Li Si froze for a moment upon hearing these words. She truly hadn't expected that something she did unintentionally would become fodder for such gossip behind her back.
It seemed like she was really regressing in life. She had initially thought that gifting a few fruits from the Space Shop to the elderly lady might help cleanse her body of impurities. After all, the older one gets, the more impurities build up.
Beibei anxiously tugged at Li Si's hand, his eyes full of anger, clearly itching to circumvent the dense forest ahead and confront those women.
Li Si quickly made a "shush" gesture, half carrying and half dragging Beibei away from the spot.
After they had walked a good distance, Li Si set Beibei down and took his hand to lead him forward. Beibei observed Li Si's somber mood.
"Auntie, don't take it to heart. Second Granny is just like that—her words are always unpleasant. But don't worry, Grandma definitely likes the gift you gave her. She loves anything you give her!"
Li Si forced a smile. "It's fine, Beibei. Auntie just hopes that what happened just now will stay a little secret between us, okay? Don't tell anyone. Can you do that?"
"Why, Auntie? This should be told to Grandma, and Dad and Mom too! They were speaking ill of people behind their backs. Teacher said it's wrong to gossip."
"But Beibei, we overheard them unwittingly just now. You could even say we eavesdropped. Don't you think eavesdropping is wrong too?"
Beibei nodded hesitantly, still somewhat confused.
"So that's why we'll keep this to ourselves, just the two of us. Pinky promise!"
She extended her right-hand pinky, curling it. Beibei matched her gesture, his little mouth chanting, "Pinky promise, hang for a hundred years, no changing, seal it!"
When they returned to the banquet hall, they couldn't find the elderly lady. Li Si handed Beibei over to Yin Qi. "Sister Yin, I have an urgent matter and need to leave. I'll visit again next time! I couldn't find Aunt Han—could you please explain to her for me?"
"Li Si, stay and finish the meal before leaving. What's so urgent?"
Yin Qi held onto Li Si's hand, questioning her.
Li Si explained, "A friend urgently needs to see me. There will surely be opportunities to meet again. If you have time, you can also bring Beibei to North City to visit me and have some fun!"
"Alright then. Let my brother take you back; this place is quite far from downtown."
As she spoke, Yin Qi went to call for Yin Xian. Li Si didn't even manage to reach for her sleeve. Thinking it over, she decided it wasn't worth objecting; Yin Qi would only feel bad otherwise. It's better to go along with the host's arrangements.
On the way, Yin Xian questioned Li Si about why she was leaving so abruptly. Li Si made up an excuse to brush him off. Feeling somewhat downcast, she returned home.
She took off her dress and shoes and flopped onto the big bed in a daze, letting out a sigh. It became clear to her that class disparities truly existed everywhere. Because she had saved someone, she had inadvertently entered the circle of the wealthy—a world of so-called etiquette and norms that she hadn't encountered in two lifetimes. She resolved to focus on her simple, happy little life from now on, as those elite circles were definitely not a fit for her.
Back in North City, it was already 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Instead of returning to school, Li Si went straight home. She released the little monkey and let it roam in her room, then began tidying up the house.
She dug out the specialty products she had bought in Beijing and dialed Bai Shasha's number. After only two rings, the call was answered with a hearty laugh. Li Si's lips curved into a smile.
Shasha: "Sisi, you're back?"
Li Si: "Yep! I've successfully returned with a ton of tasty treats for you! Wanna guess what I brought?"
Shasha: "Ugh, teasing me like this when I can't taste them right now is cruel! You better bring them all to school for me the day after tomorrow—I plan to devour it all!"
Li Si: "As you command, Queen Shasha. By the way, anything worth reporting while I was gone these past few days?"
Shasha: "Hmm, not really... Oh, actually, my family went on a day trip to the outskirts with Cao Yufan's family!"
Li Si: "Haha, that's major progress! A full-family outing? And you're telling me that doesn't count? How's your future mother-in-law—easy to get along with?"
Shasha: "What nonsense are you spouting! You cheeky girl, I'm not talking about this anymore. So, where did you go in Beijing? Anything fun happen? Fess up!"
Li Si: "Fun stuff? Oh, plenty! I'll spill the details when I see you. But I learned something big while there!"
Shasha: "Big news? Don't tell me you fell for a handsome guy at first sight and pledged your life to him!"
Li Si: "What are you talking about? I found a lost boy and later helped the police locate his family. Then, I even visited his home as a guest."
Shasha: "Oh my god, what kind of cosmic luck is that? You're even playing the role of Lei Feng all the way in Beijing! What happened next?"
Li Si: "What happened next? Well, I came back, of course!"
Shasha: "Pfft. Bring your treats and a full report to me the day after tomorrow, got it? Bye!"
Li Si: "No problem! Bye!"
After hanging up, Li Si's mood lingered in the happy moment from just now. Being around Bai Shasha always had the ability to snap her out of a bad mood instantly.
"Knock knock knock." Loud knocking sounded. Who could be here at this hour?
"Who is it?"
"Is Li Si home? It's Grandma Li and your aunt!"
Li Si opened the door, puzzled about their visit. In her past life, aside from New Year's, there had been little interaction.
Grandma Li sat down immediately upon entering and began a tirade. "Where have you been, child? Your second aunt came over several times, but there was no one home. It's the National Day holiday—why don't you stay home? Where have you been?"
She silently noted to herself how much Li Si had changed. The girl had become quite beautiful; her skin was like peeled eggs, glowing with shine. Her gaze was sharp, making people hesitant to meet her eyes directly.
Li Si's face fell with displeasure. "I went out with classmates during the holiday. Don't you all have my phone number? I didn't see any missed calls from you these past few days, though."
Aunt Li Guozhi tried to smooth things over with a flattering smile. "Your grandma was just worried. A young girl being away from home for several days—it's only natural to worry, right?"
Grandma Li softened her tone and added, "Your aunt has a point. I've been thinking about you. Your dad isn't here anymore, and it's just you left—Grandma worries, you know. You said you went out with classmates. Were they male or female classmates? Don't hang out with dubious characters and end up learning bad habits!"
"Female classmates. By the way, Grandma, Aunt, what brings you here? Is there something you need?"
Li Si didn't like hearing such comments. In her past life, living at her uncle's house, remarks like these were all too familiar.
Aunt Li Guozhi exchanged a glance with Grandma Li, who cleared her throat.
"Well, your aunt's family wants to open a small restaurant, but they're short on funds. I heard from your second aunt that your dad left some money behind. You see, you're still a student and don't really need it now. Why not lend it to your aunt for the time being? When you graduate and need it, she'll pay you back. Li Si, your aunt has always treated you well since you were little, hasn't she? Now that she's going through a tough time, as her niece, you can't turn your back on her!"
Li Si frowned. In her past life, there hadn't been any mention of her aunt's family opening a restaurant. Could her rebirth have flapped its butterfly wings and changed their fate?