Chapter 588: It Would Be Better If All Three Were Gone

During these days spent celebrating the New Year in the countryside, Li Luo was utterly content.

Every morning upon waking, just as in Bihai Lanting, he would wake Ying Chanxi and Yan Zhusheng, then go downstairs for breakfast and jog slowly around Li Family Village to exercise.

After finishing his run and returning to the courtyard, he would chat with his grandfather, who was already up and strolling in the yard, before heading to the second-floor living room.

At this time, Lin Xiuhong would certainly be awake.

If there were visits to relatives nearby, Lin Xiuhong and Li Guohong would prepare early and head out for a stroll in the morning.

If not, Li Guohong would take Xu Rongsheng to fish by the pond outside the village.

Sometimes, when Yin Zhicheng had no work to handle, he would join them; Uncle Chen Hailin and Uncle Li Guoru occasionally came along for the fun.

Lin Xiuhong would then drag Ying Chanxi and Yan Zhusheng over, invite Yuan Wanqing or Cui Suling, and gather a mahjong table.

Li Luo would watch from the side, or go to the kitchen to wash some fruit and share it around, as if completing some daily task, then slip back to his bedroom.

At this time, Xu Youyu would certainly still be sleeping in Li Luo's bed.

It was quite a strain on that small bed—over the past two years, every New Year, its workload suddenly became saturated and overloaded.

Three girls crammed onto one small bed: in Bihai Lanting, the master bedroom's large bed could barely accommodate all four lying flat, but here it simply wouldn't work.

Every night, Li Luo had to hold Ying Chanxi close, letting her press most of her body sideways against him, just to make room for Yan Zhusheng and Xu Youyu to lie down.

Sometimes Yan Zhusheng would also snuggle into his arms, insisting on competing with her sister for space.

Ying Chanxi, who had once been slightly shy, would immediately become very eager to squeeze into Li Luo's arms, competing fiercely with her beloved little sister.

This was certainly convenient for Li Luo.

While holding both girls on either side, their attention was entirely fixed on each other, so neither noticed that Li Luo's hand, wrapped around Ying Chanxi's shoulder, had unconsciously slipped inside Xu Youyu's pajamas.

Every morning, while Ying Chanxi and Yan Zhusheng stayed upstairs playing mahjong, Li Luo would sneak back to the third-floor bedroom, hold Xu Youyu, and sleep while chatting idly.

Only near noon would the two of them finally arrive downstairs for lunch.

The afternoon was free time.

Jin Yuting and Zhao Rongjun sometimes came over to visit; Li Luo would then take Li Xiang and the two cousins, and the group would head out for a lively stroll.

Although the village had fewer entertainment options than the city, places like billiard halls and arcade shops still existed, albeit run-down.

Unfortunately, there was no snow this year.

After dinner, everyone mostly stayed in the living room.

Sometimes Li Luo was called over by Yin Zhicheng and Xu Rongsheng to discuss his new book.

Sometimes he sat beside the mahjong table, chatting with Cui Suling, or discussed future concert plans with Yuan Wanqing.

This included promotion before the release of "Little Joys," and the subsequent publicity efforts.

But sometimes Ying Chanxi would pull Li Luo outside, under the pretext of filming an MV, to find a narrow alley in the village for shooting.

Then he'd be subject to the director's unspoken rules.

Yan Zhusheng wasn't as subtle as Ying Chanxi—she seized every opportunity to strike.

Sometimes, just as Li Luo stepped out of the bathroom after using it, she'd pin him against the door.

Lin Xiuhong and the others were still playing mahjong in the living room, separated only by half a wall—any slight movement would be instantly seen.

Or on the stairs, when Yan Zhusheng caught them alone, she'd launch herself into his arms.

Even when they all went to the billiard hall and arcade, since the two shops were adjacent with a small connecting door, everyone always scattered.

Yan Zhusheng would always find gaps to slip in, occasionally stealing a kiss or a hug from Li Luo.

She never let anyone notice.

As for Xu Youyu.

Secretive, sneaky activities were her specialty.

Especially at night, under the excuse of writing, she always managed to trick Li Luo into going to her bedroom.

And when sleeping at night, with Ying Chanxi and Yan Zhusheng both in Li Luo's arms, it became even easier for Xu Youyu to act.

Under the same blanket, it felt like a covert operation.

Thus, Li Luo skillfully navigated among the three girls, adapting to every situation, and the four of them gradually grew accustomed to this way of living together.

