After Ye Fan and the others accompanied Shen Yaqing to pay respects at the cemetery, they went straight back to the villa.
Qiu Wen and Lu Xuehong were already waiting outside the villa. As soon as they saw Ye Fan and the group, they warmly approached. Lu Xuehong gracefully said, "Master, President, you're back."
Compared to Lu Xuehong's reserve, Qiu Wen was much more carefree, complaining, "Master, I heard this trip to Ba Country was really fun. Next time there's a business opportunity battlefield, can you take me with you? I can contribute too. It's so frustrating just listening to Du Xueqi and Ku Eryue showing off their might."
"We'll talk about it next time," Ye Fan replied indifferently. He had nothing to say about this student filled with violent tendencies, so he could only use words to brush her off.
"Master, you're brushing me off again. It's really frustrating, you know?" Qiu Wen complained, "I have so much capability, but if I can't use it, wouldn't that be wasting my skills?"
Used to her master's calm and indifference, Qiu Wen turned her gaze to Mengyao, weakly saying, "President, can you take me next time? It's really disappointing not having a place to show my talents."
"Alright, alright, we'll definitely take you next time. However, chances might be hard to come by again, at least for now," Mengyao replied truthfully.
"No worries, I trust there will be another opportunity," Qiu Wen said happily.
Chu Biyao chuckled as she glanced at Qiu Wen, provocatively saying, "What's up, sister? Fanfan and our dear sister haven't even had a sip of water since returning, and you're already vying for opportunities. Besides, if you leave, who will oversee Dongfang City? Who will the Ye Gang rely on to handle things? What would happen if someone causes trouble without you there? It's great if you keep things in check, but thinking of displaying your talents abroad—isn't that stretching things a bit?"
"The Ye Gang won't have any trouble, and no one would dare cause anything. You can rest assured about that," Qiu Wen assured with a pat on her chest.
Chu Biyao teased, "Even so, you shouldn't relax. Besides, who said you don't have a place to show your capabilities? Lu Xuehong is fertile ground waiting for you to cultivate it. Without you, wouldn't Lu Xuehong be lonely and bored?"
"Superstar, are you being cheeky again?" Lu Xuehong blushed slightly, speaking bashfully.
"Don't mind her, believing she can say something nice is foolish," Qiu Wen advised, pulling Lu Xuehong's hand.
Lu Xuehong agreed, "Master, if there's ever a chance, cultivate Wenwen further; she's restless, and you know it."
Naturally, she stood up for Qiu Wen. Ye Fan, helplessly, said, "Let's see; all this fighting and turmoil is so dangerous. It's a mystery how the two of you think, always yearning for a stormy life instead of settling down."
Shen Yaqing inspected Qiu Wen and Lu Xuehong, noticing she didn't know Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao's associates well. Yet, the closeness between the two women made her skin crawl. She thought to herself, "These are clearly two women, yet they act like a married couple. It's truly baffling how they can manage it."
Chu Biyao, perceptive of Shen Yaqing's confusion, quickly whispered an explanation.
"Oh, that's how it is; they're actual lovers. This couple truly fits together," Shen Yaqing understood and involuntarily expressed admiration. She was well-traveled abroad and wasn't surprised by homosexuals, but seeing such a couple in Huaxia was new. Looking at Ye Fan, she mused, "As expected, my idol's close friend is so open-minded; having such disciples is indeed refreshing, especially since across Huaxia, people still have reservations about homosexuality."
"So you're Shen Yaqing? Don't stick around this superstar too long; you might pick up bad habits," Qiu Wen said after glaring at Chu Biyao before pulling Shen Yaqing over.
"Indeed, she's a female rogue; being with her is dangerous," Shen Yaqing felt she found an ally in opposing Chu Biyao, not feeling lonely in this side of the faction.
"Well said," Qiu Wen heartily agreed, "In this area, stick with us, and no one will dare lay a finger on you. We should communicate more, as sisters."
Shen Yaqing found Qiu Wen's closeness unfamiliar, given this was their first meeting.
"Hello, if you feel like drinking, come find me; I'll personally mix something for you," Lu Xuehong cheerfully greeted.
"Thank you," Shen Yaqing smiled, then said, "Seeing you two, I've found real love; you're truly a perfect pair."
"Big Milk Hacker, have you got a blind spot? They're the real deal?" Chu Biyao retorted.
"Pfft." As the words "Big Milk Hacker" left her lips, Qiu Wen and her friend chuckled, helplessly saying, "Another nickname given by the superstar? It's one of her favorite things, arbitrarily naming others."
"Exactly, I also gave her a nickname, 'female rogue.' You all should adopt it. 'Superstar' isn't quite accurate; 'female rogue' suits her better," Shen Yaqing stubbornly suggested.
"'Female rogue' nickname sounds fitting, as the superstar often behaves cheekily, matching reality," Qiu Wen and her friend acknowledged with smiling nods.
"Big Milk Hacker, I need to correct you. Sister Knife's relationship isn't true love; it's stormy love. In the world's duality, yin and yang exchange is what counts as true love, understand?" Chu Biyao tried to lecture, highlighting her stance.
"Who believes that? Modern relationships are temporary setups; where's the true love? They're fleeting matches combating loneliness. Whether you've seen true soul love or not, I've never encountered it," Shen Yaqing argued dismissively.
"Temporary setup? Your insight rings true," Chu Biyao acknowledged, "It's good you see this. But staying with us, you'll soon realize true love exists. Keep your eyes peeled."
While the four women conversed, Ye Fan and Mengyao had already entered the villa, leaving them behind.
"I worried Shen Yaqing might not fit in, but it seems I was overthinking," Mengyao softly remarked to Ye Fan.
"With Shen Yahut's connection, she's at ease and thus easily blends with us, no need to worry," Ye Fan replied casually.