The two of them hadn't walked close yet when they saw the study door open. They quickly shrank back, retreating behind the tall vase and potted plant, then cautiously peered out to see if it was Yu Hong or that woman coming out.

The woman!

Without seeing her entirely, just the dress that came out first already made Yu Xiaodi tense up. She grabbed Li Yan's hand tightly to avoid accidentally making a sound. She very much wanted to see what kind of person this woman was, but she also had to be ready to retreat at any moment, leaving before the person approached.

As the two of them secretly observed, the woman closed the door, tidied up her appearance a bit, and then walked calmly down the corridor.

When they caught sight of her face, Li Yan and Yu Xiaodi were shocked and almost fell to the ground, then scrambled back to their room.

Back in the room, Yu Xiaodi leaned weakly against the door and sat down, gasping for air, then gave Li Yan a dissatisfied glare.

"You scoundrel! Look what you made me think! I almost misunderstood my dad!"

Li Yan squatted down in front of her and innocently said, in the face of her disdain, "Come on, you were the one who said your mom wasn't home! And my deduction was correct, wasn't it? Imagine if it were Ji Yi or Zhou Qudan bringing a girl here for the boss to exploit. They wouldn't have let us up here!"

After just now being near-collapse, Yu Xiaodi's mood took a turn, and though emotionally exhausted, she felt much better mentally. Hearing his words, she felt even more struck and teased, "It's all your fault! You're so twisted! You always think the worst of everyone! Hmph, my dad isn't like that at all! Hmph, hmph! But I did get to hear what you truly think inside. Turns out you're that kind of person!"

Li Yan sat down cross-legged too, self-deprecatingly laughing, "I've always been this type of person. If not for your temptation being strong enough, I'd honestly just stay home. You really need to see clearly, I'm exactly what you'd call a playboy, maybe even quite a heartbreaker."

Yu Xiaodi's heart fluttered. Given what he said before, now that he's admitted the temptation was strong enough, was it because the risk was too high he wouldn't go with her? This wasn't a suitable topic for discussion, so she gently soothed him and then changed the subject, "You're not a heartbreaker; you've always turned me down, it's me who's been pestering you... enough about that. Dad and Mom, they're something else!"

Li Yan also relaxed, seeing that she was okay and no family turmoil would ensue, rejoiced for her.

"Hehe... maybe they rarely have time together when you're not home."

"Pfft! It's not as indecent as you make it sound!" Yu Xiaodi blushed. Although it wasn't anything lewd, stumbling upon her parents like that was definitely very awkward.

"What's indecent? That's called a romantic vibe."

Li Yan laughed, reached out to touch her ankle, admiring the bit of white slender leg showing from her skirt, "Such beautiful legs, makes me want to touch them."

Yu Xiaodi blushed, seeing his appreciative look, and couldn't help teasing, "Want me to wear stockings for you to see?"

Li Yan squeezed her leg playfully, "You little rascal, you sure know quite a bit!"

Just then, a knock sounded behind Yu Xiaodi, and the two hurriedly stood up, straightened their clothes a bit, and she promptly opened the door.

It was her mother Chen Mingying outside. Not expecting her to open the door so quickly, and see the two just standing there, Chen Mingying was momentarily taken aback.

"Hello, Madam Chen." Li Yan broke the silence first.

Yu Xiaodi quickly said too, "Mom, I ran into Li Yan at noon and invited him back to hang out. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Chen Mingying recovered and laughed, "Silly girl, Li Yan is your good friend, of course I welcome him, how could I mind? I... um, just got back and heard you were home, so I came to see you."

Seeing the hint of redness on her mother's face, normally Yu Xiaodi wouldn't notice, but today with similar experiences herself, she knew what this meant. She blushed secretly and quickly put her mother at ease, "Looks like it's quite hot outside, why don't you wash your face and rest for a bit!"

