Upon reaching home in the evening, Alix was about to head back to her room when she heard Ren Cuifen from behind.
"Alix."
She turned. "Yes?"
"...Dinner is ready. You should join us."
Alix stared at her with an unreadable expression. "Continue with my sister. I am tired. I will eat later."
Ren Cuifen held her wrist and stopped her from leaving. "I…!"
"Yes?"
She pursed her lips hesitantly. "L-Late night snacking is not good for health. Also…"
Alix blinked.
"Did we do something wrong?" she gathered her courage and asked.
"Huh? No, you didn't. When did I say that?"
Ren Cuifen heaved a sigh of relief. "It's just that you have not been joining us for breakfast or dinner quite often these days…So Luoyang and I wondered if we did something wrong."
Alix stared at her.
"It's nothing like that so be at ease."
"Really?"
"Yes. But I would rather keep my distance from all of you."
Ren Cuifen stiffened.
"It doesn't have anything to do with you."
