Gu Baotian chuckled sheepishly, "Forgot about that. Those two said they wanted to go off on their own—didn’t expect them to come back and ruin your plans."
"Well, I’ve done my part as your wingman, so stop giving this old man a hard time. Your grandpa’s so worried about you finding a girlfriend, he can’t even sleep at night."
Gu Ye’s eye twitched. Yeah, right. You snore like a chainsaw every night.
The candlelit dinner was a bust, and no other good opportunity for a confession presented itself. He couldn’t just blurt it out randomly, could he?
But ever since Li Zheng found out about his feelings for Jiang Mo, the kid had been watching him like a hawk—especially when he was alone with her.
Seizing a moment when Jiang Mo was washing fruit, Gu Ye dragged Li Zheng into the bathroom. "Listen, kid, let’s talk."
Li Zheng blinked. "About what?"
Why the bathroom, of all places?
"Could you not stare at me with those ‘I’m-watching-you’ eyes?" Gu Ye sighed.
"Huh? I wasn’t staring," Li Zheng feigned ignorance, refusing to admit it.
Oh please. If you’re eyeing my sister, of course I’m gonna keep tabs on you.
Gu Ye: "…So the creepy peeping from behind was just a ghost, then?"
Just as Gu Ye pulled Li Zheng into the bathroom, Gu Xuan happened to witness it.
He tried to sneak closer for a listen but got the door shut in his face. Pressing his ear against it, he could barely make out muffled voices inside.
So when Jiang Mo walked into the room, she found Gu Xuan plastered against the door like a spy.
Honestly? It was kind of hilarious.
The room was tidy, thanks to the daily housekeeping. Jiang Mo nibbled on a slice of watermelon and asked curiously, "What are you doing? Where are your brother and the others? There’s watermelon and grapes in the living room—go grab some."
"My brother and Li Zheng are in the bathroom," Gu Xuan pointed inside. "Jiang Mo, what do you think they’re doing in there?"
"No idea," Jiang Mo shrugged.
"Maybe my brother’s bullying him!" Gu Xuan’s imagination ran wild. "Or they’ve got some shady secret."
Jiang Mo wiped watermelon juice off her fingers with a tissue. "Just knock and ask, then."
Gu Xuan promptly hammered on the door.
Inside, Gu Ye had been painstakingly negotiating with Li Zheng, nearly succeeding in recruiting him to his side—until the sudden door-pounding shattered the moment.
He yanked the door open to find Jiang Mo and Gu Xuan standing there. Jiang Mo blinked. "Bathroom heart-to-heart? Come out for watermelon."
"Just some private stuff. We’ll be right there."
"Brother, what were you doing in there?" Gu Xuan dogged his steps.
Gu Ye: "Adult business. Kids shouldn’t pry."
Turning to Li Zheng, he clapped him on the shoulder. "By the way, I’ve got a spare drone lying around. Take it when we get back—weren’t you planning to buy one?"
This was a blatant bribe. Trying to buy me off?
Hmph. As if I’d fall for that.
"Oh, and a spare camera too."
Li Zheng stiffly declined. "…No thanks. I’ve got my own."
Back in the living room, Jiang Mo had already polished off two slices of watermelon by the time the group emerged. Everyone grabbed a piece.
"Two more days, and we’re heading back to Jiangcheng," Jiang Mo mused. "The weather here’s been perfect. I’ll miss it."
Li Zheng nodded. "Right? After I get back, I’ve got my college celebration party, then a couple days to relax before orientation. Hope the military training isn’t too brutal."
Gu Ye seized the opening. "Want to stay a few more days?"
Jiang Mo shook her head. This vacation had already stretched long enough—her mom had asked twice when she was coming home.
The only one truly reluctant to leave was Gu Xuan.
The thought of school starting reduced him to wails. "Why do we have to go to school? Can’t we just… not?"
"Oh yeah, you haven’t finished your summer homework, have you?"
At Jiang Mo’s remark, Gu Xuan bawled louder. "Being a student is so hard!"
All noise, no tears. Gu Ye ignored him. Actually, going back might be better. Fewer people around, fewer little brothers underfoot—more chances to make a move.
As departure loomed, even the older folks grew wistful.
Whether young or old, traveling with a group of friends was always a joy.
Zhong Xiaoqin wheeled her suitcase. "This place is great, and it’s close. Next summer, let’s all come back together."
"Deal," Liu Guochuan agreed. "We’ll come earlier and stay longer."
After a nap on the road, they returned to the villa district and dispersed to their homes.
Wang Xia had timed dinner perfectly. Once they’d eaten, Gu Ye volunteered to drive the siblings home.
Jiang Mo dangled her car keys. "I’ve got my own wheels now."
Gu Ye: "Ah. Forgot about that."
It was Li Zheng’s first time riding in his sister’s car. Nervous, he cautioned, "Drive slow, sis. No rush."
"Your sister’s got skills. Relax," Jiang Mo said confidently.
Alone with his sister, Li Zheng couldn’t hold back. After some small talk, he ventured, "So… why aren’t you dating anyone?"
"Priorities, kid. Gotta focus on my career," Jiang Mo quipped, borrowing an online meme. "Who has time for love? Work a couple days, and you’ll understand."
"Come on, sis. You’re a catch—someone’s definitely interested." Li Zheng twisted in his seat to face her. "Do you… like someone?"
Jiang Mo frowned. "Why the interrogation?"
"Just looking out for you," Li Zheng said, rubbing his chin. "Like, any guys around who fit the bill? Say… Gu Ye? Is he your type?"
Jiang Mo deflected. "Wait—are you seeing someone?"
"No!" Li Zheng denied. "But seriously, what do you think of Gu Ye?"
"Hey, quiet—you almost made me sideswipe that car!" Jiang Mo raised her voice.
That shut Li Zheng up. He white-knuckled the seatbelt the rest of the way.
August’s tail brought relentless heat, the sun still scorching.
Back home, Li Zheng hosted his college celebration party, while Gu Ye took on a job out of town.
One evening, Jiang Mo met Li Wan'er at their usual spot in the villa, sharing ice cream under the moonlight.
Li Wan'er nibbled her treat. "Meant to tell you when you got back—my high school classmate’s uncle just split from his law firm and started his own practice. They’re hiring. Want me to refer you?"
"I thought you were going back to your old field?"
"Why don’t you try it?" Jiang Mo asked.
"Salary’s too low. Takes years to build up," Li Wan'er admitted. "I’m too attached to my current paycheck."
Jiang Mo nodded, considering the networking opportunity. "Send me the contact info, then."
