Regardless of what people are really thinking, at least on the surface, things seem harmonious and peaceful.

The kitchen staff were quick; in no time, a table full of delicious dishes was served, including lobster.

"Hongmei, do you like these?"

"Do you want to tell the truth?"

"certainly."

"Actually, I don't know what this is?" Zhang Hongmei asked shyly, pointing at the lobster.

Zhou Shixiong felt a sense of satisfaction. He had always thought this child was extraordinary, but now he realized that she was just a girl from the countryside. It must be because of Zhang Shouyi that she seemed different.

"This is a lobster, it's incredibly fresh and delicious. We'll have someone peel it for you in a bit, and you'll see once you taste it."

"So it really is a shrimp? It's huge!"

"Hehe, today is a farewell party for you. Why don't you eat while the three of us watch?"

"Your words make my legs weak. I can't afford to offend either of these two elders or my powerful backer," Zhang Hongmei said with a wry smile, spreading her hands.

Zhang Shouyi came over and put his arm around Zhang Hongmei's shoulder, asking her to sit down. "Why don't the three of you eat? I'll watch. They're all my superiors, and I can't afford to offend any of them."

Zhang Hongmei chuckled, "This atmosphere is so nice, this is what family should be like! Wait for me to come back, I'll cook for you myself, and then we'll have a welcome dinner together."

Gu Chuanming smiled without saying a word, but Zhou Shixiong was momentarily dazed. Yes, it had been a long time since he had felt the atmosphere of a family meal together.

“Alright, we two old folks will definitely wait for you to come back. As for him, we won’t be watching over him for you,” Zhou Shixiong said with a smile, pointing at Zhang Shouyi.

"Brother Zhang, you didn't run away, did you?" Zhang Hongmei turned her head and looked at Zhang Shouyi pitifully.

"Silly girl, don't worry. Why would I run away? I've waited for you for over twenty years. Do you think there would be any problems in the next three or four years? You wouldn't be so insecure, or rather, would you not have faith in me?"

Zhang Hongmei chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. She thought to herself, "They're really getting into character!"

"Alright, stop teasing her. Didn't you say you were hungry?"

"Yes, I was hungry, but after being scared like that, I'm not hungry anymore. Brother Zhang, could you peel these shrimp for me? Do you know how?"

"Yes, you must know how, you absolutely must know how. Just wait to eat."

The meal lasted for more than half an hour, and on the surface, it was a very warm and loving occasion.

After dinner and washing up, the four of them sat in the living room drinking tea. "Girl, you've had a very tiring journey; you've suffered a lot."

"Hehe, you underestimate me. I've done everything from farming and harvesting to going up mountains and down rivers. Taking a boat is nothing to me. Besides, my grandfather prepared lots of delicious food for me. I feel like I'm just going on a trip, and I can experience different things along the way."

"Hehe, what a good girl. Her optimism is the most precious thing." Zhou Shixiong felt that the more he spent time with this girl, the more he liked her.

"Hehe, I really didn't feel tired."

"Secretary Li, go and bring the money I prepared. Girl, I can't help you with other things while you're out here alone, but you can spend the money as you please. As a girl, buy whatever you like, don't deprive yourself."

"They're giving me money? My brother Zhang and my grandpa have already prepared enough for me. Besides, I'm going there to study, so I shouldn't have time to play."

"Silly girl, what they gave you is what they gave you. Have you already made a distinction between them in your heart?"

"That's not what I meant, okay? I just had to worry about where to put the money if I brought too much cash, otherwise it would get stolen. That's not good. If I need money, I'll call you."

"That would be too slow and troublesome. Just take it with you. It's always good to have extra money on you, even if you're poor."

"Fine, then I'm not afraid of having too much. If I don't have the mind to study and only want to play, it's your fault." Zhang Hongmei said arrogantly, raising her chin.

"Look at this sharp-tongued girl, really, she's already trying to distance herself from the situation."

"Isn't it because you guys spoiled me? I used to be a good kid."

The other three people in the room burst into laughter.

"Alright, you can go back now. Are you leaving tonight or tomorrow morning?" Zhou Shixiong asked Zhang Shouyi.

"We'll send a passenger ship tomorrow morning. Someone will pick you up in Southeast Asia, and the plane has also been arranged."

"Okay, I trust you to handle things. Don't worry about the money; after all, those going are all elites."

After Zhou Shixiong finished speaking, the three of them stood up and took their leave.

Once seated in the car, Zhang Hongmei let out a long sigh and leaned back lazily.

"What's wrong? It's nothing." Zhang Shouyi comforted Zhang Hongmei, noticing her tired appearance in the rearview mirror.

"It's nothing, it's just that it's really not easy. Grandpa, is this what it's like when you get old?"

"Hehe, I don't know about that. We're about the same age, so the difference might just be due to our mindset."

"Yes, he really had a tough time. He was the loneliest in his later years." Gu Chuanming and his friends were from the same generation and knew each other well. They cherished each other when they were young, and although there were some unpleasant things later on, they always respected each other's boundaries and dignity.

"Yes, Grandpa, I'll stay with you from now on. I swear I'll stay by your side when I come back. I won't go anywhere else."

"Hehe. You said it yourself, so don't come back with a whole bunch of excuses and then abandon me without any consideration for an old man like me being lonely."

"Grandpa, don't worry, I mean what I say. I really won't go anywhere else. I'll stay at home and stay with you until the end."

Gu Chuanming patted Zhang Hongmei's head and said, "I believe in you. I will definitely wait for you to come back and fulfill my filial duties."

Zhang Shouyi sat in front without disturbing the two, a rare moment of tenderness.

They arrived home quickly. Zhang Shouyi got out of the car, saw the two inside, and then got back in and left. He really wanted to be impulsive and drop everything to stay home with her, but he had too many things to do and simply couldn't allow himself to be that way.

Zhang Hongmei looked at Song Zigan sitting in the living room with some surprise.

"Aren't you going to have class this afternoon?"

“You’re leaving tomorrow, and you won’t be gone for three years. How can I not come to see you?” Song Zigan’s tone was like that of a young wife who had been abandoned.

Zhang Hongmei got goosebumps after hearing this. "Speak properly, this is really scary."

"Hongmei, I really came to see you, so I took the day off."

"We're having dinner at home tonight. Also, have you joined the student council?"

"I got in, and I was even in the study group. Senior Liu took good care of me, and Editor-in-Chief Hao knew we were from the same city, so he also took special care of me."

“Then I’m relieved. At least you can support yourself during these years of university. That’s great. Also, come home for dinner every month. Grandpa and the others are quite lonely, so bring me to keep them company.”