Incident

After seeing Barley off, the cheerful atmosphere vanished from the ride. Nana-chan said nothing, leaning against the window and staring blankly outside. Xu Hongdou sat on the other side, also looking out and enjoying the cool breeze.

Hu Youyu, sitting in front with his hands tucked into his sleeves, wanted to say something to ease the mood. This kind of silence made the kitten claws in his heart itch unbearably. But thinking of Nana-chan's bad mood and volatile temper—and how she had snapped at him all morning—he could only shut his mouth resentfully. He fiddled with the car's central display, playing music and unconsciously humming along.

They remained silent all the way back to the bustling, noisy Yunmiao Village, as if entering another world.

Hu Youyu waved with a grin. "Teacher Wang, don't blame me for being a bad friend. I'm heading back early to edit videos. You can wait here by yourself."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile and said nothing.

Xu Hongdou got out and walked around to the driver's side, planting a delighted kiss on Wang Yan. "Once you park, come by the café first. I learned a new juice recipe these past two days. Try it and see how it tastes."

Since she and Nana-chan had gone to see Barley off, they would be heading to the café later than usual that morning, but they still had work to do. Taking the whole day off was impossible.

"Okay. Watch where you're going, there are so many people." Wang Yan gave them a reminder, smiling as he watched them leave. Then, alone with the music, he slowly queued up to park.

Yunmiao Village had become something else now. The road leading in was just an ordinary two-way, single-lane asphalt road. Barriers had been set up at the