Su Chen listened, at a loss for words, unsure how to respond. With other women, he could jokingly say, "Sure." But he couldn't utter those words to Xia Qiuru.

For a moment, silence fell between them, as if they were back in the days when they had nothing to talk about.

"By the way, you haven't had dinner yet, right? I know a great place, let's go try it out," Su Chen said, trying to break the awkward air.

"Sure, I'm quite hungry. But remember, if it's not good, I'll hold you responsible," Xia Qiuru immediately replied with a smile, putting away her papers and stepping out.

Walking side by side and casually chatting, they got into Su Chen's new car as if nothing had happened just moments before.

Half an hour later, Su Chen's car pulled up in front of a food stall located in a secluded alleyway.

"Alright, let's get out," Su Chen said with a smile, then opened the car door.

"Surely, the 'great place' you mentioned isn't here?" Xia Qiuru asked, momentarily baffled as she got out and saw the utterly primitive food stall.

Inside, there was only enough space for a few square meters. Besides a kitchen, nothing else could fit. Only near the entrance by the roadside were a few large umbrellas set up, with tables underneath.

"Su-ge, what are you doing here?!" A girl cleaning the tables was incredulous to see Su Chen, but her eyes lit up with delight when she recognized him!

"I've missed you, of course, and came to see you." Su Chen stretched out a hand and gently stroked her hair with a smile. "Women grow up so fast, becoming more beautiful. Walking on the street, Su-ge might not even recognize you now!"

"Su-ge, you're always teasing." The girl blushed shyly and called into the house, "Mom and Dad, Su-ge is here!"

As soon as she finished speaking, a couple in their forties or fifties dashed out, though they looked more like they were in their sixties due to the unkind passage of years.

"Xiao Su, is it really you?!" The man grasped Su Chen's hand excitedly.

"Xiao Su, it's been several years since you've come." The woman's eyes almost brimmed with tears.

"And this is?" Only then did the man notice Xia Qiuru beside Su Chen and asked.

The girl, called Xiao Min, also noticed Xia Qiuru and was momentarily struck by her beauty. Could she be Su-ge's girlfriend? With that thought, she began to feel a bit nervous.

"Uncle Yan, this is my colleague and good friend, Xia Qiuru," Su Chen introduced her with a smile, and Xiao Min immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Uncle, I'm already starving. I came here specifically to taste your cooking."

"Look at me, all caught up talking. What would you like to eat today? I'll cook it for you," Uncle Yan said, smacking his head.

"The usual," Su Chen replied as he sat down at a table, with Xia Qiuru sitting opposite him.

"All right!" The couple went back inside to get busy.

"Xiao Min, come and sit. Have a chat with Su-ge." Su Chen gestured to Xiao Min.

"Okay." Xiao Min agreed with a nod and sat down next to him.

"Why aren't you at school? How did you end up here?" Su Chen asked casually.

"There aren't many classes at university, and I just came over to help out when I'm free."

"All the elites of Huaxia gather at Yandu University. You should focus on your studies and not let your parents and Su Chen down."

"Don't worry, Su Chen. I get scholarships every year."

"That's impressive! I should visit you at Yandu sometime."

"Really? You're not lying to me, are you?" Xiao Min immediately asked excitedly.

"When have I ever lied to you?"

Nearby, Qiuru watched Su Chen. He seemed like a different person, just like the boy next door. The girl was also very pure and pretty. Although she was dressed simply, it did not hide her natural beauty. Qiuru could tell at a glance that the girl really liked Su Chen, or at least had a good impression of him.

Su Chen and Xiao Min's meals were ready after a while – simple home-cooked dishes, but rather tasty. Xiao Min then went to serve other customers.

After the meal, Su Chen greeted the family and left, quietly placing two hundred-yuan notes under the bowls before he left.

"Su Chen, have you lived in Yandu before? How do you know that family?" After getting back into the car, Xia Qiuru asked curiously.

"Yeah, I did live in Yandu for a while. One day, I went to a night club with friends and happened to come across a wealthy boss who was about to bully Xiao Min, who was moonlighting as a waitress. So, I rescued her and took her home."

"After taking her home, I found out why she had to work right after high school. Her family was very poor, but also very proud. I wanted to help them, but they refused, so I started going to their food stall frequently." Su Chen briefly explained how he came to know Xiao Min and her family.

"So it was a hero saving a damsel? No wonder Xiao Min likes you!" After hearing Su Chen's explanation, Xia Qiuru understood why the family was so excited to see him.

"What are you talking about? I think of her as a sister, okay!" Su Chen said with a mix of laughter and exasperation.

"That might be what you think, but that's not necessarily what she thinks!" Qiuru teased with a laugh, obviously seeing that Su Chen had no other intentions towards the young girl.

Su Chen quickly drove to the entrance of an apartment building. The temporary accommodation arranged by the Belle Group was here. It was unclear who arranged the rooms, but Su Chen's was right next to Xia Qiuru's.

The two wished each other good night and went into their respective rooms.

The next morning, Su Chen took Xia Qiuru and two others to Rainbow Mansion. The others would have to take a taxi, as they planned to drive back over the weekend to bring their cars – they hadn't had time due to the urgency of this trip.

Su Chen did not get out of the car. Instead, he told Xia Qiuru he had some matters to attend to, and then drove off.

Xia Qiuru was suddenly puzzled. Why did Su Chen have so many things to do the moment he arrived in Yandu? She had never seen him so busy back in Jianghai.

After leaving Rainbow Mansion, Su Chen drove straight to City South and stopped in front of a courtyard containing only one building.

"May I ask who you're looking for?" The guard at the gate asked as Su Chen approached.

"Qin Ming," Su Chen said indifferently.

The guard was startled, thinking, who is this person who dares to call the bureau chief by name!

"Hey, brother-in-law, what are you doing here?" At that moment, a surprised voice sounded next to Su Chen.

Hanshuang hadn't expected to bump into Su Chen at the entrance of the Special Security Bureau.

"Weren't you in Jianghai?" Su Chen asked in surprise.