Back in his room, Gu Shilin hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Luo Yunyan.

“What’s wrong, Pretty Boy?” came her sweet and teasing voice through the receiver.

Gu Shilin pressed his lips together. “Why didn’t you tell me about your return banquet?”

“Huh? My mom said we sent invites to all the major families. Didn’t yours get one? That can’t be right…” Luo Yunyan sounded genuinely confused.

There was a pause. Just when she thought he might’ve hung up, his voice came again—quiet, almost sulky.

“But you didn’t invite me.”

Tch. Why does he sound like such a wronged little puppy? That tone was way too aggrieved.

“Then just come with your family,” Luo Yunyan replied, still feigning innocence.

“But I want an invitation addressed just to me—only for Gu Shilin.”

A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “Wow, Pretty Boy, someone’s getting cocky.”

“So… can I?” he asked, his voice tinged with that same urgency.

“Sure. Why not? I’ll write it up right now and bring it over. Wait for me.”

“No need. Just wait for me at your gate. I’m coming over now.”
Before she could respond, he hung up and walked briskly out of the house.

As he passed the living room, still in the middle of a dessert war, the three elders stared at him like he was some kind of rare beast.

“Son? Hey—son!”

What’s with this kid? Dashing out like that and ignoring his own mother?

Meanwhile, Luo Yunyan came downstairs, asked Uncle Zhang for a blank invitation card, and carefully wrote Gu Shilin’s name on it before heading outside.

By the time she got to the gate, Gu Shilin was already waiting.

“Here you go. I wrote your name myself,” she said, handing it to him.

A strange wave of happiness bubbled up in Gu Shilin’s chest as he took it. He opened the card—her handwriting was bold yet elegant, flowing with spirit and grace.

“Your handwriting’s beautiful. I’ll definitely be there,” he said seriously. Under the streetlights, his face looked almost unreal.

“Hmph. If you dare be late…” Luo Yunyan raised her fist halfway—what she didn’t say was understood.

Gu Shilin chuckled, ruffling her loose hair. “Don’t worry. I won’t be late. Might even show up early.”

The two stood by the gate, chatting idly. The atmosphere was inexplicably warm.

When it was time to leave, Gu Shilin looked down at her. “Go back in and get some rest.”

“Okay.”

He didn’t leave until her figure disappeared behind the gate. Then he turned and headed home.

As soon as he stepped inside, he was met with his mother’s barrage of questions.

“Son! Where did you run off to? And what’s that in your hand?”

Gu Shilin calmly changed out of his shoes. “An invitation.”

“An invitation? From who?” Gu Mother asked, still suspicious.

“Luo family,” he replied, sinking into the sofa.

“But didn’t they already send one to our family? You actually went to ask for one yourself? My God, how did I raise such a shameless son?! If you’ve lost face, what about your poor mother?!”

“This one’s different. It’s from Yunyan personally.”

“How’s it different—wait, what did you just call her?” Gu Mother’s voice cracked, and she slapped her thigh. “Unbelievable!”

Gu Father shot him a proud look. “Atta boy. Just like his old man.”

“Yes, just as shameless too,” Gu Mother fired back.

“Hey, honey, you already scolded him!” Gu Father tugged at her sleeve, trying to change the topic.

“So what?” she huffed.

“Well, if you yelled at him, then you can’t yell at me!” he declared triumphantly.

Off to the side, Grandpa Gu’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he stealthily snatched back a piece of peach blossom cake someone had stolen from him earlier.

Completely unfazed, Gu Shilin rose from the couch and started heading upstairs. “Grandpa, you sure you wanna eat that much? Don’t blame me if you can’t sleep tonight.”

“Hey, old man!” Gu Father shouted after him.

…

Two days later – Beijing International Airport

A tall, graceful woman strode confidently through the airport. Her platinum blonde curls cascaded down her back, a red slip dress hugging her figure. A pair of oversized black sunglasses hid most of her face—except for her striking red lips, lifted in a subtle smirk.

In the face of Jiang Yining’s relentless pestering, tantrums, and dramatic performances, Luo Yunyan finally gave in and came to pick her up herself.

She leaned lazily against her car, scrolling through her phone when she heard familiar footsteps. Without even looking up, she shifted slightly to the side just as a figure lunged toward her.

“Damn it, Luo Yunyan! I nearly crashed into you! Lucky I braked in time or I’d be flat!” Jiang Yining stomped her heel indignantly.

Luo Yunyan strolled to the driver’s seat. “You wouldn’t flatten anything. Not even close.”

“Hey! This body is all-original, thank you very much! Still, you never know—I gotta protect my assets!” Jiang Yining flopped into the passenger seat, slamming the door with unnecessary force.

Without so much as a glance, Luo Yunyan started the engine. “I know how much I spent on Little Black. If there’s even a scratch, you’ll pay for it.”

“…Fine. You win.”

But instead of driving toward Tinglan Garden, Luo Yunyan turned onto a different road—toward the Luo family estate.

“Huh? Yunyan? Where are we going? Are you making me drive back myself later?” Jiang Yining blinked, puzzled.

“We’re going to my house,” Luo Yunyan said nonchalantly, resting one hand on the wheel.

“You crazy?! A little warning would’ve been nice! I didn’t even bring a gift—I’m showing up empty-handed!” Jiang Yining looked like she was about to jump out of the car.

“Relax. My mom just wants to meet you.”

Jiang Yining immediately switched to a mock-shy expression. “Meeting the parents already? Isn’t this a bit fast? I haven’t even prepared…”

“Cool. I’ll tell her to cancel everything then. She had a room prepped for you today and even said she’d cook.”

Luo Yunyan pretended to pull out her phone.

“Don’t! I’ll go, I’ll go. By the way… has Jiang Ziang ever gotten this treatment?” Jiang Yining grabbed her hand.

“Not yet.” She paused just long enough for Jiang Yining to smirk before adding, “But he’s coming over tonight too.”

Jiang Yining took a deep breath, lowering her head as she muttered to herself, “It’s okay, I’m the main guest. Auntie just wants to meet me. He’s just a plus-one. I’m her best friend. I’m her best friend…”

“Out. You’re too loud,” Luo Yunyan said as she pulled up to the estate.

“Hey! You’re not actually gonna dump me out on the—oh, we’re here already.” Jiang Yining immediately shut up and jumped out of the car.

As soon as they entered, Uncle Zhang greeted them warmly. “Welcome back, Miss. Miss Jiang, please come in.”

“Hello, Uncle Zhang!” Jiang Yining beamed.

Ever since Luo Yunyan returned, their group had memorized every Luo family member’s information—including the names of the stray cats behind the old estate.

(End of Chapter)