On the fourth day of the New Year, Xu Rongsheng and Cui Suling were the first to take their leave.

They still needed to visit relatives before everyone returned to work.

Xu Youyu was left behind by them.

After all, the couple had clearly noticed their daughter's lingering, almost tearful gaze when they announced they'd be returning home that afternoon.

Yet on the way home, Xu Rongsheng and Cui Suling felt a quiet, nagging worry.

Having spent little time together before, they hadn't fully grasped just how intimate the three girls were with Li Luo.

But somehow, during these New Year days, whether it was Xu Youyu, Yan Zhusheng, or even Ying Chanxi, none of them hid their feelings as they used to.

Though intimate moments—whispering, caressing—were still carefully concealed from the elders.

Yet things like feeding each other fruit, pretending to sit together while actually pressed tightly side by side, or playfully tumbling into each other's arms without warning—

These scenes occurred frequently, and seemed increasingly indifferent to others' gazes.

This quietly stirred new concerns in Xu Rongsheng and Cui Suling, who had previously been unconcerned.

"What does Li Luo even think?" Cui Suling rubbed her temples in frustration. "The boy's fine, but he's far too indecisive in matters of the heart."

"I can understand," Xu Rongsheng, even now, maintained his rationality and defended Li Luo: "He's still just a child."

"Especially since he's so outstanding, surrounded by three other equally outstanding girls."

"Anyone in his position would hesitate."

"Conversely, given his current abilities and achievements, the fact that he's kept only the three of them close already shows remarkable restraint."

According to Xu Rongsheng's logic, it wasn't without merit.

After all, if Li Luo were truly promiscuous, the girls at Fu Yi High School would be entirely at his disposal.

Of course, this was before the Bible in Appendix One was exposed.

Since the Bible's emergence, the girls in Appendix One have all had a clear sense of their place and rarely bother Li Luo anymore.

They just don't have that kind of confidence.

Ying Chanxi and the others are simply too dazzling; ordinary girls can't even open their eyes in front of them.

Let alone compete for Li Luo.

"So you're saying that if I hadn't acted fast back then, you'd have a harem like Li Luo's too?" Cui Suling shot a sidelong glance at her husband.

"Cough." Xu Rongsheng cleared his throat. "Don't change the subject—why are you bringing me up? Each situation must be analyzed on its own merits."

"Then what are you going to do about your precious daughter?" Cui Suling clicked her tongue, shaking her head in distress. "I used to think Li Luo was good, but he's just too good—Youyu's going to fall too deep, and if it ends up…"

"When the boat reaches the bridge, it will find its way." Xu Rongsheng sighed. "Li Luo and the others are only just about to take their college entrance exams this year."

"There are still four years of university ahead—marriage is far off."

"By the time they graduate, many things may have changed."

"Talking about this now is still premature, but there are some…"

Here, Xu Rongsheng paused.

Cui Suling immediately turned to look at her husband, puzzled. "Some what?"

"Hmm… some private matters between boys and girls. You should quietly remind her," Xu Rongsheng said, slightly embarrassed. "Make sure protective measures are taken."

At this, Cui Suling was momentarily speechless.

"What if Youyu and Li Luo don't end up together—do you still approve of them doing that before marriage?" Cui Suling frowned.

"I naturally hope Youyu will be more level-headed," Xu Rongsheng said, helpless. "But judging by how things are going, I'm not even sure what's happening between them privately anymore."

"Nowadays, kids react badly when adults give warnings or advice—it often backfires."

"Just mention it subtly. Don't oppose it outright—go along with her, and she'll weigh it herself."

If he provoked Youyu's rebellious streak, as a father who knew his daughter's character intimately, Xu Rongsheng could almost picture exactly what she'd do.

His educational philosophy toward Youyu since childhood had always been highly open-minded.

But this also meant Youyu held relatively progressive and open views in certain areas, unbound by traditional norms.

This has both advantages and disadvantages.

If she meets a good man, Youyu will easily build a happy family without any childish princess antics.

But if she meets a scumbag, she'll be more easily hurt.

Xu Rongsheng had sharp judgment in people—he believed Li Luo was a decent man, it's just a pity he was too outstanding…

"I'll bring it up with her when I get the chance," Cui Suling sighed, rubbing her forehead in exasperation.

…

After Xu Rongsheng and Cui Suling left, several days passed, and on the seventh day of the New Year, Yin Jiang and Yuan Wanqing returned from their countryside trip.