Chen Mingying, also feeling embarrassed and flushed, surely knew Li Yan was aware, but seeing the seemingly innocent Xiaodi still unaware of anything, she felt slightly relieved. "Yes, it's very hot. By the way, there's a party tonight for young people, generally heirs or socialite children networking at a social gathering…"

Before finishing her sentence, she saw Yu Xiaodi showing reluctance on her face, so she hurriedly added, "I know you don't like such events, but for the future you should get accustomed to them, and meet more people. Plus, seeing Li Yan here, I thought he might accompany you, so if neither of you wants to go, I won't force you."

As she spoke, both her gaze and Yu Xiaodi's shifted to Li Yan's face.

Chen Mingying hoped Li Yan would agree to accompany her, and Yu Xiaodi was full of anticipation, not for the social party itself, but hoping Li Yan would agree, which would mean he'd be with her until nightfall. That would be their longest record of time together and might count as a sort of official date, right?

As Chen Mingying spoke, Li Yan had considered this level, guessing this was an event for the likes of Yu Xiaodi, Lan Tianci, Wen Qiang, the Ling brothers, and similar wealthy heirs to socialize. After all, Yu Xiaodi knew limited people from same age groups through school or family connections; and they're all set to be mainstays in their families later, making it essential to meet other future rivals and partners.

Such settings were meaningless to Li Yan, and with Chen Mingying's subtle invitation, he didn't have to oblige. But seeing the anticipation in Yu Xiaodi's eyes and understanding her true desire, he nodded in agreement.

"I have nothing on my schedule, so if you'd like me to be your date and accompany you, and if Madam Chen doesn't mind, I'd have no problem with it."

Yu Xiaodi immediately looked delighted, then turned to her mother.

Chen Mingying sighed inwardly and smiled, "Li Yan, don't be so formal! I certainly don't mind. I'm very happy you're accompanying Xiaodi. And don't call me Madam Chen, too distant. Just call me Aunt Chen, or like Xiaodi's friends, Auntie Chen."

Li Yan smiled subtly, understanding her preference today. Presumably, her favored candidate was Lan Tianci, right? And maybe Lan Tianci called Wen Qiang, Ling Muhang, Ling Luqiu, etc., for this endeavor.

"Alright, if Li Yan's going to play the 'Flower Guardian,' I'll go!" Yu Xiaodi jumped up excitedly.

Chen Mingying looked at her fondly and said, "I'm off to wash my face and rest a bit, there's still guests downstairs, you're growing up; don't just play around, go greet them."

After she left, Yu Xiaodi looked at Li Yan again, asking, "Li Yan, are you really willing to go? I feel like you wouldn't enjoy such a setting, and it's basically people like Lan Tianci there, you might end up unhappy, how about we just skip it?"

Li Yan affectionately patted her hair, "It's okay. You're so nice to me, although I can't give you anything, being your date for a while doesn't do me any harm. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Moved, Yu Xiaodi thought: he's indirectly saying he's going entirely for my sake! Without exposing that fact, she jokingly said, "Who says you can't give me anything? You could promise yourself to me, I don't mind if you're the old cow eyeing fresh young grass!"

"Ahem... let's go down and check things out! I suspect Lan Tianci's intention is to invite you to the luncheon. Pity you're such a fresh young grass, and I'm the old cow guarding you, wonder if he'll be frustrated?"

"Hehe... Let's go interrupt him!" Yu Xiaodi grabbed Li Yan's arm and headed out with him.

When they reached the stairway, they saw a servant leading Ji Yi and Zhou Qudan up.

After exchanging greetings, those two went downstairs, where they found Ling Muhang and Ling Luqiu in some argument, Lan Tianci trying to mediate, and Wen Qiang just watching the spectacle.

The two exchanged glances, confused about the unfolding drama. The Ling twins, arguing while visiting someone else's home? Just as they wondered, the dispute escalated into pushing and shoving!

(I woke up to urgent Monthly Pass news, nearly surpassed. Have no heart to sleep, wrote a chapter. Bitter smile, a slow bird flying first, as someone past his prime can only work hard, and thank readers earnestly through updates. Whether or not we gain Monthly Pass depends on more brothers supporting. Today, six chapters were written, matching personal records since launch, seriously draining energy and strength. This month's total, average updates, are surely among the elites for this period's new books. Hoping to gain your support with a Monthly Pass for the old timers, defending our 20-day lead. Thanks!)

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