Chapter 78: Returning Home Early

Originally, the two girls still had two more days of classes, but Qin Xiaomian, wanting to avoid the travel rush, requested a leave of absence. Shi Zixuan, feeling no inclination to attend on her own, followed suit.

At the school gate, Lu Yu parked his car by the roadside and called Shi Zixuan, telling her he was waiting for them. Not long after the call, Shi Zixuan and Qin Xiaomian emerged, scanning the crowd for a glimpse of Lu Yu. From a distance, Lu Yu watched the two girls with a hint of amusement before lowering the car window and waving to them.

Qin Xiaomian spotted him first and, pulling Shi Zixuan along, hopped into the back seat. “Uncle, did you buy a car?” she asked.

Lu Yu nodded. “Yes, just bought it.”

Inside the car, Qin Xiaomian looked around with curiosity, poking and prodding here and there.

On the way home, Lu Yu asked if Qin Xiaomian had bought her ticket for the trip home. Qin Xiaomian, as always, had everything perfectly arranged. Lu Yu said he would drive her to the station tomorrow and told her not to sleep in.

When they arrived home, Lu Yu insisted they go for a run, much to the girls’ mild annoyance. After exercising, he asked if they wanted to go out for dinner and a movie. Shi Zixuan had no opinion, but Qin Xiaomian hesitated. In the end, they decided to stay in, order takeout, and watch a movie or variety show on TV. Lu Yu agreed without saying more. The three of them went upstairs to shower in their respective rooms.

Lu Yu was the first downstairs and ordered takeout on his phone.

The next morning, Lu Yu drove Qin Xiaomian to the high-speed rail station. Shi Zixuan, not wanting to go out and resigned to spending the National Day holiday alone, stayed home reading, a little downcast.

At the station’s underground parking lot, Lu Yu pulled the suitcase with one hand and held onto Qin Xiaomian with the other, escorting her inside. After collecting her ticket from the self-service machine, Qin Xiaomian bounced over and clung tightly to Lu Yu. Passersby nearby couldn't help but be fed a dose of public affection, muttering at the shameless display in broad daylight.

After indulging her for a while, Lu Yu dragged her toward the ticket barrier. Watching Qin Xiaomian wave before disappearing beyond the gate, Lu Yu finally turned back toward the parking lot.

Sometimes, seeing Qin Xiaomian’s carefree, silly happiness, Lu Yu wondered what her life would have been like had she never met him. It was a question with no real answer—but he suspected the result wouldn’t have been ideal. Some people, as the saying goes, are blessed with a fool’s luck; perhaps Qin Xiaomian was one of them.

When Lu Yu returned home, it was already near midday. Shi Zixuan was curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees and reading. Seeing her looking so forlorn, Lu Yu pretended not to notice and chatted with her briefly, mentioning that he’d be leaving for his hometown in the afternoon.

Shi Zixuan nodded silently, lips pressed together, her book remaining unturned for a long while.

At lunch, Shi Zixuan picked at her food absentmindedly, barely eating. Lu Yu observed her little expressions with silent amusement, though he kept his face neutral.

After the meal, Shi Zixuan grew even more listless, curling up on the sofa without a word, occasionally sneaking glances at Lu Yu—like a cat feigning grievance, hoping her master would notice and come to coax her.

Lu Yu had never noticed this side of Shi Zixuan before.

Checking his phone and seeing the time, he decided to stop teasing her. He walked over, scooped her up by the neck and knees, and carried her upstairs.

Startled by his sudden action, Shi Zixuan dropped her book.

Lu Yu grinned, “Go pack your things, there’s no time to explain. You’re coming with me later.”

Shi Zixuan stared. “Coming with you? Where?”

Lu Yu replied, “Didn’t I tell you? Home.”

Shi Zixuan was a little lost. “Your home?”

Lu Yu nodded. “Yes, we’ll need to drive a few hours to get there.”

Shi Zixuan’s eyes widened. “You’re taking me to your home?”

Lu Yu snorted, “Of course. Or did you think I’d leave you alone in Shudu? If you got lonely, I’d basically be paying someone else to keep you company.”

Understanding his meaning, Shi Zixuan reached over to bite him.

Inside the room, Lu Yu set her down and told her to pack, just the essentials—maybe they’d travel a bit, so one suitcase would do. If it wasn’t enough, they could buy more later. He left to pack his own things.

By the time they left, Shi Zixuan’s gloom had vanished; she walked with a bounce, showing signs of turning into another Qin Xiaomian. Lu Yu chuckled, called his parents to say they’d be coming for dinner, and might be a little late. His parents, hearing he was driving, urged him repeatedly to take it slow and be careful.

After hanging up, Lu Yu fastened his seatbelt and drove out of the neighborhood. Shi Zixuan sang cheerfully from the passenger seat, her happiness obvious.

