Listening to the distinct sound of an engine coming from outside the window, Su Wanli silently shook her head. She raised the cup of strawberry milk that Meng Wange had personally made for her and took a small sip.
…So, Meng Wange had truly left the Su Residence.
Hmph, good riddance. Out of sight, out of mind. Just consider it a vacation for herself.
This was a rare break after seven consecutive days of high-intensity “Villainess Roleplay.” She should be happy!
That’s right, relax to your heart’s content, Su Wanli. Right now, you can do anything you want in this space completely under your control, without worrying about anyone’s gaze or thoughts…
“Miss Su, um…”
A somewhat timid voice came from behind.
“…Huh?”
Su Wanli turned her head impatiently and glared fiercely at Zhang Ma.
“Spit it out. What’s with the stuttering? Are you afraid of me?”
“Ah, no, no, no, of course not… It’s just… Miss Meng Wange left some instructions about things we need to prepare for tomorrow before she left. She also said I should discuss them with you…”
Zhang Ma wiped the sweat from her forehead and spoke cautiously.
“Miss Su, when would be a convenient time for you? I could take you to some nearby stores to purchase some equipment?”
“…Wait. I’m not in the mood right now.”
Su Wanli waved her hand dismissively, a soup spoon dangling from her mouth. Yet, her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the now-closed main gate of the Su Residence in the distance.
…Stop looking. She’s been gone for a while.
She shook her head vigorously, forcefully pushing a certain someone’s image out of her mind.
Since it’s a rare vacation, she should relax properly. Play some games she hasn’t tried, experience something new…
…Hmm, what should I play?
That Continent of Erozeal game I haven’t finished yet?
No, Meng Wange has already played this game, and she even played two classes at once. Even if I finish it, there wouldn’t be anything to brag about…
Still, it’s at least a shared topic.
What if there’s an awkward silence while walking along the beach? We’d need something to talk about, right? The coastline is so long; just thinking about walking in silence the whole way is awkward…
Ah!
Since we’re going on a trip, why not bring a gaming console?
I wonder if Meng Wange would like those casual restaurant management games. When she gets bored, I could just pull it out of my bag and hand it to her, letting her be my helper…
…Wait, might she catch a chill from the sea breeze?
Then I should pack a few more windproof jackets. When she starts shivering from the cold, I can pull one out of my bag with a cool expression and toss it to her…
Hehe, not only would that earn a huge wave of Favorability Level, but it would also make her realize how thoughtful I am!
But just bringing clothes might not be enough…
Since it’s for warmth, I could also bring a thermos, maybe brew some goji berry and ginger tea. It could boost energy and warm her hands. Holding the cup while watching the fireworks would really set the mood!
Hmm, thinking about it, there seem to be a lot of things I could bring…
…
Wait! No!!
Didn’t I decide not to think about Meng Wange today!?
This is a rare day off!!
…Although, having a barbecue by the sea does sound nice?
Should I bring a grill? Would it be too heavy? Even if Meng Wange helped carry it, we’d probably still need to ask for assistance…
…Forget it. I’d rather it just be the two of us.
Let’s put the barbecue idea aside for now.
Zhang Ma stood to the side, watching the young lady at the dining table—who was frowning one moment, lost in thought the next, and occasionally showing a strange smile—and silently scratched her head.
Then, she tactfully turned and left the banquet hall.
I thought the Eldest Miss’s temper had improved a lot recently. Turns out it was just because Meng Wange was by her side…
She’s barely been gone any time, and she’s already reverted.
…But this influence is a bit too strong, isn’t it?
Should I find an opportunity to mention this to Mr. Su…
—
Meanwhile, on the wide road outside the Su Residence.
A rather inconspicuous light blue car was driving slowly.
From the driver’s seat, Liu Xiaohua glanced through the rearview mirror, secretly observing the brown-haired girl in the back seat who was gazing out the window, lost in thought.
…The atmosphere feels a bit awkward, honestly.
To be honest, she didn’t really understand why Meng Wange had suddenly asked her so many questions about her hometown. She thought it was just casual conversation, but then she actually received a message last night asking her to take her to Yunsheng County today…
Maybe she’s just genuinely interested in the fireworks show I mentioned.
After all, she’s just a young girl…
Not like Su Wanli—
…Ahem.
Forget it. Better to try and start a conversation.
“Um… the Su family’s house is really huge, like a castle. I was stunned when I drove in, with the Housekeeper and servants…”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Liu Xiaohua regretted it.
—Wrong!? What kind of teacher starts a conversation by marveling at a student’s family wealth!?
This is so unprofessional!
She hurriedly tried to salvage the situation but found she had no idea how to continue.
…Great, the atmosphere is even more awkward now.
Fortunately, Meng Wange in the back seat didn’t let the topic drop.
She pulled her gaze back from the window and gave a slight nod toward the front.
“Yes, I also think the Su Residence is quite grand. I couldn’t quite believe it the first time I went there either.”
“Ah, haha, is that so…”
Liu Xiaohua forced a dry laugh, then couldn’t help but ask further:
“Speaking of which, how long have you lived at the Su Residence? You must have put in a lot of effort to get along so well with that Eldest Miss Su, right? Taking care of her moods must be quite challenging…”
…I’m done.
Not only did I ask about a student’s privacy, but I also mentioned “Eldest Miss Su” in a teasing tone, even vaguely hinting at the school gossip…
This is already a failure as a teacher, isn’t it!?
Liu Xiaohua instantly shut her mouth, even beginning to doubt her life choices.
Maybe I should just quit and go back to my hometown to sell fireworks…
…Wait, selling fireworks also requires dealing with people.
Does that mean I can’t even sell fireworks!?
“Actually, I didn’t put in any special effort.”
Just as her inner world was collapsing, Meng Wange’s soft voice sounded.
“Miss Su is much easier to get along with than I imagined.”
She smiled slightly, her tone calm.
“If anything, she’s the one who takes care of me more.”
“…R-really?”
Liu Xiaohua was taken aback, feeling strangely comforted instead.
…Why? I’m the teacher here.
Why do I feel like I’m the one desperately trying to make conversation?
Is it a generation gap? Am I really that old already?
But I just graduated from university!
“Teacher Liu, be careful.”
Meng Wange suddenly reminded her.
“We seem to be a bit over the speed limit.”
“Ah!? Sorry, sorry, I’ll slow down right away!”
Liu Xiaohua quickly snapped back to reality, eased off the accelerator, and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead.
…That was almost an accident.