Finally finished the conversation with my parents, I returned to my room.

As I lay on the bed, feeling relieved, I received a message on WeChat.

It was from Li Xiaoran:

[Did your family find out about us drinking? Remember to drink some lemon water. I bought lemons and put them in your backpack.]

[As a boy, you shouldn't drink outside next time, or I'll report you.]

[And... don't take your family's words to heart, listen to Pei Qi and me.]

I stared at the screen and laughed for no reason.

Clearly, she's the one living with Pei Qi, and now she's causing me more trouble.

I recalled the shocked and surprised looks on my parents' faces, and a strange feeling welled up inside me.

I remember how my mother looked at that moment.

She turned off her phone screen and handed it to me, saying, "Xiao Kai... Mom knows, I'm sorry. But Pei Qi's family situation..."

I shook my head. "I know."

I didn't turn on the light, keeping the room dark, while I lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

At that moment, I heard some noise coming from the balcony.

I got out of bed and walked barefoot towards it.

Then, through the dim moonlight, I saw the figure I least wanted to see—

Pei Qi.