Deep in a narrow lane in the western part of Star Luo City.
The vermilion gate before him was mottled with age, and the rust on its knocker looked as though it hadn't been cleaned in ages.
Xu Yanli stood before the gate and gently knocked three times with his fingers.
As soon as he finished knocking, the gate creaked open. A woman in her twenties stood at the entrance, her features delicate and refined.
She looked about seventy or eighty percent like Xiao Xiao, though far more mature.
Xu Yanli thought that if he wasn't mistaken, this woman might be Xiao Xiao's older sister or mother.
The woman's gaze slowly settled on Xu Yanli's face. The instant she saw him, she froze in place as though struck by lightning.
The thing in her hand fell with a clatter, and the bowl shattered completely.
"You... you..." Her voice trembled violently. Her mouth opened and closed several times, but she couldn't manage a complete sentence. She looked utterly shocked.
Xu Yanli bowed slightly, his voice gentle. "Hello, miss. My name is Xu Yanli, and I'm Xiao Xiao's classmate. I've taken the liberty of visiting today because I'd like to see Uncle Xiao."
The woman didn't answer, but her eyes reddened at once, and tears welled up beyond her control.
"So... so alike..."
She murmured to herself and raised a hand, wanting to touch Xu Yanli's face. But just before her fingertips reached him, she abruptly drew back, as if afraid he would shatter at a touch.
Seeing her expression, Xu Yanli understood at once. The person who had delivered the information hadn't been mistaken—his mother and this family must have known each other well.
And judging by how moved she was, their relationship must have been close.
"Xiao Yue, who is