Le Yi's acquaintance with Jiang Xi was purely accidental.

During an elective class, Jiang Xi happened to sit beside her. The professor seemed kind at first glance—who would have guessed he'd actually call on students to answer questions!

And as luck would have it, he called on Le Yi.

Having skated through the entire semester without paying attention, Le Yi was utterly clueless about the subject. Truth be told, even if she had been listening, she probably wouldn't have known the answer.

Just as she braced herself to admit defeat, a slip of paper slid over with the correct answer written on it.

Stunned, she turned gratefully toward the source and met a pair of gentle eyes. Noticing the textbook beside her, filled to the brim with meticulous notes, Le Yi nearly teared up.

Holy crap, she hadn’t realized she was sitting next to such a top student.

"Thank you, gorgeous! You’re as kind as you are beautiful."

Pulling out her phone, she flashed a sincere smile. "Wanna exchange contacts? Let’s be friends."

Who wouldn’t want to be friends with an academic ace?

The girl blinked in surprise before nodding with a smile. "Sure."

After a few more classes together, Le Yi learned that the girl was actually her senior.

The bar event had also been Jiang Xi’s suggestion—apparently, a friend of hers was opening the place and wanted to invite people over to liven things up on the first night.

Hearing Jiang Xi’s name from Le Yi didn’t surprise Yu Li in the slightest.

This was precisely one of the reasons she hated this world.

No matter where she went or what she did, she’d inevitably run into protagonists or people connected to them.

Which was why she and Bo Jingmo no longer dined out.

At this, Mu Chengsi glanced over. "Are you going?"

She definitely wasn’t—she’d met Jiang Xi before, and the girl knew exactly who she was.

As for Yu Li…

Mu Chengsi could never quite figure out what went on in that woman’s head.

Yu Li quietly cradled her water glass, steam curling against her damp lashes. After a brief pause, she chuckled softly. "Yeah, I’ll go."

Since there was no avoiding it, she might as well see what would happen.

Besides, Qi Mai was dead. She was curious to see how Peace’s members were holding up.

Pulling out her phone, she texted Bo Jingmo to explain the situation, asking him to pick her up from the bar later that night.

Mu Chengsi wasn’t worried about Yu Li’s safety, but one thing did intrigue her.

"Will you let them know who you are? Even if you hide it now, they’ll find out the moment you meet in a dungeon."

Yu Li lazily sipped her water. "That’s a problem for future me."

By then, their concern wouldn’t be her identity—it’d be surviving.

Her phone buzzed. Glancing down, she saw Bo Jingmo asking if he should accompany her.

Bars didn’t get lively until late, by which point the banquet would be over anyway.

She glanced at her two roommates behind her.

[No need. My roommates are coming. Just pick me up when I message you.]

[Got it. Don’t drink too much—your throat hasn’t fully recovered.]

Yu Li arched a brow. And whose fault was that? Setting her phone aside, she caught Mu Chengsi’s teasing smirk.

"Bo Jingmo’s fine with you going to a bar? Not worried you’ll pick up some male models?"

Yu Li chuckled, casting her a slow, sidelong glance.

"If they’re not as hot as him, why bother?"

She could barely handle one—where would she find the energy for more?

Besides, someone hadn’t even satisfied her last night.

"…"

Mu Chengsi promptly shut her mouth. If this conversation continued, she’d probably hear something unfit for innocent ears.

Meanwhile, Bo Jingmo stared at his screen, gaze freezing momentarily at the word "bar."

Only when a clerk’s respectful voice reached him did he slowly pocket his phone.

"President Bo, this is our latest design. Please take a look."

Bo Jingmo’s eyes skimmed over it before flicking away.

"How long for a custom order?"

The clerk blinked. "You… want it customized?"

"Yes." The man studied the designs, something unreadable flashing in his eyes.

"The sooner, the better."

After leaving the store, Bo Jingmo headed straight for the hotel.

Handing his keys to the valet, he carried his purchases inside.

Bo Hui happened to be walking out just as he entered. Spotting him, she exhaled in relief. Little Mu Hehe stood beside her, tilting his head up obediently.

"Uncle!"

The boy’s eyes kept darting behind Bo Jingmo, clearly searching for someone.

Bo Jingmo gave a slight nod. Noticing the child’s expression, he paused before handing him one of the gift boxes. Kneeling, he murmured, "Your aunt didn’t come. This is your gift."

Mu Hehe hadn’t expected a present. His round eyes instantly lit up, face bursting with joy. "Thank you, Auntie!"

Bo Jingmo ruffled his hair before standing to address Bo Hui. "Where’s Mother?"

"Still in her room." Bo Hui glanced at Mu Hehe’s gift, then hesitated. "Father… They’re upstairs too."

The man across from her didn’t react, merely offering a quiet "Mm."

"I’ll go greet them."

His tone was so casual, it might as well have been small talk about the weather.

Bo Hui faltered. "Ah— Okay. Let’s go together, then."

She subtly studied Bo Jingmo’s expression but found no cracks.

Not only that, she sensed an indescribable aura around him now.

"Mom, can I not go up?" Mu Hehe piped up. "I wanna open my gift!"

The adults upstairs never talked, and the atmosphere was weird. He didn’t like it.

Bo Hui didn’t force him. "Stay with Auntie Wu, understand?"

Mu Hehe beamed. "Okay!"

Bo Hui turned to the maid. "Keep an eye on him."

Auntie Wu bowed. "Yes, Madam."

Riding the elevator up, Bo Jingmo followed Bo Hui silently.

They stopped before a door where a server bowed deeply before opening it for them.

The room was spacious, adorned with a glittering chandelier and plush carpets. Exquisite porcelain vases decorated the space, every detail oozing luxury.

Bo Jingmo lazily lifted his gaze, meeting the eyes of one man on the sofa.

Their stares clashed.

Bai Shaodong set down his teacup, studying his long-absent son with an unreadable glint in his eyes.

The young man at the doorway stood tall in his impeccably tailored black suit, hair perfectly styled. His striking, almost divine features remained composed, those deep, narrow eyes utterly calm. Simply by standing there, he commanded the room’s attention.

Then, the corner of his lips quirked up as he spoke first.

"Father."

That single word plunged the room into silence.

After a beat, Bai Shaodong let out a cold, ambiguous chuckle and set his cup down.

"Sit. No need to hover."

His eyes narrowed with displeasure.

This monster… had truly grown formidable.

Meanwhile, once the adults had gone upstairs, Mu Hehe found an empty couch to unwrap his gift.

Just as he began, a woman approached.

"Hehe."

Mu Hehe looked up at the impeccably made-up woman and greeted obediently.

"Auntie Wan."