The sickly one in F4 was the group's darling.

As the banquet ended, Bai Ci was so sleepy that his eyelids were almost stuck together.

He struggled to his feet, his steps unsteady. After a whole day of commotion, confrontation, and being watched, his already weak body finally gave way.

The dazzling lights overhead blurred into a hazy patch of light in his eyes.

He didn't notice the chair back behind him, and when he turned around, he tripped and stumbled forward half a step.

Bai Yanzhi's hand had already been positioned to protect him. From the moment Bai Ci stood up, he noticed that his younger brother's steps were unsteady. At this moment, he steadily supported his arm and brought him closer to him, speaking in a gentle tone.

"Are you exhausted? Watch where you're going."

Bai Ci mumbled a response, rubbed his eyes, and forced himself to stay awake.

Bai Jiheng stepped forward and teased him, looking at his appearance: "You were full of energy when you were confronting someone just now, but now you look dejected. With your stamina, you can't even compare to the tortoise that the old man at home keeps."

Bai Ci's mind was foggy and slow to process, so she just mumbled, "...Turtles naturally love to sleep."

Bai Jiheng was amused by his methodical response; no one could understand his train of thought.

"Fine, so you really think you're inferior to a tortoise?"

"Third Brother," Bai Ci said slowly, his eyes half-closed, "you've been talking too much today."

Uncle Chen coughed softly and turned his head away.

Bai Jiheng waved his hand and said magnanimously, "I'm too lazy to argue with someone as sleepy as you. We'll settle the score when you're fully awake tomorrow."

As the group walked out of the banquet hall, the evening breeze from the mountains blew in through the open windows of the corridor, carrying the unique coolness of an autumn night.

Bai Ci shivered as the cold wind blew, which made her a little more awake.

The distant roar of helicopter rotors could be faintly heard; Shen Tinglan's secretary was already waiting at the entrance of the manor's main building.

The wall lamps under the eaves swayed slightly, casting flickering light on the faces of several people.

Shen Tinglan stopped and glanced at Bai Ci.

Bai Jiheng leaned against a pillar, his gaze fixed on Shen Tinglan, displaying a nonchalant attitude that seemed to say, "I'll just stand here and see when you leave."

The two exchanged a glance, and a tacit understanding filled the air. They had been secretly competing all night, but now that it was time to part ways, neither of them was in a hurry to end things.

Bai Yanzhi glanced at the two of them indifferently, and spoke first. His tone was casual, but he firmly maintained the demeanor of the host: "Tinglan, thank you for making this special trip tonight."

Shen Tinglan nodded slightly: "Brother Yanzhi, you don't need to be so polite. I just happened to be passing by."

"Whether it's on your way or you came specifically for it, since it's a rare opportunity for you to come, please don't take it to heart if we don't treat you well enough."

"No," Shen Tinglan replied, "Tonight's banquet is very interesting."

Bai Jiheng leaned against a pillar with a casual smile on his face and casually replied, "Young Master Shen takes quite a while to deliver a document, staying from the start of the banquet until it ended."

"The documents were just a side note; I mainly wanted to come and see what the Bai family's banquet was like," Shen Tinglan replied.

"Have you seen enough now?"

"It was more interesting than I expected; this trip was worthwhile."

Bai Jiheng raised an eyebrow: "Tonight was just a coincidence. If you come again in the future, remember to let us know in advance. Although the Bai family has no shortage of places to entertain guests, we can't hold banquets every day."

Bai Yanzhi let the two exchange a few jokes; this little verbal sparring before parting was harmless.

He knew perfectly well that Shen Tinglan hadn't come to the banquet specifically for the occasion; she was clearly there for Bai Ci.

From the side hall to the main table, Shen Tinglan's gaze fell on Bai Ci several times, which he noticed.

He didn't expose it, nor did he ask any further questions. Shen Tinglan had helped Bai Ci before, and he remembered that favor. The rest could wait.

"Since you find this place interesting, you can come back whenever you want." Bai Yanzhi's tone was relaxed. "The Bai and Shen families have been friends for generations, so adding an extra pair of chopsticks to the house is never a big deal."

The words were spoken casually, but the meaning was straightforward: You are a member of the Shen family, so you don't need to find various excuses to come to the Bai family as a guest. Just show yourself openly and honestly.

