Chapter 287: Chapter 287

But why are you crying today? Li Xianglu was taken aback when Iro burst into heavier sobs upon asking, her tears falling even more fiercely. Lu Anna sighed and said to Li Xianglu, "The Ailuo family has arranged a match for her. They want her to get married over the New Year."

Li Xianglu was stunned. Iro was the same age as Anna, both 23 this year. It wasn’t early to talk about marriage, but to rush into it was another matter, considering it’s a lifelong commitment.

Just as Anna finished speaking, Iro, embracing her schoolbag and a pile of stuff, stood up to leave, with tears continuously falling down.

Li Xianglu quickly grabbed her and frowned, "Iro, what are you trying to do?"

Iro stopped and explained to Li Xianglu and Anna, "I want to go out of town for a few days."

Iro was a little panicked and took a few breaths before explaining, "I have a boyfriend out of town, I want to find him."

Lu Anna frowned, "Boyfriend? Who is he?"

Iro looked at Li Xianglu and then at Anna, shook her head, and said, "I can’t say for now, but he’s a good person. I want to find him; I don’t want to marry someone else."

Anna was about to speak when Li Xianglu pulled her back to stop her, then sat Iro down and said, "Iro, you can’t just leave . You have to let your family know. Otherwise, if they discover you’re missing, they might think somebody took you away like the last time, and things could spiral out of control. What could be discussed with your family will become impossible to resolve."

Iro stiffened, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I’ll call home before I go."

Li Xianglu glanced at Anna, and Anna turned to ask, "Who is your boyfriend? Can you let us know? That way we can also be prepared."

Iro opened her mouth, looked at Li Xianglu, then closed her mouth tightly again, remaining silent for a long while.

Anna, a bit anxious, wanted to urge her, but Iro spoke up first, "I can’t tell you for now. You all have met him."

What, met him? Who is it? Li Xianglu wanted to ask, but Iro donned her coat, dumped out the books from her schoolbag, then packed her lunchbox, water bottle, and all her documents, wrapped her scarf, and then held out her hands, "Lend me some money; I have to find him."

The two were stupefied. She was not only planning to leave but also needed to borrow money.

Iro said resolutely, "I have to find him, otherwise, I fear I’ll regret it for the rest of my life!"

Lu Anna was momentarily taken aback, her thoughts drifting to the time when she went to find Qin Zhen in Shanghai back in October. It was an overnight train ride, and she set off alone. But the excitement of seeing Qin Zhen was beyond what words could describe. At that moment, Anna felt that even years later, regardless of what her relationship with Qin Zhen would become, the memory of going to Shanghai alone to see him would be unforgettable for life.

Anna took out five ten-yuan notes from her pocket and handed them over, then searched her schoolbag for a stack of National Food Tickets.

Seeing this, Li Xianglu’s eyes widened with surprise. Shouldn’t they stop her? But having extra money on hand when traveling was indeed wise, so she also took out a roll of banknotes, ten one-hundred-yuan notes, along with thirty kilograms of National Food Tickets.

Anna knew Li Xianglu’s pockets were much deeper than her own. She never hesitated to spend on food or clothes and never imagined Li Xianglu usually carried so much money.

Xiao Chong and Wang Ke also began to take out their wallets.

But Iro waved her hands, saying, "Xiao Chong, Wang Ke, one hundred and fifty yuan is enough. I’ve saved some myself; it should cover my expenses. Just make sure to keep my notes organized; I’ll need them when I return."

Then turning to Anna, she said, "Then there’s asking for leave. I won’t be attending classes; you help me with that. I’ll call home first and say I’ll study in the dormitory. Once I arrive, I’ll let my older brother know."

At this point, that was the only arrangement they could make. Anna sighed and agreed, but she couldn’t go back home this week. Almost back-to-back with the Ailuo family, what if she returned and The Ais asked her questions?

So, she turned her gaze towards Li Xianglu, who reluctantly nodded, "Then come back with me for the weekend."

Anna’s eyes sparkled, and she nodded, "I want to eat fish." There, she went ahead and ordered the meal.

Iro left first, heading straight to the train station to buy tickets. Li Xianglu and Anna then walked towards the north gate parking lot.

Upon arriving at the parking lot, they saw Qin Xi talking to a woman, or rather, the woman blocking Qin Xi’s path. This scene was eerily similar to one from last spring.