"Miss Qiu, you’re being too polite. It’s just a small favor, saying thanks would be too formal." Lu Tianxing smiled and said.

Meanwhile, Lingling suddenly spoke up, "Dad, you have no idea, Uncle has been so lazy these days that he needs help even to go to the bathroom. Do you think it’s embarrassing for Uncle to need someone with him in the bathroom when Lingling no longer needs Mom to accompany her?"

"Of course, Lingling, you’re the cutest."

Lu Tianxing gently laughed and affectionately stroked Lingling’s little head.

"Mr. Lu, by inviting me and Lingling to dinner with Miss Bai today, is there something particular you want to discuss?"

Glancing at Lu Tianxing and Lingling’s appearance, Qiu Yingrong suddenly turned her head, her gaze falling on Lu Tianxing, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Even if Lu Tianxing invited her and Lingling for dinner, it seemed unlikely he would bring Bai Zhiqing along. Could it be that Bai Zhiqing had something she wanted to discuss with her?

Upon hearing Qiu Yingrong’s words, before Lu Tianxing had a chance to speak, Bai Zhiqing smiled softly and said, "Actually, it’s nothing significant. We’re about to leave Qin Island, and during this time, my husband and I haven’t had the chance to invite Sister Ying Rong for dinner. Today, we happen to have time, so we decided to invite Sister Ying Rong for a meal and bid farewell."

Startled by Bai Zhiqing’s words, Qiu Yingrong froze momentarily, a trace of bewilderment flashing in her eyes. But she quickly regained composure, with a voice carrying an indefinable emotion, "You’re leaving?"

"Yes!"

Lu Tianxing slightly nodded, saying, "We’ve been on Qin Island for a while now; it’s time to leave. Besides, we have other things to take care of and can’t stay on Qin Island indefinitely."

"When do you plan to leave?"

"Probably in the next few days!"

"Dad, are you leaving? Can you take Mom and me with you? I want to be with you."

At this moment, Lingling raised her head, her eyes filled with strong reluctance to part. Though young and somewhat naive, Lingling was exceptionally perceptive in certain aspects.

Hearing this, Lu Tianxing gently stroked Lingling’s little head and smiled, "Lingling, Dad has some things to handle. You stay at home, be good, and listen to Mom. When Dad finishes his tasks, he’ll come looking for you. If you miss Dad, you can come to Modu to find him, and he’ll accompany you for some fun there."

"Dad, is it true? You’re not lying to me?"

Lingling lifted her small head, looking at Lu Tianxing earnestly.

"Of course, it’s true." Lu Tianxing replied with a squinting smile.

"Then let’s pinky swear."

Saying this, Lingling stretched out her little finger towards Lu Tianxing.

Seeing Lingling’s gesture, Lu Tianxing’s mouth curled slightly into a smile, slowly raising his hand to link his little finger with Lingling’s.

"Pinky swear, a hundred years can’t change."

Chanting this, Lingling looked at Lu Tianxing and said, "Dad, we’ve pinky sworn, whoever breaks it is a puppy. You must come to Qin Island to see me, okay?"

"Yes!"

"Sister Ying Rong, if Lingling wants to see us, you can also come to Modu to find us."

Bai Zhiqing said to Qiu Yingrong, "Just give me a call then."

"Thank you, Zhiqing."

"Sister Ying Rong, you’re too polite. We’re friends; saying thank you is too formal."

"Yes."

Qiu Yingrong slightly nodded, raised the red wine glass in front of her, and said, "Zhiqing, Mr. Lu, as you are leaving, I have nothing much to say. I propose a toast to wish you a safe journey."

Upon hearing this, Lu Tianxing and Bai Zhiqing raised their glasses, gently clinked them together, and then the three of them raised their heads, drinking the red wine in their glasses in one go.

It’s often said that parting is the most painful experience in the world, especially when lovers separate, the pain can be heart-wrenching.

Qiu Yingrong thought she would never again feel the heart-wrenching pain, but as she finished her wine, a hint of undeniable bitterness emerged from the depths of her heart, enveloping her in sorrow, bringing her to the brink of tears.

Ultimately, Lu Tianxing is leaving, and he won’t stay for her. He is merely a passerby in her life, and that passionate encounter may as well be a fleeting dream carried away by the wind.

The dream is over; it’s time to return to reality.

Qiu Yingrong continuously comforted herself, even though her heart was filled with bitterness, her face shouldn’t reveal any of it; throughout, she maintained a faint smile, not letting anyone discern her true inner thoughts.

"Mr. Lu, Zhiqing, take care on your journey. If you have time, come to Qin Island to visit; I’ll be the host then."

"We will."

Bai Zhiqing gently nodded, "At that time, I hope Sister Ying Rong won’t mind us disturbing you."

"Zhiqing, you’re joking. If you come, I’d be thrilled; how could I consider it a disturbance?"

Qiu Yingrong gently chuckled.

After a simple lunch, Lu Tianxing and Bai Zhiqing did not immediately return home but directly took Lingling, along with Qiu Yingrong. The four of them - two women, a man, and a child - headed to the amusement park and joyfully spent the entire afternoon at the marine animal park.

Until after five in the afternoon, as the sky grew dim, the group was ready to part ways.

"Mr. Lu..."

Originally intending to turn away with Bai Zhiqing, Lu Tianxing immediately paused upon hearing Qiu Yingrong’s words, looked at her, and said, "Miss Qiu, what’s the matter? Is there something else?"

"No... nothing."

Qiu Yingrong opened her mouth, smiled bitterly, and said, "I wish you a smooth journey. If you encounter any trouble, feel free to speak up; our Qiu Family will definitely be your loyal partner, Mr. Lu."

As she said this, Qiu Yingrong addressed Lingling, "Lingling, say goodbye to Dad and Aunt Bai."

Lingling obediently said to Bai Zhiqing and Lu Tianxing, "Goodbye, Dad and Aunt Bai. Mom and I are heading home first."

Bai Zhiqing wanted to say something more, but Qiu Yingrong had already left with Lingling.

Watching Qiu Yingrong’s somewhat desolate figure as she departed, Lu Tianxing sighed inwardly, seemingly able to guess the words Qiu Yingrong wished to say but couldn’t bring herself to.

"Did she seem to have something to say to you?"

Lu Tianxing perceived Qiu Yingrong’s unusual behavior, so naturally, Bai Zhiqing felt it too; she could sense that Qiu Yingrong had something she wanted to express to Lu Tianxing, though ultimately left unsaid.

"Perhaps."

Lu Tianxing gently shook his head and said, "Honey, it’s getting late; let’s go back."

Lu Tianxing and Bai Zhiqing slowly walked towards the car. After getting in, they didn’t linger and directly started the car, heading towards the Eight Great Passes Villa.