She first pounded on the door several times, but no one paid any attention. Then she could only shout outside, "Let me out! Someone help me!"

She called out countless times, until her voice was hoarse, but no one opened the door for her. For the first time, she felt despair, as if the whole world had abandoned her, and no one cared about her.

...

Zhou Meiling boarded the train sleeper smoothly, and Song Mingyuan soon met up with her. The two smiled at each other when they met.

Since it wasn't holiday time yet, there weren't many people in the sleeper carriage, and their upper berth was empty, so they were happy to have some peace and quiet.

Song Mingyuan took out his bag and opened it. Inside were freshly cooked dumplings, tea eggs, chili peppers, and canned food, which he then placed on the table.

"I didn't bring any water. I'll go get some hot water." Song Mingyuan took two new teacups and went out to get water.

Zhou Meiling couldn't help but recall the last time she, Sun Jie, Qiao Xiaoni, and Su Chenhao rode the train together.

Sun Jie really angered her at the time, but now that I think about it, I can't blame him. Their living conditions were different, so they made different choices.

The old folks often talk about marriage between equals, and thinking about it, there's a lot of truth to it. Sun Jie's family is incredibly frugal; they'd rather stretch every penny in half.

"What are you thinking about? You're so engrossed." Song Mingyuan put the teacup on the table. "You didn't even notice I was back. If a bad guy came, he might have taken you away."

"You...you're so annoying!" Zhou Meiling didn't know what to say, her face flushed with shyness.

Song Mingyuan took out the newspapers he had just bought, one for each person.

"There are two kinds of newspapers. After you finish reading them, we can switch between them. I asked and this train is not delayed. It should arrive on time."

“Hmm.” Zhou Meiling looked into his eyes: “I haven’t told my parents that I’m going home today. I haven’t mentioned your matter to them.”

so……"

"It's okay, I actually guessed it a long time ago. We'll just have to deal with it as it comes! As long as you don't throw me out, I'll stay at your house." Song Mingyuan raised his hand and patted her head.

Zhou Meiling felt that with him around, she was being pampered like a child. Nizi said that men subconsciously spoil women.

It seems I've really found the right person, so I'm willing to take a chance for him. I'll go to the hotel with him.

If I don't compromise, my parents will probably agree.

Song Mingyuan was unaware that Zhou Meiling had already made the worst-case scenario plan in her mind. He wanted to calm down and consider all the possible issues, since he was the one who wanted to marry someone else's daughter.

...

Qiao Xiaoni was still in her last day of class, checking the time on her watch, and then looking at the empty seat next to her.

They should be on the train by now. I wonder if they'll be able to get through this smoothly. I hope Song Mingyuan can pass the test without any problems.

Soon it was time to leave school. Because of what happened in the morning, everyone wasn't chatting as enthusiastically as usual. Those who used to walk in pairs ended up walking alone, and they all avoided each other.

Qiao Xiaoni watched all this unfold and shook her head helplessly. She arrived at the school gate and saw several cars parked there. This was quite unusual, and the students who saw them stopped to look, but finding nothing interesting, they continued walking towards the gate.

Suddenly, a commotion arose behind them. Qiao Xiaoni turned around and saw a person wrapped in a curtain, their hands bound with rope. The building manager was holding the other end of the rope, walking towards the door. They were both wearing masks and thick clothes, their steps hurried.