Transform him
The night in the mountains is quiet and cold.
Back in the house, Zhuang Jinghao arranged to play Landlord for a while. However, Zuo Xiao showed little interest. After only half an hour, he said he felt cold sitting there and wanted to go back to sleep.
Seeing her figure disappear behind the door, Zhuang Jinghao lowered his voice and said, "Brother, let's go to your room and talk."
After closing the door, she asked directly, "Brother, have you figured it out? What's going on with Zuo Xiao?"
"I'm not sure," the brother said calmly. "Without sufficient facts, I can't draw a conclusion yet."
Zhuang Jinghao felt he was playing dumb and was about to complain when he changed the subject: "Am I dressing too casually?"
"Huh?" Zhuang Jinghao didn't react, so he changed the question: "Do I look better in formal clothes?"
"Ah!" Zhuang Jinghao suddenly high-fived and said excitedly, "Yes, yes! Zuo Xiao said you look much more handsome in the video than usual! She likes you in a suit!"
My brother pondered for a moment and said, "Do you have any friends who are good at men's clothing styling?"
The next day, the three of them returned early in the morning and arrived at the rehearsal room at ten o'clock sharp.
Everyone had arrived, and except for Peng Lei, they were all tuning their instruments. As Jiang Miaomiao had said, everyone was incredibly motivated and had spontaneously fallen in love with group rehearsals.
"Well..." Zhuang Jinghao's lying skills were not very good yet, and he said awkwardly, "Our relatives are coming to our hometown, and my brother and I are going to entertain them. We will come to pick you up in the evening."
"Don't bother," Zuo Xiao said. "I'll take Qin Yufei's car back. It's on my way."
"Ah?" Zhuang Jinghao was genuinely surprised. "Doesn't he live in the east?"
"We just moved north." Peng Lei, chewing gum, interrupted with a smile, "Hehe, I got lucky too and live in Dabieye."
Zhuang Jinghao suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis. Peng Lei then fired his second shot: "Or maybe, Zuo Xiao, you should move in too. His villa is only 500 or 600 square meters, and it's such a waste for just him and me to live there!"
Zhuang Jinghao was really anxious. She subconsciously grabbed Zuo Xiao's hand and blurted out, "Bah! Bah! Bah! Who wants to live with you two stinky men?"
"Hahaha!" Peng Lei laughed heartlessly. "Look at you, it's like you're trying to steal your treasure... I was just kidding!"
Zhuang Jing shot him a glare of hatred, thinking, "Zuo Xiao doesn't even want to live in my house, so how could he possibly live in yours?" She snorted and said, "That's not funny at all."
As the elevator door closed, Zhuang Jinghao looked at his brother worriedly. He was staring straight ahead, his face grim, as if covered in frost.
There was no one else in the elevator. She tugged at his sleeve and said, "Brother, do you think Qin Yufei is interested in Zuo Xiao?"
Her brother gritted his teeth, and his whole body exuded a murderous aura as if he was facing an enemy in battle. She withdrew her hand and said no more.
An hour later, the two met Liang Sirui and her stylist friend Nancy at the light food restaurant in the mall.
Nancy looked Zhuang Yu'an over from head to toe, taking in his jacket, sweatpants, and hiking shoes. She then asked a few more questions, including his occupation, occasions he'd wear it for, his preferred style, and even the Myers-Briggs Indicator (MBTI). Zhuang Yu'an said he'd never taken one, and Liang Sirui chuckled, "Why would he even need one? He looks like a purple old man."
Seeing Nancy's understated and stylish style and her capable demeanor, Zhuang Jinghao thought she wouldn't force her brother into a boy band role, which wouldn't be appropriate. But she was still concerned, emphasizing, "My brother has a more down-to-earth and steady personality, so his style tends to be a bit more understated and conservative."
Nancy smiled but didn't respond. Unexpectedly, her brother actually said, "You can make some breakthroughs as long as it suits you. There's no need to impose too many restrictions."
What? Is my brother really going to risk it all?! Zhuang Jinghao looked at Liang Sirui with wide eyes. Liang Sirui smiled and winked at her. Then he whispered a few words into Nancy's ear, making her laugh.
The shopping spree ended just before 4 p.m. Zhuang Yu'an asked Liang Sirui and Nancy to each pick out a bag at a luxury store as a thank you. Zhuang Jinghao couldn't resist and bought one too. After their shopping spree, all four of them made some great purchases and said goodbye contentedly.
