On the way back, Qin Yuhan was somewhat distracted.
She declined Li Dong's invitation to dinner that evening, using the excuse of spending time with her parents.
That night, as they went to bed, the girls crowded around on a large bed, chattering excitedly about the day's events.
During their conversation, Zhang Mengmeng said with a hopeful expression, "I really hope that one day I can find a boyfriend like Li Dong, where I can eat whatever I want without worrying about who will pay the bill."
"Always thinking about food. Can't you have some other ambitions besides eating?" Qi Fangfang said disdainfully, then continued, "Finding a wealthy husband means I can travel around the world. Leaving my footprints everywhere would be amazing!"
"Yeah, and while traveling the world, I can taste all the delicious foods. I want to travel the world too," Zhang Mengmeng licked her lips and added.
Qi Fangfang sighed in exasperation and said, "You're just a foodie. Can't you talk about anything else?"
"But isn't life all about eating and drinking? Can you live without eating and drinking?" Zhang Mengmeng retorted earnestly.
Qi Fangfang had no comeback and grumbled a few more words before ignoring her.
Zhou Yue, who had been quiet, suddenly asked, "Yuhan, what do you think about your future with Li Dong?"
Qin Yuhan, lost in thought, was momentarily taken aback and asked, "What do you mean?"
"About your future with Li Dong," Zhou Yue said calmly. "Don't forget, you'll be apart for three years soon. Do you think he can wait for you?"
"Of course he will!" Qin Yuhan replied, though her confidence seemed somewhat shaky.
Zhou Yue didn't say anything more, and Qi Fangfang and Zhang Mengmeng also fell silent.
After a long while, Qin Yuhan murmured, "What can I do? Am I supposed to drop out of school and stay with him?"
Qi Fangfang immediately retorted, "Are you stupid? If a woman has no independence, how would a man like her? You're a talented student from Peking University. Are you really planning to become a housewife? We're still young, but when you're older, who would want to stay with a woman who's just a housewife?"
Qin Yuhan was at a loss for words.
Qi Fangfang continued, "Honestly, don't think so much. All of this is based on the assumption that Li Dong will lose interest, which isn't the case now. If, and I mean if, Li Dong ever does lose interest, do you really think you won't be able to find a good man?"
"To be blunt, apart from having some money, what about Li Dong qualifies him to be a match for you? You have education, talent, and looks. You should be more concerned if Li Dong is up to your standards!"
After Qi Fangfang finished speaking, everyone fell silent.
The room grew quiet, and that night, the girls all had a lot on their minds.
---
The next day.
Since they had planned to visit Xiyan Ancient Town, Li Dong drove to the Qin family's home early in the morning.
On his way upstairs, he happened to run into Qin Hai and Yang Yun coming down.
Li Dong greeted them with a smile, "Uncle Qin, Aunt Yang, good morning!"
Qin Hai replied reluctantly, "Of course, it's morning. If we don't leave early, we'll have our wages docked due to capital exploitation."
Li Dong's expression froze. Has Uncle Qin hit middle age? When did I dock your wages?
Besides, the company's working hours start at nine, so if that's exploitation, then the bosses who start work at seven or eight should be skinned alive.
Yang Yun gently tugged on Qin Hai's arm and smiled at Li Dong, "Mr. Li…"
"Call me Li Dong," Li Dong quickly interrupted.
Yang Yun had more to say but was interrupted. She smiled awkwardly, "Then be careful on the road today. Come back early in the evening."
With that, she hurriedly left with Qin Hai, as if Li Dong were a fearsome beast.
Li Dong felt awkward; it seemed that winning over his future in-laws would be a bit challenging.
---
Upon entering the Qin home, the girls were having breakfast.
Seeing Li Dong come in, Qin Yuhan smiled, "You haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Sit down and eat with us."
Li Dong didn't stand on ceremony. He sat down next to her, picked up a youtiao (fried dough stick), and started eating, saying, "Xiyan Ancient Town is in Moxian. It takes about two hours to drive there. Hurry up, or we'll just be in time for lunch."
He said this because Qi Fangfang and Zhang Mengmeng were still in their pajamas. Women can take their time getting ready, and Li Dong didn't want to wait for hours.
Qi Fangfang knew what he meant, glanced at him, and snorted, "Underestimating me? You'll see my efficiency soon!"
Li Dong smiled but didn't respond; never take women's words too seriously.
While they were eating, his phone rang.
Li Dong wiped his hands, picked up the phone, and answered, "Fatty, what's up?"
"Dong Ge, are you free today? How about having a meal together?"
"You're still here?" Li Dong was surprised to hear Meng Qiping's response.
It had been almost a week since Jiang University's summer vacation started, and Meng Qiping was still in Pingchuan.
Meng Qiping complained on the phone that Cheng Nan stayed in Pingchuan for a summer job, leaving him no choice but to stay as well. Cheng Nan had even pressured him into working, and now he was struggling.
He had a rare day off and wanted to invite Li Dong to dinner. He also indirectly asked if Qin Yuhan was back, and if she was, they could all go together.
When he heard Li Dong say he was going to Xiyan Ancient Town, Fatty immediately expressed interest in going, saying he hadn't been to Xiyan despite being in Pingchuan for a year.
Li Dong covered the phone and turned to Qin Yuhan, "Fatty said he and Cheng Nan also want to go to Xiyan. What do you think?"
Qin Yuhan thought for a moment, then remembered who Fatty was, and nodded, "Let's go together. It'll be livelier with more people."
If it were just her and Li Dong, Qin Yuhan would naturally prefer to be alone with him. But now that there were already three extra people, adding two more wasn't a big deal.
Hearing this, Li Dong didn't consult Qi Fangfang and the others and directly told Fatty to come over, giving him the address of the Qin family's home.
After hanging up, Zhang Mengmeng asked curiously, "Is he handsome?"
Qi Fangfang rolled her eyes at her and retorted, "Didn't you hear him call himself Fatty? Handsome? He's a ball of meat!"
Li Dong couldn't help but laugh, and instead of engaging with the two girls further, he thought for a moment and called Zhou Haidong, asking him to drive another car over.
Five people would fit in one car, but with two more people joining, one car wouldn't be enough.
Although the company hadn't yet arranged cars for all executives, there were several public cars available. Normally, whoever needed a car could use one, and since Li Dong needed a car, no one would argue.
After breakfast, Qi Fangfang indeed demonstrated her efficiency.
Meng Qiping and Cheng Nan arrived, and Zhou Haidong also drove over and waited downstairs. Qi Fangfang was still fretting over whether to wear a skirt or shorts.
In the end, Zhou Yue and Qin Yuhan couldn't stand it any longer and forced her into a random outfit, dragging a reluctant Qi Fangfang downstairs.
Li Dong shook his head in the back. As expected, never take women's words too seriously.