"We’ve seen the house, and Zhiyi is doing well here, so I can rest easy now," said Li Jianshu.
"Let’s head back. We shouldn’t take up any more of Xiaojiang’s time."
"Uncle, Auntie, why don’t you just rest here?" Lin Jiang offered.
It was the polite thing to say in this situation.
"No, we can’t do that. Wouldn’t staying here be a bother for you? We’ll just go to Zhiyi’s place."
Li Jianshu refused decisively, wanting to maintain the dignity of an elder.
"Brother Jiang, please take us back."
"Okay."
The group went downstairs. As they were about to leave, Bi Xiaoyun looked back wistfully, likely thinking she’d never get to live in such a luxurious mansion in her lifetime.
"Auntie, the hotel we booked is nearby, so we won’t go with you," Bi Xiaoyun said, her voice lacking enthusiasm.
"Okay, sounds good."
This was the arrangement they had made beforehand: Li Jianshu and Huang Chunying would stay with Li Zhiyi, while Bi Xiaoyun and her family would stay at a hotel.
After they parted ways, Lin Jiang drove the family of three to Li Zhiyi’s rented apartment.
From the outside, the apartment complex looked a bit old, with buildings no more than six stories high. Walking up the stairs, one could see all sorts of small advertisements plastered on the walls.
But stepping inside felt surprisingly open and bright.
The apartment was forty-something square meters. It wasn’t large, but the two-bedroom, one-living-room layout was fully equipped.
For two young women sharing an apartment, it was quite tastefully kept. The home was very clean and had a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Now that it was just the four of them, everyone felt much more relaxed.
However, Lin Jiang’s status still made her parents feel a little intimidated.
But after chatting for a while, they found that Lin Jiang didn’t put on any airs. He was very easy to get along with, not at all like those kids from rich families who speak as if they’re looking down their noses at people.
After chatting for a bit, the four of them went out for dinner.
At Li Jianshu’s strong insistence, they didn’t go to any expensive places, but instead went to sample some local specialties.
Lin Jiang and Li Jianshu walked together. Neither was very interested in the food, so they mostly just chatted.
Li Zhiyi and her mother followed behind, eating and talking as they went.
"Honey, how long have you two known each other?"
"A little over a month now."
Huang Chunying mulled it over. A month wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short either. As for *that* sort of thing, it was hard to say.
"Honey, tell Mom the truth. Are you two really not living together?"
The Li family was very traditional, and their strict parenting had a lot to do with why Li Zhiyi hadn’t had a boyfriend all these years.
"We’re really not. Who moves in together after only knowing each other for a month?" Li Zhiyi said. "We both need our own private space, so you can rest assured, we’re definitely not living together."
Huang Chunying nodded, satisfied. She was very pleased to hear her daughter’s words.
"Then have you two... you know?"
"Huh?"
Li Zhiyi’s heart started to race. They were both adults; of course she knew what her mom was talking about.
"What ’you know’? What are you talking about?"
"Are you playing dumb with me? You’re here in Zhonghai by yourself, and I can’t watch over you. That sort of thing... have you two done it?"
"N-No, we haven’t. There’s no way I’d do that kind of thing before marriage."
Li Zhiyi said this, feigning calmness, terrified her mother would see through her.
"Good. Mom is just looking out for you. You definitely need to be careful about that sort of thing."
"I know."
Strolling leisurely, the four of them didn’t head back until after nine at night.
"Uncle, Auntie, I’ll be heading back now. I’ll come by again tomorrow," Lin Jiang said.
"Brother Jiang, if you’re busy with work, you don’t have to come tomorrow. I can take them around myself."
"It’s fine. I’ll come over again tomorrow morning."
"It’s so late, don’t go to the trouble. There are no outsiders here. Just stay the night," Li Jianshu said.
"Huh?"
Li Zhiyi had a strong reaction.
’There are only four of us in the apartment. Mom and Dad will definitely share a room. Does that mean tonight... I’ll be with Brother Jiang...’
"You sleep on the sofa. Xiaojiang drove all day and must be tired. Let him have the room."
Li Zhiyi deflated like a popped balloon.
’I really thought they’d had a sudden change of heart and taken a bold step. I can’t believe they’re making *me* sleep on the sofa.’
’But this is good too. At least we’re under the same roof, so he doesn’t have to go to all that trouble.’
"Mom, Dad, it’s getting late. You two should go wash up. Get some rest tonight so we can have more fun tomorrow."
"Alright."
Her parents went into the bathroom, and Li Zhiyi whispered in Lin Jiang’s ear,
"Brother Jiang, don’t lock the door when you go to sleep tonight."
"Why shouldn’t I lock the door?"
"Oh, Brother Jiang, you’re awful! Stop teasing me," Li Zhiyi said. "But really, if you have something to do tomorrow, you can leave early. No need to waste your time."
"We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. Spending time with your parents is more important."
"Thank you, Brother Jiang."
"Don’t just thank me with words."
"I know."
Soon, her parents came out of the bathroom, and Lin Jiang and Li Zhiyi went in.
Li Zhiyi found a spare toothbrush and handed it to Lin Jiang.
"Brother Jiang, you can brush your teeth first."
"Okay."
While Lin Jiang brushed his teeth, Li Zhiyi found her nightgown.
She casually slipped out of her clothes, changed into the loose nightgown, and then sat on the toilet to relieve herself. She was completely unbothered by Lin Jiang standing nearby; after all, they were often like this when at hotels.
Lin Jiang turned to face Li Zhiyi.
"Brother Jiang, they’re right outside..." Li Zhiyi said, embarrassed.
"The door is locked. It’s fine."
"You’re terrible."
Sitting on the toilet, Li Zhiyi gently reached out her hand.
One must use one’s own mouth to eat one’s fill, after all.
By the time Lin Jiang finished brushing his teeth, Li Zhiyi was done.
It was clear she was left wanting more.

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