After Liang Sirui and Nancy left, he returned to a luxury store he had visited before and bought a light pink plaid cashmere scarf. It was soft and had no logo printed on it. He asked the clerk to cut the tag and turned around and said, "If you ask, just say it's your scarf."
Zhuang Jinghao felt a little sad and said listlessly, "I know."
A girl's mood is like the weather in April, changing at a moment's notice. In the car, she recalled the scene of her brother coming out of the fitting room just now and couldn't help laughing.
"What's wrong?" The brother who was driving was obviously in a good mood, and his expression and tone were no longer as cold and solemn as in the morning.
Zhuang Jinghao smiled. "Nothing. I just think the saying 'clothes make the man' is true." She laughed and said, "Brother, you usually wear black, white and gray. You buy several pieces of the same style. After getting used to it, I always think you should be like that. I never thought you could be different..."
As he spoke, his smile faded, "Hey, come to think of it, this is all my fault..."
"How can it be your problem?" Zhuang Yu'an turned his head and looked at her in confusion.
Zhuang Jinghao lowered her eyes and said bitterly, "I'm the only young woman in the family. I can't let grandma take care of everything for you. But I was so busy dressing myself that I never thought about buying clothes for my brother..."
"Silly girl." The brother turned around while waiting for the red light and rubbed her head with his hand. "Even if you bought it for me, I wouldn't wear it. Have you forgotten what you bought me with your first salary?"
"Pfft..." Zhuang Jing laughed so hard that she fell forward and backward. "It's a pink suit, hahaha! I was also confused at the time and forgot what I was thinking..."
After a while, Zhuang Yu'an asked abruptly, "Is it really okay?"
"What?" Zhuang Jinghao didn't react.
"These outfits today..." He showed a rare look of trepidation, "Do you think she will like them?"
"Of course! Bro, you're just too handsome! Nancy just said you're so handsome you could debut right here!"
"exaggerate."
"That's not an exaggeration! One of the shop assistants even said you're even more handsome than their brand spokesperson!"
"Right..."
Zhuang Yu'an frowned slightly, and after a while he said, "But my skin is not good. It's not white, nor fine, and there are old scars."
Zhuang Jinghao was drinking water and almost spit it out when he heard this. He choked and coughed several times.
She took out a tissue and wiped her mouth, saying, "Who said Zuo Xiao likes pretty boys? Besides, your skin isn't bad, it's just normal, very manly!" After thinking for a moment, she said, "If you really mind, I'll give you a set of skin care products! Just apply it morning and night, it's very simple."
My brother nodded without hesitation.
When the brother and sister returned to Blue Lemon, the rehearsal had just ended.
Seeing her come in, Peng Lei teased, "It's so hard for your relatives from your hometown to come over, why don't you spend more time with us?" Zhuang Jinghao pouted and snorted, then turned her face away and ignored him.
Jiang Miaomiao announced some good news. It turned out that, adhering to the principle of "performance to promote practice," the old Sun couple had already been arranging a small stage performance for the band. The first performance was scheduled for December 20th at a popular music bar in the city. The band would perform three original songs and one cover.
Everyone was thrilled. Jiang Miaomiao smiled and said, "Old Sun and I had a disagreement. He said we should have a small venue for the first show to avoid making everyone nervous. I said, since this is a once-in-a-lifetime debut, of course we have to go big! Even if the future shows are bigger and more extravagant, they won't be the first time! Don't you agree?"
"Sister Jiang is awesome!" Peng Lei was the first to applaud and cheer. He bent down to pick up a can of beer and was about to open it when Old Sun sternly stopped him, "No drinking in the rehearsal room." He put the can down angrily and mumbled, "Such a moment worth celebrating, and you don't even have some wine..."
Qin Yufei smiled and said lazily, "Have a good drink tonight. It's my treat."
The others all agreed, and Zuo Xiao was also very happy. Zhuang Jinghao was extremely glad that she and her brother were back. Otherwise, if everyone was drunk and Qin Yufei really had to take Zuo Xiao home, who knows what would have happened...
"Okay, let's go downstairs to have dinner first and then go to the bar in the evening." Jiang Miaomiao made the final decision.
At this time, the person who had been silent said, "Thank you for your care. Jinghao and I will host dinner. Let's see what everyone wants to eat."
Zhuang Jinghao looked at her brother in surprise. His action wasn't surprising, but compared to his usual reticence, it seemed a bit more outspoken, and there was a hint of a desire to challenge Qin Yufei...
