Peng Xue left with a carefree wave, leaving Xia Yuan and Mei Fang to clean up the aftermath.

On their way back to the apartment complex, Xia Yuan couldn’t help but sigh.

“I still think it’s such a waste for Xuexue to drop out… Should we have tried harder to stop her?”

Mei Fang shook his head. “At that point, with her personality? No chance.”

“Ugh—I’m so worried about her!”

“I’ll reach out to her cousin. Family won’t lead her astray. But we’re the ones in trouble now.”

“I just want to wrap myself around A-Fang and never let go.”

Xia Yuan buried her face in Mei Fang’s chest, soaking up “Super A-Fang Energy” to steady herself before they reported back to Lin Youxi.

Surprisingly, Lin Youxi took the news in stride. “From how you described it, this might be the right path for her. Not everyone thrives in school. We don’t even need degrees now. She’s choosing based on her circumstances—that takes guts.”

“But this is the time to build foundations! We’re barely adults. How can she face the world without school or family?”

“Because otherwise, she’d never catch up to you.”

Lin Youxi pointed out, “You’re a top-ten NetEase Music artist, C-Site’s mascot—already industry royalty. If Xuexue quit now to cram for arts exams, by the time she got into college, where would you be?”

“Even if you welcomed her, her pride wouldn’t let her accept charity.”

“So it’s my fault she dropped out?!”

“One factor, not the cause. She chose this.”

Lin Youxi smiled. “Take A-Fang’s advice: ‘Drop the savior complex. Respect others’ choices.’”

“Since when does he follow that? He went all out helping Yunyun!”

“Hey, no ganging up!”

Mei Fang waved his phone. “I’m still explaining this to Yue Xinyi. She’ll murder me for ‘letting Xuexue escape.’ Next up: facing her parents’ wrath.”

“I’ll handle it. Xuexue’s my best friend.”

---

Xia Yuan had never spoken to Peng Xue’s parents before. The moment the call connected, a torrent of accusations nearly drowned them:

“That damn Yanzhi corrupted our daughter! Her parents never disciplined her! Music? A real career?!”

When Mrs. Peng disparaged their dreams, Xia Yuan snapped:

“Pursuing music is admirable! How dare you—”

“Dreams pay bills? Either study or start working at 15! Her brother needs a house dowry—”

Mei Fang cut in: “Auntie, Yuan earns millions. Look up ‘Yuanbao’—Top 10 on NetEase.”

A young boy’s voice piped up: “Yuanbao?! The ‘Plain Face’ singer?! Sis never said she knew celebrities!”

Mrs. Peng’s tone shifted instantly. “Oh! Well, if she’s with successful artists…”

“There’s no difference. I started where Xuexue is now. She’s already a renowned bassist in Bai Mei. Respect her talent!”

Xia Yuan’s lecture clashed violently with Mrs. Peng’s sudden syrupy tone, leaving her nauseated.

Mei Fang took over, negotiating a compromise: Peng Xue would call home, and her parents would file for a leave of absence—keeping her enrollment open.

“Most folk singers have degrees. Let her try music for a year. If it fails, she’ll have options.”

---

After hanging up, Xia Yuan collapsed against Mei Fang. “Now I get why Xuexue ran. That woman’s terrifying.”

Lin Youxi nodded. “Son preference. Gold-digging. Toxic family dynamics.”

Mei Fang recalled his past life: Peng Xue, abandoned by her parents after the Huang Lian incident, becoming just another factory worker.

This time, she’d escaped that fate—thanks to him and Xia Yuan.

That cheek nuzzle… The taxi confession…

A twinge of nostalgia—or regret?

What if I’d reached out to her back then?

But some wounds weren’t his to heal.

---

Lin Youxi sighed. “All this talk, and no one ate the meal I cooked for Xuexue. Tragic.”

“I’ll eat it! Starving after that drama.”

Xia Yuan perked up. “What’d you make?”

“‘Regret Fried Rice.’ For repentant souls.”

She smirked at Mei Fang. “If he ever cheats, he’ll get seconds.”

“The hell— Let’s taste this ‘regret.’”

The dish smelled divine. One bite later—

“HOT! Where’s the— [cough] —pepper?!”

“Diced chilies. And a hint of wasabi.”

Tears streamed as they repented violently.