“Hmm-hmm~”

On the eve of their departure to Jiangcheng, Xia Yuan’s mother Yu Ling stood before the full-length mirror, holding up various outfits for her husband Xia Xun’s opinion.

“Honey, does this white one look better for Jiangcheng?”

“Mmm… sure…”

“What about this one?”

Xia Xun glanced up briefly before nodding.

“That one’s nice too.”

Yu Ling pouted. “You’re being so perfunctory today!”

“Huh? Am I?”

“You absolutely are!” Despite having a daughter nearly old enough to be a mother herself, Yu Ling—perhaps from years of teaching elementary school—retained a girlish charm. “You used to at least look me in the eye when complimenting my outfits.”

“…I suppose I’m preoccupied.” Xia Xun sighed. “If YuanYuan were still with Mei Fang, visiting them would make sense. But they’ve broken up yet still plan this joint family trip? What’s the logic here?”

“A breakup now doesn’t mean forever. After all these years together, their bond won’t vanish overnight. And remember—Ah Fang was my student. I know his character.”

Yu Ling rested a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Besides, YuanYuan initiated the split. She dumped him. We’ve no reason to blame him, right?”

“Still… him getting together with Youxi next door so quickly feels… calculated.”

“You’ve always nitpicked Ah Fang. Now that he’s popular, having second thoughts?”

“Not exactly… I just think kids shouldn’t rush into relationships.”

“Even without romance, she’s outgrown being Daddy’s little girl.” Yu Ling smiled gently. “Our YuanYuan’s a capable woman now—financially independent, with two childhood friends watching over her. Isn’t that better?”

“I suppose…”

“No more ‘buts’! Go pack—we’re leaving soon!”

---

Today marked the first family gathering since Mei Fang and Lin Youxi went public—and since Mei Fang and Xia Yuan’s “breakup.” Their differing public statuses demanded tailored strategies:

• Lin Youxi, now the “official girlfriend,” could relax around Mei Fang’s parents but needed to avoid appearing triumphant before Xia Yuan’s family.
• Xia Yuan, as the “dumper,” had to maintain natural closeness with Mei Fang, lest his parents resent her for “rejecting their son.”

---

Punctual as ever, the Xia family arrived first despite traveling farther. Mei Fang and Xia Yuan waited together in the biting wind, yesterday’s light snow having left the pavement treacherously slick. When Xia Yuan’s boots skidded, Mei Fang steadied her—prompting her to notice his gloves.

“Ah Fang, you schemer! Aren’t those the bear-paw gloves I gave you last New Year’s?”

“Really? I forget.” Mei Fang scratched his head. “You’ve given me so many things—”

“Scoundrel! Forgetting gifts from your girlfriend?” She rapped his skull lightly.

Grinning, Mei Fang removed a glove and fished out the heart-shaped pendant nestled beneath her collar. “Then when did I give you this? You’ve worn it for years.”

“Umm… two years ago? Not a birthday gift—that time we three shopped on Han Street?”

“Wrong. Think harder.”

“But I remember being jealous of Youxi’s birthday necklace, and you—”

“That happened, but earlier.” He pinched her cheek. “See? You forget too.”

“Only Youxi has steel-trap memory.”

“True…”

As Mei Fang carefully zipped up Xia Yuan’s coat, a black BMW SUV pulled up. Spotting the license plate, Xia Yuan eagerly waved—only to slip on the ice.

Whoa—!

Mei Fang lunged, grabbing her arm while his other hand cupped her rear to break the fall. Momentum sent them toppling like stacked dominos, Mei Fang cushioning her impact with his own backside.

“Owwww…”

“Ah Fang! Are you okay?!”

Flustered, Xia Yuan scrambled up as her mother rushed from the car.

“No need, Teacher Yu! I’m fine—”

“Let me check for bruises! Where does it hurt?”

“Mom, he’s not a kid! I’ll handle it later—” Xia Yuan blushed, realizing her slip. “I mean, Youxi will!”

Her frantic bum-rubbing (meant to soothe Mei Fang) and the accidental intimacy didn’t escape her father’s notice from the car.

That reflexive protectiveness… The boy clearly still cares for her.

This trip, I’ll finally ask YuanYuan why she let him go.

---

Inside, Lin Youxi—apron-clad with her hair in a ponytail—greeted them at the door.

“Uncle Xia, Aunt Yu, welco— Ah Fang? What happened?”

“He fell protecting me!” Xia Yuan chirped. “Busted his butt good!”

“Let me see—”

“No need! I can—”

“Nonsense. You can’t reach.” Youxi shepherded him toward the bedroom before pausing. “YuanYuan, entertain your parents until the Mei’s arrive. Dinner’s ready.”

“O-okay…”

Xia Yuan’s shoulders slumped.

Right… ex-girlfriend act.

But it’s my fault his butt hurts! I should be the one—

Her inner wail went unheard.