Jiang Miaomiao and Lao Sun exchanged a glance and said with a smile, "You don't have to be so polite. Jinghao has helped a lot these days, and there's no salary to be collected at this stage. It should be Lao Sun and I who treat you to a meal."
Although she thinks she has a low emotional intelligence, Zhuang Jinghao still figured it out: she accepted Qin Yufei's invitation calmly, but declined politely when her brother invited her. It was obvious that she didn't regard her brother as her own!
Without giving it much thought, she quickly chimed in: "Sister Miaomiao, don't be so formal! It's just a meal. Come on, what do you want to eat? Hot pot? Barbecue? Western food? Japanese food?"
"Okay, thank you then." Jiang Miaomiao said with a smile, "I'm fine with anything. It depends on you." Peng Lei teased, "Then you'll have to eat something like Michelin or Black Pearl, right?"
No one nominated a restaurant, so Jiang Miaomiao suggested that the host should decide. Zhuang Yu'an said that the cold weather was suitable for hot pot, and after asking everyone about their dietary restrictions, they finally decided on a nearby seafood hot pot restaurant.
"Wow, 700 per person!" In the elevator, Peng Lei put down his phone and gave Zhuang Jinghao a thumbs-up. "You're sincere!"
Zhuang Jinghao was annoyed by his excessive talk, so she leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Just eat, why waste your words!"
When they arrived at the parking lot, everyone dispersed. Zhuang Jinghao and Zuo Xiao were walking side by side when they were suddenly pulled over.
"Tell me the truth, have you fallen in love with someone else?" Zuo Xiao asked in a low voice.
Zhuang Jinghao was stunned, not understanding the meaning of the words "transfer of affection to someone else". Zuo Xiao examined her with a probing gaze, and seeing her stunned expression, he chuckled and raised his hand to smash her head.
"Ouch!" Zhuang Jing rubbed his forehead, feeling the pain. "What did you say? I don't understand!"
Seeing Zhuang Yu'an walk away, Zuo Xiao crossed his arms and asked, "Your relationship with Peng Lei is quite complicated... Tell me the truth, did you develop feelings for each other over time and sparks of love flew?"
"Ah?!" Zhuang Jing was so excited and embarrassed that her face quickly turned red. "Who would have anything to do with him? Please stop talking nonsense!"
Zuo Xiao refused to buy it and chuckled, "Haven't you noticed? You're so unruly in front of him. You've gone from being a harmless little white rabbit to a ferocious little wild cat! You're not like that with others."
Zhuang Jinghao wanted to argue, but seeing his brother approaching, he said, "Stop talking nonsense and get in the car!"
After ordering, the room fell silent. They usually ate at small restaurants with an average cost of less than a hundred yuan per person, but today the atmosphere had suddenly become much more refined, and the atmosphere around the table was inevitably awkward.
Zhuang Jinghao, eager to liven up the atmosphere, suggested a game called "Guess the Name." The game involves the player coming up with a name, which everyone present must know. Then, the others ask questions one by one to narrow down the list, and the player can only answer yes or no. If the name is guessed within three rounds, the player loses and must face Truth or Dare.
She went first. She thought of a name in her mind, and then started asking questions from Zuo Xiao on her right. As soon as the round was over, Jiang Miaomiao next to Zuo Xiao guessed the answer: "Is it Wu Bai?"
Zhuang Jinghao's face fell: "Yes...how come you are so powerful..."
She chose truth, and Jiang Miaomiao smiled and asked, "Who was your first love?"
She was stunned, her face flushed from cheek to ear. After a moment, she stammered, "I haven't had my first love yet..."
Everyone had different expressions, and Peng Lei was even more surprised, saying, "Holy crap! Is this true?"
Zhuang Jinghao bit her lower lip, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Suddenly, a hand rested on her shoulder. Zuo Xiao looked at her cunningly and said with a smile, "Why not? Wasn't there a guy named Xu Zixuan in high school who was a top student?"
"Does that count..." she whispered.
"Why not?" Zuo Xiao let go of his hand and said with a smile, "Is it my turn to ask a question?"
She thought of a name and said with a smile, "This one is hard to guess."
Sure enough, after two rounds, the answer still remained unguessed. Zuo Xiao rested his chin on his hand, smugly observing everyone's fruitless efforts.
