Chapter 81 You Love Me

In the coffee shop, the couple, Jin Zhaohe and Jin Wenyi, sat for a while longer.

It's an ordinary coffee shop with a moderate number of customers and soothing music playing in the background. A college student is at the counter with a group-buying voucher, trying to get it redeemed by the staff.

Setting the amount is a good thing, but Jin Wenyi still feels uneasy.

Eight million isn't enough. Ideally, even if all the proceeds from the sale of the house are returned, we'd still be two million short.

Seeing that Jin Wenyi's hair had turned noticeably whiter over the past month, Zhao Xu was worried about his brother, his parents, and felt guilty towards Jin Zhao. Caught in a dilemma, Zhao Xu felt helpless and heartbroken. He suggested, "Why don't we postpone buying a house for Zhao Yifan and get through this difficult time first?"

Jin Wenyi was silent for a moment, then nodded gently.

Jin Zhao looked at the wig on her aunt's head.

This wig looks unnatural; it's obvious at a glance. She asked her aunt why she wore a wig, and Jin Wenyi said her hair had turned quite white, and white hair made her look tired; black hair made her look more energetic. Jin Zhao didn't know how much whiter Jin Wenyi's hair had become, but she could imagine that she must have worried a lot.

Jin Wenyi is actually a kind and loyal person. Back then, because her grandparents' family wasn't well-off, Jin Wenhui, who had entered the workforce a few years earlier, paid part of Jin Wenyi's university tuition. Jin Wenyi has always remembered Jin Wenhui's kindness over the years, and her brother always does his best to help her when she needs something. Admittedly, he loves his niece by extension, but at every crucial point, whether it was transferring schools or taking the college entrance exam, Jin Wenyi also put in a lot of effort. Later, during the years in England, it was Jin Wenyi who frequently showed concern and care for her.

Jin Zhao didn't want to put Jin Wenyi in such a difficult position.

"No rush, the court verdict hasn't come out yet," Jin Zhao said. "I'll go see my grandparents again in a while."

Her grandparents weren't telling the truth. She didn't know how much marital property her mother actually had; she was too young then. She only found out about this house through a combination of guessing and deception. But judging from her grandparents' expressions that day, there was definitely more.

Now that Wenyi is the daughter of the two elders, she can naturally see it even better, but she cannot say it.

The college students sat down at the table next to them. The three girls were lively and cheerful, laughing and taking pictures together. A little while later, one of them started a video call with her mother, telling her where she was going, what she saw, and what she ate. Because she was out with her roommate, the call didn't last long before she hung up. The other two girls, however, exclaimed "Huh?"—it was hard to tell if they were envious or confused: "You and your mother have such a good relationship! You're out having fun and you're video calling your mother? Are you even an adult?"

The girl laughed and said, "So what if I'm an adult? Does being an adult mean I can't think about my mom? I'll still think about my mom when I'm old."

Jin Zhao turned to look at them.

Jin Wenyi heard it too, and suddenly her eyes reddened.

It seems people can become desensitized. Jin Zhao was too young when her mother passed away. That first year was when Jin Wenyi felt the most pity for Jin Zhao. But as time passed and her sister-in-law changed, everyone naturally got used to it and assumed that Jin Zhao had gotten used to it as well. But at this moment, Jin Wenyi suddenly wondered, would Jin Zhao really get used to it?

Jin Zhao had a very good relationship with her mother when she was a child. Over the years, does she often think about her mother? During her college years, what was she thinking when she saw her roommates video chatting with their parents? When she felt wronged, who did she confide in?

"Lingling, I'm sorry," Jin Wenyi murmured.

She didn't actually know what she was apologizing for, whether it was to drag her down with her, or to help her parents and brothers cover it up.

Jin Zhao turned around and saw the tears welling up in Jin Wenyi's eyes.

She smiled and said, "No need to apologize. I understand. We both had our difficulties. You've already done your best."

Jin Wenyi's lips trembled slightly as she asked, "Then what about your difficulties? For so many years, you've always been considerate of others, but you've never told me about your own difficulties."

Jin Zhao's fingers unconsciously tightened, and soon she said, "You might not believe it, but even now, I don't blame you. I'm just a little regretful."

