Upon boarding the train, Wang Qiqi immediately settled onto the bunk, showing no inclination to speak. Seeing Qiqi’s sullen demeanor, Juliana pulled a grim-faced Shi Man aside and asked her exactly what she had managed to pry out of Han Tao.

Shi Man resentfully recounted Han Tao’s words, finishing with an exasperated sigh, “I truly don’t understand what happened between them; they’re both being so secretive.”

Hearing this, Juliana stared out the window at the pitch-black scenery passing by. After a long silence, she let out a deep sigh. “You said Qiqi saw her cousin, taking Han Tao along. Do you think maybe today she went to see her aunt?” After all, Qiqi bringing Han Tao along this time was essentially an official introduction to her relatives. Although everyone had met Han Tao before, his status back then was different. Since she’s already introduced him to her cousins, there’s no reason to skip Aunt Wang Damei. Moreover, Han Tao rushed back early, working overtime; opportunities like this might not come again so easily.

Seeing her aunt? Shi Man was startled by Juliana’s deduction, but quickly shook her head. “Didn’t they say Qiqi’s cousin is getting married during the May Day holiday? If nothing unexpected happens, Qiqi will definitely go back for the wedding. Wouldn't that be a better time to bring Han Tao along?” Shi Man knew Wang Damei was not an easy person to deal with; she was one who favored wealth over poverty. She had been extremely picky about her own son-in-law. If it weren’t for Wang Qiqi, Shi Man didn't know if they would have even married, and even if they did, whether they would be as happy as they were now. Qiqi was highly educated, attending a prestigious university. Although she was parentless, her family wealth was considerable. Wang Damei might feel Han Tao was unworthy of Qiqi. Even though Han Tao was capable now and had been noticed by a foreign computer company, the risks of going abroad were immense. A young couple separated by two continents—plus the prevalence of certain issues in America—often resulted in breakups. It was the same reason her own parents objected to her relationship with Feng Xuanxiang: he went abroad two years early, and there was a risk that by the time Shi Man went to study abroad, he would already have other women around him. Wang Damei might think the same way, rejecting Han Tao amid various disdainful thoughts. If this was the case, Qiqi would be unhappy, and Han Tao’s vague answers would line up perfectly. “No way…”

Juliana looked at Shi Man’s astonished expression and nodded heavily. Alas, Wang Damei, Wang Damei. If she rejected Han Tao for this reason, she would surely regret it. Han Tao’s career was just beginning; one trip abroad had already presented him with such a fantastic opportunity. After Juliana told her father, he simply remarked that when luck arrives, nothing can stop it. Even her seasoned father held Han Tao in such high regard, and Juliana trusted his judgment completely. Frankly, if Qiqi hadn't acted quickly, and if Han Tao hadn't liked Qiqi, Juliana couldn't deny whether she might have made a move herself. Han Tao was ambitious, yet he always maintained a bottom line—unfortunately, such people were rare. “Forget it. Since it’s because of this, let’s not bring up unhappy things.” Qiqi was already unhappy; why bring up more things to upset her?

Shi Man hummed in agreement. She wasn't stupid. “I didn’t expect both Qiqi and I to run into this kind of difficulty. I originally thought Qiqi, without parents to pressure her, would have a smoother path than me, but I never expected…” Sighing, she continued, “Well, even without parental pressure, being an aunt still puts pressure on Wang Qiqi. But Qiqi definitely won't listen.”

Wang Qiqi had no idea that her silence, born of unhappiness, had led Shi Man and Juliana to such wild speculation. She almost laughed, finding it both frustrating and funny. However, Qiqi quickly stopped dwelling on the sadness of visiting her parents’ graves. Han Tao was right; if she truly felt dissatisfied, she could simply change the burial site for her parents. Truthfully, Qiqi had that impulse too. It was rumored that a much better cemetery would open at the end of the year—not only well-managed but also spacious. Prices for plots there would skyrocket in later years, and many wealthy families from out of town would buy land there. The place was said to be truly blessed ground. Yes, that’s what she’d do. She would properly renovate her parents’ grave site then. Qiqi had previously considered making her parents’ grave lavish, but first, time was short, and second, the current circumstances weren't suitable for her to undertake such a task.

Having resolved this, Wang Qiqi finally sat up from the bunk. She noticed Shi Man and Juliana were both lying on the bunks reading books. Qiqi found this odd; whenever she took the train with Han Tao, they might read, but Shi Man and Juliana would never—they would either chat or sleep. “Hey, why are you two acting so weird?”

Shi Man hadn't absorbed a single word of the book in her hands; it was just too profound. Although the writing was good, perhaps excellent for Juliana, who had practical management experience, Shi Man simply didn't connect with it. She held the book, but her mind had wandered far away. When she heard Wang Qiqi’s words, she almost choked. “Us acting weird? I wonder who it is that, from the station until now, has said hardly anything beyond a greeting, and who’s been walking around with a long face?” To emphasize her displeasure, Shi Man deliberately let out a scoff.

