I left Xi Xia’s room with Tian Yao and ran into Auntie Cai downstairs.

"Stay for dinner—it’s so late already," Auntie Cai urged warmly.

We both politely declined.

"My family’s kept dinner for me," Tian Yao said courteously. "I should head home."

"No trouble at all, Auntie Cai," I added. "My place is right next door. Someone’s waiting for me to cook."

"Then I won’t insist. Come visit again next time."

"Mm, sure."

Since Auntie Cai’s gate used an electronic lock requiring a card, she walked us to the entrance.

At her doorstep, Tian Yao bowed slightly. "I’ll head back now."

Dusk had fully settled. Stars weren’t visible yet, but a crescent moon already hung high.

"Let me walk you," I offered.

She shook her head. "No need. The subway straight to my neighborhood leaves just outside the compound. I’ll be fine alone."

"...Be careful on your way."

"Mm."

Tian Yao bowed again before turning away. Her mood had clearly darkened—after all, she’d come with good intentions to persuade Xiaoxi to return to school, only to be met with cold rejection. Even someone as patient as our class rep would feel hurt.

*Sigh… Why bother so much? Just deliver the teacher’s message and leave. Whether she goes to school or not is her own business.*

Just as I turned toward home, Auntie Cai called out:

"Ajun, wait a moment."

"Auntie Cai? Something else?"

She hesitated. "Did you two talk to Xiaoxi… about school?"

"Mm."

"What did she say?"

"She said she’d *never* go back! Called school boring."

I answered honestly. Auntie Cai sighed helplessly, as if expecting exactly that.

"So it’s still like this? After what happened…"

"What happened to Xiaoxi at school?"

"Eh? She didn’t tell you?" Auntie Cai’s eyes widened briefly. "That child’s always been too withdrawn. Never had friends growing up. Honestly, I was happy today when you two came to see her."

"Wouldn’t she make friends if she went to school?"

Even someone like me had a few close buddies there—though admittedly, they were all a bit odd.

"Of course it’d be best if she could go. But her teacher told me Xiaoxi never speaks to anyone at school. Not a single word. It’s only natural the other students shut her out. Same here—she barely talks to me."

Auntie Cai’s worry was palpable, but I found it hard to believe.

*Xiaoxi doesn’t talk to people?!*

*Is it because she’s scared her mouth will drift into lewd jokes like a car taking Akina Mountain’s hairpin turns?*

Her next words stunned me even more: "And she never tells me when bullies target her at school."

"Bullies?!" I gasped.

"Mm. She just hides in bed crying alone, then refuses to go back."

"What did they do? Didn’t she report it?"

"Mostly isolation. Stuffing trash in her desk, hiding her textbooks… The teacher made the girls apologize, but the exclusion never really stopped."

*How utterly pitiful…*

I couldn’t picture that ever-grinning "Ehehe" Xiaoxi looking heartbroken over isolation. Couldn’t imagine her sobbing under the covers.

Then it hit me: "This was during freshman year, right? Classes were reshuffled. Most classmates now are actually kind."

"I’ve told her that too," Auntie Cai sighed. "But she still won’t go. Her timid nature holds her back. If only she were braver…"

*No, no—I disagree. If Xiaoxi were any braver, those dirty jokes of hers might turn into real actions.*

*The police would get involved. Better she stays exactly as she is.*

Auntie Cai didn’t notice my impolite thoughts. She leaned closer, murmuring: "But you’re friends with Xiaoxi, right? She’s mentioned you. Colleagues from work?"

"Uh… sort of."

"I don’t know what job she does, but since you’re colleagues, it should be fine."

*We’re technically colleagues now, but we’re nothing alike!*

"Ajun," Auntie Cai said softly, bowing deeply. "I’ve been your neighbor all these years—I know you’re a good kid. So I’m asking a selfish favor: Please convince Xiaoxi to go back to school."

"But Xiaoxi herself—"

"She must want to deep down. At home, I often catch her staring blankly into space. If this continues… I fear she’ll sink into depression. It doesn’t matter if she fails exams or doesn’t get into college. I just want her to have friends."

Her earnest plea carried genuine care. After a pause, I nodded. "Okay. I’ll try my best."

*Definitely not because I pity Xiaoxi or want to help her make friends. Just repaying Auntie Cai’s kindness over the years. That’s all.*

*Probably.*

…

When I got home, Baiyu was eating instant noodles in the living room.

"I’m back."

I slipped off my shoes, changed into slippers, and approached her, scratching my head sheepishly. "Sorry—I got held up at school. Want something proper to eat?"

Baiyu shot me a sideways glare and let out a heavy, dismissive snort.

"Hmph."

She didn’t even look at me as she carried her noodle cup past me, slamming it onto the dining table hard enough to splash broth.

*She’s definitely mad…*

She stomped upstairs toward her room, each step thudding deliberately loud.

*Yep. Definitely angry.*

After she reached the top, a sharp *SLAM* echoed as her door shut.

Being completely ignored by my daughter stung. But skipping dinner and forcing her to eat instant noodles? That made me a lousy father.

*I’ll come home earlier to cook next time.*

I resolved this silently, then headed to the kitchen to make my own cup of noodles. No point cooking just for myself—this would do.

I poured boiling water into the cup and began the three long minutes of waiting.