She just chuckled.

After the meal, the mother and son escorted her to the car. Only when she was far off did Professor Yang sigh. "This girl actually isn’t having an easy time either. Think about it. When you first went to England, your dad and I accompanied you. But look at her, a young woman, all alone. It’s quite pitiful."

"Indeed."

"But from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like she wants you to accompany her."

"It’s fine. I’m heading that way anyway, so I can go with her. It’s not like I have any ulterior motives..."

As the mother and son were talking, a group of people approached.

Mrs. Huang’s voice was tart. "Oh, what a coincidence. You’re all here?"

Auntie’s voice was even more tart. "Professor Yang, you’re all here too..."

Professor Yang smiled. "You’re eating here as well?"

"That’s right. When I passed by earlier, I heard familiar voices and wondered who it could be. Turns out, it was you all. But when I saw you having such a good time eating with Yan Xixi, I didn’t feel it was right to interrupt."

Li Zhen knew about the issues these two sisters had with Yan Xixi, so he quickly shot his mother a look, signaling her that they should leave.

But Auntie stepped forward. "Professor Yang, I have something to say, though I’m not sure if I should..."

"Please, go ahead."

"Ordinarily, I shouldn’t interfere. However, Li Zhen is my daughter-in-law’s cousin, and you, Professor Yang, are Li Shanni’s aunt. I just don’t want Li Zhen to be deceived..."

Li Zhen said coolly, "I haven’t been deceived. Thank you both for your kind intentions."

"Oh, that’s not how it is. Li Zhen, you probably don’t know what Yan Xixi is really like, do you? That woman is no good. She previously despised Xiaojue for being poor and then degraded herself to be kept by Wan Donglin. And then, she got dumped by him... Can your family even afford a woman like her?"

Li Zhen’s face flushed red. Before he could answer, Professor Yang spoke first, her tone very gentle, "Auntie, you’re being too concerned. Li Zhen and Xixi are just ordinary classmates. Her private life is her own affair. It’s not our place to interfere, is it?"

"..."

Mrs. Huang, observing the situation, immediately smiled. "Yes, yes, yes, Professor Yang is right. Professor Yang is a university professor, a cultured individual, not like us housewives. Li Zhen is a fine young man. He won’t be foolish like my son was... Sister, don’t you worry. Professor Yang knows what she’s doing..."

Professor Yang then turned to Li Zhen. "Shouldn’t you thank your elders for their concern, Li Zhen?"

Li Zhen was furious, but he restrained himself and just nodded.

Professor Yang then said composedly, "To be honest, that girl Yan Xixi is truly a rare and wonderful young woman. When I went to her shop last time, she didn’t know who I was, but her attitude and manner of speaking were top-notch, and I took an immediate liking to her. I’ve been working at the university for more than twenty years, and I’ve genuinely never met such an outstanding young woman. It’s one thing to be that beautiful, but she also got into Harvard. That’s not something an ordinary person can achieve. Sigh, sometimes I even feel sorry for Xiaojue for giving up such a fine girl..."

Mrs. Huang’s face turned red and then pale.

"Haha, Mrs. Huang, your standards are truly very, very high. If a girl like Yan Xixi could like our Li Zhen, I would be overjoyed. It’s just a pity that I don’t think our boy is good enough for her. Think about it: a girl so beautiful and smart—if she had a child, wouldn’t it be cuter than an angel? It’s just that we’re not so fortunate..."