Han Tao saw that the computer had been confiscated and knew this was his perfect opportunity to ask questions, so he posed his recent doubts to Dai Lijun. Although Dai Lijun had just been subdued by Jiang Xin, a fire still smoldered within him. Hearing Han Tao’s question, his bookworm temperament flared up again.

“You didn’t ask when you could, and now the computer is gone. How can I explain it to you? You won’t understand just by talking.” Dai Lijun said crossly.

Jiang Xin, with Juliana’s assistance, had just shut down the computer. Hearing Dai Lijun speak to Han Tao that way, she felt displeased. Although Wang Qiqi had never admitted anything, and Han Tao hadn't said anything either, when she and Shi Man went out earlier, Shi Man had mentioned that the reason Qiqi, Shi Man, and Lina all got into C University was thanks to Han Tao. Furthermore, Shi Man had remarked that Qiqi and Han Tao had a good relationship. Though Shi Man had said it with perfect seriousness, Jiang Xin couldn't help but feel things might not be as simple as she described. If Qiqi and Han Tao’s relationship wasn't what she imagined, why would Shi Man bring it up?

Han Tao wasn't angered; it wasn't because he was magnanimous, but because when he first started tutoring, people had questioned him with far harsher words. And recalling things relatives on his father's side had said when he was a child, Han Tao was accustomed to letting his actions speak for him. “Can you guide me this afternoon then?”

Jiang Xin had expected Han Tao to lose his temper. She hadn't anticipated this man would take it so calmly. Sigh, well, if someone is good-tempered, why should I step in for them? She continued clearing the dishes.

Dai Lijun actually felt a bit of regret immediately after speaking. He wasn't worried Han Tao would get angry or retort sharply; he was worried Qiqi would be angry that he treated her friend so rudely. It wouldn't be easy to use the computer that afternoon if that happened. But he hadn't expected Han Tao to remain calm and even ask if he could be guided later.

Looking at Han Tao, whose face showed no trace of anger, Dai Lijun wondered if the kid was genuinely magnanimous or just exceptionally good at masking his true feelings. A person who hides all their thoughts like that is truly dangerous.

Shi Man gave Han Tao a big thumbs-up. “Impressive, Han Tao. Your control over your temper is getting better and better. I need to learn that restraint.” Although Shi Man considered herself an expert in self-control, compared to Han Tao, it was worlds apart.

“Learn what? Unless your family has the same troublesome relatives mine does—the ones who try to step on you when your family falls on hard times, and then try to pick your pockets clean when things get better. If I didn’t adopt a more open mindset, I wouldn’t want to live—I’d just die of anger and join my dad down below.” Han Tao sighed, remembering his phone call with his mother yesterday. His mom had told him that after implementing the strategy he suggested, the Han family side had quieted down somewhat. Of course, his mom still visited the hospital daily. In her view, she needed to annoy them and show the hospital staff and patients exactly who was being excessive.

Shi Man had initially noticed Dai Lijun’s sour expression, especially the way he looked at Han Tao. Shi Man wondered if the kid harbored ill intentions toward Han Tao, so she tried to change the subject. But she hadn't expected Han Tao to pick up on her thread, though he seemed preoccupied, perhaps due to trouble caused by some of his so-called relatives.

Hearing Han Tao say that, Dai Lijun looked at him quizzically, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. Had he grown up enduring disdain from others? Yet, his composure seemed good. Was it truly just his mindset? In Dai Lijun’s view, only two types of people had such good mindsets: children and fools. Han Tao clearly wasn't either. Could it be that having experienced so much had aged his mentality to that of a man in his forties?

Han Tao’s words seemed strange not only to Shi Man but also to Juliana, who was staring at him. They suspected that whatever caused such a significant shift in Han Tao’s mindset must be serious, perhaps something happening with Aunt Luo, or trouble brewing with those bothersome relatives.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Besides, I’m in the Capital now; what trouble could there be?” Han Tao smiled. “Just like Qiqi says, everyone has a few bothersome relatives. Treat them like air. If you have the mood, watch the show; if not, ignore them.”

This was the exact reply Han Tao had received when he asked Wang Qiqi why she ignored Wang Rui one time. In that moment, Han Tao understood why Wang Qiqi always battled Wang Rui and the others—it was purely for amusement. However, Han Tao suspected Wang Qiqi was planning something, especially since she constantly praised how wonderful Gao Kai was to Wang Rui. Han Tao knew Wang Qiqi held no good impression of Gao Kai, though she often told Wang Rui how bad he was. But listening closely, it was always phrased as, "Gao Kai is so perfect for you, Rui Rui, don't let him go." Only a fool like Wang Rui would fall for that.

“If you run into any difficulties, remember to tell me.” Juliana rarely offered such words, fearing encountering someone who would take advantage, but Han Tao wasn't that type.

