At the dining table, everyone sat in a circle. Although there was a dazzling array of delicacies on the table, the atmosphere was somewhat subtly awkward.

Previously, there were usually only four people in the family: Chen Yu, Lin Lele, Qiao Meng, and Yang Yue. At most, Qiao Xin would sometimes come over for a meal.

There were four more people at the table today, but instead of making it more lively, it felt a bit oppressive, especially the newcomers, who all had their heads down and seemed rather reserved.

Fortunately, the tables in this restaurant are big enough, otherwise there wouldn't be enough room to sit.

"Don't be shy, eat it while it's hot, it won't taste good when it gets cold," Qiao Meng said generously, trying to break the awkward silence with the food.

"Hehe, our Qiao Daji personally cooked, getting up before dawn to prepare it. You mustn't let her efforts go to waste," Yang Yue chimed in, her words carrying a hint of teasing and warmth.

"Yes, yes, Xiao Qiao's cooking skills are amazing! I guarantee you'll have a feast!" Lin Lele chimed in, picking up her chopsticks, taking a piece of tempting braised pork, and stuffing it into her mouth. She chewed it with a satisfied expression.

Chen Yu glanced at Lin Lele with some disdain, then invited everyone to eat.

Feng Xinran and the others then picked up their chopsticks and began to eat in small bites.

Qiao Meng's cooking skills are indeed quite good, and the dishes made by the chefs of those seven-star hotels before the apocalypse are in no way inferior. However, everyone's mind is obviously not on the food, and the atmosphere at the table is still somewhat dull.

Seeing this, Chen Yu decided to try to break the deadlock, but he didn't know what to say for the time being.

He then looked at Qiao Meng and smiled, "Qiao, why didn't you invite Xiao Xin over today? It's been a long time since you two sisters have reunited."

"Let's skip it today, let's do it another day," Qiao Meng said with a wry smile.

"Why wait until another day? There's no time like the present. Lele, go down the mountain and bring Qiao Xin here," Chen Yu instructed Lin Lele.

"I'm not going, I'm eating! I'm the commander of the 'International Militia Corps for Cold Relief and Disaster Relief,' can you please stop making me do these errands all the time?" Lin Lele complained, pouting.

"Eat, eat, all you know is eating. Qiao Xin is your sister. What's wrong with asking you to pick her up?" Chen Yu said with a stern face.

"Never mind, Mr. Chen Yu, it's not suitable today." Qiao Meng gently shook her head, her eyes revealing a complex emotion.

“What’s wrong with this? This is our home. Xiaoxin is your sister, and she’s also our family. Isn’t it normal to come home for a meal?” Chen Yu looked at Qiao Meng with some confusion, trying to find the answer from her expression.

"This..." Qiao Meng hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

"I said it's not suitable, and that's final. Chen Yu, what exactly are you trying to do? This whole table of food isn't enough for you. You're eating what's in your bowl but thinking about what's in the pot? What? You're thinking of making a move on your sister-in-law?" Yang Yue said irritably, glancing around at everyone present, seemingly implying something.

Hearing Yang Yue's words, Chen Yu immediately realized what was going on. He chuckled awkwardly, "It is indeed a bit inappropriate, but please don't misunderstand. I just thought it's not easy for everyone to get together, and I wanted Xiao Xin to join in the fun. After all, you two haven't left the bunker while we've been away, and Xiao Qiao and Xiao Xin haven't been together for a long time, so I..."

"Alright, just eat your food. Do you think I don't know what you're up to?" Yang Yue interrupted Chen Yu impatiently, her eyes filled with a hint of mockery and warning.

Chen Yu shrugged helplessly and didn't argue with Yang Yue. This topic was already awkward in this situation, and the more he argued, the more he would appear to be in the wrong.

"Pfft!" Liu Menghan suddenly couldn't help but laugh out loud. "I never thought our majestic Mr. Chen would be so 'frustrated' at home."

The others also covered their mouths and chuckled, and the atmosphere eased slightly because of Liu Menghan's laughter.

Chen Yu shook his head helplessly and laughed along. He knew that at this special moment, perhaps the best way was to use humor to defuse the awkwardness.

It's okay if I suffer a little setback; the important thing is to help everyone relax and allow Liu Menghan and the others to integrate into this big family as soon as possible.

Family harmony is more important than anything else.

"It seems my image in your eyes has completely collapsed," Chen Yu said, feigning sadness. Then he raised his glass. "Come on, let's drink to our big family! From now on, we must unite, love each other, help each other, and work together to make our big family a success!"

Everyone responded enthusiastically, raising their wine or tea cups and gently clinking them against Chen Yu's, producing a crisp and harmonious sound.

Everyone's face was beaming with smiles, as if at this moment, all barriers and restraints were melted away by this atmosphere of unity and friendship.

Over the course of the evening, the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.

Li Wanqing and Zhang Zihan were the youngest, and with their lively personalities, they quickly became familiar with Qiao Meng and the others. Laughter and conversation filled the air, making the atmosphere at the dinner table even more lively.

Although Liu Menghan's personality is not as lively as Li Wanqing's and Zhang Zihan's, she has always been rational and rarely cares about other people's opinions, so she has basically nothing to be embarrassed about.

She also began to actively participate in the conversation, from her interesting experiences outside to her future prospects for the Tianyu Base, and finally discussed academic topics with Yang Yue.

Feng Xinran, on the other hand, didn't say much.

At this moment, although she appeared calm and composed, she was actually sitting on pins and needles, feeling extremely flustered and embarrassed.

She felt like an outsider.

Although she had known Chen Yu for over three years, being the first among this group to meet him, she and Chen Yu had always maintained a friendship or superior-subordinate relationship, without progressing further, unlike Lin Lele and the others…

She got up very early, but arrived late.

Of all the people present, she was practically an "outsider."

Looking at the laughter and joy around her, Feng Xinran felt a mix of emotions. She realized that she could no longer remain silent and had to take the initiative.

She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, looked at Chen Yu with a determined expression, and blurted out, "Chen Yu, let's go to sleep."