Xue Qing wanted to spend more time with Li Bin, even though she knew it wasn't a good idea. But a thought popped into her head: since they were destined to be apart in this life, why not just be friends?

Then, a clever idea struck her, and she said to Jiang Kefan and Li Younan, "How about Auntie treats you to a big meal today? You two can order whatever you want." If the two children agreed, Li Bin would probably come along too. Xue Qing couldn't help but secretly give herself a thumbs up for her cleverness.

"Aunt Xue Qing, really? I want to eat..." Jiang Kefan was interrupted by Li Younan before he could finish speaking.

"Aunt Xue Qing, I'm so sorry, but my home is nearby. Fanfan and I have already agreed to have dinner at my house today, and my dad has also promised to cook his best dishes for us, so there's no need for you to treat us. Let's have dinner together another time," Li Younan said casually, declining the offer.

Seeing the momentary confusion on Jiang Kefan and Li Bin's faces, Xue Qing knew that this little girl didn't want to eat with her and was just making up a lie. No, she probably didn't want Li Bin to eat with her!

Xue Qing couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Are kids these days so precocious? Fanfan is already quite clever, but I didn't expect Li Younan to be just as quick-witted. Sigh~ After all, I've been working in society for so many years and have finally developed the ability to talk to people in a certain way. I never thought a little girl could lie without batting an eye."

Although Li Bin didn't know why Li Younan lied, he, who always doted on his daughter, didn't say anything. He had sensed earlier that his daughter was somewhat hostile towards Xue Qing; perhaps she genuinely disliked this aunt and didn't want to eat with her. However, from their short time together, he felt Xue Qing was quite nice. Although a little naive, her manners, etiquette, and overall demeanor were excellent.

Jiang Kefan glanced at Li Younan, then deliberately gave Li Bin a look. He knew why Li Younan was lying.

Li Younan gave Jiang Kefan a look, warning him to behave and not cause trouble!

Although Xue Qing didn't know why Li Younan didn't just bring up her mother, she decided to swallow her pride and go eat the feast prepared by Li Bin. Sigh! He's handsome, and I didn't expect him to be such a good cook. I really envy Li Younan's mother!

"If you don't mind, would Auntie have the honor of coming along?" Xue Qing asked directly, confident that she could handle a child.

"Of course you're welcome, it would be an honor." Li Bin spoke first before Li Younan could speak, to prevent Li Younan from saying anything unpleasant.

They chatted a lot along the way, and Xue Qing learned a little about Li Bin's work and hobbies, which made Xue Qing very happy. However, Xue Qing still didn't understand why Li Bin never mentioned his wife, which led Xue Qing to a bold idea: perhaps Li Bin is divorced now!

Regardless, Xue Qing was genuinely happy to find out what was going on once she got to Li Bin's house.

The two children were whispering to each other, but they kept pointing at or looking at themselves, which made Xue Qing quite helpless. Could you be any more obvious? Li Bin obviously noticed it too, and smiled awkwardly at Xue Qing to express his apology. Xue Qing responded with a generous and frank smile, indicating that she didn't mind.

They walked and talked along the way, and soon arrived at Li Bin's house.

"I'm really curious about what your house is like. Is it filled with books everywhere? Would you mind if I took a look?" Xue Qing directly asked Li Bin, bringing up the topic.

“No, you’ll see once you go in. Feel free to look around; there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Li Bin said, having developed a good impression of Xue Qing along the way. He spoke more naturally and became less formal.

Xue Qing looked around like a country bumpkin visiting the Grand View Garden, curiously observing everything. In reality, she was checking to see if the mistress of the house was there. Sure enough, as she had guessed—there was no mistress! Could she perhaps take the initiative and try to win her over? Xue Qing wondered.

After watching, Xue Qing took the initiative to go into the kitchen to help Li Bin cook. She could lend a hand and chat with Li Bin while the two children were doing their homework in the study. This gave Xue Qing and Li Bin some time alone.

“Mr. Li, I have a rather private question, which may be a bit impolite, but I can’t help but ask it. Would you mind?” Xue Qing decided to ask the hostess directly to confirm.

"It's not a matter of minding or not. Ask away. As long as it's within my ability to answer, I'll answer." Li Bin is a very honest person.

"I wonder how your wife is doing now? I haven't heard you mention her or seen her," Xue Qing said with an apologetic smile.

“She has passed away, so I rarely mention her to avoid upsetting You Nan. You Nan is very sensible. I’ve often been away from home these past few years, and You Nan has always taken care of herself. You Nan was a bit rude about what happened before, and I apologize to you on her behalf,” Li Bin replied quite naturally.

"I'm sorry, I brought up something that upset you," Xue Qing quickly apologized.

"It's nothing. So many years have passed, and I've gradually let it go. She's always lived in my heart." Li Bin smiled beautifully, as if thinking of something.

Hearing Li Bin's words and seeing his expression was like a bucket of cold water poured over Xue Qing, instantly sobering her up. The two then stopped chatting and busied themselves cooking, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, the two children doing their homework in the study were making quite a racket.

Jiang Kefan quickly finished his own homework and was waiting for Li Younan to do his. Li Younan was doing poorly in his studies, and he was slow and made many mistakes when doing his homework. Jiang Kefan couldn't stand it anymore, so he started to teach Li Younan how to do his homework.

"What are you writing? Didn't I just explain it to you twice? How come you still don't understand? Even a pig is smarter than you, you idiot!" Jiang Kefan was so angry with Li Younan that he couldn't help but start cursing at her.

"You're the stupid one! If you were really smart, you wouldn't be unable to explain it to me. Humph! I don't need you to teach me anymore!" Li Younan moved her homework aside to show her determination.

Seeing that Li Younan was genuinely angry, Jiang Kefan realized that he had gone too far with his words and had lost control of his emotions. So he took the initiative to make amends, saying, "Younan, Younan, I was wrong. I went too far just now. Come on, let's continue doing our homework together."

"Then you have to promise that you won't do this again in the future," Li Younan said, taking the opportunity to make his request when Jiang Kefan came to apologize.