Chapter 310

"Pop," Yang Tao flipped over the landscape photo on the nightstand with a pout.

She was irritated: the neighbor who'd claimed to be instantly smitten with her after just meeting—after that one dinner together—had vanished. Not a single message, not even a single sighting since.

She wanted to reach out, but felt it would be too forward, too embarrassing. And though she'd never seen him in person, she truly believed Wang Yan was a billionaire. If she chased after him, wouldn't he think she was after his money?

But if she didn't reach out, she couldn't stop thinking about him. These past few days, she kept pulling out her phone, hoping for a message—her work was slipping, her focus gone.

Today was Saturday, off work, so she woke up late. Leaning against the headboard, she combed her hair twice, then pulled out her phone and idly opened WeChat, scrolling through. She found Wang Yan, whose nickname was his real name, tapped his profile picture—it showed him bent over, grinning widely with a group of children.

After seeing that poor boy from before, now seeing these slightly dirty kids against a backdrop of worn surroundings, she guessed this was almost certainly Fuli Academy—or maybe a poor rural elementary school.

No new Moments updates. Their conversation had been limited to that afternoon, when he'd asked if she had any dishes she wanted to eat, and she'd replied vaguely, "Anything's fine." The whole exchange was stiff, distant. Nothing interesting, yet she couldn't help tapping the profile picture again.

Looking at that radiant smile—the neighbor she'd only shared one dinner with but couldn't stop thinking about—she smiled involuntarily. Then she caught herself, snapped her expression serious, let out a cold snort, and tossed the phone aside. She rubbed her face, got up, and went to wash up.

Today she had a blind date—she'd promised last week her brother-in-law would introduce her to a classmate. Thirty-five, a civil servant at the Minzheng Bureau. She hadn't wanted to go, but she'd already agreed, and on the other hand, her new neighbor was being irresponsible—flirting then disappearing.

Yesterday she'd planned her day: morning date, lunch at home, afternoon dinner with Wang Yan. After all, she'd already agreed—this was her chance to see him again, to figure out what he really meant by all this. He couldn't keep dragging her around like this.

She ate two slices of bread, drank a glass of milk, tidied up, then slung her small bag over her shoulder and left.

Waiting for the elevator, she stared at the closed door across the hall, wondering whether to knock and ask if he was free in the afternoon—but after thinking it over, she did nothing. She'd text him after the date. He was unemployed—either out taking photos or just lounging at home. He probably had nothing better to do.

Then came the exact same scene as in the original plot: Yang Tao drove to the arranged spot, had a minor dispute over parking, and in a fit of anger, stopped her car right in the middle of the road, blocking Guo Ran's vehicle. She grabbed her bag and stormed off. Guo Ran climbed out through the sunroof, lost one shoe, chased her into the restaurant, they argued briefly, realized they were the blind date pair, and broke up.

Outside, Yang Tao's car was towed for illegal parking. Guo Ran accompanied her to the enforcement station to retrieve it. Since Yang Tao couldn't find her driver's license, Guo Ran paid her fine and took the demerit points on himself. They parted ways, unhappy.

Yang Tao stormed home, furious, and told her mother and older cousin all about it.

Xue Sumei was picking vegetables, frowning at her niece: "What kind of nonsense is this that Xi Feng pulled? He promised to go, then didn't show up—he's so unreliable."

Su Qing hurried to explain: "No, Auntie, actually Xi Feng and I discussed this. He deliberately didn't go. He thought if they were alone, they'd get along faster. With a third person there, it'd feel awkward."

Su Qing's parents had passed away early; Xue Sumei had raised her like her own daughter, so she spoke bluntly. She shot her niece a sharp look: "You actually believed his 'discussion'? You're clueless."

What could Su Qing do? She nodded in agreement: "But listening to Taozi's story, even though they had a misunderstanding at first, Guo Ran still paid her fine and took the demerits—he seems sincere toward Taozi."

Yang Tao internally rolled her eyes. Sincere? What sincerity? If this weren't her brother-in-law's introduction, she wouldn't have given Guo Ran a second thought.

"Enough with sincerity," Xue Sumei waved her hand impatiently, turning to her silent daughter picking vegetables: "Taozi, listen to me."

Yang Tao quickly replied: "Mm."

"Your mother's telling you this: what's meant for you won't slip away. What's not meant for you? Doesn't matter. I've realized now—there's someone perfect waiting for you."

