Word Number：249 Author：紫凝 Translator： Release Time：2026-03-15

　　“Xiaoyan, what are you doing here? I could’ve just taken a cab back.”　　Guo Xiaoliang hurried toward the car and nearly lost his footing.　　“Easy there.”　　Liu Hanyan reacted quickly and caught him before he could fall.　　“The kid?” Xiaoliang glanced inside the car. Seeing that she was alone, he climbed into the passenger seat.　　“At home doing her homework with her grandparents.” Liu Hanyan started the engine.　　“Xiaoyan, you really didn’t have to come all this way. I came to Yunyao so I wouldn’t trouble you guys, and now you’ve driven all the way out here just to pick me up.” Xiaoliang looked embarrassed.　　“It’s no trouble.” She smiled lightly. “Work wasn’t busy today and I got off early, so I thought I’d swing by. Besides, I wanted a drive. Yunyao really does live up to its reputation as a tourist city—the scenery’s great. Maybe this weekend we’ll bring the kid out here for a day trip.”　　For years she and Meng Yuntian had carried a quiet sense of guilt toward Xiaoliang and tried to make it up to him whenever they could. But he had always resisted their help.　　“By the way, keep a close eye on Lele lately,” Xiaoliang said. “Three students were abducted today at No.1 High School in Liyang District. Make sure Uncle and Aunt pick her up from kindergarten on time every day. And if they take her out, they need to wat