Han Feng hung up the phone and gave Wang Hao's parents an apologetic smile: "Uncle and Aunt, my parents asked me to go back and get some things; they said they'll bring them over right away."
"Old Han and the others are coming?" Wang's mother's eyes lit up immediately, and she grabbed Han Feng's hand. "Oh, it's been so long! We'll go with you to pick them up!"
"No need, no need!" Han Feng quickly waved his hand. "My dad just told me to go get something, and they'll come over themselves. You two should rest for a while, unpack your luggage, and we'll have dinner together later."
Mr. Wang stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Yeah, it was a mess when we first moved in." He suddenly glared at Wang Hao, "You brat! Get your mom ready to unpack!"
Wang Hao felt like he'd been granted a pardon and quickly picked up his parents' suitcases: "Mom and Dad, let me hang up your clothes first. This wardrobe has an automatic dehumidifier..."
Taking the opportunity, Han Feng slipped towards the door: "Uncle and Aunt, I'll go first, I'll be right back."
"Xiao Feng," Wang's mother suddenly called out to him, lowering her voice, "Tell me something... do your parents also know about that 'special department'?"
Han Feng couldn't help but chuckle: "Your aunt and uncle understand." He winked deliberately, "How about my dad explains it to you in detail during dinner?"
Mrs. Wang immediately nodded knowingly: "I understand! It's confidential, right! Auntie won't ask anymore!"
Stepping out of the courtyard gate, Han Feng let out a long sigh of relief. The early summer evening breeze, carrying the fragrance of flowers, brushed against his cheeks. He looked up in the direction of Villa No. 3.
He quickened his pace, mentally calculating how to explain to his parents that Wang Hao's family had moved in. Although the two families had been friends for many years, suddenly becoming neighbors would inevitably arouse his parents' suspicions, given the unusually high level of security in this villa area.
The door to Villa No. 3 was ajar. Han Feng pushed the door open and entered, hearing his mother humming a lullaby and the aroma of stewing meat coming from the kitchen.
"Mom, I'm home." He changed into slippers. "Where's Dad?"
"He's answering the phone in the study." Han's mother poked her head out of the kitchen, holding a soup ladle. "Is everything settled in at Hao Hao's house?"
"They're packing," Han Feng said. "Aunt Wang almost came back with me to see you two."
Han's mother wiped her hands and came out: "We'll have to meet sooner or later. Your Uncle Lin just called, saying he's arranging for Hao Hao's parents to 'visit the company' tomorrow, just to go through the motions."
Han Feng immediately understood—the so-called "visiting unit" was naturally a cover organization of Longyuan, specifically designed to deal with the doubts of the families.
The study door opened, and Han's father came out: "Xiaofeng, you're back." He said, "Old Lin said everything's arranged. If Haozi's parents want to see Haozi's workplace, it won't be a secret."
Han Feng's expression brightened: "Then I'm relieved. I just wonder how Haozi will explain to his parents that we'll be settling in Kyoto."
"It's nothing." Han's father blinked. "Isn't this the same thing that tricked your mother and me into coming to Kyoto? Leave this little thing to us."
Just then, Han's mother suddenly exclaimed, "Oh dear! You were so busy talking, you forgot about the braised pork stewing in the pot!" She hurriedly ran back to the kitchen, "Xiaofeng, take the beer from the fridge to your dad, tell him to go sit at Hao Hao's house for a bit. I'll be done here soon!"
Han's father smiled upon hearing this: "Yes, yes, perfect timing for a couple of drinks with Old Wang." He patted his son's shoulder, "Your mother specially stewed Old Wang's favorite braised pork."
Han Feng took a few cans of beer from the refrigerator and hesitated, then said, "Dad, Aunt Wang seems to have heard about me having a girlfriend."
Han's father paused in his beer-opening gesture, giving him a half-smile: "What? Three aren't enough? Want a few more?"
"Dad!" Han Feng said, both amused and exasperated, "Haozi let it slip the other day..."
Upon hearing this, Han's father laughed heartily and patted his son on the shoulder: "It's alright, your Uncle Wang and Aunt Wang are very open-minded! It's Haozi who's in trouble—your Aunt Wang will definitely be urging him to find a girlfriend every day."
Han Feng imagined Wang Hao being pressured to get married and couldn't help but smile. Indeed, with Wang's mother's enthusiastic personality, knowing that her son's best friend already had "three girlfriends," wouldn't she nag Wang Hao until his ears were calloused?
"Take these with you first," Han's father said, handing Han Feng several exquisite tea canisters and a large bag of daily necessities. "Just say they're my treasured Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao tea, and some new towels and toothbrushes that your mother specially prepared. That way, they can stay for at least a month or two."
Han Feng smiled knowingly—his parents were using a "boiling frog" approach, gradually dissuading the Wang family from returning to their hometown with everyday warmth. As he left with his bags, his mother was still in the kitchen, reminding him, "Tell Hao Hao's parents not to cook! My braised pork is almost done, I'll just stir-fry a couple more dishes and then we'll be over!"
In the villa where Wang Hao's parents lived, Wang Hao was busily tidying up the living room. Seeing Han Feng carry in so much stuff, Wang's father quickly stepped forward to take it: "Oh dear, why did you bring so much?"
"These are some teas my dad has been saving, and some daily necessities my mom prepared," Han Feng said with a smile, putting down the bag. "They said they haven't seen you in a long time, and they want you two to rest easy and use them at your leisure."
Mrs. Wang rummaged through the bag—everything from toothpaste and toothbrushes to pajamas and slippers was there, even two brand-new balcony lounge chairs. Her eyes reddened slightly: "This...this is too thoughtful..."
"Mom, just relax and enjoy your stay." Wang Hao put his arm around his mother's shoulder. "These things will last us for more than half a year. You and Dad can just enjoy yourselves here."
Mr. Wang brewed the tea that Mr. Han had given him, filling the living room with its aroma: "Where's Old Han? Why didn't he come over?"
"My parents are cooking at home. They said they want to personally prepare a welcome feast for you two." Han Feng glanced at the time. "It should be ready soon."
Just then, the doorbell rang. Mr. and Mrs. Han came in carrying several insulated food containers, and the aroma of braised pork instantly filled the entire living room.
"Old Wang! We've got to have a couple of good drinks today!" Mr. Han held up a case of beer. "I brought all the best draft beer!"
Mr. Wang's eyes lit up: "Wow! This wine is strong!" The two old friends immediately gathered around the table to examine the wine.
Han's mother then took Wang's mother's hand: "Little sister, look, this is a little garden that Xiaofeng's father specially tidied up. Your balcony faces the garden..." As she spoke, she led Wang's mother on a tour, "From now on, we can practice Tai Chi together in the mornings!"
Wang Hao and Han Feng exchanged a smile and began setting the table in perfect unison. Soon, the restaurant was filled with the clinking of glasses and cheerful laughter. Braised pork, braised prawns, steamed sea bass... one home-style dish after another filled the table, creating a warm atmosphere that felt less like a gathering of old friends in a regular alley than a high-security villa district.
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