Even though enough twists had already happened this afternoon, Shang Dongyuan still hadn’t forgotten how Chu Xiaoge had suddenly gone missing that morning...

Back then he’d thought it was his parents who’d done something, but now, hearing what the neighbor said, it looked like Chu Xiaoge had left of her own accord.

Was she planning to quietly take the child and leave, never appear in his line of sight again?

"We... we came back to take care of something." Chu Xiaoge randomly came up with an excuse. Once she finished, she carried Chuchu straight upstairs, leaving Shang Dongyuan and that neighbor far behind!

If she’d known, she would’ve come back alone! Now look what happened, letting Shang Dongyuan hear that sentence—he’d definitely be angry again...

Chu Xiaoge shot off like a gust of wind, which the neighbor found quite funny. "This family, moving or not moving, it’s like they’re playing some kind of joke!"

Shang Dongyuan listened, his face growing darker and darker.

He pressed his lips together, the line of his jaw taut, and strode after Chu Xiaoge.

It seemed he really ought to have a good talk with her.

Upstairs.

As soon as Li Li opened the door, she saw her daughter and granddaughter had come back, and hurriedly asked, "What’s wrong with Chuchu?"

"She’s tired and fell asleep. I’ll take her to the room first." Chu Xiaoge tossed the words out in a rush, then carried Chuchu into the bedroom.

Hearing the commotion, Chu Lianghua quickly went over to pull back the covers and support Chuchu a little. "Slow down, don’t wake the child."

"Okay..." Chu Xiaoge nodded, gently placing Chuchu on the big bed.

Chuchu pouted, turned over, hugged the quilt, and sank into a deep sleep.

Seeing she hadn’t woken, Chu Xiaoge left the room together with Chu Lianghua, and carefully closed the door behind them.

After father and daughter stepped out, they saw Shang Dongyuan standing in the living room.

Chu Lianghua instinctively frowned and looked at Chu Xiaoge. "So... is it resolved?"

"Mm, it’s all resolved." Chu Xiaoge nodded, took a deep breath, and helped Chu Lianghua over to the sofa. "Dad, you and Mom rest first. I’ll go out for a bit."

As she spoke, she turned to Shang Dongyuan. "I’ll walk you downstairs."

With that, she headed straight for the door.

Shang Dongyuan frowned and glanced at Chu Xiaoge, then swept his gaze around the living room.

The usual ornaments had all been put away. No matter how he looked at it, it felt like they were about to leave for good.

Taking it all in without showing anything on his face, Shang Dongyuan raised his eyes to Chu Lianghua and Li Li and said politely, "Uncle, Auntie, I’ll be going then."

"Mm, go on, go on..." Li Li nodded and saw Shang Dongyuan out.

When she came back, Li Li began discussing with Chu Lianghua, "Old man, what do you think about this child Dongyuan, and our Xiao Ge..."

"Let’s leave it to the youngsters’ fate. We shouldn’t interfere—give them a bit more space." Chu Lianghua patted Li Li’s hand, then rubbed his stomach. "You haven’t made dinner yet, have you? I’ve been starving for hours!"

"Oh dear! I was so worried about Chuchu I forgot to cook for you! Wait, I’ll go make you some noodles." Li Li quickly stood up and headed for the kitchen.

Hearing her, Chu Lianghua chuckled. "Don’t put in chili."

"Got it!"

...

When Shang Dongyuan reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Chu Xiaoge standing under a tree, lost in thought.

His expression was equally dark. He took a few steps over and stopped beside her.

He took a cigarette from his pocket, put it between his lips, lit his lighter, leaned in to light it, and drew in a deep breath.