Jiang Xiaoli leaned against Zhong Yuan's door and asked, "Brother Yuan, are you going to travel a thousand miles to pursue your love?"

While stuffing things into his suitcase, Zhong Yuan answered, "I've felt that Xin Xin is acting a bit strange these past two days. According to our original plan, she should have arrived in Kyoto by now, but she said that something came up at home and she couldn't come earlier. I didn't press her for details."

Now that I know the reason, of course I have to go find her. I can't let her face the interrogation from both her parents alone; I have to get through this sooner or later.

Jiang Xiaoli nodded. "So, are you prepared to face Xin Xin's parents?"

Zhong Yuan closed his suitcase and chuckled, "To be honest, I knew this day would come from the day I confessed to Xin Xin. I've rehearsed countless times in my mind, but I don't know if I can perform well when I meet Xin Xin's parents."

Jiang Xiaoli had only met Hu Jingxin's parents once, so she didn't know them very well and couldn't offer Zhong Yuan any good advice.

She simply said, "Brother Yuan, Xin Xin's parents definitely want Xin Xin to be happy, so I think the most important thing is to be sincere and let them feel your kindness towards Xin Xin. This might help them let go of their prejudices against you more quickly and accept you more easily."

Zhong Yuan took two steps forward and patted her on the shoulder, "Little Pear, I knew you'd be on my side when it matters!"

Jiang Xiaoli just smiled and didn't say anything.

A short while later, Zhong Yuan successfully booked a ticket; the company administration bought him the last flight to Shanghai that evening.

Zhong Yuan was about to leave with his suitcase when Jiang Xiaoli stopped him, saying, "Brother Yuan, I'll see you off."

Dafu and Zongjia only noticed their movements at this moment.

Dafu asked, "What's wrong, Dayuan? Where are you going so late at night?"

Zong Jia pulled Jiang Xiaoli aside, "What did you say to him? Why did you threaten to run away from home?"

The two fell silent. Zhong Yuan explained, "It has nothing to do with Xiao Li. Brother Zong, please take a few days off. I need to go to Shanghai to find Xin Xin."

Zong Jiayu nodded. "Okay, when you get to Shanghai, if you need any help, remember to call us. I have a classmate from Shanghai who might be able to help you."

Dafu nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Dayuan, if you need anyone in Shanghai, just ask! 'Jiang Li Ji' has two shops in Shanghai, and many distributors!"

Zhong Yuan punched each of them once, saying, "Brothers, I'll remember this!"

Finally, Jiang Xiaoli and the other two went to the airport to see off this brave man who was pursuing his love.

Just before going through security, Jiang Xiaoli shouted loudly to Zhong Yuan, "Brother Yuan, remember! Sincerity is the ultimate weapon!"

Zhong Yuan nodded to her, then turned and left.

On their way home, the three of them chatted casually. Dafu said, "Dayuan is usually all smiles and laughter, but did you see how nervous he was just now? The wad of paper he was clutching was all sweaty!"

Jiang Xiaoli nodded, "I saw it! Brother Yuan is really brave! I hope he can bring Xin Xin back safely."

As they chatted, their topic veered off course, and Jiang Xiaoli asked, "Brother Dafu, Brother Yuan has already gone to Shanghai to meet his future in-laws. When are you planning to meet Xiaoyue's parents?"

Dafu was taken aback. "This is indeed a problem! I'll have a good talk with Xiaoyue later. It wouldn't be good if she thought I wasn't taking it seriously!"

Jiang Xiaoli covered her mouth and chuckled, "If you ask me, I think Xiaoyue's parents are definitely much more difficult to deal with than Xinxin's parents."

Dafu was a little nervous. "Why is that?"

She replied, "Have you forgotten that Xiaoyue's father is a policeman? Won't he interrogate you like a criminal?"

Dafu grinned. "Severe interrogation isn't scary; what's truly terrifying is when people won't even bother to see you."

Dafu never expected that his casual remark would come true for his good brother Zhong Yuan.

At 12:30 a.m., Zhong Yuan landed in Shanghai. He hailed a taxi, gave Hu Jingxin's address, and then randomly found a hotel nearby to stay in.

The next morning, he went out to shop and bought one of each item on the gift list that Jiang Xiaoli had prepared for him.

At 10:30 a.m., Zhong Yuan had everything ready and then called his girlfriend, "Xin Xin, I'm at the entrance of your apartment complex now. Is it convenient for me to visit your parents?"

Hu Jingxin's voice was somewhat flustered, "A Yuan, what brings you here? Oh dear! Xiao Li must have told you!"

Zhong Yuan chuckled and said, "Xin Xin, don't blame Xiao Li, she's only doing it for our own good. I've prepared some things and would like to visit your parents. Is that alright?"

Hu Jingxin covered the phone's microphone and glanced towards the living room, then said softly, "A Yuan, wait a minute, I'll call you back later."

Hu Jingxin winked at her father from the edge of the living room. Hu's father understood and got up to follow his daughter into the study.

"What's wrong? Do you still want to go to Kyoto sooner? Your mother is still angry, so just calm down. It's the same if you leave a couple of days later!"

Hu Jingxin shook her head. "No, it's not Dad. It's A Yuan. He came to Shanghai. He wants to see you and Mom."

Mr. Hu's brows furrowed. "What did you say? That kid came to Shanghai? He's got some nerve!"

Hu Jingxin tugged at his hand and shook it, pleading, "Daddy, please meet him! A-Yuan is really nice. He's right outside our neighborhood right now!"

Mr. Hu sighed, "If they hadn't come, that would be fine, but they're already at our doorstep. It wouldn't be right to not let them come. I'll talk to your mother and ask her to wait for me."

Mr. Hu returned to the living room and squeezed down next to Mrs. Hu, smiling ingratiatingly, "Wife..."

Mrs. Hu glanced at him and asked, "What are you two plotting again?"

Mr. Hu chuckled, "Nothing we're thinking can escape your keen eye! That's why we've come to discuss it with you."

Mrs. Hu raised her eyelids slightly, "No discussion about that brat."

Mr. Hu's heart skipped a beat. "My wife is so insightful! But we really need to talk about this today. That brat is right outside our neighborhood! Let's invite him in and see if he's as good as Xin Xin says, okay?"

Mrs. Hu shook her head, "I won't see him, there's no point in seeing him."

Mr. Hu advised again, "Wife, you can't generalize and condemn everyone, can you? After all, our daughter's happiness is the most important thing."

Besides, kids these days are rebellious. Maybe the more you object, the more she'll want to be with this brat. Let's meet him first. Knowing your enemy is half the battle, right?