The dinner at Liu Xiaoyu’s home served two purposes. First, her father wanted to express gratitude for Mei Fang and Xia Yuan’s care during Liu Xiaoyu’s time in Jiangcheng. Unlike classmates like Xiang Bingbing—whose parents visited frequently—Liu Xiaoyu had been truly alone until their support.

Second, he sought to understand his daughter’s current pursuits. Prepared for this, Mei Fang answered his questions thoroughly, ensuring he’d confidently support her dreams.

While her father dominated conversation, Liu Xiaoyu’s mother remained quiet, her complexion somewhat pallid as she focused on urging her son to eat. Occasionally, her gaze would linger on Xia Yuan, their brief eye contacts leaving Xia Yuan awkwardly smiling.

A fan of drinking etiquette, Liu’s father toasted the pair (with juice) at meal’s end:

“Xiaoyu’s told us so much about you… Xia Yuan, I know you’ve carried guilt about the hotel incident, but our family never blamed yours. Your father even later offered help, which I declined—business failures are our own responsibility. That chapter is closed, so please don’t feel burdened.”

“Uncle Liu, I understand. I’ve made peace with my dad about it. Regardless, Xiaoyu is a dear friend who’s contributed greatly to my music. As A-Fang said, she’s immensely talented—I hope we can pursue our musical dreams together.”

After farewells, Liu Xiaoyu escorted them out, suddenly embracing Xia Yuan:

“Thank you for coming… truly.”

“Why thank me when you hosted?” Xia Yuan patted her back gently. “I can’t fully relate to your hardships, but I’ll always listen if you need to talk. That’s what friends do.”

Releasing her, Liu Xiaoyu smiled before turning to Mei Fang:

“You leave tomorrow? Safe travels.”

“See you in Jiangcheng.”

---

Riding home, Xia Yuan sighed deeply.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was thinking… if we hadn’t run away that year, if Dad hadn’t sold White Plum Manor, would my family have ended up like Xiaoyu’s? Maybe… you wouldn’t have stayed with me.”

“As if I’m with you for money!”

“That’s not what I meant! Just… if we’d stayed poor, I couldn’t have studied music or gotten into Jiangcheng No.1. We might never have reunited.”

“I’d have found another way. Nothing would stop me from being with you both.”

“Really?”

She nuzzled his shoulder. “Really really?”

“Absolutely—hey, that’s dangerous!”

Pulling over, he let her cling properly.

“Honestly, Xiaoyu’s dad was fine, but her mom’s stare… unnerved me.”

“Understandable. However they spin it, their decline began with White Plum Manor.” He booped her nose. “But that’s not your concern—just focus on your friendship. Didn’t you see how happy she was you came?”

“It’s normal for friends to visit! Though… I’ve never invited Xue or Xiaoyu to my home.”

Xia Yuan mumbled, “Mom’s cooking used to be terrible, but now it’s decent enough.”

“We’ve hosted them in Jiangcheng, haven’t we?”

“Oh! You mean summer and National Day—”

She brightened. “That place is our home now!”

“Should we upgrade?”

“It’s perfect as is—cozy for three. Besides, moving might make Aunt Xiang suspicious.”

Pausing, she grinned. “At most, you could just… sleep in our room~”

Mei Fang feigned terror. “Youxi would destroy me.”

“I’ll protect you!”

Xia Yuan thumped her chest dramatically. “Little A-Fang’s virtue is safe with me!”

“You’ll protect me? Pfft—you’ll just snore away while Youxi has her way with me!”

“Hey! Have some faith! Sleeping alone is so lonely…”

Their laughter echoed through Baimei County’s streets—each corner bearing memories of past rides.

---

The next day, Xia Xun drove the trio to Jiangcheng. After a quick meal, he unexpectedly requested to visit their company.

At Linxi Tech’s office (not yet officially reopened), Mei Yue—who’d skipped family New Year to avoid matchmaking pressure—was about to scold the loitering teens when a silver-fox businessman appeared behind them.

!

Her jaw nearly dropped before Mei Fang’s cough snapped her back. “And this guest would be…?”

Lin Youxi smoothly interjected: “Sister Yueyue, may I introduce President Xia Xun of Xia Enterprises.”

“What weird formality!” Xia Yuan elbowed her. “He’s my dad.”

“Your dad?!” Mei Yue’s hopes crumbled. “I’d have guessed early thirties…”

Xia Yuan blinked. “He doesn’t look that young…”

---

Mei Yue’s polished company tour visibly impressed Xia Xun. During breaks, she cornered Mei Fang:

“Wasn’t one of the girls’ moms gone? Youxi or YuanYuan?”

“…Youxi’s. But her dad remarried.”

“Tch. Shame.”

Mei Fang recoiled. “Are you that desperate? Even eyeing YuanYuan’s dad?!”

“Please! A friend of mine would love his type!”

“Tell your friend to forget it. Auntie Yu outclasses anyone in every aspect.”

“You little—”

Their tussle halted as Xia Xun approached:

“Your operations are impressive, but schooling must delay responses. Have you considered a professional manager?”

“Actually… I know someone perfect. Invested in his browser startup before co-founders ousted him. Interested?”

“Absolutely! His contact?”

As Xia Xun retrieved the card, Mei Fang mused:

A browser co-founder? Hope he’s more than just technical—otherwise we might as well hire Youxi.

Then the name made him choke:

“Holy—Uncle?!“