’How much must all this cost?’

Xue Yue realized that Zhao Yinglan had actually brought these gifts for her mother; she never expected that she herself would be the one to receive them.

When He Lang came back, Xue Yue showed him the gifts.

He Lang picked them up and took a look. "These definitely aren’t cheap." Just the watch alone was probably worth over a thousand yuan.

Xue Yue rested her chin in her hand and sighed. "I only gave her a few pieces of clothing, and she gave me so many expensive things in return. I feel pretty bad about it."

He Lang said, "She and your mother were friends who grew up together. You can’t measure gifts like these by their price. This is about their friendship. Besides, she must like you a lot, or she wouldn’t have given them to you."

Xue Yue nodded thoughtfully.

He Lang patted her on the head. "Alright, since they’re for you, just accept them. She’s your elder. If you really feel that bad about it, we can go pick out a gift for her. And didn’t you say she has a grandson? We’re going to have dinner together, so we can bring some toys for him then."

Xue Yue thought that was a good idea. "But what should we get?"

Meanwhile, Zhao Yinglan had finished her shower and was lying in bed. She stared at the phone on her nightstand, hesitating for a long time before finally making the call.

"Hello? It’s me, Guo Feng. Do you have Wen Yuanbo’s phone number?"

Zheng Guofeng seemed to chuckle on the other end. "I say, Zhao Yinglan, you have a husband, a son, and a grandson now. Are you still thinking about Old Wen?"

Zhao Yinglan scoffed. "I’m just asking if you have his number. Who I’m thinking about is none of your business."

Zheng Guofeng said, "How can I give it to you if you don’t tell me why? You know perfectly well that Old Wen has a family. If Qi Mingyue finds out you’re contacting him, it could cause trouble in their marriage. We can’t be doing things like that, can we?"

Zhao Yinglan rolled her eyes. "Is Qi Mingyue still so petty? It’s been so many years. How is she still such a jealous woman?"

Zheng Guofeng went straight for the jugular. "Well, after all these years, aren’t you still hung up on him? You can’t forget Old Wen. You two are just the pot calling the kettle black."

"Hmph. You talk too much. As if you’re any different. Wanyi is gone, but if you weren’t unable to forget her, would you still be all alone now? Give me the number. Hurry up."

After Zheng Guofeng read the number to her, Zhao Yinglan jotted it down and hung up.

Zhao Yinglan held the phone number and stared at it for a long time, but she didn’t dial. What Zheng Guofeng had said made sense. She had originally just wanted to hear Wen Yuanbo’s voice and tell him she was back. But now, thinking about it, she decided against it.

After lulling the grandson to sleep, Zaven came over from the next room.

He kissed Zhao Yinglan’s forehead and asked, "Darling, did you have a good time today?"

Zhao Yinglan nodded. "It was nice. It’s just that my best friend is gone... But her daughter is wonderful, and I can still see a shadow of Wanyi in her."

Zaven nodded. "That’s good. Pain was muttering all day about how you went out without him. He was in a bit of a mood just now."

Zhao Yinglan smiled. "I’ll take him next time. And I’ll bring you along, too. I can introduce you to my old friends while we’re at it."

Zaven smiled and nodded. "It would be my honor." He bowed his head to kiss the back of Zhao Yinglan’s hand, then got up to take a shower.

Zhao Yinglan glanced at the bathroom. Even though she was exhausted, she didn’t feel sleepy at all.

In fact, it wasn’t just Zhao Yinglan. Zheng Guofeng was also awake. Under a dim light, he sat alone in his study and took an old photograph out from a thick book.

He gently stroked the surface. It showed the two Li Family sisters, Zhao Yinglan, Wen Yuanbo, and himself. It was taken when they were fifteen. He couldn’t remember who suggested it, but they had gone to a photo studio. It was their only group photo.

Back then, they were all smiling so happily, completely carefree. He and Wanyi were engaged. Zhao Yinglan liked Wen Yuanbo, but Wen Yuanbo liked the little princess of the Qi family.

Looking back now, only Wen Yuanbo had gotten his heart’s desire. As for the rest of them... Wanyi and Wanqing were gone, and Zhao Yinglan had stayed abroad, never returning. He actually knew that her refusal to come back had something to do with Wen Yuanbo.

The group seemed to have lost touch. Zheng Guofeng had always known that Wen Yuanbo was at Peace Hospital, but he hadn’t contacted him until he needed help treating Mr. He’s leg. Perhaps he was afraid of dredging up the people and events of the past.

But afterward, Wen Yuanbo had taken the initiative to contact him, saying that Zheng Guofeng owed him a favor and asking when he planned to repay it.

So Zheng Guofeng had no choice but to invite him to dinner. Even though they hadn’t seen each other in years, old friends were old friends. They hadn’t even said a word before they both just smiled at each other.

Their conversation was still full of banter, but they got along harmoniously.

Two days later, Xue Yue heard from Zheng Guofeng that he was hosting a dinner that evening at the Beijing Hotel.

"Tonight, you and He Lang should bring the kids. I’ve already notified your brother."

"Okay."

Xue Yue called He Lang to tell him about the gathering that evening.

When Xue Yue left work, she saw He Lang waiting at the entrance.

Xue Yue asked him, "How long have you been waiting?"

"Just got here."

"Did you remember to bring the toys?"

"Mhm, I took them home. The kids are at home too, just waiting for you."

"Let’s go then."

Both Xue Yue’s and Xue Xingzhou’s families were getting ready for the party. The one who was unhappy and in a mood right now was Xue Xingjun. With a long face, he watched them get all dressed up, handsome and beautiful, without him. Hmph. He was not in a good mood.

Xue Xingzhou patted his shoulder. "Come on, it’s a special occasion today. The guests are all my mother’s friends. If I brought you along, wouldn’t you feel awkward?"

Xue Xingjun understood, but he was still unhappy. Hmph. Who was to blame for them not being born of the same mother? He didn’t even know who to be mad at.

Xue Xingzhou said, "Auntie will have dinner ready soon. When you and Zhang Yunlei are done eating, remember to clean up the dishes."

Xue Xingjun snorted coldly. "I’m always the one who does them. Make him wash them today." He was in a bad mood, so he didn’t feel like yielding to anyone.

Seeing his glum expression, Xue Xingzhou chuckled. "Fine, I’ll tell him to do the washing. Happy now?"

Xue Xingjun nodded. "Come back early." Then he added, "Tun Tun needs to go to bed early."

Zhang Qian let out a laugh. "You and Yun Lei be good at home. We’ll be back soon."

"Okay, I know."

Over at Xue Yue’s place, Xiao Yu was holding Ruanruan’s hand, his intention obvious. Ruanruan looked at Xue Yue, and Xue Yue thought, ’Maybe we should just take him with us.’

Mrs. He swooped in and picked Xiao Yu up. "Where do you think you’re going? Your aunt and uncle will be back soon. Grandma will make you something delicious tonight, and we won’t give them any."

Xiao Yu’s lip trembled, and he looked wronged.

He Lang said, "Let’s go."

When they arrived at the entrance of the Beijing Hotel, they saw Luo Sen waiting outside.

"Has everyone else arrived?" Xue Yue asked.

"Yes. I’ll take you up."