In the Dongtian Manor, Uncle Fu and Granny Wang had a quarrel.

The reason was that in the evening, the servants noticed Lin Ran and Luo Yao hadn’t come downstairs yet, and they weren’t sure when to arrange dinner.

After consulting Uncle Fu, he said, "Wait a little longer, no rush."

At this point, Granny Wang grew impatient.

"Miss has stomach issues, and Young Master Lin is still recovering from his illness. How can they skip meals? Go call them down."

Uncle Fu was puzzled. "Who told you Miss has stomach problems?"

"Young Master Lin himself. He personally instructed me to always keep stomach-nourishing porridge ready."

Uncle Fu thought to himself, Good grief, Young Master Lin still believes Miss has stomach issues. How long is this lie going to last?

"Granny Wang, you’re no longer a servant now. You don’t need to worry about these matters—just focus on managing Villa No. 3," Uncle Fu reminded her bluntly.

That’s right, Granny Wang had been promoted. She was now the small housekeeper of Villa No. 3, essentially the guest villa’s manager.

Granny Wang frowned. Villa No. 3 barely had any work—just routine checks at fixed times. With no guests around, there was hardly anything to manage.

So this position was merely a perk given to her by Young Master Lin and Miss Luo. She understood that.

But she didn’t care about that. What concerned her more was the young couple’s health.

"Even as an employee of Villa No. 3, I still have a duty to care for my masters."

Uncle Fu’s expression grew colder. "In this manor, aside from Young Master Lin and Miss Luo, everyone answers to me—including you."

Granny Wang was annoyed, but she couldn’t argue with his logic.

Still, was it really okay to leave Miss Luo and Young Master Lin under the care of such a careless butler?

"Understood, Butler Zhang." Granny Wang stormed off but paused at the door to add, "Oh, about our wedding date… I think I need to reconsider."

Leaving Uncle Fu utterly bewildered.

What’s wrong with her? Is she angry? Or not? Did I upset her? Did I do something wrong?

Just then, Lin Ran and Luo Yao came downstairs. Uncle Fu quickly composed himself, putting on a professional smile.

"Miss, shall we prepare dinner now?"

Luo Yao nodded, while Lin Ran gave Uncle Fu a curious look.

"Why the long face? Did you get dumped?"

Uncle Fu froze. "Was it that obvious?"

"You might as well have written ‘heartbroken’ across your forehead."

Uncle Fu’s gaze dimmed slightly. "I don’t know what’s going on, but lately, Granny Wang and I keep clashing over everything."

Luo Yao wasn’t one for gossip, but Lin Ran loved hearing it.

"Do tell."

Uncle Fu thought for a moment. Perhaps Young Master Lin could be the key to solving this. After all, he had been instrumental in helping Uncle Fu pursue Granny Wang in the first place.

So Uncle Fu laid out all their recent disagreements.

For example, their parenting philosophies clashed. Uncle Fu wanted to provide Wang Anjian with the best education by hiring private tutors.

Granny Wang, however, believed that since Wang Anjian had been sick and friendless before, he should socialize more—attending school would be better.

Then there was the matter of Uncle Fu wanting Wang Anjian to take his surname, while Granny Wang remained noncommittal.

Or how Uncle Fu preferred meat-heavy meals, while Granny Wang leaned toward vegetarian dishes.

And let’s not forget Uncle Fu’s desire to live together before marriage, which Granny Wang dismissed as shameless.

All these trivial conflicts were piling up, driving Uncle Fu to the brink.

"Young Master Lin, tell me—are these issues my fault?"

In the dining room, before the food was even served, Lin Ran held Luo Yao in his arms dotingly while stroking his chin in thought—truly multitasking at its finest.

It was a skill he’d honed out of necessity. Whenever he was with Luo Yao, he had to split his attention.

Eating, sleeping, chatting, walking… No matter what he did, one part of his heart always belonged to her, leaving the rest for everything else.

"I think none of these problems would ever come up between Yao’er and me, so I can only offer advice that might not even be right."

"Please, Young Master Lin."

Right or wrong, he’d take notes first and figure it out later.

"For Wang Anjian’s situation, whether it’s changing his surname or his education, you should ask the child instead of deciding between yourselves."

"As for meals, if your tastes don’t align, just eat separately."

"And the cohabitation issue…" Lin Ran shot Uncle Fu a look of disdain.

"Have Yao’er and I not set an example for you? Just go for it."

Uncle Fu blinked, his old face flushing with embarrassment.

"But… what if Granny Wang resists? Or breaks up with me afterward? Or even drags me to court…?"

Luo Yao, having had her fill of playing in Lin Ran’s arms, finally spoke up.

"Such a coward. If you’re too scared to even risk jail for love, how can you claim to love her?"

"If what you fear actually happens, it just means your love isn’t strong enough. In that case, you’re better off apart."

Uncle Fu: "..."

That makes sense… but also feels off somehow.

The chef finished preparing dinner, and the couple began eating, feeding each other bite by bite while Uncle Fu watched enviously.

He… wanted that with Granny Wang too.

After the meal, Luo Yao finally tore her gaze away from Lin Ran—temporarily.

"Ah Ran and I are heading out."

"Miss, should I accompany you?"

"No, guard the manor."

Luo Yao was going to retrieve their "weapons." They wouldn’t always wait for others to strike first before defending themselves.

Upon learning that several families were plotting against them, she had already decided to strike preemptively.

After Lin Ran and Luo Yao left, Uncle Fu pondered for a moment before heading to Villa No. 3.

Granny Wang was puzzled. "Butler Zhang, is something the matter?"

Uncle Fu stayed silent.

Granny Wang grew concerned. "What’s wrong? You look… different."

Still, Uncle Fu said nothing.

Granny Wang sighed. "If there’s anything, just give your orders."

Finally, Uncle Fu spoke. "Come with me to Villa No. 4."

Granny Wang was baffled. Another job transfer? But wasn’t Villa No. 4 the wedding gift from Miss Luo? What are we going there for now?

This was destined to be a chaotic night…

Meanwhile, at the underground entertainment city, Brother Dao’s venue was just hitting its evening peak.

This money-burning den, raking in fortunes daily, wasn’t a place just anyone could waltz into.

Those who made it here were either men loitering at society’s bottom—constantly brawling and stirring trouble (aka thugs)—or powerful elites with status and influence.

This was Lin Ran and Luo Yao’s first time entering together. Descending to the third underground level, they found a boxing match in full swing.

Wearing masks and surrounded by their bodyguards, they slipped into the back lounge.

No one batted an eye. Disguises were common here, and bringing bodyguards? Perfectly normal.