Wang Qiqi froze because Juliana put down her book and nodded at her. This made Qiqi quite embarrassed. She certainly knew her own mood had been entirely off. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I was deep in thought earlier. Truly sorry.”

Shi Man and Juliana were surprised by Qiqi’s immediate apology. They exchanged glances, and finally, Shi Man broke the silence. “We heard you went to see your aunt today. What did she say?” Shi Man’s bluntness earned her a look of disapproval from Juliana, but Shi Man just shrugged. Honestly, if she didn’t get to the bottom of it, she’d be itching with curiosity.

“The effect was great, but my aunt talked with Han Tao for quite a long time. I just don't know what exactly they discussed.” At that moment, Wang Qiqi remembered something very important she needed to find out, but she wouldn't have a chance until tomorrow. However, Qiqi wasn't sure if she could press the information out of him tomorrow. First, there might be time constraints, and second, when a certain person doesn't want you to know something, their lips are sealed exceptionally tight. Qiqi felt immense pressure about this. As for the 'honey trap' idea, Qiqi suspected that if she tried it, she’d probably just get eaten up and wouldn't get a single useful word out of him.

Juliana and Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi’s blissful expression, then listened to the implications in her words. They truly couldn't tell if the situation was developing positively or negatively, or perhaps if Wang Damei was still dissatisfied with Han Tao but had been forced to concede because of Wang Qiqi.

“My aunt was extremely pleased with Han Tao. At dinner, she even instructed me not to throw tantrums and to take good care of him.” Wang Qiqi said helplessly. “Honestly, I don’t know why my aunt would say that. I’m her niece! Shouldn't she have said to Han Tao, ‘Hey, you kid, treat my Qiqi well. If you dare bully her, hmph, I’ll send Qiqi’s brother-in-law and cousin over to beat you up and defend her honor…’” Back then, that was exactly what her aunt had told her. Why didn't she bring that up when Han Tao was present?

Han Tao glanced over and saw the train attendant had also retired, knowing they wouldn't reappear until the dead of night. He confidently carried a small bag and wandered over, catching the tail end of Wang Qiqi’s complaint. He patted his forehead. What a silly girl. How could an aunt say those things in front of her niece? Saying that would imply dissatisfaction with her prospective nephew-in-law. During their private conversation, she had seriously warned him and asked about his plans, such as when he intended to marry. Han Tao looked at Wang Damei, who had asked him about the timing with such anticipation, and felt somewhat wronged. Of course, he wanted to marry; he had wanted to marry right after graduation. But Han Tao felt his idea might not have Qiqi's approval; she seemed unconfident about marriage.

Shi Man was about to say something when she saw Han Tao standing by the berth, looking helplessly at Wang Qiqi. She immediately covered her mouth and chuckled. “Look at that look of helplessness on someone’s face. Your aunt must have given him a lecture.”

Wang Qiqi looked behind her in surprise and saw Han Tao nodding. “My aunt really said that to you? That’s more like it.” Wang Qiqi clapped her hands together excitedly. “That’s my aunt! She’s on my side now!” Qiqi gave a smug laugh.

Shi Man and Juliana stared speechlessly at Wang Qiqi. Just moments ago, someone was complaining incessantly about her aunt overstepping boundaries by not chastising ‘someone.’ Now, seeing Han Tao, she instantly praised her aunt. Alas, women—even if you are a fickle creature, must you be this fickle?

“By the way, what did my aunt talk to you about?” Han Tao let slip a small hint, and Wang Qiqi genuinely felt this was the perfect moment to press further.

“Just the usual talk about taking good care of you.” How could Han Tao reveal the details of his conversation with Wang Damei? Truthfully, he was quite surprised at the time. He truly hadn't expected Wang Damei to know Qiqi so well—or rather, that she understood Qiqi’s changes and psychological state so thoroughly, perhaps better than Qiqi herself did. “Don’t worry, your aunt was just having a routine talk. Every parent has a private conversation with their daughter’s boyfriend when they meet.”

Wang Qiqi stared at Han Tao for a long time. Seeing that his gaze didn't waver, she knew further questioning would yield nothing. However, she was certain Wang Damei had discussed other matters with him. “Then you better take good care of me, or you know the consequences.”

Han Tao put on an expression of mock terror, deliberately wiping sweat from his brow. “Relax, relax. Your brother-in-law and your cousin could absolutely take me down. But what depresses me is, do I really look like such a bad man?” Heaven knew how Han Tao could ever treat Qiqi poorly. It was Qiqi who showed him the feeling of light, the sensation of walking forward with someone, the feeling of not being alone.