A single, artless observation from the child elicited an involuntary laugh from both Wang Zhuo and Qi Fei.

Legally speaking, minors under fourteen could be adopted, but Xiao San'er was already over the age limit. Furthermore, the adopting guardian needed to be at least thirty years old, a criterion Wang Zhuo clearly did not meet.

Moreover, for an unmarried male to adopt a female, the age difference between them had to be at least forty years. Even doubling Wang Zhuo’s age wouldn't meet the standard for adopting a newborn infant, let alone any other stipulations.

To summarize it in one sentence: Wang Zhuo and Xiao San’er met almost none of the conditions required by adoption law; her idea was utterly fantastical.

Only after Qi Fei explained did Xiao San’er grasp the numerous stringent requirements, causing her to droop her head dejectedly and sit off to the side.

“Xiao San’er, this regulation doesn't really apply to you; don't worry about it,” Qi Fei persuaded. “Do you want to go to school? I can sponsor you.”

Xiao San’er immediately shook her head. “School is too messy. Smoking, fighting, dating—I don’t want to go there.”

Qi Fei frowned and explained, “Who told you that? Schools aren’t actually like that…”

“She must be talking about some vocational schools?” Wang Zhuo interjected. “There’s also rape, stabbing, and forcing good girls into prostitution—it’s much messier than what she described.”

Xiao San’er nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking grain, affirming Wang Zhuo’s statement.

Qi Fei offered a wry smile and spoke patiently, “Then let Instructor Wang find you the best middle school and arrange special enrollment procedures. You can aim for Tsinghua or Peking University later. How does that sound?”

“How good is the best school?” Xiao San’er blinked her bright, watery eyes; she seemed somewhat tempted.

So, Qi Fei pulled out her laptop and showed her promotional websites from schools with robust faculty. The little girl was finally moved and decided she would make a final decision after an on-site inspection.

In the evening, the three of them went downstairs for a hearty meal, marking the near end of the day.

Qi Fei noticed that Xiao San’er seemed to idolize Wang Zhuo intensely, and was somewhat "clingy." After analysis, she surmised that the young girl, having lost fatherly affection since childhood, must see Wang Zhuo as a “father figure,” an “older brother,” or an “idol.” Experiencing such a sudden upheaval in her life, it was only natural she would latch onto him as a pillar of support and reliance.

This didn't seem like a bad thing, but Qi Fei had a nagging feeling that the path was wrong, because Wang Zhuo’s inherent lustfulness seemed ingrained in every cell of his being. The girl was only fifteen—could she possibly be walking into the tiger’s den?

As if fearing it would happen, it did. After dinner, Wang Zhuo said he needed to go home and suggested Xiao San’er stay at Qi Fei’s place. The little girl immediately shook her head vigorously, like shaking a rattle drum.

“Brother Wang Zhuo, your house must be huge. Could you lend me a room?”

Wang Zhuo immediately shook his head, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “That won’t do. You know I have a girlfriend.”

He was referring to Gan Lin. Qi Fei turned her face away, pretending