At that moment, Su Qing stood up to call and warn Duan Xifeng.

Yang Tao said: "Mom, don't tell my sister so much. My brother-in-law meant well."

"I didn't say anything," Xue Sumei sighed. "I just wonder what you're going to do—you're already thirty-two."

Just then, her phone buzzed with a WeChat notification. She grabbed it immediately—it was him. Just a simple "OK." Yang Tao beamed, and called her friends Jiao Yang and Lan Weiwei.

Watching her daughter babble about treating someone to dinner, about a new acquaintance, Xue Sumei understood clearly: her daughter had someone already. No need for her to arrange blind dates.

Realizing this, she exchanged a glance with Su Qing, who had just finished her call and sat back down. Both fell silent, listening.

After the call ended, confirmed both would come, and agreed on a location, Yang Tao sent Wang Yan the address via WeChat. Seeing his instant reply of "OK," she nodded in satisfaction, smugly set her phone aside.

Only then did she notice her mother and sister staring at her. She realized she'd been too eager, forgotten to hide it.

"Mom? Sister? Why are you staring at me?" Yang Tao bent over, picking vegetables. "I'm not eating dinner at home tonight—I've made plans with a friend."

Xue Sumei smiled: "Taozi, come on, tell us what's going on."

"What's going on?"

"Don't play dumb—I heard you telling Jiao Yang: 'just met,' 'feels good.' Spill it, you're driving me crazy."

Su Qing chimed in: "Yeah, Taozi, what's the big secret? Tell us."

Yang Tao blushed: "Oh come on, we've only known each other three days—nothing's settled yet."

"How old is he? Where's he from? What's his situation? What does he do?"

"Mom, why are you asking all that? I'm not marrying just for money."

Xue Sumei glared at her: "You're thirty-two, Taozi—don't you get it yet? That's the foundation of marriage. If he has nothing, do you think I'd let you go live on air and dust? If his conditions are bad, don't waste your time."

Su Qing said: "Yes, Auntie, she knows you only want what's best for her. Don't rush—let Taozi speak first. Right, Taozi? Tell us, what's he like?"

"Relax, he's rich," Yang Tao rolled her eyes. "He owns over thirty apartments. At today's prices, his rental income alone must be one or two hundred thousand a month."

"Really?" Xue Sumei doubted. "How did you meet? Did you see it yourself?"

"He said so."

"Oh, you! You believe everything he says? What if he's just flirting because you're pretty?"

"Why would he lie to me? We've only known each other three days—it's too early. I'm not stupid—I'd know if he was lying."

Su Qing said: "Auntie, let Taozi keep talking."

"Tell us! What does he do? Where's he from? How old?"

Yang Tao sighed: "He's from Jingcheng, twenty-nine. As for work—he has none. He just loves photography, wanders the streets with his camera."

Xue Sumei nodded approvingly: "If he's truly that rich, he doesn't need a job. When are you bringing him home so I can meet him? I don't know why, but something feels off—I need to vet him."

"We'll have to wait until we're officially together," Yang Tao felt exhausted. "We've only known each other three days—this is nothing."

Su Qing asked curiously: "Taozi, how did you two meet?"

"It was just him…" She stopped mid-sentence—she knew if she told, her mother would show up daily to block Wang Yan's door. "Oh, forget it. We don't even know yet. I'll tell you when it's settled. I'm leaving now."

"This child…" Hearing the loud slam of the door, Xue Sumei complained to Su Qing.

"Auntie, don't worry. I can tell Taozi likes this new guy—maybe it'll really work out."

"I'm just afraid she'll get scammed…" Xue Sumei sighed. "But if what Taozi says is true, his conditions are impressive. I just wonder if his family is easy to get along with—if they do get together, don't let them treat our Taozi poorly."

No money? Not good enough. Too rich? Afraid she can't keep up. She truly worried herself sick. Su Qing smiled and shifted to casual chatter…

At four in the afternoon, Wang Yan saved his file, drank some water, and stretched into a long, satisfying yawn.

These past few days, besides morning exercise and two meals, he'd been holed up at home, copying documents nonstop—barely moved. As for Yang Tao? He had to make her anxious, make her rush. And as expected, today she messaged him—asking him out to dinner, to introduce him to friends.

