Gu Jingran spotted Ye Linchen standing at the gate of the compound at a glance, and a smile immediately spread across his face as he raised his hand and waved to her.

"Xiao Chen, over here!" His voice was exceptionally clear. "I was just about to send you a message when I saw you."

Ye Linchen smiled, his gaze falling on him.

The afterglow of the setting sun outlined his tall figure, and Ye Linchen felt that he seemed to have lost some weight since the last time they met.

This business trip seems to have been really tough.

The thought only flashed through her mind for a moment before she snapped out of it and started jogging towards him.

Gu Jingran had already walked around and opened the back door for her.

"Come on, get in the car."

Ye Linchen bent down and sat down, casually placing the gift bag beside him. Then, he turned to the two elders sitting in the car and greeted them in a clear voice, "Hello, Uncle, hello, Aunt."

The two elderly people in the back seat looked at her kindly upon hearing her voice and replied in unison, "Hello, Xiao Ye."

Only when they got closer could Ye Linchen see their faces clearly.

Gu Yuanshan was as tall and robust as Gu Jingran.

Even when sitting, his back is ramrod straight.

His facial features were well-defined, exuding a calm and authoritative aura.

Aunt Huo, who was standing next to him, was very beautiful, with gentle eyebrows and eyes, but bright and clear eyes, as if she could see through everything.

Although they are getting on in years, their upright posture, characteristic of soldiers, remains undiminished.

Ye Linchen discovered that Gu Jingran's appearance was a perfect blend of the best features of both his parents.

They both look very similar.

Gu Jingran closed the car door, returned to the driver's seat, and started the car.

He introduced himself to both parties while driving.

"Mom and Dad, this is Ye Linchen, whom I often mention to you. He is a top student in the Finance Department of Jiangcheng University." Then he said to Ye Linchen, "Xiao Chen, these are my parents, Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan."

"Studied finance? That's impressive, you must be really good at math." Huo Yunlan immediately chimed in.

Ye Linchen smiled and said, "It's alright. Math is all about applying what you've learned to other situations. Just do more practice problems."

"Sigh, I used to be bad at math, so I really admired people who were good at math."

Huo Yunlan and Ye Linchen chatted back and forth, while Gu Yuanshan and Gu Jingran occasionally chimed in, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The car drove smoothly out of the residential compound and merged into the evening traffic, heading towards the "Xiangmanyuan" hot pot restaurant.

This time, they booked a private room again. After the four of them sat down, Gu Yuanshan took out a small, exquisitely packaged square box from his bag and pushed it in front of Ye Linchen.

"Xiao Ye, this is a small gift for you. It's nothing expensive, just a token of our appreciation."

Ye Linchen carefully opened the box.

Inside, a layer of soft, dark blue velvet lay, and a fountain pen, entirely dark green with a warm, pearly sheen, lay quietly inside. The pen felt slightly heavy in the hand and carried a hint of coolness.

"Thank you, Uncle and Auntie, this pen is so beautiful."

She sincerely thanked them, and then handed over the paper bag she had brought, saying, "I also prepared some small things for you, Uncle and Aunt, I hope you like them."

She prepared a jar of fine Longjing tea for Uncle Gu, and a soft silk scarf for Aunt Huo.

Huo Yunlan took out a silk scarf and unfolded it, her fingertips brushing against the elegant print on it. Gu Yuanshan also picked up the tea canister, looked at it, and nodded in satisfaction.

"You're so thoughtful, Xiao Ye. I really like it."

Huo Yunlan's smile was genuine.

As the hot pot broth and dishes were served one by one, they naturally started chatting. Gu Jingran's parents asked about Ye Linchen's studies and life in Jiangcheng.

There was no airs of an elder in her words; it was more like a casual chat, which made Ye Linchen feel completely relaxed.

Ye Linchen answered all the questions and shared some interesting stories from her studies and daily life.

"This hot pot tastes authentic," Gu Yuanshan exclaimed as he picked up a piece of freshly cooked tripe. "The hot pot in Jiangcheng is still the best."

"Make sure you eat a lot this time you're back."

Gu Yuanshan laughed heartily: "I'd like to, but I'm afraid my stomach will protest."

"You can have a plain soup hot pot; it's delicious and nutritious," Ye Linchen suggested.

"Alright, alright, then let's have a few more meals."

The broth in the copper pot bubbled and simmered, and the rising steam made for a very relaxed and enjoyable meal.

After dinner, Huo Yunlan looked at the street scene outside the window as the streetlights came on and suggested, "Xiao Ran, why don't you take Xiao Chen home first? Your dad and I can take a walk along the river to digest our food."

Gu Jingran had no objection and nodded in agreement: "Okay, then take your time. If you can't find your way home, call me."

Ye Linchen stood up and politely said goodbye to the two elderly people: "Goodbye, uncles and aunts, take care on your way home."

She followed Gu Jingran out of the hot pot restaurant and got back into the car.

Gu Yuanshan and Huo Yunlan stood side by side on the roadside, watching the Santana merge into the rolling traffic and disappear from sight.

Huo Yunlan gently placed her hand in her husband's arm and asked softly, "What do you think of this girl, Xiao Ye?"

Gu Yuanshan recalled Ye Linchen's appearance and nodded affirmatively: "Not bad, he's a good kid, generous and polite."

Huo Yunlan patted his arm and said reproachfully, "It's just not bad, you're too picky."

“I really like this child.”

"Didn't you see? Her eyes are bright and clear, which shows that she has a pure heart."

"He exudes an upward spirit and is very energetic."

Huo Yunlan lowered her voice again as she spoke, her tone tinged with admiration.

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