Jin Wenyi asked softly, "What's there to regret?"

Jin Zhao: "It's a pity that my mother is no longer here."

She was human too. When no one knew, she was naturally saddened that Jin Wenyi's kindness towards her was limited and conditional. But what could she do? Jin Wenyi was just her aunt; ultimately, she had no obligation to be kind to her. The unique love and protection she craved was completely lost the moment her mother left.

Jin Wenyi's tears streamed down her face, and she quickly turned her head away.

Zhao Xu patted her shoulder and handed her a tissue.

"I'm sorry..." Jin Wenyi said, choking back tears.

It's unclear whether he was apologizing for his own lapse in composure or for Jin Zhao.

“You don’t need to go see your grandparents, I will go,” Jin Wenyi said finally.

*

After seeing Jin Wenyi and Zhao Xu off, Jin Zhao stood by the roadside for a while.

After those few days of continuous spring rain, the sun has been shining brightly again these past few days. The whole street is lined with old red-brick houses, and cherry blossoms bloom beneath the walls, painting the entire street pink.

The phone rang, and Jin Zhao took it out to look at it.

Meng Yanxi: [Where are you? I'm going that way, I'll come pick you up.]

Jin Zhao's lips curved into a smile in an instant.

A gust of wind blew in my face, and the air was filled with an irresistible vitality, like a young boy who, in the instant he appeared, brought the light of day and pierced through the gloom.

"You don't even know where I am, so why would you follow any route?" Jin Zhao replied with a voice message, amused.

The message was sent, but the phone went silent. I wonder if the person is reflecting on the flaws in their logic.

Jin Zhao wasn't in a hurry and strolled leisurely under the cherry blossom trees.

The street was quiet with few cars and people, but she could hear the sound of car tires rolling over the road behind her. Jin Zhao moved aside, but the sound kept following her.

She turned her head and, through the lowered passenger window, met Meng Yanxi's enigmatic, half-smiling eyes.

Not far ahead, a new Mixue Ice Cream store opened, and at that moment, a catchy melody suddenly rang out—

"You love me, I love you, Mixue Ice Cream is so sweet."

"How did you get here?" Jin Zhao asked in surprise.

Meng Yanxi parked the car, tilted her head, and said arrogantly, "I already told you it was on my way."

Jin Zhao smiled and opened the passenger door to get in.

"Where's the little dumpling?" she asked naturally.

Meng Yanxi's eyes, which had been smiling, disappeared upon hearing this.

He said ambiguously, "It's in the way, throw it away."

Jin Zhao: "..."

Jin Zhao said sincerely, "Meng Yanxi, you've been having a lot of complaints about the baby lately."

Meng Yanxi asked in a drawn-out tone, "Are you sure I have a lot of opinions about the baby?"

Jin Zhao remained silent.

"Where to?" Meng Yanxi asked.

Jin Zhao: "Let's go home."

Meng Yanxi coldly reminded him, "The little dumpling has been sent to my dad's place. Even if you rush back, you won't see him."

Jin Zhao: "Why did you send the baby away?"

Meng Yanxi remained silent, unsure what had offended him. The man's jawline was taut, giving him a cold and aloof appearance.

Jin Zhao blinked and said, "Then let's go to Dad's."

Meng Yanxi: "..."

"Jin Zhao, do you remember what our cat's name is?" Meng Yanxi suddenly asked.

"1119, what's wrong?"

Meng Yanxi's eyes were dark: "Why is it called 1119?"

Jin Zhao: "..." Who does this? Giving me random tests every now and then?

Jin Zhao said with a mix of amusement and helplessness: "Because we got together on November 19th."

Meng Yanxi: "From November 19th two years ago to now, less than a year and a half, we are still deeply in love."

Jin Zhao met his disapproving gaze, deliberately let out a "Huh," and asked, "Is the honeymoon phase really that long? Doesn't it usually last a few months?"

Meng Yanxi scoffed and said meaningfully, "I don't know which heartless person's passionate love affair only lasts a few months."

He turned his head and stared at her: "But for me, it's been at least a decade of passionate love."

Ten years of passionate love.

