Something definite had clearly happened to Wang Jue that we didn't know about. Personality, after all, is something built up over many years; it doesn't change overnight. Since Wenshu confirmed he hadn't displayed any of that effeminate behavior before, something must have gone seriously wrong somewhere.

I didn't ask Wenshu to come over to Wang Jue's place. Between Hua Gu, the Ghost Infant, and the female version of Wang Jue, it was already chaotic enough. Old He and Li Xiaoshu were arriving shortly, and her presence would only complicate matters further. We couldn't tell him about Wang Jue being expelled yet; it would be better to wait until we had figured everything out and the full truth was revealed.

Once I had sorted things out in my mind, I said a brief goodbye to Wenshu, promising to call her later that evening.

The doorbell rang just as the alarm clock struck nine. I shuffled to the door in my slippers to find Xiaoshu and Old He standing there, both laden with a colorful assortment of breakfast items.

"You must be hungry. Go call Wang Jue and the others to eat!" Old He bustled inside, setting the breakfast down on the dining table, and immediately began searching the rooms. He was unaware of the previous night's events and assumed Wang Jue was still inside talking with Hua Gu.

"Don't bother looking; they're all still asleep." Preoccupied, I sat down beside the table and started munching on a steamed bun. Xiaoshu sat down too, picked up a bowl of purple rice porridge, and began eating delicately. Old He was just settling onto a chair to join breakfast when Hua Gu, alerted by the noise, emerged from the bedroom.

Their first meeting took place amidst this messy spread, making Old He and Xiaoshu feel awkward. They quickly stood up to greet her.

Hua Gu offered them a shy smile. Before I could introduce them, she turned to me and said, "Xiaoyu, I’ve thought things over about yesterday. It’s probably not right for us to stay here any longer; we’ll head back to Miao Village shortly. These two thousand yuan were left on the table when you all left; I'm returning it in full."

I was momentarily speechless. Xiaoshu and Old He were utterly confused, immediately demanding to know what had happened last night.

Since Wang Jue was still in the bedroom, I couldn't bring myself to scold him for his heartbreaking behavior from the night before. I could only offer vague replies, steering the conversation toward how Hua Gu would manage her return journey.

Hua Gu had always possessed a strong character; her insistence on returning the money was proof enough that she disliked accepting undeserved favors. Therefore, she only spoke about returning the way she came, assuring us she wouldn't cause us worry, and never hinted that she needed an escort.

Seeing her so resolute made me feel terrible inside. Back in Miao Village, when Wang Jue was weak from illness, it was she who sought out food and medicine and cared for him. The look Wang Jue gave her last night carried an air of repaying kindness with injury. Hua Gu’s heart was chilled, and frankly, mine was too.

She was adamant about leaving, and Xiaoshu and Old He, not knowing the full story, found it hard to persuade her otherwise. However, when she walked out of the room carrying the Ghost Infant and leading Ah Li by the hand, everyone faltered.

For a woman to travel with two children in tow—how could three grown men simply stand by and watch!

Old He volunteered to drive them back to Miao Village. Initially, Hua Gu firmly refused, but after some gentle persuasion from Xiaoshu and me, she finally agreed reluctantly, primarily to spare the Ghost Infant and Ah Li from a bumpy ride.

So, Old He brought his car over from his place, grabbed some local specialties along the way, and set off with Hua Gu and the two children. Just before they got into the car, I pulled Old He aside and explained the situation with the Ghost Infant in precise detail, urging him to be extra cautious.

Throughout this entire commotion, Wang Jue remained sequestered in his room, never showing his face, as if this wasn't his home at all, and whatever transpired outside had absolutely nothing to do with him.