For his first meeting with her friend, his usual outfit—baggy shorts, a half-sleeve T-shirt, and authentic handcrafted old Jingcheng cloth shoes—was too casual. To show respect, he changed into a pair of casual dress pants, wore a slightly informal embroidered shirt with sleeves past his elbows, slipped on a pair of leather shoes, and slicked his messy hair back with gel—looking sharp.

Satisfied with his reflection, Wang Yan picked up his wallet, phone, and keys, stepped out, took the elevator down to the underground parking lot, got into his car, drove out of the garage, and headed toward the Third Ring Road.

Today was Saturday; at just past four, the sun was sinking, the heat fading, people no longer stuck indoors, choosing instead to go out for fun or meet friends, and children from extracurricular classes were finally done—add to that Jingcheng, a metropolis with over ten million people, and the roads were packed, especially toward the inner ring.

So even though Wang Yan had left twenty minutes early, he still arrived late due to traffic.

The meeting spot was a restaurant that looked upscale, with plenty of cars parked outside, and through the display window, the bustle inside was visible—it must be a good place.

Wang Yan's idea wasn't bad; seeing so many cars parked, he'd originally planned to drive farther to find a spot and walk over—but just then, a car pulled away, freeing a space, and he slid right in.

Getting out, he naturally drew the gaze of diners inside the display window. Why? The car was uncommon. To most people, spending over half a million would mean a BMW or Mercedes—even an Audi at this price would be an A6L, rarely an S4.

Wang Yan didn't care. He hadn't spent a single cent on it; why should he care about a bicycle? He grabbed his things, locked the car, circled around, and walked inside.

The interior was Chinese-style—he'd noticed it outside—so this was a Chinese restaurant. Standing at the door, he scanned the room and immediately spotted a corner table by the window: Miss Taozi, wearing a long dress with a wide round collar exposing her chest, stood and waved at him; beside her was Jiao Yang, wearing glasses, with dyed yellow hair, very fashionable; and another striking woman, Lan Weiwei, who also stood up, watching him approach with a critical gaze.

Wang Yan smiled and quickened his steps, speaking before he reached them: "Sorry, Miss Taozi, and you two—traffic jammed me up, I'm late. I'll drink three rounds as punishment. Really sorry, really sorry."

"No problem, no problem. Come on, let me introduce you. These two are my good friends—this is Jiao Yang, this is Lan Weiwei." Miss Taozi smiled brightly, showing her white teeth, then turned to them: "This is the new neighbor I told you about."

Wang Yan grinned and extended his hand, shaking theirs: "Hello, hello."

Seeing they'd met, Miss Taozi said: "Alright, no more formalities—sit down, sit down and talk."

Everyone sat. Wang Yan naturally sat beside Miss Taozi, with Jiao Yang and Lan Weiwei across from him.

Jiao Yang was fine, but Lan Weiwei was questionable. She'd gotten involved with Miss Taozi's boyfriend, kept quiet about it, and after being kicked out, still made excuses while lying in the hospital bed. If she didn't know Miss Taozi had been scammed for money, that was pure nonsense. After all, they were friends—she couldn't possibly be unaware of Miss Taozi's situation. As for the miscarriage, the infertility—just one word: deserved. Of course, he was just idly thinking; he wouldn't say a word. Not worth it.

As soon as they sat, Miss Taozi picked up the menu: "We've ordered a few dishes—see if there's anything else you'd like."

"No need. You know me—I eat anything."

Jiao Yang waved his hand: "Then let's leave it at that. If we need more, we'll order later. How about we start with some chilled beer?"

"Yeah, yeah, let's get the booze first," Wang Yan nodded. "I've got to drink my punishment—can't skip it."

Miss Taozi urged: "You drove here—maybe you shouldn't drink."

"Just get a driver," Jiao Yang said. "We just met—drinking helps conversation." He waved to the server and ordered two cases of Yanjing beer. He was Miss Taozi's good friend, a guy—he had to take responsibility.

Wang Yan, having watched the full series, knew Jiao Yang was truly Miss Taozi's friend, but he didn't like this man's lack of masculinity. Of course, he wouldn't show it—fake politeness was basic.

When the server brought the beer, Wang Yan didn't take initiative—he didn't know if Miss Taozi or Lan Weiwei drank, so he let Jiao Yang pour.

Jiao Yang opened four bottles, handed one to each, and when he saw Miss Taozi and Lan Weiwei had poured, he raised his glass: "Come on, Wang Yan—let's all drink."

