Chapter 73 An unexpected encounter with Lin Yuwei at the teahouse. He had never experienced anything like this in his life...

Gu Qingyan was silent for a moment before asking softly, "Then... are we going back to Mingchuan?"

Lin Yuwei gazed at the verdant valley in the distance, where several deer were leisurely strolling through the woods. She took a deep breath: "Let's keep going. I've booked a flight for tomorrow morning."

These words were spoken softly, yet they caused Gu Qingyan's eyes to flicker slightly. He understood the deeper meaning in her words: she was willing to continue their journey together, but she had also clearly drawn a line for today.

"Okay," he replied gently, without asking any further questions. "Send me the flight information, let's go back together."

The two continued along the winding path, sunlight filtering through the evergreen leaves and casting dappled shadows on them. The warm atmosphere that had been interrupted by the phone call seemed to have quietly returned, only now tinged with a subtle sadness of parting.

After having lunch at a restaurant in the valley, they took the bus back down the mountain. Unlike the relaxed atmosphere on the way up, this time they were both quiet, each gazing at the scenery outside the window.

The lush greenery of Huaiming Valley gradually faded into the distance, and the desolation of winter returned to the view, as if the valley that had been like spring all year round was just a beautiful dream.

Lin Yuwei booked the plane ticket and sent the flight information to him. Almost the instant the message was sent, she heard a slight notification sound beside her. She then saw him take out his phone, look down at it, and quickly operate his fingers on the screen.

“I’ve made a reservation too.” He turned his head and smiled happily at her: “Next seat.”

This gesture made Lin Yuwei's heart flutter slightly. He not only wanted to accompany her, but also wanted to extend this companionship to the very last moment of the journey.

The plane finally landed smoothly at Mingchuan Airport. After collecting their luggage, Gu Qingyan naturally took Lin Yuwei's suitcase: "My car is parked in the garage. I'll take you back."

On Sunday morning, with the roads clear, the car drove out of the airport. Lin Yuwei looked at the familiar city street scene outside the window and suddenly said, "How about we go get some more breakfast?" She wanted to spend a little more time with Gu Qingyan before this trip ended.

Gu Qingyan's gaze swept ahead and happened to see the sign of a Cantonese teahouse. "How about we go there?"

The teahouse was bustling with noise and filled with the aroma of dim sum. They were lucky; a table of customers by the window had just finished their meal. The waiter led them through the crowded tables, and just then...

"Yu Wei?"

Zhou Xubai's familiar voice rang out beside Lin Yuwei, causing her to stop in her tracks. Gu Qingyan, who was walking ahead, also stopped immediately.

Lin Yuwei looked in the direction of the sound, and her expression froze instantly. She never expected to run into Zhou Xubai's family here. Zhou Xubai, whom she hadn't seen for many days, stared at her. Then, when his gaze shifted to Gu Qingyan beside her, his face turned deathly pale.

Zhou's mother clearly recognized Gu Qingyan and greeted her with a smile, "Are you Weiwei's friend? What a coincidence, come sit down and eat with us."

Lin Yuwei had never experienced such an awkward moment in her life. Standing side by side with her former lover in front of her fiancé's family, she subconsciously turned to look at Gu Qingyan, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.

Gu Qingyan remained calm and composed. He gave her a quiet look, as if to say, "Since you're here, make the best of it." He then politely nodded to Zhou's parents and sat down in the empty seat first. Lin Yuwei had no choice but to follow suit.

The waiter quickly brought two clean sets of bowls and chopsticks. The five exchanged a few pleasantries, and the atmosphere was so subtle it was almost suffocating.

Zhou Xubai suddenly spoke, his voice so light it was almost broken: "Weiwei, didn't you say you were on a business trip? How come you're with President Gu?" His gaze was fixed on her, filled with disbelief and pain.

Lin Yuwei felt a deep sense of guilt, but she couldn't explain much in front of Zhou's parents. She could only calmly reply, "I met President Gu when I was on a business trip. We happened to be flying back together, and President Gu gave me a ride."

"Oh," Zhou Xubai responded softly, but his eyes remained fixed on her, as if he wanted to burn two holes in her.

Gu Qingyan calmly picked up the teapot, first pouring tea for Zhou's parents, then naturally adding hot tea to Lin Yuwei's teacup. His voice was gentle yet clear as he continued, "It was quite a coincidence. Yuwei and I met by chance in Hechang City and discovered that everyone was planning to go to Huaiming Valley, so we decided to travel together." He gently put down the teapot, meeting Zhou Xubai's gaze, his eyes calm and unwavering. "The scenery there is beautiful, truly deserving of its reputation as the 'Land Without Winter'."

Zhou Xubai's knuckles turned white from clenching his fists. The noisy chatter of the teahouse seemed to fade away at that moment, leaving only Gu Qingyan's words, "Let's travel together," echoing in his ears. He knew Lin Yuwei too well; her slightly turned posture towards Gu Qingyan was telling a story in itself.

Zhou's mother tactfully smoothed things over, saying, "Huaiming Valley? We visited it when we were young, and it is indeed very beautiful." She smiled at Lin Yuwei and said, "The dim sum at this restaurant is delicious. Weiwei, come with me to choose a few more."

Lin Yuwei obediently got up and followed Zhou's mother through the noisy teahouse. Her heart was pounding. Although she knew from their previous interactions that Zhou's mother was an elegant and gentle elder, she couldn't be sure that her mother wouldn't make things difficult for her when it came to her son's love life.

