In Xiao Lan's car, which is getting a free lift, it shouldn't take much time before we get home.

Recently, I heard Xiao Lan say that her two girls went on a trip, and several days have passed by now; Xu Fan figured they should be home by now.

Next, I need to leave Jinling, and if both of them are at home later, I must explain everything to them clearly.

"Hmm… I suppose I'm back, aren't I?"

When Xu Fan asked this, Xiao Lan thought for a while before giving a rather ambiguous answer.

Hearing this answer made Xu Fan frown ruefully. What did she mean by 'suppose I'm back'…?

Shaking his head, Xu Fan didn't dwell on Xiao Lan's words. As he sat in the car, he pondered his next move for a while before speaking again.

"Oh, right, Xiao Lan, after I leave, I'll need you to take extra care of my friends."

Having known Xiao Lan for so long, she was always reliable. Several times when I wasn't around, it was she who looked after the affairs of Lingyan Pavilion.

Even though Jinling is the territory of Lingyan Pavilion, one might still encounter trouble there. Xu Fan considered that after he got to Shanghai, he would ask her to help keep an eye on everyone.

"What? Do you really see me as your empress? Do you expect me to take care of all your concubines?"

As Xiao Lan spoke, she teased while driving.

Xu Fan felt no shame, just pursed his lips and gave her a look before replying, "Xiao Lan, such words don't quite befit the dignified stature of an empress who graces the world with her presence."

"Oh? Your Majesty, are you expressing disdain for your consort?"

"If that's the case, your consort will be angry and won't let you get into bed."

"…"

The way she said it, it was as though I had ever been to bed with her.

Watching Xiao Lan's coquettish demeanor, Xu Fan couldn't help but let his gaze wander suggestively towards Xiao Lan's chest.

"I have no objections to my consort. Consort, do you think perhaps we could share a bed tonight?"

"That won't do. When His Majesty reigns supreme over the world, your consort will reconsider the matter."

After bantering for a while, it finally seemed that Xiao Lan couldn't tolerate Xu Fan's cheekiness anymore, and she put an end to the role-play.

Glancing at Xu Fan, she remarked, "Alright, even if you didn't mention it, I would keep an eye on them."

"Earlier in the clubhouse, did you mention Zhou Zhanlong and He Si for this reason too?"

It looked like Xiao Lan had figured it out, so Xu Fan didn't hide it and nodded in agreement.

Having spent so long at Zijing Middle School, I definitely reaped some benefits.

It wasn't just about experiencing school life, but also about making some brothers.

Shi Lei and Chen Dongdong might only have average capabilities for now, but just based on character, Xu Fan thought they were quite good.

If the two could be nurtured, they would surely become influential figures in their own right one day.

Especially Shi Lei, the guy had talent; all he lacked was a leader.

Perhaps this was my own selfishness, but isn't brotherhood what Lingyan Pavilion values most?

"By the way, Xu Fan, there is something I would like to ask of you," Xiao Lan said with a sudden shift to a more serious expression.

Unless it was something significant, Xiao Lan wouldn't act like this. Understanding this, Xu Fan nodded solemnly and replied, "Xiao Lan, just say it. As long as I can do it, I will."

"When you go to Shanghai this time, I would like you to meet someone on my behalf…"

Xu Fan looked at Xiao Lan with a puzzled expression and asked, "Xiao Lan, who is it?"

"Let's not talk about it for now. We'll discuss it after you handle your upcoming matters first. The consort can't let personal affairs interfere with the emperor's state affairs, can she?"

The more she tried to play it cool, the more Xu Fan felt that something was off.

After mulling it over to himself, Xu Fan went straight to the point and asked.

"Lan sister, is the person you want me to find related to your brother by any chance?"

At Lingyan Pavilion, there was very little mention of the previous Pavilion Master, Xiao Tianfang, and even a certain avoidance of discussing his death.

Despite being such an important figure, no one talked about him, which is strange given that they are all people of deep feelings and loyalty.

This made Xu Fan feel very curious about the matter.

He sensed that it contained some secret not known to others, and although he had been too embarrassed to ask before, by now, Xu Fan couldn't hold back any longer.

He knew very well that Xiao Lan had always kept this to herself.

"Sort of..."

Under Xu Fan's direct gaze, Xiao Lan could no longer avoid the subject. She let out a long sigh, managing to force a smile and said,

"Indeed, it's deeply related to my deadbeat brother. Don't worry, I'll tell you when the time comes."

The person Xiao Lan mentioned seemed to be quite powerful. She didn't want to tell him now, obviously fearful that he would go looking for the person on his own and get into trouble...

"Alright, Lan sister, we'll talk about it when the time comes."

Not wanting to pressure Lan sister, Xu Fan sighed with a wry smile and changed the subject.

They had arrived at the entrance of the supermarket, and eager to meet Zhou Keren and Qin Mengyue, Xu Fan quickly got out of the car.

He ran all the way up to the apartment, took out his keys, unlocked the door, and went straight inside.

Taking stock, it had been quite a while since he last saw the two, and Xu Fan felt a real sense of longing.

Upon opening the door, he could see Zhou Keren in the living room, hugging her knees, sitting on the couch, alone, watching TV.

"Ahem..."

He wasn't sure if she was too engrossed in the TV or pretending not to see him, but upon entering, she acted as if she didn't notice him at all.

Xu Fan intentionally coughed twice then walked over to her.

"Dear Teacher Zhou Keren, a day without you feels like three autumns, I've missed you to death."

His words were lavish, but Xu Fan's hands stayed very proper.

Heaven knows if that tigress Qin Mengyue is lurking somewhere and Xu Fan didn't dare to get too reckless.

"Heh, nice try, Yueyue isn't here."

Zhou Keren saw right through Xu Fan's intentions, chuckled dryly and spoke up.

"Hehehe, with such a perfect opportunity, my fair lady, won't you join me in some fun?"

With Qin Mengyue away, Xu Fan didn't waste a second thought, dropped his pretense, and let his wolf's tail show.

Letting out a wicked laugh, he sat down next to Zhou Keren and began to make his move.

"Pfft, stop it, hmph, I'll ignore you."

Zhou Keren struggled to keep a straight face while Xu Fan, buzzing with excitement, leaned in close — but she couldn't help herself.

Now held in Xu Fan's embrace, her face flushed with a touch of shyness, and her fists began pounding on Xu Fan's chest.

"Stop it..."

It had been a long time since he'd left Jinling to save Xiao Die, but he had asked Lan sister to explain on his behalf. Holding Zhou Keren close, Xu Fan asked, "Be honest, did you miss me?"

"Hmph, only a puppy would miss you!"

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