Wang Yan nodded, raised his bottle, and clinked it with the three of them: "Bottoms up." Then he tilted the bottle and drank straight down.

Miss Taozi quickly stopped him: "Hey, Wang Yan, that's enough—you really don't need to. We're not mad."

Wang Yan waved it off, signaling it was fine, and finished the entire bottle under their stares, smiling: "I keep my word. You don't blame me, but I still have to show my sincerity. Alright, you've all been holding your glasses long enough—just drink."

"Bold!" Jiao Yang gave a thumbs-up and drained his glass.

Lan Weiwei said nothing, silently drinking along.

Miss Taozi shot Jiao Yang a look, then drank hers in one go.

After drinking, Jiao Yang asked: "Hey, Taozi, what did you do this morning?"

"Ugh, don't bring it up," Miss Taozi glanced secretly at Wang Yan, then spoke of her morning blind date: "I'm so unlucky. If it weren't for my brother-in-law's introduction, and if we hadn't planned it last week, I'd never have gone."

Lan Weiwei nodded in agreement: "You shouldn't have gone at all. You've got Wang Yan right here—why look elsewhere?"

"Don't talk nonsense," Miss Taozi shot Lan Weiwei a look, then turned to Wang Yan beside her: "Why haven't you been around these days? Not a peep! If you hadn't replied to my message, I was thinking of breaking into your apartment."

Wang Yan was sharp—he immediately saw this was a setup. He launched into a heartfelt speech: "What else could a jobless bum like me do? I just stayed home. Besides eating, I didn't go anywhere. You don't know, Taozi—I've been waiting for your message these past two days. The longer I waited, the colder my heart got—I thought I'd said something wrong. Today, when I got your message, I was overjoyed. Look at what I'm wearing today—I spent half an hour picking it out, afraid I'd embarrass you in front of your friends. And yet, you went on a blind date behind my back."

No one believed him, but Miss Taozi was pleased—it explained his absence and expressed his feelings. She also confirmed: he wasn't just flirting and leaving.

She playfully slapped him: "Watch your words—we're not even together. What about embarrassing me? What about 'behind my back'? Sounds like I owe you something."

"It's true," Wang Yan turned to Jiao Yang and Lan Weiwei. "You two, judge this. I don't know if she told you—I just moved in next door. Didn't I invite her over for a welcome dinner? You know how beautiful Taozi is—who wouldn't fall for her? I told her I fell in love at first sight. She didn't respond, ignored me these past days, and today she goes on a blind date. Unacceptable. Totally unacceptable."

Jiao Yang egged him on: "So it's definitely Taozi's fault. You've got to give her a straight answer, right, Wang Yan?"

Wang Yan nodded: "Exactly."

"Enough, you two," Miss Taozi rolled her eyes. "Food's coming—make room."

She couldn't respond now. Agreeing meant accepting a relationship after only three days, three meetings, two meals—too little to know him. Refusing meant her whole dinner invitation was pointless—what was all her recent restlessness and sleepless nights for? So even without the server arriving, she'd avoid the topic.

After the dishes arrived and they drank another round, Miss Taozi wiped her mouth with a napkin: "Wang Yan, their food is excellent—eat your fill. Don't be polite. As you say, if you don't eat until you're stuffed, it's my poor hospitality."

Wang Yan smiled, shook his head, picked up chopsticks, tasted a bite—good. Level LV4. Very good. He nodded: "Delicious. This chef's skilled."

"Of course—Taozi specifically picked this place," Jiao Yang said, earning a glare from Miss Taozi. He chewed and asked: "Hey, Wang Yan, what do you do? Why'd you say you're jobless?"

"Didn't you tell them?" Wang Yan nudged Miss Taozi beside him.

"Nope."

"How could you not tell them about such an important status?" Wang Yan extended his hand. "Come on, Jiao Yang—let's meet again. I'm a nouveau riche. I own dozens of apartments. I'm a billionaire."

Jiao Yang stared, reached out, shook his hand, and looked at Miss Taozi, whose eyes had rolled so far up they seemed to vanish: "Why didn't you tell us?"

"What's the point? Seriously…"

Wang Yan laughed: "Heh, I just got lucky. Stay humble, stay humble." He clearly noticed Lan Weiwei's expression shift—her eyes flickered with a brief glint of envy and resentment.

Miss Taozi sighed at Jiao Yang and Lan Weiwei: "Look—he's already got his tail in the sky."

