Seeing her favorite students getting along so well, Yuan Lihua was thoroughly pleased.
"You young people are busy with work, but don’t forget about the important things in life," Yuan Lihua began, launching into her usual lecture. "Are any of you dating?"
Spending time with elders inevitably meant facing the three big questions in life: those without jobs were asked about work, singles were asked about marriage, and married couples were asked about having children.
Jiang Mo didn’t answer, playing the ostrich and nudging Pei Ting beside her with her eyes—you’re older, you go first.
Noticing Jiang Mo’s little gesture, Pei Ting answered honestly, "No, I’m not."
"Your career is doing well now, but you should also focus on your love life. Otherwise, all the good women will be taken," Yuan Lihua said, puzzled. "You’re practically the heartthrob of our law school—how is dating so difficult for you?"
"Professor, even you’re teasing me now," Pei Ting replied helplessly.
"Senior Pei, Professor Yuan isn’t just teasing," Jiang Mo chimed in. "Seems like you’re completely unaware of your reputation in our law school."
She didn’t believe for a second that no girls had ever pursued Pei Ting.
Yuan Lihua agreed. "No need to be modest in front of us."
"I think you’re just too picky. Who knows what kind of girl could ever meet your standards?"
After addressing Pei Ting, she turned to Jiang Mo. "And you—such a beautiful and talented girl. What kind of guy do you like? How are you still single?"
Jiang Mo pouted. "Well, even someone as outstanding as Senior Pei is single. Isn’t it normal for me to be too?"
Yuan Lihua sighed. "I really don’t understand you young people these days. Who knows what’s going on in your heads?"
After finishing her shrimp, Jiang Mo reached for a tissue, but the box was just slightly out of reach. Pei Ting noticed and brought the entire box over to her.
See what a thoughtful young man he is? Yuan Lihua’s gaze lingered on the two of them, thinking to herself—both so attractive, yet there didn’t seem to be any sparks between them.
Wouldn’t they make a perfect pair?
"Thanks," Jiang Mo said, taking the tissue to wipe her mouth and hands.
Pei Ting refilled her paper cup with coconut juice and placed it within easy reach.
As they ate, drank, and chatted, Jiang Mo heard plenty of updates about their classmates and professors from Yuan Lihua.
"Here, dessert—the cake you two brought. Make sure to have plenty," Yuan Lihua said, bringing over the cake, slicing it, and serving each of them a piece.
Pei Ting handed his slice to Jiang Mo. "You love sweets—have some more."
Jiang Mo waved her hand in refusal. "I’m already stuffed. Finishing this slice in front of me is going to be a challenge as it is. Senior Pei, this cake is really good—you should try it."
The cake had been bought by Pei Ting, and as luck would have it, it was from her favorite chain bakery.
The only downside was that their products were a bit pricey.
And Professor Yuan, ever indulgent, had given her an enormous slice.
Pei Ting nodded. "Alright, I’ll try it."
Yuan Lihua lived alone in the faculty housing, her daughter having settled abroad, so the two of them stayed a while longer after dinner to keep her company.
When it was time to leave, Pei Ting stood up. "Professor Yuan, we won’t disturb you any longer. We’ll visit again when we have time."
"Disturb? Nonsense! I’m always happy to see you," Yuan Lihua said, walking them downstairs and watching their car drive off before heading back inside.
In the passenger seat, Jiang Mo rubbed her full stomach and sighed. If she kept eating like this without a care, she’d definitely gain weight soon.
"What’s wrong? Something bothering you?" Pei Ting asked, hearing her sigh.
Jiang Mo shook her head. "Nothing, just reminding myself to stop lazing around and overindulging like this."
Pei Ting immediately understood—women always had these kinds of worries. "Eating and drinking isn’t a problem as long as you balance it with exercise."
"But exercising is so hard for me," Jiang Mo lamented. "It’s just too difficult."
Pei Ting steered with one hand. "It’s not that hard. If you ever want to work out, I can teach you some methods."
"Let’s not," Jiang Mo declined. She’d think about exercising when it became absolutely necessary.
Pei Ting chuckled. "We’ll see."
When they reached the entrance of her neighborhood, Jiang Mo got out of the car, and Pei Ting followed.
Waving goodbye, Jiang Mo said, "Senior Pei, I’m home. You should head back now."
Pei Ting nodded. "Alright, rest early once you’re inside."
Li Daming had just bought toothpaste and tissues from the supermarket near the gate and was about to head into the complex when he casually glanced over and noticed a familiar-looking girl by the roadside.
Upon closer inspection—of course she looked familiar. It was his own daughter.
"Mo Mo, what are you doing here?" he called out, walking toward her.
Hearing his voice, Jiang Mo turned and saw Li Daming holding a plastic bag. "Dad, what are you doing out here?"
"I was just buying some groceries," Li Daming said, stepping closer and getting a good look at the young man standing opposite Jiang Mo.
Well, well—a very handsome fellow.
Eager for details, he asked, "Mo Mo, who’s this?"
Pei Ting nodded politely. "Hello, Uncle. I’m Jiang Mo’s senior, Pei Ting."
