"My mother died young, and my father... used to be Brigade Commander Hayashi of the Kyoto Military Region," she answered softly. "He has passed away."
Mr. and Mrs. Zhou's expressions changed simultaneously. Could the brigade commander surnamed Lin be the one they knew? "It's...Lin Ming?"
The air seemed to freeze.
Lin Huan felt a tightness in her throat—the fact that her father had been fired could not be kept secret forever.
However, she still nodded in agreement.
Bai Yajing stepped forward, took her hand, and offered silent comfort and support.
He was also wondering what was wrong with Zhou Lin.
She had clearly told him beforehand, so how come his parents didn't know?
"Mom," Zhou Lin quickly interjected, "Ms. Lin is now an outstanding teacher at No. 1 High School, she..."
Zhou Lin had no way to express his bitterness. He knew his parents' character; they were people who couldn't tolerate any flaws.
Therefore, he planned to proceed step by step. Besides, before yesterday, he only had some good feelings for Lin Huan and had not yet reached the point of being certain of her, so he had no intention of causing any unnecessary trouble.
He never expected that today would be such a coincidence. Not only did his master offer to give him a ride, but Lin Huan also came along to see him off. He was so happy that he had forgotten all about it!
"I understand." Zhou's mother interrupted her son, forcing a smile as she turned to Lin Huan. "Teacher Lin, I'm sorry, something came up at home. Can we talk another day?"
She looked apologetically at Bai Yajing, "Dr. Bai, thank you for worrying about my Alin, I'm so sorry..."
Lin Huan's face flushed red, but she maintained a polite smile: "Of course, I'm sorry to bother you." She turned to Zhou Lin, "Dr. Zhou, thank you for your hospitality."
Zhou Lin wanted to say something, but was stopped by a look from his mother.
Lin Huan strode towards the courtyard gate, and behind her came Zhou's mother's hushed voice: "Are you crazy? Her father is a disgraced soldier. Don't you know how serious this incident was back then?..."
Bai Yajing disregarded her family and hurriedly followed.
Stepping out of the Zhou family's courtyard, the autumn wind suddenly became biting.
Lin Huan bit her lip, trying not to let her tears fall.
She should have known this would be the outcome. In this day and age, family background is more important than character or education.
Bai Yajing sighed and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry, Huanhuan, it's all my fault for not thinking things through!"
Don't be angry or sad. You are you, and you didn't choose your birth. His misdeeds have nothing to do with you. You haven't enjoyed a single thing he brought you, so it's not your fault! Besides, your father has already severed ties with you.
Lin Huan didn't receive any of the benefits, so why should she bear these burdens?
She thought that since she had told Zhou Lin about it, he wouldn't mind since he had come to her house to meet her. However, she didn't expect that the other party's parents would mind!
Lin Huan nestled into her arms, absorbing the warmth of her embrace, and calmed down.
"Sister-in-law, it's not your fault..."
"Teacher Lin! Master, wait!"
Lin Huan turned around in surprise and saw Zhou Lin chasing after her, holding something in his hand.
"This... for you." He handed over a cloth bag, panting. "Some commonly used medicines; the children at school might need them. And..." he lowered his voice, "this copy of *The Scream*, I see you like it too."
Lin Huan was stunned: "This...is too valuable." Medicine is a scarce resource these days, and that book is even more so...
"Here you go." Zhou Lin shoved the cloth bag into her hands without further ado. "I'll be making rounds at No. 1 High School next Sunday. Will I be able to see you then?"
His gaze was so sincere that Lin Huan's heart skipped a beat. She nodded gently and clutched the cloth bag tightly to her chest.
Bai Yajing glared at him, and Zhou Lin smiled bitterly, "Master, I'm sincere! Please rest assured, I'm an adult, and I can make my own decisions."
I may not be able to change my parents' minds, but I won't give up my own happiness, and I certainly won't let my partner suffer. I will find a balance between these conflicting ideas!
He is not someone who needs to rely on his family to survive; he is capable enough to provide a good life for his wife.
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