Chapter 380: There’s a Chance

Chapter 380: This Might Work

Ye Xiaoxiao ducked behind Su Tong to avoid Bai Mengan's splashing water.

Su Tong blocked the two girls, telling them to cut it out.

"Knock it off already," she said. "Thanks for all being so concerned about my love life—I’ll find more chances to spend time with Ye Changsheng."

Duan Hong laughed from the side. "What’s up with this trend? These days, it’s all about girls making the first move."

Ye Xiaoxiao glanced at her two best friends. It looked like both of them were going down the girl-chases-boy route.

Bai Mengan didn’t seem to mind. "If you like someone, go after them. If it doesn’t work out, then whatever. But I can’t stand watching the meat in your own bowl get taken by someone else—that I won’t tolerate."

She even gave Su Tong some advice: "Better to swallow your pride now than watch the guy you like walk off with someone else."

Su Tong took the advice to heart.

Bai Mengan turned to Ye Xiaoxiao next. "You don’t need to learn this. You’re a total catch—way too many people chasing you, and you’re already off the market."

Ye Xiaoxiao shot back, "You’re wasting your talents not being a love guru."

Bai Mengan imagined that as a compliment.

Su Tong said, "If you’re free, bring your older brother to my art exhibition. There’s one going on in West City these days."

The fact that Su Tong could say this meant Ye Changsheng was probably into it too.

This might work!

Of course, Ye Xiaoxiao would go all out to support her best friend.

"Sure thing, I’ll definitely bring my older brother."

Su Tong looked at the other two. "You guys are welcome to come too if you’re free."

Duan Hong shook her head. "Best I can do is drive. I’m not really into this artsy stuff."

Bai Mengan rubbed her head. "Pretty sure I’m working."

Su Tong asked, "Do you have a performance coming up?"

She had a hunch Bai Mengan just didn’t want to look at paintings.

Even though they were both art students, Bai Mengan, who was focused on singing, had a different vibe.

"Yeah, our military’s New Year’s performance—the day after tomorrow," Bai Mengan answered.

Ye Xiaoxiao found that odd. "Aren’t you rehearsing?"

"I’m done already," Bai Mengan shrugged. "We finished the third dress rehearsal yesterday. The day after it’s just showtime. This is my legit break."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded—as long as she wasn’t slacking off.

"Then kill it out there."

"Damn right."

After their hot spring soak, the group rested indoors for a while.

At night, the ski resort had stargazing and fireworks outside.

But it was freezing out, and Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t want to go outside.

Indoors, there was a billiards hall and a game room. Ye Xiaoxiao was playing mahjong with her girls in the game room.

The guys had wandered off somewhere—nobody knew or cared.

Ye Xiaoxiao was on fire that night, winning nonstop.

“Xiaoxiao, are you cheating? How are you so lucky?” Bai Mengan was half-convinced she was cheating.

Ye Xiaoxiao: “I didn’t bring any tricks—how would I cheat?”

“I’m out. Grabbing water.”

Bai Mengan hadn’t won a single hand all night and had completely lost confidence in herself.

Su Tong threw in the towel too—she wasn’t good at the game to begin with, and up against two pros made it worse.

Aside from Ye Xiaoxiao, Duan Hong had won the most.

Good thing they weren’t playing for cash—otherwise, they’d be out a few bucks.

The group stayed overnight at the club. The next morning, after breakfast, they explored nearby before heading back.

On the way, Ye Xiaoxiao bit her tongue.

Only when they returned to their own courtyard did she finally ask Ye Changsheng, “So… how about it? Isn’t my girl stunning?”

Ye Changsheng pretended not to understand, “Which one are you talking about?”

Ye Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Fourth Brother? There’s only one single girl here. Or do you think Sister Hong is the one? But Sister Hong’s not into baby brothers like you.”

Duan Hong, walking ahead with sharp hearing, turned around and smiled faintly at the siblings, “Sister Hong’s taken. Keep dreaming.”

Ye Xiaoxiao gasped. “Since when? What does he look like? Did you two live together before?

If you’re stuck with me 24/7 now, doesn’t that mean you’re in a long-distance relationship?”

Ye Xiaoxiao never actually required Duan Hong to be with her every day—she still had her own free time.

But Duan Hong preferred to stay close by for protection.

“He’s on a long-term mission. We won’t see each other for a while. I’ll figure out my transfer once he’s back.”

Ye Xiaoxiao: “I see.”

After that reveal, Duan Hong ducked into her room, leaving the siblings alone.

“See? Sister Hong’s got a man. What’s your excuse?”

Ye Changsheng blinked. “What’s that got to do with me?”

He sighed slightly. “Su Tong is indeed a great girl, but I’m swamped—no time for dating.”

Ye Xiaoxiao retracted her gaze and tilted her head proudly, "Hmph, I'm busy too.

We can go somewhere nice for New Year's Day."

After all, Ye Xiaoxiao only needed to accompany Song Guangjing for a meal on New Year's Day.

Su Tong mentioned that the art exhibition would be open during the New Year's holiday.

That would be a good time for her to take Ye Changsheng there to appreciate some art; maybe it would spark something in him.

Ye Changsheng let her make the arrangements; after all, he could only be controlled by his sister here.

"Has Third Brother not returned to the capital yet?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "No, his butler said he went to Country A."

Ye Changsheng was slightly worried about Ye Changning; the security situation abroad wasn't very good.

Ye Xiaoxiao said, "He has bodyguards with him, and besides, Brother Jiangnan is there too, so there's nothing to worry about."

Jiangnan had fought in underground boxing matches and practiced mixed martial arts; most importantly, he was one hundred percent loyal to Ye Changsheng.

Having someone like him around was more reassuring than having a hundred bodyguards.

Mentioning Ye Changning, Ye Changsheng felt a bit puzzled, "Why don't you try to set Third Brother up with someone?"

Ye Xiaoxiao pointed at herself, "Me? Do you think I can even find Third Brother? And even Mom can't control him, how could I?

Most importantly, I think Fourth Brother, you're more reliable."

Anyway, Ye Xiaoxiao decided to butter Ye Changsheng up first.

Ye Changsheng smirked. That’s my sister for you—always knows what to say.

...

On New Year’s Day,

Ye Xiaoxiao and Ye Changsheng had a hearty breakfast.

Then they made their way to the gallery with the tickets in hand.

It wasn’t far from where Ye Xiaoxiao lived—just over half an hour by car.

The exhibition featured works by many artists, all young painters like Su Tong.

Ye Xiaoxiao went straight to see several of Su Tong’s paintings.

Sunflowers, snow-capped mountains, forests… Su Tong had a real knack for landscapes, each one vibrant with color.

As a child, Ye Xiaoxiao had taken watercolor classes, but unfortunately, she lacked artistic talent and gave up after three months.

"Beautiful," she said. "Looks just like the real thing."

For a science guy like Ye Changsheng, churning out data charts came easy, but appreciating art might as well have been rocket science.

"It really is beautiful," he replied.

After that lame comment, the siblings locked eyes awkwardly, both drawing blanks.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Could you at least try to sound impressed?"

Ye Changsheng: "Says the one who just called it ‘pretty’!"