The next evening, after returning home from school, Tang You kept thinking about returning the umbrella to Zhou Qin Yao. After all, it was his umbrella, and she couldn’t just keep it as her own.

After dinner, while Aunt Rong was tidying up in the kitchen, Tang You tentatively asked, “Aunt Rong, I ate a bit too much earlier, and I’d like to go for a walk.”

Aunt Rong immediately put down the dishes she was cleaning and said, “Miss, I’ll accompany you. You really scared me last night when you went out alone. Before she left, Madam said you’re not allowed to go out alone. It’s dangerous outside.”

Aunt Rong was honest and loyal, always following Mrs. Fang’s instructions to the letter, never daring to disobey.

Tang You had anticipated this response, so she deliberately held onto Aunt Rong’s arm in a playful and affectionate manner, “Aunt Rong, I’ve been so tired from classes at school. I just want a little private time to catch my breath. I promise, I’ll just walk around the neighborhood and come right back. Besides, I have a private lesson at 7:30.”

She paused and added, “Please, I’m begging you.”

Aunt Rong, who was in her early fifties and had children of her own, was always kind and gentle. When Tang You acted so sweetly, her heart softened.

The young girl had a point—being in her senior year, her studies were demanding, and she also had to practice the cello. With a strict mother who was always controlling, Tang You was struggling to even catch her breath. It was pitiful.

Although Aunt Rong had noticed many things, she couldn’t speak up as a servant, with little say in the matter.

After thinking it over, she reluctantly agreed, “Alright, but you must come back within half an hour.”

Tang You was secretly delighted and flashed a sweet smile, “I promise!”

Taking the umbrella, Tang You crossed the street and quietly headed to Huai Tree Alley.

She didn’t know where Zhou Qin Yao lived, so she first went to Cheng Xuan’s house.

Cheng Xuan and her mother were having dinner when they saw Tang You and quickly invited her in.

“Have you eaten yet, Youyou?” Cheng Xuan pulled out a chair for her.

Time was short, so Tang You didn’t sit down. She quickly explained how Zhou Qin Yao had lent her an umbrella the previous night, then asked Cheng Xuan where Zhou Qin Yao lived.

She wanted to return the umbrella.

After hearing the story, Cheng Xuan blinked, a strange smile in her eyes, “Tsk, Yao-ge gave you an umbrella?”

“What’s wrong?” Tang You didn’t catch the underlying meaning in her words.

“Nothing,” Cheng Xuan said, hiding a smirk as she pointed outside, “From our house, go straight ahead, turn right at the end, and the first courtyard you see is Xiao Yang’s grandmother’s house. Yao-ge lives there.”

“Alright.” Tang You thanked her and left.

The courtyard was not far from Cheng Xuan’s home. After walking about 200 meters, Tang You arrived.

The courtyard gate was closed, but through a small gap, she could see the warm orange light glowing inside, giving a sense of peace and warmth.

Tang You knocked on the door twice. Shortly after, a little boy opened the door.

Tang You recognized him as Song Xiaoyang, the boy who played with the remote-controlled airplane. She politely asked, “Hello, little brother, is your Yao-ge at home?”

Song Xiaoyang also recognized Tang You. He liked this gentle young lady with the pleasant voice. He turned and excitedly ran inside, shouting, “Grandma, the big sister is here!”

Tang You stood at the door and looked inside briefly before quickly lowering her gaze.

For some reason, the thought of seeing Zhou Qin Yao made her heart race with nervous anticipation.

At that moment, Song Xiaoyang returned, leading Wu Zhiyu by the hand. He looked up and said, “Grandma, look, the big sister.”

Seeing the elderly woman, Tang You quickly bowed slightly, “I’m sorry to bother you. I’m here to see Zhou Qin Yao.”

Wu Zhiyu studied her for a moment, then smiled warmly, “Come in, come in.”

“…Okay.”

Tang You followed Wu Zhiyu into the courtyard, glancing around as she walked.

The courtyard was spacious and simple, with an osmanthus tree in the corner that filled the air with a light, fragrant scent. A few pigeons were leisurely strolling in the center, cooing contentedly.

Everything here was pleasing to the eye, except for a punching bag hanging under the osmanthus tree, which felt oddly out of place in this warm setting.

Noticing Tang You’s gaze fixed on the punching bag, Wu Zhiyu smiled and explained, “That’s for Qin Yao to practice with. Here,” she said warmly, pulling over a chair, “have a seat.”

Tang You sat down as directed, looked around, and then quietly asked, “Is Zhou Qin Yao not home?”

Wu Zhiyu glanced at the large clock in the room, “He might not be back for another half hour. I’m not sure. Do you have something to discuss with him? If it’s not urgent, you can wait here.”

“…”

Tang You had only asked Aunt Rong for a half-hour leave, and her private tutor would arrive at 7:30, so she couldn’t stay long.

She felt a slight twinge of disappointment but also an inexplicable sense of relief from the nervousness.

Tang You wasn’t sure what to make of these conflicting emotions. She handed the umbrella to Wu Zhiyu, “It rained yesterday, and he lent me an umbrella. Could you please return it to him for me? Thank you.”

Wu Zhiyu was visibly surprised, “He gave you an umbrella?”

Tang You didn’t understand why both Wu Zhiyu and Cheng Xuan had asked this question, so she replied hesitantly, “Yes… Is there something wrong?”

Wu Zhiyu paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled warmly, her wrinkled face softening, “That’s rare, very rare, hahaha.”

Tang You’s face heated up as if she had just understood something, though she wasn’t entirely sure. “…Why are you laughing?”

Wu Zhiyu, bent over as she fed the pigeons with a handful of corn, sighed nostalgically, “Two years ago, when Qin Yao came to Huai Tree Alley to rent a place, we didn’t know where he came from or what he was doing. Back then, he was full of hostility, and everyone was afraid of him…”

She chuckled, “Only an old lady like me was willing to take him in.”

Tang You listened quietly, getting lost in her thoughts.

Suddenly, Wu Zhiyu’s tone shifted as she looked at Tang You, “Now, things are different.”

“?”