"Oh, our Mo Mo’s senior, huh? Did you two just get back from hanging out?"
Jiang Mo quickly explained. "It was our professor’s birthday. We went to visit her together."
Li Daming studied Pei Ting with a smile. "Young man, are you from Jiangcheng? How old are you?"
"Yes, from Jiangcheng. I’m twenty-six," Pei Ting answered.
"Still young! What do you do for a living?"
Jiang Mo facepalmed, tugging at the bag in Li Daming’s hand. "Dad, why are you interrogating him? It’s late—he needs to get home and rest."
"I was just making conversation," Li Daming coughed. "Would you like to come up for a bit?"
Seriously, Old Li? It’s already ten o’clock—are you planning to invite him to stay the night too?
This was beyond ridiculous.
Feeling awkward, Jiang Mo gave Pei Ting an apologetic smile.
Pei Ting, recognizing her discomfort, politely declined. "No need, thank you for the offer, Uncle. It’s quite late—I’ll visit another time."
"Alright, alright. Come by whenever you’re free—I’ll cook something nice for you," Li Daming said, waving.
Once Pei Ting had left, Jiang Mo put her hands on her hips. "Dad, did you not catch my hints back there?"
"I just asked a couple of questions—no need to get so worked up," Li Daming said cheerfully. "That young man seems excellent—handsome, polite. Does he have feelings for you?"
Aside from all that, the guy clearly had money—driving a nice car at such a young age.
Jiang Mo rolled her eyes, swiping her access card and walking into the complex. "Dad, what are you imagining? He was just kind enough to give me a ride home."
Li Daming followed behind. "Whose idea was it to visit the professor?"
"Senior Pei suggested it. Why?"
"You don’t get it. I’m a man—men understand men best. This kind of thing—inviting you to visit a professor and driving you home—it’s not just casual," Li Daming declared, as if he’d uncovered a major clue.
Jiang Mo took a deep breath, feeling like she was casting pearls before swine—her dad was just being way too presumptuous.
She quickened her pace, leaving the chattering Li Daming behind.
Once inside, Li Daming realized Jiang Mo wasn’t paying him any attention, and with no one to play along, he finally gave up.
Li Daming didn’t think he’d done anything wrong. If a boy had appeared in his daughter’s life, wasn’t it only natural for him to vet the guy first?
"Dad, Li Zheng’s school break starts the day after tomorrow for the college entrance exams. During those two days, will it be you and Mom accompanying him, or should I?" Jiang Mo steered the conversation away from Pei Ting, bringing up the arrangements for Li Zheng’s exams instead.
Li Daming checked the date—it was already June 1st.
"How about you go?" Truthfully, he wouldn’t be much help anyway.
Jiang Mo thought for a moment. "Alright, I’ll ask my boss for three days off."
"Hey, listen—you’re allowed to date now. Your mom and I won’t stop you. That senior of yours... Pei Ting... you could consider..."
Before he could finish, Li Daming watched as his daughter grabbed a pillow and covered her ears.
Memories of her own college entrance exams felt distant to Jiang Mo. Back then, teachers had always encouraged them with the mantra, "Once you get into university, everything will be easier."
Only later did she realize how misleading that had been.
Before the exams, the school gave students time off to adjust their routines and ease the pressure before the big days.
Waiting at the school gate, Jiang Mo held a bag of jianbing guozi and starch sausages, ready for her brother’s arrival.
Around six, Li Zheng emerged with his two best friends. After some lively chatter and the quick disappearance of the snacks, Jiang Mo loaded him onto her scooter and headed home.
"What do you want for dinner?"
"Sis, let’s go to the night market. I’m craving street food," Li Zheng said from the backseat, munching on his jianbing.
"Sure, let’s treat ourselves tonight," Jiang Mo replied, weaving her electric scooter effortlessly through the streets.
The two of them navigated the bustling night market with ease, buying all sorts of snacks before settling at a roadside stall with seating.
"This right here—this flavor is unbeatable," Li Zheng said, savoring his Chongqing-style spicy hot pot. "Hey, Sis, do you think rich people—like the Gu family—ever eat the stuff we do?"
"They might prioritize nutrition, but it’s not like they never indulge," Jiang Mo replied between bites of her rolled pancake. "They’re still down-to-earth."
Otherwise, who’d be ordering all those takeout deliveries the security guys brought in?
Li Zheng slurped his noodles. "I always thought they’d look down on our working-class street food."
"What’s wrong with our street food? It’s delicious and affordable," Jiang Mo shot back, eyeing her brother. "Little bro, you’re about to face one of life’s biggest tests. Are you ready for the gaokao?"
"Pretty much. It’ll just come down to how I perform on the day," Li Zheng answered, his demeanor calm and steady.
Jiang Mo shared her wisdom: "Don’t stress. Just stay focused like you always do. I know you’ll do fine—our family genes have some pull, after all."
Li Zheng grinned. "Hey, Sis, if I do really well... any rewards in store?"
Jiang Mo smirked. "Sure. How about one of those ‘art pieces’ I brought back from abroad?"
