Ye Fan kept a distance from Qin Yi in terms of words, while Mengyao, though not saying much, held the same thoughts as Ye Fan.

Ye Juanjuan noticed this, but was not in a hurry; she could only go slowly. She naturally understood that Ye Fan and Mengyao were being cautious out of love for her, worried she might be deceived.

Qin Yi understood this too; if he had a sister, he would naturally be scrutinizing towards her boyfriend.

Thus, he did not mind Ye Fan’s difficulties; he believed, given time, he could win Ye Fan over as his brother-in-law. Of course, this would take time.

The current environment is so restless that anything could happen. Ye Fan’s scrutiny is only natural.

The dinner ended amidst a lukewarm atmosphere.

The four of them left; Ye Fan and Mengyao walked ahead, while Ye Juanjuan and Qin Yi followed behind, chatting away.

"Don’t mind, my brother isn’t targeting you, he’s looking out for me," Ye Juanjuan apologized.

"I understand, I do," Qin Yi glanced at the pair in front and said in a low voice, "To them, I’m just a stranger. There’s a journey to take from being a stranger to becoming family, and I’m ready for it."

"As long as you understand, we can work together to win their approval sooner," Ye Juanjuan said happily.

"To put it plainly, they’re concerned for you. If I had a sister, I’d be the same," Qin Yi said earnestly.

Ye Juanjuan changed the topic, asking, "How many days do you have off this time?"

"Two days, I have to return to the base tomorrow afternoon," Qin Yi replied.

"It’s already evening; I must go home with my brother and sister-in-law. How about you pick me up later, and we go see a movie together?" Ye Juanjuan decided.

"That doesn’t sound right," Qin Yi said hesitantly. "If they find out, they’ll distance themselves from me, thinking I’m deceiving you."

"How can you be so timid? Listen to me, don’t bother about them," Ye Juanjuan said confidently. "You rarely get a break; let’s enjoy ourselves without worrying too much."

"Alright, we’ll try to keep it low-key so we don’t get caught," Qin Yi said happily.

Up ahead, Mengyao whispered, "I think he’s quite decent. Isn’t your attitude a bit harsh?"

"Being cautious is never wrong, not too harsh. If we accept too easily, he won’t treasure it. Let’s wait and see," Ye Fan said seriously.

"Next time, be more considerate; you’re making it difficult for others," Mengyao advised.

"I understand," Ye Fan nodded.

In the garage, Ye Fan and Mengyao got into the car, while Ye Juanjuan and Qin Yi continued whispering to each other.

"You should leave, they’re waiting for you," Qin Yi said.

"Remember, wait for my call, then pick me up. Don’t follow us, or you’ll be easily caught," Ye Juanjuan instructed.

"I’m alert enough; don’t worry," Qin Yi laughed.

Ye Juanjuan finally bid farewell to Qin Yi and got into Ye Fan and Mengyao’s car, waving goodbye as the vehicle started.

As the car drove under the streetlights, Ye Juanjuan reproached, "Brother, you’re going too far. I’m introducing you to my boyfriend, and look at your attitude; it’s quite harsh. What’s the matter with you?"

"Helping you examine your boyfriend never hurts," Mengyao chimed in.

"Had I known, I would have taken Qin Yi to meet mom and dad, instead of involving you," Ye Juanjuan said dejectedly.

"If your parents meet your boyfriend, they’ll surely press you for marriage. Once they find Qin Yi alright, they’ll jump into wedding talks. You’ve only known each other for a few months. You’re rational, you have your thoughts, and surely don’t want to be rushed by your parents, right?" Mengyao analyzed objectively. "So, you called us to help you objectively vet Qin Yi, to see if he’s suitable, ruling out any biases you might have."

"That’s what I heard, but my feelings for Qin Yi are great; he’s righteous, generous, and caring. He’s really good," Ye Juanjuan said.

"You have your judgment, and I shouldn’t interfere much, but I have a few words," Ye Fan said. "With Qin Yi’s job nature, your meetings will be scarce in the future; most of the time you’ll be alone. His companionship will be scarce, especially once you have kids, the time he spends with them will be minimal too. Then, you’ll have to be the dutiful wife and mother at home, taking care of the kids, leaving no room for work."

"We’re just dating, not yet at the stage of settling down and having kids. Your analysis is too realistic to accept," Ye Juanjuan felt uncomfortable with Ye Fan’s words, thinking about being home alone often, without work, just tending to kids was unbearable, a feeling of unease she couldn’t shake.

Being a strong woman, such trivial matters in her past really were unacceptable to her.

"These are facts, it’s reality. How you live in the future is something you should know and plan. As for the choice, that’s your issue, and we really shouldn’t meddle too much," Ye Fan said. "No regrets now don’t guarantee no regrets later; making a choice now means facing its consequences later, whether happiness or distress, only through experience can we know."

"My nice love story gets buried by you two," Ye Juanjuan complained.

"Thinking more about the future isn’t necessarily bad," Mengyao had every right to say, "My grandfather was someone who prioritized work and overlooked family. I know what that means for a family — though he’s a hero, he’s not a qualified father, nor a proper family member and elder."

"I won’t listen to you anymore; I’m sadly discovering my love is being put to rest by you just as it starts," Ye Juanjuan lamented.

"Alright, no more dampening your spirits," Mengyao whispered to Ye Juanjuan. "With Qin Yi’s job, you’d end up in legal trouble for straying."

"Really?" Ye Juanjuan nudged Mengyao.

At Ye Juanjuan’s residence, the car stopped.

After saying goodbye, Ye Fan and Mengyao left.

Ye Juanjuan took a few breaths of cool air, shaking off the unpleasant feelings from Ye Fan and Mengyao’s words before contacting Qin Yi.

Her love dreams were just beginning; they wouldn’t just easily crumble because of Ye Fan and Mengyao’s words.