Shen Tinglan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

He understood that Bai Yanzhi had seen through his intentions, but he didn't say a word about it. Instead, he openly opened the door for him.

Such magnanimity and composure left him momentarily speechless.

"Thank you, Brother Yanzhi." Shen Tinglan replied, her tone unconsciously becoming more solemn.

Bai Yanzhi didn't continue the topic. He turned to Bai Ci and pulled his coat, which had slipped down to his shoulders, up further.

Shen Tinglan's gaze fell on Bai Ci.

The boy's eyes were red from exhaustion, and he was wrapped in an oversized coat, looking like a cat wrapped in a blanket.

The night wind ruffled the stray hairs on his forehead. He raised his hand to brush them aside, but couldn't straighten them.

Shen Tinglan watched this scene, a faint smile appearing on her lips, her tone softening:

"By the way, Bai Ci, I just received news that Ji Huaizhou and Lu Ciyuan will be returning to school in a few days."

Bai Ci paused, her hand brushing her hair aside; the news had somewhat dispelled her drowsiness.

Ji Huaizhou? The one he argued with in the lounge? Is he coming back?

And then there's Lu Ciyuan, whom I've never met before; just from his name, you can tell he's no pushover.

Shen Tinglan took in the changes in his expression, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes: "So, take advantage of these two days to rest well and recharge. Things are going to get lively at school from now on."

Bai Ci knew perfectly well that this person was clearly waiting to see a good show.

He felt a little uneasy and subconsciously looked at Bai Yanzhi beside him.

Bai Yanzhi met his gaze.

He didn't ask Shen Tinglan why she suddenly brought it up, nor did he care about the younger generation's actions. Given his status, such trivial campus matters weren't worth mentioning.

But he still spoke up.

Looking down at Bai Ci, who seemed slightly lost, he spoke calmly, yet with a reassuring confidence:

"I won't interfere much in your school affairs. But remember, you are a member of the Bai family. Don't tolerate anyone who makes you feel wronged or uncomfortable."

This was a response to Shen Tinglan's "reminder." I appreciate the good intentions, but I will take care of my brother's affairs.

Shen Tinglan's eyebrows twitched slightly, but he quickly regained his indifferent expression. He understood the meaning behind Bai Yanzhi's words and said nothing more.

Bai Ci felt a warmth in his heart, and drowsiness welled up inside him. He nodded obediently and whispered, "I understand."

Seeing this, Bai Jiheng, who had been leaning against a pillar, chuckled and interjected, his tone nonchalant: "What's the big deal? Why are you so worried? So what if those two kids are back? They really dare to cause trouble. With us here, you won't have to put up with this."

He spoke lightly, but there was no hint of a joke in his eyes, making it clear that only he could amuse his younger brother, and no outsiders could bully him.

Shen Tinglan turned to Bai Yanzhi and nodded slightly: "Brother Yanzhi, thank you for the hospitality. Tonight's banquet was wonderful."

Bai Yanzhi replied, "You're too kind. I've received the cooperation filing from the Shen family. We'll discuss it in detail another day. Please give my regards to the old man when you get back."

"I will pass it on."

"It's windy tonight, please be careful on the road."

Shen Tinglan nodded goodbye and turned to walk towards the distant helipad. His secretary followed closely behind him, and the two figures quickly disappeared into the night.

Bai Ci gazed in that direction, still pondering those words from earlier.

The names of Ji Huaizhou and Lu Ciyuan flashed through his mind, but drowsiness prevented him from thinking further. However, he vaguely knew that after these two people returned, his days in St. Andrew would not be as peaceful as before.

Bai Yanzhi withdrew his gaze and looked down at Bai Ci: "Still worried?"

Bai Ci hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly: "A little."

"There's nothing to be afraid of." Bai Yanzhi raised his hand and gently placed it on his shoulder, the pressure gentle yet reassuring. "Just live your life at school as usual. If you encounter any trouble you can't handle, feel free to come to me anytime."

"What nonsense are you thinking? With the Bai family around, you don't need to be timid," Bai Jiheng said.

After speaking, Bai Yanzhi gently patted Bai Ci's shoulder, withdrew his hand, and gently instructed, "It's windy outside, let's go inside."