After dinner, Xiao Man returned to school with Guan Ailan and Mo Linghui for a self-study session. Gu Shaojun also went downstairs with Zheng Shaolian, telling him to head back to Wancheng early. Zheng Shaolian protested, "Why aren't you leaving? How can you stay here? It'll be just the two of you, an unmarried man and woman. Once you're gone, people will start gossiping about Manman!"
Gu Shaojun, in high spirits, slapped him lightly on the back of the head. "You don't need to worry about that. Just drive carefully and be safe! Come back on Saturday afternoon—the day after tomorrow—to pick up Xiao Man and me. We're going to the village to visit our two elders. The morning after that, I'll return to the Provincial Military District. After I'm gone, I'll have to count on you to look after things here. Thanks for everything, brother!"
Zheng Shaolian snorted. "This is my responsibility. It has nothing to do with you!"