They packed their luggage, gave final instructions to their two daughters, then drove away from Li Family Village.

Yuan Wanqing resumed her concert tour.

Yin Jiang was to oversee the final preparations before the release of "Little Joys," laying the groundwork for its promotion.

Although "Little Joys" was scheduled for summer, actual work had already been underway intensively for months.

After seeing off Yin Jiang and Yuan Wanqing, the three girls were finally free to be themselves.

At night, they stopped pretending entirely—whenever Lin Xiuhong and Li Guohong weren't paying attention, the three of them would sneak straight into Li Luo's bedroom.

Because Lin Xiuhong and Li Guohong went to bed very early, almost always asleep by ten.

So every night after ten became their four-person paradise.

This bliss lasted from the seventh day of the New Year all the way to mid-February.

With the reopening of Appendix One just a little over half a month away.

Li Guohong had already returned to Yinjiang District before then, taking Li Guoru's car to check on his hotpot restaurant first.

As for Lin Xiuhong and the four children, they stayed behind in the countryside to spend more time with the elders.

After all, they rarely came home—each year, their visits grew fewer.

With fewer family members around, Li Luo had nothing to do but chat with his grandparents.

He followed his grandmother as she wandered the streets and alleys, trailed by three very beautiful girls.

The grandmother led the four children wherever she went, boasting everywhere.

Almost no old grandmother in the village could match her.

"How are your child's grades?"

"Look at my grandson—he's number one in his grade."

"This girl beside him is impressive too—she used to be number one, now she's number two."

"Oh, your child has a job already? What's the salary like?"

"My grandson's book is being adapted into a TV series."

"His songs were even sung by a big star on the Spring Festival Gala."

"Money? Oh, that's not important—just petty cash. As long as this boy doesn't waste it, that's enough."

These days, the grandmother glowed with health; when she chanted sutras with her old friends early in the morning, her voice was a full notch louder.

In contrast, the grandfather was more reserved.

He usually just lounged in his rocking chair in the courtyard, soaking up the sun.

Occasionally, a few close old men would visit, and they'd play chess in the courtyard, with Li Luo sitting beside them giving constant advice.

When the grandfather lost, he'd glare, raise his hand, and tap his fan on Li Luo's head, telling him to watch silently.

Li Luo insisted that a gentleman speaks but doesn't strike—his mouth would never stop.

The grandfather and grandson bickered back and forth, and the old man spoke a hundred times more than usual.

On the day in mid-February when they were to leave, the grandparents' faces clearly showed reluctance.

As the children were getting into the car, the elders handed over bag after bag, each filled with all kinds of melons, fruits, and vegetables, along with several quilts sewn by the grandmother herself.

Li Luo accepted each item one by one and had Ying Chanxi and the others move them into the trunk.

Lin Xiuhong gave the elderly couple one last set of instructions to take care of their health, and was just about to get into the driver's seat when Xu Youyu raised her hand voluntarily.

In fact, Xu Youyu had long coveted Li Guohong's Mercedes.

Now that Li Guohong was finally away, she immediately offered to drive.

Lin Xiuhong was happy to have the chance to relax, so she gave up the driver's seat and handed the keys to Xu Youyu.

Xu Youyu got into the car with a delighted smile, ran her hands over the steering wheel—this feeling was indeed different from her own BMW.

After slightly adjusting the seat, Xu Youyu started the engine.

At that moment, Lin Xiuhong and Ying Chanxi, seated by the window in the back, rolled down their windows.

Everyone inside the car looked out the windows at the grandparents and the neighboring Ying grandfather, who had come to see them off, waving goodbye to the three elders.

"Goodbye, Grandpa and Grandma!"

"Ah! Be careful on the road!" the grandparents called back, waving to their beloved grandson and the others, their faces beaming with smiles.

Once the car drove away, the elders stood at the courtyard gate, watching until the vehicle finally vanished around the corner, their smiles slowly fading.

"All three girls are wonderful—I wonder which one our little Luo likes," the grandmother said with a sigh. "I'm hoping to hold a great-grandchild soon."

"Why not take all three?" the grandfather joked.

At this, the Ying grandfather nearby was displeased: "You old rascal, what do you mean? Looking for a scolding?"

"Isn't my little Luo outstanding? Besides, I can see that Chanxi and Zhusheng both like him," the grandfather chuckled.

The Ying grandfather was so angry he puffed out his cheeks and glared.

The two old men began arguing in the courtyard, and the grandmother's smile instantly returned.

(End of Chapter)