Xu Ye dropped Jiang Meilin and Yang Lin back at Red Leaf Estate first, then drove Chen Qingqing on to his own house.

Strictly speaking, this was the second time Chen Qingqing had been to Xu Ye's home.

The first time she had been tricked into it — and while Xu Ye was tormenting her, his parents had walked in on precisely that.

Every time she thought about that day she was mortified all over again.

So this time round, she was more nervous still.

Because last time had been pure accident, and this time was distinctly formal.

On the way something occurred to her and she asked at once. "Dumb pig, should I be buying something to take to your house?"

"Hey, no need. Every single time I go to yours I turn up empty-handed, don't I?"

"You're sure?"

"No need."

"All right, then."

Chen Qingqing sighed. Watching Xu Ye's compound come closer and closer, she grew more and more uneasy.

She began rehearsing in her head every situation that might arise shortly.

Xu Ye didn't disturb her. He drove all the way to the foot of the building, waited for her to get out, then took her hand and led her upstairs.

Hello Uncle, hello Auntie. Hello Uncle, hello Auntie… Chen Qingqing went over the six words silently, again and again.

At the door Xu Ye banged on it twice, and Old Zhang, going at full tilt in the kitchen, dropped what she was doing at once and pulled Old Xu out with her.

Only then did the two of them get it open.

Chen Qingqing bowed twice in a hurry, said "Hello, Uncle" to Zhang Hong, and then "Hello, Auntie" to Old Xu.

By the time she realized she had them the wrong way round, her pale little face had gone scarlet in an instant.

Aaah.

I really am unbelievably stupid!

Zhang Hong didn't mind in the least. She reached out and drew Chen Qingqing into the living room, her whole face delighted. "Come in, come in. The food's nearly done — you two sit down for…