"Actually, I don't have much cash—the value's in the properties. Real estate's hot now, and I've got nowhere to spend it, can't sell them either." Wang Yan laughed. "I'll drink my punishment." He downed his glass in one gulp. He was breaking the ice—though Jingcheng had countless rich people, they'd never met many, so tension lingered. His joking made things feel lighter.

"Man," Jiao Yang sighed, drank his own glass. "Life's all about fate. We're exhausted, barely scraping by—Wang Yan? Just got financial freedom. Envious, jealous."

"I feel something's off," Wang Yan turned to Miss Taozi. "Just to be clear—this meal's on you. I only brought my mouth."

"Jiao Yang, see? He's rich and stingy—nothing special. Don't worry about paying—just eat," Miss Taozi grumbled. "We may not match his wealth, but we're better off. He just sits at home all day doing nothing. We work hard, sure, but we've got friends and coworkers—life's interesting."

"Hmm," Wang Yan nodded seriously. "Maybe I should get a job? But I've never worked—I don't know how to do anything."

Lan Weiwei interjected: "You don't know how exhausting work is. This is fine—be grateful."

Jiao Yang nodded: "Yeah, you're probably just bored."

Miss Taozi asked curiously: "Aren't you into photography? All those cameras and lenses at home—why've you been cooped up these past few days?"

"Too hot. Don't feel like moving," Wang Yan shook his head.

The three sat in silence, Jiao Yang raised his thumb: "You're impressive. Come on, drink up, drink up, cool down."

After flipping through that piece, the group chatted and laughed, and Yan Weiyi, who had been aloof at first, joined in. Wang the Conversation Master launched into a wild, sprawling monologue, talking about everything under the sun, yet still managing to include all three so none felt left out. Before they knew it, the meal ended happily; outside the window, neon lights had already flickered to life. Though mostly talk and getting to know each other, everyone had drunk enough to feel a little dizzy.

Jiao Yang shook his head: "Wang Yan, Miss Taozi, you've both eaten and drunk your fill—let's call it a day today."

Yang Tao nodded: "Alright, then. Service—"

Wang Yan waved his hand to stop her: "I already paid. Let's go."

"Wait, we agreed I was treating you. Why did you pay?"

"Next time. Next time you treat me alone." Wang Yan raised an eyebrow, emphasizing the word "alone" as if he'd bit hard.

Yang Tao glared at Wang Yan and shoved him: "I hate you, get out of the way, let's go." She'd been drinking, so her face was already flushed—no change was visible, but surely it burned like fire.

Wang Yan rose with a chuckle and led the way out of the restaurant. Behind him, Yang Tao followed Jiao Yang and Yan Weiyi, all giggling and laughing—no need to guess, they were definitely talking about him.

"How did you get here?" Wang Yan looked at Yang Tao.

"They both drove, but I took a taxi." Jiao Yang, still half-drunk, was unusually lively. After calling for a driver, he continued: "I'm going the same way as Weiyi, so I'll hitch a ride with her. You two live together—figure out how you're getting back. I'm off."

"What do you mean we live together? I'll tear your mouth open!" Yang Tao jumped up and gave Jiao Yang a hard shove.

Jiao Yang wasn't offended—he just laughed and got into the car with Yan Weiyi, who turned back to watch Wang Yan, waving goodbye.

Watching the car drive off, Yang Tao asked: "Hiring two drivers is a waste. You barely move anyway—why not ride with me? I'll need the car tomorrow anyway."

Wang Yan had no objection. He nodded: "Alright, I'll come pick it up tomorrow." He waved over a driver, got into Yang Tao's car, and sat beside her in the back seat.

The driver drove quietly up front. In the back, the two sat side by side—one looking left, the other right. Yang Tao didn't know what to say; Wang Yan was genuinely admiring the scenery.

Feeling the awkwardness rise, Wang Yan spoke: "How was it, Miss Taozi? Did I embarrass you today?"

Yang Tao gave him a light shove: "What embarrassment? Seriously, can't you ever stop talking nonsense?"

"Oh…" Wang Yan nodded. "So all that talk about dating with them two—wasn't meant for me? I misread the situation."

Her secret thought exposed, Yang Tao felt embarrassed. She stole a glance at him: "You… you figured it out?"

"Didn't I tell you? I've roamed the martial world. Don't treat me like a steamed bun you ignore."

