Evan Lin already had his flight to Minghai booked.
Morning came, and he swung by Clearwater University first to pick up Jill Jing.
Jill Jing was rocking a brand-new outfit, still tiny as ever, topped with a round felt hat. She already looked like a doll, but today she was extra cute.
"Alright, I'll hand her over—make sure you take good care of her."
Professor Gordon Gu grinned at Evan Lin and reached out, planning to pat Jill Jing on the head.
But his hand swung and hit nothing—Jill dodged like a pro.
Professor Gu couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental, sighing quietly.
He looked at Jill Jing, eyes full of reluctance to let her go.
"Relax, after New Year's, I'll bring her back safe and sound."
Evan Lin nodded, then glanced at Old Man Liu. "Teacher, want to head back with us?"
"Nah, I'm good. I already made plans with Old Gu to go skiing in a few days."
Old Man Liu shook his head. "I don't really have any family left in Minghai. If I went back, I'd just be alone."
Might as well enjoy myself while I can still move around, right?
After everything that happened, Old Man Liu's old worries finally melted away.
He was way more cheerful these days.
Plus, Evan Lin had been helping him stretch out and recharge with spiritual qi lately. Old Man Liu looked way younger and full of energy.
"Yeah, right. Someone just wants to go skiing, but really it's all about that date, huh?"
Professor Gu joked from the side.
Obviously, Old Man Liu's ski trip was really a date with that old classmate of his.
"Hey, knock it off."
Old Man Liu's face actually turned red for once.
Evan Lin just smiled and let it slide.
Honestly, seeing Old Man Liu find his own happiness was the best outcome.
"Oh, right, Teacher. Here's a Youth-Preserving Beauty Pill—give it to your teacher's wife when you get the chance."
Evan handed him a Youth-Preserving Beauty Pill.
"Teacher's wife? Don't call her that!"
Old Man Liu gave a sheepish grin, but he still took the pill from Evan.
Snow started falling in Beijing.
The temperature dropped by several degrees overnight.
A layer of fresh white snow blanketed the streets.