The wind rustled the cherry blossom trees by the roadside, and delicate pink petals drifted gently down through the open car window and landed on Jin Zhao's hand.

Jin Zhao clenched his fists, suddenly already looking forward to next year's flowers.

"I was just kidding." She chuckled softly. "I'm not going home, and I'm not going to Dad's either."

Meng Yanxi raised an eyebrow, and in an instant, her eyes lit up again.

Jin Zhao: "I remember what day it is today."

Today is Meng Yanxi's birthday.

I don't know what this person was thinking, assuming she'd forgotten, and even came running over to remind her, all the while waiting outside the coffee shop and subtly hinting at it from all angles.

"You ruined my surprise," she grumbled, not without complaint.

Meng Yanxi came back to life, took her hand, and said, "Don't be surprised, I've already thought of the gift, you can give it to me."

Who celebrates their birthday like this? Last year, he asked for his own birthday present.

Jin Zhao: "Then what do you want?"

Meng Yanxi became mysterious again, saying nothing, and started the car with great interest.

Meng Yanxi drove Jin Zhao to a pottery studio, the kind of shop that provides clay, tools, and professional guidance, allowing customers to make their own pottery on-site.

Jin Zhao thought that Meng Yanxi still missed the clay doll she gave to Meng Zhuxi back then and insisted that she make him a new one. She sighed and said helplessly, "So many years have passed."

Meng Yanxi: "What?"

Jin Zhao glanced at the finished clay sculptures displayed in the experience area and asked, "Didn't you want me to make you a clay sculpture doll?"

Meng Yanxi was taken aback, then chuckled and asked, "You've already given me a real doll, why would I need a clay doll? You lied to me about not knowing how to sculpt one, but you've sculpted it very well!"

Jin Zhao: "..."

Come to think of it, their little milk dumplings are much cuter than clay figurines.

"So what do you want now?"

Although she didn't really have any talent for handicrafts, since this person had asked for it, she wasn't incapable of putting up a fight.

She rolled up her sleeves, but Meng Yanxi pressed her down, saying, "You don't need to, I'll do it."

He took the apron from the shop assistant.

Whether Meng Yanxi was naturally quick to learn or had practiced before, he moved the potter's wheel gently, the deep ochre clay flowing between his well-defined fingers. His movements were skillful, his fingertips brushing against the clay, leaving delicate lines. Soon, the basic shape of a cup gradually emerged.

Jin Zhao assumed he was just being dramatic again, like when he insisted on performing sit-ups for her while drunk. She instinctively took out her phone to film him, finding various angles and offering emotional praise from time to time. Meng Yanxi coldly ignored her, leaving Jin Zhao wondering what he was really up to today.

In two hours, Meng Yanxi made a cup. It was a plain-colored cup, unglazed, displaying a natural, rustic hue. He placed it in Jin Zhao's hands: "This is for you."

The earthenware cup was heavy and full of weight. Jin Zhao asked in confusion, "Isn't it your birthday? Why are you giving me a cup?"

Meng Yanxi said arrogantly, "You think you can get away with this? Of course you have to give me a gift too. This is my return gift."

“The return gifts have already been sent...it seems I can’t refuse.” Jin Zhao nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”

Meng Yanxi's expression suddenly turned serious. His dark, peach-blossom eyes stared intently at her as he said, "Lingling, give me a promise."

Jin Zhao: "What?"

Meng Yanxi: "Promise me that you won't exclude me in any future problems, and don't be afraid to show weakness to me. I'm not just a casual acquaintance; I'm your husband, the only person who will always firmly choose you and protect you without reservation in this lifetime."

This pottery studio has a great orientation; the floor-to-ceiling windows in the experience area overlook a courtyard. At this time of day, the sun shines brightly, and the wind rustles the leaves, creating dappled light.

I don't know if this person has booked the whole shop, but there's no one around, and the staff are nowhere to be found. The pottery pieces displayed inside are quiet and simple, and the light from outside shines in, creating a warm and rustic atmosphere.

Jin Zhao looked up at Meng Yanxi, his eyes were only on her, and behind him was a light golden glow.

“Tell me what’s wrong, and I’ll handle it. This isn’t weakness.” Meng Yanxi paused, then said softly, “It’s because you love me.”