Zhou's mother and Lin Yuwei arrived at the end of the corridor, where a small viewing platform had been set up. Outside the wooden window frames, the Mingchuan River shimmered in the winter sunlight.

"Auntie, I'm sorry, I..." Lin Yuwei spoke first, her voice filled with guilt, but she didn't know how to explain the complicated and unspeakable relationship between her and Gu Qingyan. To be honest, during her engagement with Zhou Xubai, she and Gu Qingyan did have feelings for each other, but they kept it within the bounds of propriety.

Unexpectedly, Zhou's mother smiled kindly and gently patted the back of her hand: "Silly child, why apologize?" She looked at the river and said in a gentle tone: "Actually, I could tell at the engagement banquet that there was something between you and that President Gu."

"An engagement party... so early?" Lin Yuwei was stunned. She had always thought she had concealed it well.

Zhou's mother turned around, her gaze gentle yet insightful: "But at the time, you and Xu Bai both said you were willing to get engaged, especially Xu Bai. This was the first time this child had ever cared so much about a girl." She sighed softly: "However, I know that forced marriages are never sweet. Your mother said that you only agreed to the engagement because she was seriously ill and you were under pressure. My child, I'm sorry to have wronged you."

These words struck the softest spot in Lin Yuwei's heart. She was not usually a crybaby, but at this moment, her nose tingled and tears welled up in her eyes: "Auntie, it's not entirely true. Xu Bai is a very good person. It's me who has let him down."

“I know, Xu Bai is a good child, and you are a good child too.” Zhou’s mother gently patted her shoulder, as if comforting her own child: “But happiness is never something that happens just by putting two good people together. No matter how good a person is, they can’t compare to the person you love in your heart.”

Her voice was soft yet firm: "Your aunt has been through this, so let me tell you something from my own experience: life isn't the same no matter who you're with. Since you have someone you like, why not be brave and fight for them, and cherish each other?"

Lin Yuwei looked at Zhou's mother with teary eyes. She never expected that the first person to approve of her being with Gu Qingyan would be her fiancé's mother.

"Actually, I also have my own selfish reasons," Zhou's mother said frankly. "Everyone wants their child to find true happiness. Xu Bai and you both deserve someone who truly loves you."

She paused for a moment: "Last time I was sick, Xu Bai came back to see me, and I tried to persuade him, but he insisted that you had feelings for him. Now it seems... it was just wishful thinking on his part. I will continue to persuade him. Just tell him what's on your mind, and Xu Bai will accept it. Give him some time."

The river flowed quietly outside the window. Looking at the wise and insightful elder in front of her, Lin Yuwei suddenly understood what true love and fulfillment meant. This understanding moved her more than any criticism and strengthened her resolve to make her choice.

"Thank you, Auntie," she said softly, this time without hesitation.

Zhou's mother smiled and nodded, taking her arm: "Let's go back. There are some things we need to say."

At this moment, Lin Yuwei knew that she was finally going to face her own heart.

When Lin Yuwei returned to the teahouse, her eyes still had a faint blush, but her gaze was much firmer than before. Gu Qingyan noticed her change immediately, and his gaze lingered on her face for a moment, carrying a silent question.

Zhou's mother sat down calmly and said to Zhou's father with a smile, "I just chatted with Weiwei, and the more I look at her, the more I like her." As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at her son.

Zhou Xubai lowered his head, his hand almost crushing the teacup.

“Xu Bai,” Lin Yuwei said softly, “Can I ride back in your car later? There’s something I want to tell you.”

These words stunned Zhou Xubai and his father. Gu Qingyan frowned slightly, but quickly regained her composure, though her hand under the table unconsciously clenched.

Zhou Xubai glanced at Lin Yuwei, then at his mother, a complex expression flashing in his eyes, before finally nodding: "Okay."

The morning tea ended in a subtle atmosphere.

As the group approached the teahouse entrance, Zhou's mother suddenly exclaimed softly, "Oh dear," and said to Zhou's father, "Old Zhou, isn't the flower market just ahead? I'd like to buy two orchids; would you like to come with me?"

Mr. Zhou was clearly still in shock: "Now? Didn't you say you were going to..."

Zhou's mother gently tapped his arm and gave him a wink: "Now, while the weather is nice today." As she spoke, she turned to Gu Qingyan and Lin Yuwei, her smile gentle: "Mr. Gu, Yuwei, we'll be going now."

Mr. Zhou suddenly realized and nodded hurriedly: "Yes, yes, buying flowers is the most important thing."

Watching Zhou's parents walk away together, Lin Yuwei felt a surge of warmth in her heart. Zhou's mother was deliberately creating a space for them to be alone.

Zhou Xubai looked in the direction his parents had left, a bitter smile appearing on his lips. He opened the car door, his movements somewhat stiff: "Weiwei, get in the car."

"Xu Bai, wait a minute, I need to grab my luggage." Lin Yuwei said, then walked over to Gu Qingyan's car.

Lin Yuwei walked to Gu Qingyan's car, where he had already taken out her luggage and placed it aside. She whispered "thank you" and reached for the handle of her suitcase. Just as her fingertips were about to touch the handle, Gu Qingyan's hand suddenly covered hers and gently grasped her wrist.