It wasn’t until they reached the highway that she realized she was truly going home with Lu Yu—to meet his parents. Her smile froze, and though she was sure of what was happening, she asked hesitantly, “When you said dinner tonight… it’s with your mom and dad, isn’t it?”

Lu Yu hadn’t expected her reaction would be so delayed. He nodded.

Shi Zixuan took a deep breath, leaning against the seat, twisting her fingers in her skirt, lost in thought.

Lu Yu glanced over. “Don’t be nervous. My parents are easygoing. They’ve always hoped I’d bring a girlfriend home—they’ll be happy to see you.”

Shi Zixuan asked, “Do you think they’ll find my clothes odd?” referring to her traditional-style dress.

Lu Yu shook his head. “Not at all. My mom loves watching period dramas—she might even think a fairy has come to visit.”

But his reassurance did little to ease her nerves. She began to ask for details about his parents’ likes and dislikes.

The whole way, Shi Zixuan kept up a stream of questions. Lu Yu suspected she was talking so much just to keep him awake during the drive.

It was nearly seven in the evening when they arrived. Since Lu Yu’s family lived in a house they’d built themselves, he parked casually by the roadside. Hearing the car, his parents came out to help with the luggage.

Lu Yu headed to the trunk, while Shi Zixuan stepped out shyly and greeted his parents in a soft voice, “Hello, Uncle, Auntie.”

His parents were momentarily taken aback at the sight of the girl in traditional dress, but quickly recovered and greeted her with a smile. His mother, in particular, took Shi Zixuan by the arm, chatting as she led her inside.

Lu Yu followed with the suitcases, his father by his side.

After carrying the luggage upstairs, Lu Yu joined everyone at the table for dinner. His mother’s attention remained on Shi Zixuan, asking when she and Lu Yu had met, and whether Lu Yu ever bullied her. Lu Yu, amused, poured wine for his father and himself, and the two men ate quietly together.

Every time Lu Yu returned home, he made sure to finish all the food his mother cooked—not just because it was delicious, but because it made his mother happy to see him eat. After dinner, his mother began clearing the table. Shi Zixuan offered to help, but was refused.

Not only was Shi Zixuan’s attire inconvenient, but it was also improper for a girl visiting for the first time to be made to do chores. Shi Zixuan stood aside, a bit embarrassed, wanting to help but unable to. She looked to Lu Yu for rescue, but he pretended not to see, not wishing to spoil his mother’s good mood—after all, it was the first time her son had brought a girl home.

Soon his mother finished tidying up and, as usual, invited Shi Zixuan out for a walk. Lu Yu and his father followed, chatting along the way.

Their family home was not far from a small lake dug years ago for local tourism. Around the lake was a broad footpath, lined with magnolias and the occasional osmanthus tree. In the water, a few lotus flowers still clung to their summer glory, faintly visible in the light of the streetlamps.

No matter the season, after dinner, the local families would stroll around the lake to help their digestion. It was already late, but a few neighbors were still out walking. When they ran into Lu Yu’s parents, they exchanged a few casual words—small talk about family and daily life. Learning that the young woman with them was Lu Yu’s girlfriend, they offered praise, making his mother beam with pride.

After circling the lake twice, they returned home.

Later, relaxing in the upstairs living room, Shi Zixuan sat beside Lu Yu, secretly pinching the soft flesh at his waist. Even with his tough skin, Lu Yu couldn’t help but wince.

He spoke with his parents about their plans for the holiday, asking if there was anywhere they wanted to visit. After thinking for a moment, they suggested visiting Tibet. A neighboring family had been there last year and raved about its beauty.

Lu Yu immediately checked for flights. During the holiday rush, driving would be too tight on time, so he decided it would be better to fly directly to Lhoka, giving them more time to explore. He asked for everyone’s ID numbers and booked tickets for the following afternoon. Fortunately, there was a flight from the nearby city, so they didn’t need to return to Shudu for departure.

After securing the tickets, he searched for hotels and found that most were already booked out. At last, he managed to reserve two deluxe scenic suites at the Shangri-La Hotel—despite the higher holiday prices, the comfort and happiness of his parents were well worth it.

With the trip planned, he spent some time chatting with his parents before taking Shi Zixuan upstairs.

Once in the room, Shi Zixuan admired the bookshelf that spanned an entire wall. Noticing how full it was, she asked, “Have you read all these?”

Lu Yu nodded. “Yes, I used to love reading.”

“You still do,” she replied.

Lu Yu paused, then agreed, “I suppose I do.”

Curious, Shi Zixuan picked up a few books and found notes scribbled throughout the pages. In the quiet lamplight, she looked every bit the classical beauty, leafing through the books—a picture of serene elegance.

Lu Yu watched her profile, feeling his heart begin to stir.