“…”

Under the intense gazes of Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi, Mei Fang pursed his lips in thought before scratching his head awkwardly.

“Well, uh… even after turning eighteen, we’re still students. That kind of thing—”

He suddenly changed tack with a playful tilt of his head, “—wouldn’t be very convenient at home, right?”

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan exchanged knowing smiles.

“Our little Ah Fang has finally grown up.”

Lin Youxi suggested casually, “Then like last year or the year before, we could book a hotel room?”

“That’s not impossible… but why do I feel something’s off about you two being so proactive?”

“What’s strange about it? I’ve been raising him for over a decade.”

“Even so… you’re actually serious about this?”

Xia Yuan swallowed hard, her cheeks flushing as she mumbled, “It just feels… ah… so embarrassing!”

“If Yuan Yuan’s too shy, she can observe from the sidelines. After all, she did say she’d wait until after graduation.”

“Th-that won’t do! I need to protect Ah Fang from being devoured by you!”

As the trio bickered in hushed tones, Mei Lijun in the car grew impatient and was about to honk when his daughter Mei Ya smacked his head from the passenger seat.

“Dad! Can’t you read the mood? This isn’t the time to interrupt them!”

“You brat… You used to be so cute when you were little. When did you start hitting so hard?”

Rubbing his head, Mei Lijun glared at his daughter as their squabble continued until the three finally approached the car.

“Uncle Mei!”

“Hello, Uncle Mei.”

“Oh! Ah, yes, you’re here!”

“We’ll be imposing on you again!”

“No trouble at all! You’re always welcome in our home, hahaha!”

Mei Lijun’s cheerful expression froze when his son suddenly started knocking on the window.

“What now?!”

“Open the trunk, Dad. We need to load the luggage.”

“Alright, alright! No need to rush!”

---

This marked the second year Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi stayed at the Mei household. Having gone through this once before, Xiang Xiaoxia was now accustomed to their visits—though with the notable change that her son’s official girlfriend had switched from Xia Yuan to Lin Youxi.

Ironically, as the “current” girlfriend, Lin Youxi received slightly less attention than Xia Yuan, the “ex.” While both were warmly welcomed, Xiang Xiaoxia clearly doted more on Xia Yuan.

Having experienced this dynamic last year, Lin Youxi took it in stride, instead assuming a more matronly role by helping Xiang Xiaoxia in the kitchen while chatting about everyday matters.

Noticing her own partiality today, Xiang Xiaoxia took the opportunity to reassure Lin Youxi, squeezing her hand gently.

“Youxi dear, you understand Auntie, right? You won’t mind me being extra warm to Yuan Yuan?”

“Of course not. I know you’re worried she might feel neglected after ‘breaking up’ with Ah Fang.”

Lin Youxi smiled. “This is actually good—Yuan Yuan often worries she doesn’t please you enough.”

“How could that be! I’ve watched you both grow up—I cherish you equally!”

Xiang Xiaoxia’s voice softened. “But you lost your mother young, while Yuan Yuan always had happiness. I can’t help wanting to give you a little extra care…”

“To me, Auntie, you were like a mother figure growing up.”

Lin Youxi stood and hugged Xiang Xiaoxia, who reciprocated wholeheartedly, her affection for this future daughter-in-law shining through.

Then, Lin Youxi whispered near her ear:

“When I was little, what I imagined as ‘a mother’s flavor’ was always your cooking. That’s why I love cooking so much.”

“Haha… you girl… If only my Ya could be one-tenth as sweet as you—”

“But Ya’s bluntness is charming too… Ma?”

The sudden address sent a shiver of delight through Xiang Xiaoxia, who instinctively responded before lightly swatting Lin Youxi’s arm.

“You cheeky thing! Ah Fang hasn’t even married you yet!”

“I just wanted to call you that. I’ve always thought of you this way.”

Lin Youxi’s voice was tender. “Can’t I?”

“Of course you can!”

Xiang Xiaoxia’s face glowed brighter than if she’d tasted honey. She whispered back, “Just not in public, alright? Yuan Yuan might feel hurt.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll only call you Ma secretly. And even if Ah Fang abandons me someday, you’ll always be one of my mothers.”

“That brat wouldn’t dare! I’d break his legs first!”

Their shared laughter filled the kitchen.

---

Meanwhile, Xia Yuan was admiring Mei Ya’s “special room.”

“Ta-da!”

“Wow, Ya! You’ve got so many aircraft models—it’s like a mini museum!”

Mei Ya proudly displayed her collection. “This is an Airbus A320, that’s a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, and here… the Challenger—one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements.”

Her voice turned wistful. “People back then were so incredible—boldly exploring space and the unknown, their gazes fixed beyond Earth. So romantic! Unlike now, where everyone just fights over profits…”

“People change… but some still chase grander dreams. Like you, right?”

Mei Ya nodded, then asked softly, “Are you, Youxi-jie, and my brother also forging a path no one’s walked before?”

“You little… too sharp for your age! Don’t tease!”

“Yuan-jie is abusing me! Deploying the Space Wolves to counterattack! For the Emperor!”

Mei Ya brandished miniature warrior figurines, making “pew pew” sounds. Xia Yuan, intrigued, leaned closer. “I thought you only liked plane models. What are these?”

“My future allies in space—the greatest of the Emperor’s Astartes.”

Mei Ya explained solemnly, “They bear infamous titles as the Emperor’s executioners, yet remain His most loyal warriors.”

“Ah… uh…”

Xia Yuan scratched her head. “Sounds impressive!”

“Extremely! They can even transform into werewolves—see this figure? That’s their wolf form…”

As Mei Ya launched into an elaborate explanation, Xia Yuan realized how out of touch she was with younger generations. Thankfully, Mei Fang arrived to rescue her, ruffling his sister’s hair.

“Stop indoctrinating your Yuan-jie with Warhammer lore. She doesn’t know your Emperor-whoever.”

“Such heresy! To disrespect the God-Emperor’s name! You stand condemned by the Inquisition!”

Mei Ya pummeled her brother until he threatened, “Keep this up, and say goodbye to your Gloriana-class battleship… what’s-it-called?”

“The Hrafnkel! Sorry, sorry, gege! I know you love me!”

Watching her instant surrender, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan could only laugh.

---

After a week at the Mei residence, the trio returned to their hometown of Baimei County. During the ride, Mei Lijun noted their unusual calm.

“You always celebrate Ah Fang’s birthday early. Not this year?”

“Not this time.”

Lin Youxi linked arms with Mei Fang, smiling. “An eighteenth birthday should be celebrated on the actual day—that’s what makes it special.”