Fortunately, the official's wife was quite sensible. She figured that since Xiao Man was leaving the next day, the young couple must have endless things to say before parting ways. Having her own daughter play third wheel at a time like this would be rather unwelcome, so just after eight o'clock, she sent an orderly to pick Xia Qingting up and bring her home.
Gu Shaojun finally felt mollified. He pulled his wife into his arms and lectured her again, telling her to stay far away from Xia Qingting. "She'll make you stupid!"
At Feng Hui and Lin Qingqing's request, Xiao Man delayed her departure from the provincial city until noon the next day. Gu Shaojun had military duties and couldn't get away, so he arranged for a car and driver to take her back.
