "Brother Jiang, your voice is simply amazing; you sang it even better than the original!" Although they hadn't heard this song before, that didn't hinder their compliments.

Song Qinghan and Shen Lingke also cast amazed gazes, their faces full of praise. They hadn't expected Jiang Yuan to sing so well; it was simply a pleasant surprise.

Liu Zhuoyun sat on the sofa, her hands unconsciously gripping the cup tightly, her eyes filled with a dreamy haze. She was deeply attracted by Jiang Yuan's singing voice; that voice seemed to go straight to the bottom of her heart, making her introverted heart tremble along with it. She had never heard such a beautiful singing voice before, and the image of Jiang Yuan in her heart became even taller and more perfect.

"It's your turn! Sister Yun, just listening won't do, you come sing one too!" Zhang Xueya didn't let Liu Zhuoyun off the hook, directly handing the microphone to her, her eyes full of expectation.

Hearing this, Liu Zhuoyun's cheeks turned bright red instantly, and she waved her hands repeatedly, her tone carrying obvious resistance: "I... I don't really know how to sing..."

"It's okay, just sing whatever, we're all friends, no need to be shy!" Jiang Yuan looked at her flustered appearance and encouraged her gently. His voice seemed to carry magic, making Liu Zhuoyun's heart settle down a little.

In the end, under everyone's teasing and Jiang Yuan's encouragement, Liu Zhuoyun took the microphone. She hesitated for a moment and selected a song with a slow, soothing rhythm.