Shuiyue Tingyuan is located in the very center of Xicheng, in the most prosperous area. The Qin family's old residence is in the southern part of the city. Although it's not the most bustling place, it has the best scenery, surrounded by mountains and rivers, and has hot springs, making it a great place for retirement.
However, it's early autumn now, so the scenery and hot springs are temporarily of no use.
"Miss Qin, Miss Qin, Miss Ningning," Aunt Zou gradually slowed down, "We've arrived."
Bai Ningning followed Qin Yue out of the car and walked into the Qin family's old residence. The courtyard here is larger than Shuiyue Tingyuan, and compared to the exquisite small buildings in the courtyard, the main house of the old residence looks more imposing.
After passing through the front porch of the courtyard and entering the main house, Qin Dad and Qin Mom were already sitting inside.
"Yueyue, Xinxin, you're here so early, come sit down," Qin Mom greeted everyone with a smile, her gaze landing on Bai Ningning with a somewhat complicated expression, "Ningning is here too."
Of course, she understood—since Ningning was the key part of their plan, the little succubus was bound to return. She was just feeling a bit sentimental about it.
Bai Ningning slightly nodded and politely greeted, "Uncle, Auntie, good morning."
Qin Dad set down the walnuts he had been rolling in his hands all morning and gave the girl a brief once-over. "So, you're Ningning? Your Auntie told me about you last time she came home. As expected, you're a well-mannered child."
In fact, he had heard about her long ago; he didn't need Qin Mom to mention it last time. He had heard about Bai Ningning's "fame" when Qin Yue was heartbroken back then.
However, he had only seen photos before, so he didn't have a deep impression. Now that the girl was standing right in front of him, he understood why his daughter was so deeply involved.
And not just her.
"Go sit down, take whatever you want to eat," Qin Dad called out and casually started chatting with her, "What grade are you in now, have you graduated, where are you studying?"
He pretended not to know these things; after all, if they already knew everything, how could they have a conversation?
"I haven't graduated, I just started my sophomore year this year," Bai Ningning sat down next to Qin Yue and answered calmly, "At Xicheng University."
Qin Dad feigned surprise. "Xicheng University? Our Xin Xin is also at Xicheng University. So, you two are schoolmates?"
At that moment, Qin Xin happened to sit down next to Bai Ningning: "Ningning senior was a volunteer when I enrolled, helping me understand things about the school."
Qin Mom also chimed in at the right moment: "That's how they got to know each other."
"Well, that's great, you all know each other," Qin Dad said with a smile, "I heard Ningning lives with Qin Yue, and now Xin is living with you too. If you all know each other, life will be more convenient."
Qin Xin bit her lip, unwilling to say much.
One must say that Qin Dad and Qin Mom were well-prepared. In the past, when Qin Xin came home, it felt like being in prison; from the moment she stepped through the door, she would shut down and wouldn't want to talk until she left, and when she did speak, it was as rare as being let out for fresh air.
But today, starting with a discussion about their relationship, it got her talking.
Qin Yue poured herself a cup of tea and savored it leisurely.
After all, she was at a higher level and could see her parents' intentions at a glance. Considering Qin Xin's social interactions, Bai Ningning, as a senior, was someone she was quite close to. Starting from Bai Ningning would make Qin Xin feel much better at home.
Qin Yue naturally had no objections to this; on the contrary, she thought it was quite good. As for any worries—her sister was straight, what was there to worry about?
With a smooth opening, the conversation began to flow.
The conversation between the two sides became more and more natural.
However, as they chatted, it inexplicably became increasingly detailed.
Qin Dad: "Ningning is at school with Qin Xin. How is she in class? Has she become lax since entering university?"
Bai Ningning: "We don't have classes together, so I don't know about that."
Qin Mom: "How is her life? Is she picky about food in the cafeteria?"
Bai Ningning: "We haven't eaten together at school."
Qin Dad: "What activities have you participated in together? Is there anything fun at school?"
"… We're not even in the same club."
After several rounds of conversation, Bai Ningning finally realized something was off and promptly called a halt: "Uncle and Aunt, I and Qin Xin are just a senior and junior relationship. We're not in the same class or club, and we rarely interact."
Qin Dad and Qin Mom were slightly taken aback.
"Compared to junior Qin Xin," Bai Ningning hinted, "I'm a bit more familiar with sister Yueyue, after all, I am..."
I'm the girlfriend of the big sister, not the close senior of the straight girl junior. Why are you asking me about Qin Xin?
Qin Dad and Qin Mom exchanged glances and quickly laughed, saying, "Right, right, I got it wrong. I thought you were also participating in activities together at school."
"My bad, my bad, I didn't inquire clearly."
This was just a small episode, and no one took it to heart. To cover up the previous conversation, they started asking about Qin Yue again.
Qin Dad: "Are you getting used to living at home? Has Qin Yue bullied you?"
Bai Ningning was taken aback; why was the question so provocative when it came to the big sister?
After thinking for a moment, she replied, "Well, it depends on the criteria for judgment."
Qin Dad was also stunned; he was just asking casually. Can she really bully her? And does the answer vary with different standards?
At this moment, Qin Yue spoke up: "Dad, Mom, how could I bully her? Don't ask such simple questions."
Qin Mom also realized and smoothed things over, saying, "Yes, they are just a couple; there can only be playful banter, there's no question of bullying."
Is that so? But didn't you tell me before that there were issues in their relationship?
Qin Dad looked at Qin Mom suspiciously but didn't voice his doubts. Forget it, since all three kids are here today and sitting so close, there shouldn't be any problems.
The sudden switch from sister to junior was too abrupt, and Qin Dad and Qin Mom hadn't adjusted well. After a few more exchanges, the conversation gradually became more engaging, and they began to ask some more substantial questions.
First was Qin Dad's soul-searching question: "Ningning, when did you meet Qin Yue, and when did you get together?"
When did my daughter get taken away by this little girl?
Bai Ningning thought for a moment and replied, "About in winter."
Qin Dad raised an eyebrow: "So when did you get together?"
"About also in winter."
Qin Mom silently shot her a glance, thinking, little enchantress, are you singing here?
Bai Ningning was quite innocent; she was telling the truth— the original owner met Qin Yue in their freshman year, probably around the end of the first semester, and they got together at the end of winter break.
The second semester started in March, and at the end of winter break, it was definitely winter.
"Ahem, Ningning, you misunderstood. What I meant to ask is," Qin Dad continued, "When did you get together for the second time?"
The second time refers to the time after the rebirth, when they were at Shuiyue Tingyuan, right?