"Don't give me that. Don't you know 'see through but don't say it'?"

Wang Yan, shameless: "I'm not being formal with you—we're who we are." His small maneuver over three days, neither too long nor too short, had worked instantly—now they were bantering, teasing, flirting.

"Pfft, you're shameless."

"I never said I wanted to be." Wang Yan laughed. "But seriously, Taozi—what did they say about me? What did they think?"

Yang Tao grumbled: "They said you're witty, articulate, rich but not pretentious, tall and kind, easy to get along with—and that we're a perfect match, and I should hold onto you."

"True. They really are good friends." Wang Yan nodded seriously. "You'd better grab me fast. I'm telling you, my qualifications aren't bragging—they're in high demand."

Yang Tao snorted, feigning indifference: "Who cares."

Wang Yan crossed his arms, confident: "Who cares? That's for them to know."

After a moment of quiet, Yang Tao couldn't hold back—she burst out laughing and patted him playfully: "Ugh, you're so annoying."

Wang Yan shifted his butt, nudging closer to her: "So… does this mean I've passed my probation?"

"Dream on. We've known each other three days, met three times, had two meals—I'm not that easy."

"I'm not either. But didn't I tell you? I fell for you at first sight."

Yang Tao glanced at the close Wang Mou with a smile: "You did say that. But you also said you were attracted by my looks. So naturally, I have to be careful—I can't walk into the tiger's mouth, or where will I cry?"

"Yes, yes, you're right." Wang Yan nodded. "So when do we have a date—just us two? You still owe me. You can't dodge it."

"Go wait."

Wang Yan laughed, then joined Yang Tao in aimless, playful chatter. This kind of talk was light, jumping from topic to topic with no goal—just idle banter to build affection and deepen understanding.

Poor the driver up front—he was probably around thirty. If married, he'd just find it noisy. If single and without a partner, listening to the two in back flirt would drive him crazy.

Of course, none of that mattered to Wang Yan and Yang Tao. They chatted and laughed all the way back to Dongjun Huafu. The driver dropped them in the underground parking lot, and they took the elevator up.

At the door, after stepping out of the elevator, Wang Yan asked: "Want some tea to sober up?"

Yang Tao was tempted, but after checking the time, she shook her head and rubbed her neck: "No, it's almost ten. I've been tired lately—I'll just wash up and sleep. I'm still a bit dizzy—better to sleep soundly."

"Alright." Wang Yan stepped forward to open his door, then turned to look at Yang Tao, who had opened hers: "Goodbye?"

"Mm." Yang Tao nodded. "Good night!"

"Haha, good night, good night." Wang Yan waved, turned, and went inside, closing the door.

Seeing him shut the door first, Yang Tao pouted—no gentlemanly manners. Then she shut her own door, leaned against it, and couldn't help but smile.

Today's meal was a great success, sweeping away the gloom of recent days. Though unspoken, they had begun. Thinking of the sweet love story about to unfold, Yang Tao clenched her fist and flexed her arm—yes.

Immediately, she covered her burning face and scolded herself for being weak. Still, she happily put away her bag, keys, and shoes…

Back home, Wang Yan didn't continue copying documents. He washed up, then lay on his bed and slept. As a man who wasn't exactly noble, he had no messy thoughts. He was merely courting a woman who needed love, dreamed of marriage—nothing to be proud of, even if she was beautiful. He'd seen plenty of beauties before. He kept his composure.

………

The next day, Wang Yan woke naturally, got ready, exercised, had breakfast, washed up again, and sat back at his computer, typing furiously.

This time, the records were too many. At his pace—eight to five daily—it would take nearly five months to finish. A real big job.

"Dong, dong, dong."

As he was in full flow, a knock came at the door. He checked the time—five minutes to nine. He got up and opened it.

"Morning, Wang Yan." Yang Tao greeted with a smile, seeing his freshly washed face. "I thought you'd still be asleep after all that drinking yesterday."

Wang Yan didn't bother with politeness—he turned toward the living room: "What's most important in the martial world?"

"Social graces?" Yang Tao answered, closing the door, kicking off her sandals, and stepping in barefoot.

Wang Yan, pouring water, shook his head repeatedly, looking at her like wood too rotten to carve: "It's alcohol tolerance! Everywhere in the five lakes and four seas, people are warm and hospitable. How can you roam the martial world if you can't drink? How can you even walk? Don't you see those martial arts films? The heroes who leap from roof to roof? All of them are wine champions."