It was Peng Lei's turn. He put down his beer bottle and said solemnly, "Male, domestic, from a literary work, with a prototype... what else?"
"People from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China were from the South and were poor," Old Sun reminded.
Peng Lei frowned and said with a bitter face, "Are you sure I know him? I never read books..."
"Sure." Zuo Xiao said with a smug smile, "Congratulations on wasting a question."
"No, no, that can't be called a question!" Peng Lei argued, "I was just making sure the question you asked was correct. Wait a minute..."
"Alright, just consider it a break." Zuo Xiao folded his arms and looked at him calmly. Peng Lei hesitated for a long time before asking a crucial question: "Is it in the Chinese textbook?"
Zuo Xiao's eyelashes trembled slightly, and he answered, "Yes."
Everyone was whispering to each other. Zhuang Jinghao turned to his brother and asked, "Brother, do you have any idea?" He smiled slightly and replied, "Almost."
Zuo Xiao heard this conversation and felt a slight tightening in his heart - they were close to the correct answer.
When it was Qin Yufei's turn to ask a question, he narrowed his eyes slightly and said after a moment, "Is it Runtu?"
Everyone looked at Zuo Xiao. Her expression changed from surprise to helplessness. She smiled and said, "Yes."
Cheers erupted in the private room. Peng Lei slammed the table and shouted, "Truth or Dare!"
Zuo Xiao gritted his teeth and said, "The truth."
Everyone looked at Qin Yufei again. Before he could say anything, Peng Lei excitedly grabbed his arm and said, "Let me ask a question!"
Qin Yufei raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "What do you want to ask?"
Peng Lei chuckled, looked at Zuo Xiao mischievously, and cleared his throat.
"Among the men here, who is closest to your ideal type?" He added, "Married ones don't count!"
This wasn't a particularly unusual question, but Zuo Xiao felt a surge of nervousness for no apparent reason. With his heart pounding, his gaze swept over the men present one by one.
Contestant No. 1 Lao Sun: Married, pass.
No. 2 Peng Lei—Damn, how is this possible!
No. 3 Qin Yufei... Forget it, let’s just be teammates.
No. 4 Qiangzi, his figure and temperament are not what I like, so I pass.
Finally...
The answer was obvious. She gritted her teeth and thought: I'm just asking who's closer to my ideal type, not who I have a crush on. What's so embarrassing about it?
On second thought, I don't want that guy to misunderstand anything, so why not change it to a big dare.
She was about to speak when Qin Yufei suddenly said, "Don't ask that."
Peng Lei was stunned for a moment, and quickly turned sideways, patted his thigh and advised: "Just ask this! This question is so interesting!" Qin Yufei glanced at him: "Did you guess it right?" He shrank back and kept silent.
"That's right!" Zhuang Jinghao taunted, "You guessed it right, you're pointing fingers here..." Peng Lei glared at her and made faces.
Zuo Xiao found it funny to see the two of them arguing with each other, and said with a smile, "Stop arguing and ask quickly."
Under everyone's gaze, Qin Yufei smiled faintly and asked, "What's the food you hate the most?"
"Damn it!" Peng Lei couldn't hold it in. "It's too obvious that you're letting me win, my Master Qin!"
Jiang Miaomiao also joked, "Not bad, our band is very cohesive."
Qiangzi added: "Love & peace..." and clicked his tongue, "Nice!"
Zuo Xiao frowned in thought, thinking about common foods. He couldn't find anything he particularly disliked. Finally, he found a Jinling specialty that had been included in his childhood trauma.
"Live beads."
"Oh my god, I hate that too!" Zhuang Jing said excitedly, "It's so disgusting! Forget eating it, just thinking about it makes me sick!"
"I think it's quite delicious." Qiangzi said with a smile, "It has a fresh and tender texture and is rich in nutrients. It's really delicious."
"That's right." Peng Lei sneered, "There's nothing disgusting about what a Cantonese guy says."
Seeing that things were not going well between the two, Jiang Miaomiao changed the subject in time: "Hey, why haven't the dishes been served yet?"
After dinner, everyone went to the bar—or rather, a nightclub.
Qin Yufei opened a circular booth, and Zuo Xiao followed Jiang Miaomiao inside. Zhuang Jinghao followed closely behind, and just as she was about to go in, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.
I turned around and saw it was my brother.
Before she could say anything, he walked past her into the booth and sat down next to Zuo Xiao.
Zhuang Jinghao was stunned.
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