Han Tao accepted Juliana’s kindness. “If I genuinely face a tough spot, I will definitely come to you.”

“Time to eat! Manman, Lina, come help carry the noodles!” Wang Qiqi had already finished cooking several bowls and noticed no one was coming to help bring them out. She called out, knowing that once the noodles cooled, they would clump and lose their flavor.

“Coming, coming,” Shi Man replied with an "Oh." “Gentlemen, you two go in and get your own bowls. Don’t wait for us to serve you.” Hmph, eating and drinking for free, and they expect us to carry it to their hands? Dream on.

Dai Lijun wouldn't let Shi Man carry food for him. He noticed Shi Man was in a foul mood. Besides, the sooner they ate, the sooner he could get back to the computer. He had just finished writing a small program, tragically only a few steps from completion and execution, only for Jiang Xin to snatch it away and shut the PC down. He would have to start inputting the code again soon. Thinking of this, Dai Lijun grew angry. As he walked out of the kitchen holding his bowl, he passed Jiang Xin and let out a few cold snorts to express his displeasure.

Jiang Xin found it utterly inexplicable. What was this sudden fit about? She didn't understand Dai Lijun’s behavior, but it didn't stop her from acting. She quickly retorted with a cold snort toward Dai Lijun, showing she wouldn't be intimidated.

Han Tao followed behind, watching the two exchange snorts, utterly bewildered. He looked at Juliana, signaling for a clue, but Juliana just shrugged, indicating she didn't know either.

When Wang Qiqi finished cooking noodles for all six and brought out her own portion, she found Jiang Xin aggressively eating, glancing sideways at Dai Lijun from time to time, while Dai Lijun was discussing something with Han Tao beside him. “What happened here?” Wang Qiqi sat next to Juliana and asked her.

“I don’t know,” Juliana also found it baffling. She gave a brief summary: Dai Lijun snorted coldly at Jiang Xin a few times, and then things turned like this.

Wang Qiqi was surprised it was just that simple, yet Dai Lijun suddenly snorting at Jiang Xin seemed odd. Dai Lijun wasn't the type to stir up trouble, so why the sudden action? It was a true mystery. Wang Qiqi certainly didn't believe he was trying to attract someone’s attention.

Although Dai Lijun was talking with Han Tao, he quickly finished his noodles, put the bowl in the kitchen, and exclaimed, “Finally, I can play with the computer! I was so close to finishing the program, just a few more steps.” Dai Lijun walked over to the computer, and the way he looked at the laptop made Wang Qiqi think he was gazing at a lover. But his words clarified why he had acted out earlier.

Jiang Xin bit her lower lip, adding two more points to her assessment of Dai Lijun: petty and excessively petty—hardly the mark of a young man.

Seeing Dai Lijun booting up the computer, Han Tao swiftly finished his own noodles and walked over to stand beside him, watching him operate the machine and input code. Han Tao knew that even if he asked Dai Lijun to explain his reasoning, he wouldn't fully grasp it. So, he watched quietly as Dai Lijun’s fingers flew across the keyboard, inwardly marveling. It was amazing, but Han Tao knew that with dedication, none of this would be insurmountable.

Shi Man watched Han Tao stand so close to Dai Lijun. “Han Tao is putting on quite an act, pretending not to understand a thing. But to me, he looks more like the master instructing the student.” Perhaps it was due to his years as a tutor, but Han Tao’s entire bearing had subtly changed.

Jiang Xin, who was looking for an opening to criticize Dai Lijun, seized the moment upon hearing Shi Man. She whispered, “He’s still a thorny student, though, stingy to the extreme.” He aggressively claimed the space to work, then complained about me obstructing him? What kind of logic is that? It’s utterly outrageous.

Wang Qiqi looked at the visibly angry but restrained Jiang Xin and found it amusing. “Have you become gentle now? I thought you’d retort a couple of times.” Shi Man had just recounted the story of Jiang Xin boldly seizing the computer to Wang Qiqi, and comparing that to the present, Jiang Xin’s assertiveness had clearly diminished.

Jiang Xin pouted. “I’m worried that if someone gets angry and accidentally breaks your computer, who will take responsibility?” Jiang Xin thought she had the courage to snatch the computer earlier, but now, she lacked that nerve. Who knew what that madman might do if she caused trouble again? “Besides, I am a lady. How could I stoop to arguing with a bookworm over such trivialities?”

However, as Jiang Xin watched Dai Lijun’s rapidly moving fingers and listened to him intermittently explain to Han Tao why he was doing things—and even what field this little program was related to—she admitted that Dai Lijun wasn't entirely inept at communication in this moment. He might even possess a certain charm. But what did that matter? Dai Lijun was still just a stubborn, unyielding block of scholarly stone.