The atmosphere was good when I went in. Li Rui was also there, sitting next to Lao Wang, seemingly having a very投机chat. When he saw me, Lao Wang immediately switched the topic to me, saying, "You're here so quickly. We were just talking about you."

I asked with a smile, "What were you saying?"

He didn't answer immediately, but sized me up before saying, "I didn't realize you were quite something, actually managing to get together with Pei Xianglong's daughter."

"It was a difficult journey," I said.

"Indeed. Chasing her all the way from China to abroad. If you couldn't manage that, it would be a failure in life." It was Wang Rui who spoke.

"Such a high-difficulty woman. Even failing to win her would be a glorious defeat. Besides, you don't like her anyway," I said, sitting down next to Wang Rui.

"Whether I like her or not is secondary. As long as you have enough passion."

"Don't worry, my heart is burning hot right now."

At this point, Lao Wang interrupted, "I remember hearing Pei Xianglong say a few years ago that his daughter's boyfriend was abroad. It's been a long time since they've met recently. I didn't expect her to end up with Lin Che after all this time."

"And she was almost engaged to his deceased brother," Wang Rui added, following up on Lao Wang's words.

Originally, I was feeling warm and proud, but their father and daughter's words suddenly made me feel awkward. It was as if Pei Shiyu's love life was too complicated, and I had gotten a bargain. In my heart, I didn't mind that Pei Shiyu had several relationships. I myself was a mess in this regard. Moreover, she had already explained the matter of her engagement with Lin Yang to me last time.

To hide my inner turmoil, I got up and poured myself a cup of tea. I knew Lao Wang was definitely unintentional, as for Wang Rui, I thought she was somewhat deliberate, and her purpose was definitely related to Pei Shiyu's personality.

I took a sip of water and sat down next to Wang Rui again, while weighing the gap between Pei Shiyu and me. I thought, what if she had even more dating experience? After all, we were at this age. As long as she took a liking to me, I would be willing to accept even if she had been married before. Sometimes, people can't just look at appearances. After these days of getting along, I completely approve of Pei Shiyu in my heart, and she's more than good enough for me.

The door to a room on the first floor opened, and my mother came out, asking, "Are you starting work tomorrow?"

"Yes, a man should focus on his career."

"The trip was worth it, you have a lot of insights."

Li Rui, who had been silent all this time, also spoke, "Lin Che has a lot of peach blossom luck recently."

"He's already this old, what peach blossom luck does he need? When you're in a relationship, you should be serious. Maybe our family will have a double celebration this year." My mother's tone was happy but also scolding.

Lao Wang immediately turned to Wang Rui and asked, "What your mother just said was also for you to hear. Think carefully before getting married."

I looked at Li Rui. His expression was hard to describe. He stuttered and glanced at Wang Rui, seemingly wanting to pass the question to Wang Rui to answer. From this, it could be seen that I judged that the initiative in their relationship should also be in Wang Rui's hands, just like with me.

I didn't know if Wang Rui wasn't ready to answer or if she was holding back in her relationship with Li Rui. Anyway, I didn't hear the answer I was expecting.

I had been away from this kind of family atmosphere for a long time. If I had to find a memory, it would be the time I spent with my grandparents, but after all, being with one's own parents is still different. At this time, I thought of my agreement with Lin Hai. His sudden decision was probably related to Lin Yang's death.

I stood up, intending to say goodbye. I straightened my clothes and said, "I'm going back now. I have something to do tomorrow."

"What is it? You just came in and you're leaving? Aren't you going to the restaurant tomorrow?" my mother asked one after another.

"Probably."

As soon as I turned around, Li Rui also quickly stood up and said, "Then I'll go back too. I'll go with Lin Che."

Actually, it was quite early. I had only been sitting for about half an hour since I came in. Wang Rui spoke much less today than usual, and she was less enthusiastic than last time.

We walked out of the house side by side, and a cold gust quickly enveloped us. Li Rui tightened his open coat and said, "Are you going straight back?"

"What else?"

"It's still early, why don't we find a place to sit?"

I gripped the car keys in my hand and looked at him at the same time, asking, "Is there a problem with the relationship?"

"After the gathering that day, I couldn't get through to Wang Rui's phone. I came here specifically today to see."

I didn't answer immediately, but immediately analyzed the meaning of these words in my mind. Could it be that Wang Rui was bored again? Since I met Li Rui, it's rare to see him looking so worried like tonight. Wang Rui and Pei Shiyu have completely different personalities. Wang Rui's appearance seems enthusiastic, but she is the kind of person who has her own ideas about relationships. In contrast, Pei Shiyu sometimes seems indifferent, but in my heart, I'm actually very confident, at least she's not the kind of person who starts a relationship with someone casually, and that's also the view I feel in my heart.

I withheld this question. After all, whether they succeed or not still depends on Wang Rui. Perhaps it's okay to ask Wang Rui behind her back, but I can't directly explain my views to Li Rui.

"How about another day? A lot of things have happened these past few days. I haven't had a good rest since returning to China." I politely declined his invitation.

"Okay then, go back and rest early."

I clearly felt the disappointment in his eyes. He must be serious about this relationship, or he wanted to explore Wang Rui's attitude through my words.

I watched his tall figure get into the car and drove away first. Before getting into the car, I looked back at the villa. The lights inside were much dimmer. I began to put myself in his shoes. If I were Li Rui, with Wang Rui's personality, I think it would be difficult to control, let alone come over as directly as Li Rui did.

Love often torments people, especially when there are conflicts. Although I haven't experienced heart-wrenching love, if Pei Shiyu were to have this attitude one day, I don't know if I would remain as calm as Li Rui.

Li Rui's back view suddenly made me feel a lot of emotion, as if I were feeling the same way. I don't know if this feeling was because his tall figure showed helplessness, or because as a man, I naturally stood on the same front.

After Li Rui left, I stood there and hesitated for a while, then picked up my phone and dialed Wang Rui's number...

"What is it? What else is there?" Wang Rui asked directly.

"Nothing. It's still early, do you want to go to a bar for a drink?"

"Which nerve is acting up?"

"Are you going or not? If you are, I'll wait for you outside."

"No."

Wang Rui answered very decisively. I had to smile and say, "If you're not going, then I'll go back..."

Before I could finish my sentence, the call was immediately hung up.