The slanting light cast beautiful patterns on the wall.

Xi Luting was dumbstruck on the spot.

This was a mansion beyond the limits of her imagination.

Growing up in a well-off family, she had only seen such villas and courtyards in movies.

And this wasn't the countryside. This was the economic center of Huaxia, Magic Capital. Moreover, it was the core old city area of Magic Capital, Xujiahui.

In terms of money, wouldn't it be worth hundreds of millions?!

Pan Ge was very proud, and Han Lie behind her easily noticed that change—her steps became lighter and more buoyant, lively and adorable.

But surprisingly, she didn't brag to Xi Luting or use it to put her down.

It could be because of her upbringing, or perhaps because she cherished this new friend she could roughhouse with.

Actually, Han Lie rather hoped she would show off a bit. Not for anything else, he just wanted to broaden his horizons.

However, right up until they pushed open the mansion's grand door, Pan Ge didn't bring it up voluntarily, not even a single word.

She just cheerfully welcomed them, "Please come in quickly, I've already prepared slippers for you."

Han Lie and Xi Luting changed into slippers and stepped in from the foyer, their view suddenly broadened.

Wow! The first floor had a ceiling at least four to five meters high, and the second floor was also over three meters tall. The main hall spanned both first and second floors, making the space feel incredibly open.

The most eye-catching feature was that super large chandelier "hanging" down from the ceiling, as dazzling as fiery trees and silver flowers.

As for the decor, being that old Magic Capital style, Han Lie didn't particularly care for it; it didn't evoke much feeling in him. His only impression was that it was a bit old-fashioned.

The most beautiful thing in the whole hall was the pure white grand piano placed in the corner.

Han Lie was a bit surprised and asked, "You can play the piano too?"

"Mm-hmm~" Pan Ge nodded, making a stressed "Mm," followed by a gentle, trailing "hmm." It sounded steady yet lively, with a touch of pride.

Well, well, it seems her skill isn't half bad...

Being a guest at someone's home, Han Lie naturally liked to be supportive, casually applauding, "True to form for a young lady from a prominent family. I hope I'll have the chance to enjoy your piano music."

Pity Pan Ge didn't bite on that at all; instead, the memory of the lost spoon resurfaced, and she rolled her eyes hard.

"Do you deserve it?"

HISS... She's cute, alright, but she's also really asking for a beating.

But Han Lie didn't need to react because the next second, someone else stepped in for him.

"Sweetie!" As a voice with a hint of severity rang out, a middle-aged beauty walked out from the right side of the hall, frowning slightly with an unhappy expression.

"Is that any way to behave?"

Seeing the beautiful woman, Pan Ge reacted like a mouse seeing a cat, instantly plastering on an intensely sycophantic expression.

"Mom~~~" she dragged out the word, wheedling while also trying to negotiate. "In front of my classmates, could you please not call me by my pet name?"

Pan's mother glared at her, then suddenly switched to a kind, warm, enthusiastic smile, turning to greet Han Lie and Xi Luting.

"You must be Little Han and Ting Ting, right? I'm Pan Ge's mother, just call me Auntie Zhao... Come in, come in quickly. The living room is this way. Come sit down with Auntie and let's chat!"

Perhaps because of Zhao Anni's earlier sternness, or maybe because of the pressure from the lavish mansion, Xi Luting was a bit intimidated.

Her unease made her subconsciously cling to Pan Ge's arm, and then she bowed slightly to Zhao Anni with considerable politeness.

"Auntie Zhao, hello. I'm Xi Luting." Concise and to the point, it was her usual defensive stance.

Everything seemed normal, but in the eyes of Zhao Anni, who had already made up her mind... the corner of her eye twitched emphatically.

Just look at them! Thick as thieves! Are you two trying to show me how a day apart feels like three years?!

That disappointing girl! Acting all cold and standoffish with Little Han, but all smiles towards Xi Luting... Are you daft?! What's the use of being so chummy with another girl!

Zhao Anni was inherently a fiery person. After silently cursing Pan Ge countless times, she decisively turned to Han Lie with her warmest smile.

Ah, Little Han, you are an honored guest!

Han Lie was very quick on the uptake. He saw his mother-in—Auntie Zhao, that is—intending to greet him, and he immediately gave a deep bow.

It wasn't a 90-degree bow, which would have been too exaggerated, but it was a respectable 45 degrees.

His demeanor was steady, his expression respectful, but not fawningly obsequious.

"Auntie Zhao, hello, I am Han Lie. This is our first visit, so Xi Luting and I brought a small gift. Thank you and Uncle Pan for your warm hospitality."

Without waiting for Zhao Anni to respond, he made himself right at home. "Where's the kitchen? I'll take it in."

Zhao Anni couldn't stop smiling; the more she looked at Han Lie, the more pleased she became.

"Alright, since it's your first visit, Auntie will accept it. Later, I'll wash them myself for everyone to eat. But no gifts next time, alright? Otherwise, Auntie will absolutely have to give you a return gift! Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Auntie Zhao." Han Lie flashed a toothy grin.

Pan Ge, standing to the side, rolled her eyes once again. What's this about a 'next time'? So annoying!

"Pan Ge, take Ting Ting to the living room and sit with her. I'll accompany Little Han to the kitchen. And tell your father to come downstairs. The guests are here, what's he still dawdling for?"

Zhao Anni bustled about making these arrangements, and Han Lie quietly followed her.

The kitchen was also on the first floor. Inside, a chef and a helper were busy cooking.

Zhao Anni had said she would wash them herself, and indeed, she began to do just that.

She asked the helper to bring out several bowls and baskets and immediately got to work. As she busied herself, she began to chat with Han Lie, subtly trying to get a measure of him.

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