"I don't blame her..."

No sooner had Zhuang Yan finished speaking than Aunt Jiang hurriedly said something.

"It's good that you don't blame her. Look, you met Ningning on the show right after you broke off your engagement, which means you two are destined for each other. It's a dating reality show, and you didn't have anyone you liked. Ningning and you are childhood sweethearts. You grew up together and know each other inside and out. You even dated before. Although you've been separated for so many years, Ningning has always liked you. I'm so relieved that you can get married and start a family. It can be considered as making up for the regrets of the past."

She became more and more excited as she spoke, her eyes filled with pleading and expectation as she looked at Zhuang Yan. A mother would do anything for her daughter's happiness.

"Aunt Jiang, Jiang Ning and I are friends. I can help with a friend's care, but it depends on whether she needs it. Have you asked her if she needs it?"

Zhuang Yan's question stumped everyone with just one sentence.

He continued: "When you urge her to get married and try to entrust her to a man to take care of her, it is disrespectful to her and ignores her efforts over the years. From breaking into the entertainment industry alone to becoming a national sensation, she is confident and strong, much more capable than men. You shouldn't confine her to the family and force her to get married and have children. That's not who she is. She will go to the world and stand at the top. Actually, think about it, she's been doing just fine all these years since she left me, hasn't she?"

That's what they say, but Jiang Ning likes Zhuang Yan. People are always greedy; even when they have happiness, they still hope that life can be more fulfilling.

A successful career combined with a happy family—that's what makes a winner in life.

A mother always hopes that her child can have a better life, and that someone will be there for her and take care of her when she is sick or encounters difficulties.

Zhuang Yan is a good example. He can cook, do housework, is considerate, has a gentle and understanding personality, and has no bad habits. Most importantly, Jiang Ning likes him.

Jiang Ning can't be an actress forever. One day she will return to a normal life, get married and start a family. Love is like growing flowers; your partner is the most important person in your life. If you meet the right person, you can grow old together. They will occupy more time in your life than your parents.

For someone like Jiang Ning to be filming, she needs a lover like Zhuang Yan who can understand her.

Zhuang Yan could tell from her expression that she was lost in her own world, and in this situation, it was best to cut the Gordian knot quickly.

Zhuang Yan made a quick decision: "Aunt Jiang, I already have someone I like. I won't give my attention to anyone else for her sake. I just want to take care of her wholeheartedly and be good to her alone."

Aunt Jiang's expression crumbled: "You have someone you like? Who is it? You're not just making up an excuse to reject me, are you?"

Zhuang Yan: "I don't need to find a reason to refuse. I'm telling you this simply because I want to share it."

Aunt Jiang didn't believe her and insisted, "Then tell me, who is the person you like?"

Zhuang Yan stated directly: "Lu Yan is the Lu Yan who recorded the show with me. Since you've watched the show, you must know her."

Of course she knew that there were two dates on the show.

Zhuang Yan's first date was with Lu Yan, and the second was with Jiang Ning.

The difference is apparent through comparison. Even as a viewer, she could sense Zhuang Yan's special feelings for Lu Yan, let alone Jiang Ning.

She bombarded her with three questions in a row: "Do you know her? Are you two a good match? She's also your ex-girlfriend's aunt. Aren't you afraid of what people will say?"

“Life is about your own feelings, not anyone else’s opinions. As long as you are happy, that’s all that matters. Life is long, and I will slowly get to know her.” Zhuang Yan emphasized, “Aunt Jiang, I came here today with Lu Yan’s permission, and Jiang Ning knows that too.”

When Lu Yan was mentioned, a tenderness appeared on his face that even he himself was unaware of.

Aunt Jiang's eyes flashed with surprise, as if she hadn't expected this outcome.

Zhuang Yan held Lu Yan in very high regard, her position in her heart was very secure, and she would not allow any outsiders to interfere. If she asked any further questions, it would be considered that she was disrespectful. She was filled with regret for not being able to get an opportunity for Jiang Ning, and her eyes were sore from the sadness.

While they were chatting for so long, Zhuang Yan's hands were busy. In no time, he put the fish into the pot. After the water boiled, steam wafted out. It was spicy boiled fish, with a lot of chili peppers, so it was a bit pungent.

Zhuang Yan glanced to the side casually and saw that Aunt Jiang's eyes were red.

Zhuang Yan paused. He had his own principles and wouldn't soften his heart and agree to anything just because he saw her in pain. "Aunt Jiang, the kitchen is smoky. You should go out and rest."

"Okay." This time she didn't refuse.

As soon as the kitchen door closed, he could hear Jiang Ning's voice outside. He couldn't hear what she was saying, nor did he care.

It took more than an hour to cook several dishes. Zhuang Yan wiped down the countertop while cooking to ensure it was clean and tidy. The last dish was stir-fried tender beef. After it was taken out of the pan and plated, Jiang Ning opened the kitchen door and came in.

"I'll come in and get the bowl."

Zhuang Yan made way for Jiang Ning, watching her bend down to open the cupboard and take out three bowls. He glanced at her expression; she looked a little upset, her lips pressed tightly together, clearly sulking.

Jiang Ning, washing the dishes, said, "Don't take what my mom said to heart. I've already let it go."

"I didn't take it to heart."

"It's good that you didn't take it to heart. I was just afraid that because of her... we wouldn't even be able to be friends anymore. Also, thank you for what you said to my mom. You're right, I don't need anyone to take care of me. I'm strong enough on my own, and I can live a better life even without you in the future." As she said this, Jiang Ning's expression softened, and she smiled.

She took out the washed dishes and chopsticks: "Wash your hands and come out to eat. The sooner you finish eating, the sooner you can go home. Lu Yan is waiting for you."

As she turned around, Jiang Ning's eyelashes trembled and her nose stung with tears.

Once at the dinner table, she acted as if nothing had happened. Aunt Jiang served soup to Zhuang Yan and then glanced cautiously at Jiang Ning.

The harmony was only superficial. The meal was good, but it was uncomfortable. Zhuang Yan ate very little before feeling full.

"Xiaoyan, why are you eating so little? Won't you eat some more? This fish is your favorite."

"I'm already full, I can't eat anymore."

"Then have some soup. These are all from my black-boned chickens, they're very nutritious..."

Jiang Ning slammed down her chopsticks: "Mom, didn't you hear Zhuang Yan say he was full? You're still making him drink soup. He has a sensitive stomach, and he'll feel uncomfortable if he eats too much."

Aunt Jiang said awkwardly, "I don't know..."

Zhuang Yan quickly smoothed things over, saying, "My stomach is much better now, it's nothing serious."

After the meal, Jiang Ning took the dishes inside to wash, while Zhuang Yan, left outside with nothing to do, decided to walk around and find something to do.

Perhaps he had said something too harsh before, because Aunt Jiang didn't come looking for him anymore. She probably realized the reality and knew that he and Jiang Ning had no chance anymore.