I didn't reply to Pei Shi Yu's text message. Since she wasn't in Germany, I thought I'd just drop it.

The car was filled with laughter, and soon we arrived at the hotel. It was one of the more luxurious hotels in Berlin, very close to where You Xiang lived.

I first observed the city's appearance. It was very clean, with a peaceful feeling that I liked very much.

After taking the elevator up, I took my suitcase, while You Xiang and the others went to Wang Rui's room. It was understandable, because they had grown up together and were naturally closer than I was.

I hung the clothes I brought back in the closet. I only brought a few sets because I didn't think I would be staying for too long, since we all had work to do.

I stood by the window, took out the half-empty pack of cigarettes, and lit one. The European-style architecture had a unique charm. The castle-like buildings gave me a sense of mystery.

I had only taken a few puffs when Pei Shi Yu called. This was quite a surprise. I quickly answered and said hello.

"Is my dad okay?"

That's when I realized why she had taken the initiative to call me. She thought something had happened at home. After all, when Pei Shi Yu left, she thought I was still delivering meals to Pei Xiang Long.

"I'm in Germany," I replied briefly.

"When did you get here?"

"Today. I just arrived at the hotel."

"What are you doing here?"

Pei Shi Yu's accusatory tone made it difficult to communicate, and I didn't want to continue making assumptions, so I said directly, "I'm not following you, don't worry!"

She paused for a moment. I thought she was going to hang up, but she didn't. She continued in the same tone as before, "Then why did you send me a message?"

"We've come from the same city to different countries. Since you're also in Germany, I wanted to see if you wanted to hang out."

"It's close."

Her answer, although not enthusiastic, didn't seem to be a rejection. If I really went to Italy to find her, would she agree?

So I tentatively asked, "If I come to find you, will you see me?"

"I'm not responsible if you get lost!" she said, and hung up the phone.

The words she left behind were quite meaningful and made me restless. If it weren't for this being my first time abroad, or if I spoke English, I might have acted immediately.

What I was most afraid of was that if I went to find her and she didn't want to see me, and I couldn't communicate with anyone, what would I do?

Just as I was pondering this, they suddenly opened the door and came in. Wang Rui was in the lead, in a good mood, bantering with You Xiang. I heard her say, "Where are we going for lunch? It's rare for your brother to come abroad. We have to treat him to a feast."

"My brother decides," You Xiang replied.

You Xiang's answer was heartwarming. There was no distance at all from the first time we met. I didn't know if my mother had specifically instructed him, or if he knew about my experiences and was sympathizing with me, deliberately being friendly to me. I couldn't tell for sure yet.

Actually, my heart wasn't really here. I didn't even understand why. Pei Shi Yu's words allowed me to imagine all sorts of things. At this moment, I was even willing to risk being stranded in a foreign country.

So I just forced a smile. Just as I was about to ask, Wang Xin saw the pack of cigarettes in my hand and seemed very interested. I couldn't understand what she was saying, but she kept pointing at the cigarettes in my hand.

I looked down. These were the black long-mouthed Liqun cigarettes I bought when I came. The packaging was indeed quite exquisite. I took one out and offered it to her, asking, "Want one?"

"She smokes one occasionally. She's definitely interested now," You Xiang replied for her.

I handed her the equally exquisite lighter. I didn't expect Wang Xin to be so interested. Wang Rui looked at her childlike expression and said to me, "When we go back to China, go to Yiwu to buy them wholesale and have your sister-in-law ship them over."

"Brother, let me tell you, smoking is generally not allowed in German hotels. They'll call the police. You can smoke as much as you want in the room I booked today," You Xiang explained to me carefully.

"Okay, I understand."

Then I asked, "Wang Rui, is it convenient for me to go to Italy?"

"What for?"

"Just answer me directly."

"It's convenient. It's about a two-hour flight," You Xiang answered me again.

"That's pretty close. Are there any flights now?"

"Are you really going?" Wang Rui asked in surprise.

"Yeah, a friend of mine went to Italy, and I want to go see him."

Wang Rui asked with great interest, "Male or female?"

To prevent her from overthinking, I lied directly, "Male."

"Then why don't you stay here for a day today and go over tomorrow?"

What You Xiang said made sense. After all, we had already booked the hotel, but my heart couldn't wait to leave right now, so I didn't refuse or agree.

Wang Rui was very perceptive and seemed to see through my thoughts. "If you want to go, just go. It's just a plane ticket, the distance of crossing a province. I'll pick you up when you come back."

"If I really go, you have to keep your phone on 24 hours a day. If I get lost, I can call you at any time."

"Okay, I admire your courage. I remember when I first went to study in the United States, I wasn't as bold as you."

"Someone will pick me up when I fly over there, so what's there to worry about? I'm just afraid that I won't be able to contact anyone, and that would be terrible."

"Go ahead... go ahead... let You Xiang take you to the airport. I know who you're going to see."

"You're a god. I haven't seen her in so long."

"You're definitely going to see that woman, the wife of someone else in your words. If it's not her, I'll go with you."

I just stared at her blankly. She guessed so accurately. Was it because she had only seen Pei Shi Yu around me, or was she just too smart? If I denied it now, given her current energy, she might really follow me to Italy.

I hesitated for a while. If she really went with me, wouldn't I have nothing to worry about? Besides, Pei Shi Yu and I weren't even dating. It was just my own enthusiasm.

Then I put away my surprised expression and replied very calmly, "Let's go together. You can help me translate, otherwise I really wouldn't dare to go alone."

"You Xiang, let's go together."

Then You Xiang used English as if consulting Wang Xin, and the answer was no.

"Sister, don't join in the fun. If my brother is really going to see his girlfriend, you'll be too much of a third wheel."

"Who said I wanted to follow? Lin Che is just lying. He can't hide his little thoughts from me."

"Okay, guess whatever you want. Anyway, I'm going to Italy today."

"How many days are you going for?" Wang Rui asked caringly, seeing that I was determined to go.

"I'll see. I might be back tomorrow."

"Okay, let You Xiang take you to the airport. I'll wait for you here. We'll go shopping in Berlin together when you get back."

"Okay, it's settled that you'll wait for me to come back. Don't go back to China without me."

"Don't worry, I won't leave you behind."

With Wang Rui's guarantee, I took out the clothes I had just hung up from the closet, and You Xiang stuffed some euros into my hand.