After tidying up, we stepped out of the bedroom to find Auntie seated on the living room sofa, cradling an old photo album and occasionally turning its pages with gentle care. When she noticed us, a warm smile lit up her face."You two should live well together," she said softly."Argue less, show more understanding toward each other. Did you resolve your disagreement from last night?"

I hurriedly replied,"It's all sorted, really. It wasn't anything significant." As I spoke, I scratched my head, feeling a bit sheepish. After all, the quarrel last night had been over trivial matters, and in retrospect, it was hardly worth the fuss.

Auntie nodded in satisfaction."Good. Seeing you both happy gives me peace of mind. I'll be heading back tonight, Ryan. Do visit us when you have the time."

"Of course, Auntie," I answered with a smile, silently etching this promise in my heart.

She continued,"You should take the matter of marriage seriously. I just don't understand why young people nowadays, already together, don't think about getting married."

"Mom, let's go have breakfast," Sophie interjected hastily, her cheeks tinged with an embarrassed blush. She appreciated her mother's concern but was also acutely aware that we weren't yet ready to shoulder the responsibilities of marriage.

We headed to a nearby restaurant, where the morning sunlight streamed through the glass windows, bathing the space in a warm and inviting glow. The restaurant was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered about, creating an atmosphere of serene leisure. Just as we settled into our seats, a familiar figure caught our attention—Lucas Steele, sitting by the window, leisurely sipping his coffee.

"What a small world," I murmured to Sophie, who nodded, her gaze tinged with a hint of resignation.

Lucas Steele spotted us immediately. Setting down his cup, he rose and approached us with brisk enthusiasm."Auntie! What brings you to Virelia?"

Auntie paused momentarily, then smiled."Oh, Lucas, you're having breakfast here too? Have you eaten enough? Join us."

"Auntie, of course! Come, have a seat over here." Lucas, ever courteous, guided Auntie to a chair, his face adorned with a broad smile that revealed perfectly aligned teeth gleaming like pearls under the sun."Auntie, you didn't tell me you were coming to Virelia. If my father knew, he'd surely scold me for not greeting you properly."

Waving her hand dismissively, Auntie replied,"It's nothing, really. I just came to visit Sophie and will be heading back tonight. That's why I didn't ask her to call you over."

Lucas's smile grew even brighter, his expression radiant."Auntie, you're too polite. If my parents knew you were in Virelia without informing them, they'd surely blame me for failing to fulfill my duties as a host."

Auntie's smile softened, her eyes brimming with gentle affection."Lucas, you've truly grown into such a thoughtful young man."

"Auntie, you're leaving tonight?" Lucas asked, a note of regret in his voice."I was hoping to show you around today."

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Auntie shook her head lightly, her tone warm but resolute."No need for that. Sophie and Ryan will accompany me today. You go ahead with your work."

Lucas hesitated, clearly reluctant to let the moment slip away. However, Sophie, perceiving his persistence, swiftly intervened."You should finish your meal. Focus on the matters at the company today. I'll take care of my mom."

Lucas Steele's face flashed with displeasure, but he quickly regained his composure."Well, Sophie, you should keep my aunt company for me. She doesn't come to Virelia very often."

I sat quietly on the sidelines, intending to simply observe, but the fear of drawing trouble to myself kept me silent. Auntie picked up a crab roe bun, savoring it delicately, a satisfied expression spreading across her face."Mmm, this flavor is excellent. This restaurant seems truly authentic."

Lucas Steele promptly chimed in,"Auntie, the head chef here is renowned for his mastery of authentic cuisine."

Auntie nodded approvingly, her smile warm."I see. Ryan, you should try this crab roe bun; it's truly remarkable."

I accepted the bun, catching a fleeting trace of complexity in Lucas Steele's gaze, as though he were speculating about the nature of my relationship with Sophie.

A subtle doubt crept into my mind. Had they not clarified things with their families? Or perhaps they weren't even a couple?

Lucas's smile grew slightly rigid, but he maintained an air of politeness."Auntie, you have such a refined palate. This restaurant offers many other specialties—shall I order a few more for you to try?"

Auntie waved him off gently."There's no need, Lucas. Eat your meal; don't busy yourself with me. I understand how hard you young people work."

Lucas nodded, though a hint of disappointment lingered in his expression. He had hoped to seize this opportunity to spend more time with Auntie, to demonstrate his devotion and sincerity. Yet, it seemed his plans had fallen through.

After breakfast, Lucas bade Auntie farewell with courteous grace."Auntie, I won't accompany you further today, but I'll be sure to visit you soon."

Auntie responded with a warm smile."Lucas, no need to be so formal. I'll be delighted if you visit me whenever you're free."

Lucas cast a fleeting glance at Sophie, the corners of his lips curving into a subtle, almost imperceptible smile."Sophie, take good care of Auntie. I'll head back to the office now." With those words, he gave Sophie's shoulder a light pat and turned toward the door. The sunlight streaming through the window illuminated his tall figure, lending a faint air of melancholy to his retreating silhouette.

Auntie watched him leave, then turned to Sophie."Does he still hold shares in the company?"

Sophie nodded slightly, her voice soft."He still holds 20 percent. After all, he's helped me before; I can't simply force him out."

Auntie frowned, her tone laced with concern."Gratitude is important, but I worry you're too deeply entangled with him."

Standing nearby, I listened in confusion. Earlier, it seemed the two families were on close terms, but Auntie and Sophie's conversation hinted otherwise. I couldn't make sense of it.

Sophie, noticing my perplexity, smiled faintly, a hint of apology in her eyes."Ryan, could you bring the car around?"

I nodded and quickly stepped outside, bringing the car to the entrance. Auntie and Sophie climbed in, with Sophie taking the passenger seat. She turned to me and said,"Ryan, let's head to Taiguan Temple."

I keyed the destination into the GPS, started the engine, and the car began its steady journey toward the temple. The atmosphere inside the car was subdued, with Auntie and Sophie both appearing lost in their own thoughts. Through the rearview mirror, I caught a glimpse of Auntie's slightly furrowed brow, as though she were pondering something deeply. Sophie, meanwhile, gazed out of the window, her expression distant and pensive.

Upon arriving at Taiguan Temple, Auntie and Sophie alighted, and I followed them inside. The air was thick with the aroma of incense, the faint scent of sandalwood permeating the space. They each placed a generous offering into the donation box. Watching from the side, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy—if only such wealth could find its way to me.

It suddenly struck me that this month's salary hadn't been paid yet. They had mentioned $10,000, but I wasn't sure how much would actually land in my account after deductions. I resolved to call later in the evening to find out.