"You're such a show-off." Yang Tao laughed as she sat down. "Do you have anything planned today?"

"No." Wang Yan glanced at her delicate, pale feet. "No need for slippers—they're not dirty. I'll buy you a pair tomorrow so you won't have to walk barefoot again."

"No need. I have a pair in my room. Just bring that one over." Yang Tao waved dismissively. "Go get ready. I'll pass by the restaurant we ate at yesterday—go pick up your car. Look at you, so lazy—I wonder when you'll ever go yourself."

"You're right. If I don't say it, I might forget after a while. Tch, you really get into character fast, already thinking for me?" Not giving Yang Tao a chance to respond, Wang Yan turned and walked off after speaking.

He took his phone from the desk in the studio, stepped into cloth shoes at the doorway, pocketed his wallet and keys, then opened the door: "Alright, let's go."

"Look at your outfit—like an old grandpa." Yang Tao complained, shouldered her small bag and got up to slip on her sandals at the door, wondering why she had taken off her shoes to sit inside for a bit earlier.

Wang Yan outside pressed the elevator button and called back: "You don't get it. This is exactly what's comfortable."

Yang Tao pouted, finished putting on her shoes, stood up and walked out, pulling the door shut behind her.

"Where are you going?"

"Weiwei's a yoga instructor, right? Jiao Yang and I are supporting her business—we signed up at her place, and she gave us a discount."

"Sitting at home is boring too. How about I come with you?"

"No way." Yang Tao glared at Wang Yan: "Your motives aren't pure."

Wang Yan shrugged. Then he wouldn't go—most likely the three of them were going to have a little meeting about him. Just then the elevator chimed 'Ding' as it arrived, and the two stepped forward to wait at the door.

The elevator doors slowly opened, and a short-haired older woman carrying things stepped out. The three of them stared at each other blankly, big eyes meeting small eyes.

"Mom…" she called out, and Yang Tao stepped forward: "How come you're here?"

Xue Sumei smiled cheerfully, looking Wang Yan up and down: "What a thing to say—I'm your mother, why wouldn't I come? He's…" Looking at him now, there really wasn't much of a problem, just that his outfit was a bit too casual, not quite proper.

Wang Yan was a straightforward sort, so he immediately laughed and said: "Hello, Auntie. I'm Wang Yan, currently pursuing…" He didn't finish the rest of the sentence because Yang Tao was gritting her teeth and pinching his lower back.

Yang Tao was helpless—she hadn't expected Wang Yan to be so direct, saying everything out loud. She hurriedly grabbed Wang Yan and tried to pull him into the elevator: "Um, Mom, we still have some things to do. Go on in yourself, we'll head off first."

"Hold it." Xue Sumei's eyes widened behind her glasses: "I heard everything. That Wang…"

"Auntie, it's Wang Yan."

"Oh, right. That Wang Yan said he's pursuing you—so what's the problem?" Xue Sumei stepped forward, took Wang Yan by the arm to Yang Tao's apartment door, felt for her keys while saying: "You see, this meeting is so sudden, Auntie didn't have any preparation. How about this—you keep Auntie company and chat for a bit. It's almost noon, I'll go buy some groceries in a while and we'll eat together."

Wang Yan glanced at the somewhat anxious Yang Tao. Xue Sumei glared: "Don't look at her, I call the shots. Both of you, come in." As she spoke, she pulled open the door and walked in first.

He shrugged at Yang Tao, signaling his helplessness, then followed in with a smile: "Auntie, you're right, our first meeting really is a bit sudden. How about this—don't trouble yourself at noon. I'll book a table right now, let me, as the younger generation, show a little sincerity."

"No need, no need. Eating out is so expensive, cooking at home is better."

"Auntie, what we eat for is the mood. If you don't eat well and aren't happy, then it's definitely expensive. If you eat happily, where's the question of expensive or not? As long as you eat well, that's better than anything. I'll make the call right now, and we'll head over by noon."

As he spoke, Wang Yan pulled out his phone, changing his shoes with one hand while dialing with the other. Xue Sumei and Yang Tao behind him tried to stop him, but the call had already gone through, so they gave up helplessly.

Of course, Xue Sumei was only half-serious, while Yang Tao had truly tried to stop him—after all, they weren't even together yet, nothing had happened between them, and now they were already meeting the parents…