After parting ways, Gao Liang retraced his steps, slid back into the car—and *thump!*—Little Ye in the rear seat kicked the back of his seat hard.

“What kept you? Making me wait forever!”

Gao Ye crossed her arms and huffed, clearly growing impatient.

Gao Liang shook his head. “I was just praising your patience to them. Sigh… They kept me for a meal. Took a bit.”

“You… Hmph. Real nice. Meeting the parents already?”

Gao Ye fell silent a moment, rubbed her temples, then murmured,

“So *this* is your type? Never saw it coming.”

Gao Liang said nothing. He quietly fastened his seatbelt, turned to the driver.

“Let’s go, Uncle Wang. Head to Grandpa’s first.”

Uncle Wang nodded. The car eased forward.

From the back, Little Ye—annoyed by his silence—kicked the passenger seat again. After a pause, she whispered,

“Is she *really* your girlfriend? Doesn’t look anything like *that* person… Hmm… Not even close?”

“She is who she is. No need to resemble anyone… or be compared to anyone.”

Gao Liang’s sudden firmness startled her. Gao Ye froze awkwardly, then sat straight, pouting. “O… Okay. I won’t mention it.”

An awkward hush settled in the car. She’d wanted to tease how shy “Sister Lin Lin” was around another girl—but now dared not. Head bowed, lips pursed, she muttered,

“Bro… I’m hungry.”

“Eat at Grandpa’s,” Gao Liang replied flatly, gaze fixed on the window. A trace of impatience lingered. Deflated, she looked down, silently fiddling with her fingers.

After a while, he turned. “How’s it at Grandma and Grandpa’s?”

“I… It’s okay. Better than dealing with Big Brother’s attitude at home…”

Little Ye glanced away. Gao Liang nodded.

Yeah. Not bad.

At least better than home.

Hmm…

He unconsciously recalled visiting Lin Lin’s house with her today.

A family like that.

Truly enviable.

After seeing Gao Liang off, Lin Lin felt cold sweat prickle her back.

She scratched absently, climbed the stairs, paused at her door, thinking…

*Maybe add a blue-flame Gatling gun to this security door.*

*Ahem…*

Otherwise, she’d never feel safe. Today was… basically *inviting a wolf right into her home*.

Hope that busy guy doesn’t have time to drop by just to mess with her.

*Sigh~*

She pushed the door open, stepped into the living room—and looked up.

Her mom sat at the dining table, wearing a mysterious smile.

Her little brother? Probably holed up in his room.

*Oh no…*

“Xiao Lin~ What’s *really* going on between you and that handsome boy today~?”

Mom rubbed her hands excitedly. Lin Lin’s lips twitched. “We’re not close! Don’t ask!”

“Oh dear~” Mom pulled her close. “We’re open-minded! No issue with young love—just keep it appropriate~”

“Tch—”

Lin Lin shook off her mom’s “claws.” “You just like his background! For the record: I *hate* that guy! Always annoyed by him. We’ll clash sooner or later! Done. I’m heading to my room.”

“Mm, makes sense,” Dad nodded. “He seems too outstanding. Xiao Lin might not hold onto him.”

“But he brought you wine!” Mom defended her chosen son-in-law. They bickered. Lin Lin slammed the door—*bang!*—silence fell.

Mom waved Lin Yu over. “Watch your big sister these next days. See if something’s really up.”

“Not interested.”

…

*Phew~*

Back in her room, Lin Lin finally exhaled. After collecting herself, she unpacked the new gear, sat down, and studied the setup.

*Hmm… How to arrange these?*

After tinkering and installing everything, she opened the software.

Yep—just as expected. With the pro equipment, her little vampire avatar moved smoother, voice clearer, mic static nearly gone.

Everything felt professional now. Definitely a better experience for her viewers.

She nodded. Showtime!

Go live!

She clicked start. The chat exploded.

【Whoa, Lizi’s live!】

【MIA returned! Thought you’d “graduated”!】

【“Graduate” after two days? Three-minute enthusiasm much?】

【Lizi, stream 24/7 please~】

“Ahaha…” Lin Lin blushed, brushed her hair, shifted into her vampire persona:

“Evening, everyone~ Hehe! Sorry! This little vampire’s been hunting the purest duck blood tofu—super busy! Finally live today~ New gear too! Streaming longer. Hope you like it~”

【Yesss! Promoting you on V Bar—get famous!】

【Thanks for invite. First time here. Too many yaoi shippers. Becoming an anti-fan for balance.】

【Anti-fan? Don’t sleep too soundly tonight!】

Lin Lin smiled warmly, touched by the lively chat despite her small following. She scanned for one ID.

Huh? Where’s Bro Gou today?

A quiet disappointment settled in. Then—

【User ‘Zai Kan V Shi Gou’ has entered the live stream.】

“Bro Gou!” She lit up like a kid, clapping. “Welcome, Bro Gou!”

“Got held up. What’re we streaming today, Lizi?” Gao Liang typed.

Lin Lin tilted her head. Hmm…

Crowd’s good. Try something new?

“How about… playing a game?!”