Chapter 29
Lin Ting and Chen Lan arranged to meet the next afternoon at a coffee shop near Xiangyi Zijun.
By the time Lin heard this, Chen Lan had already ordered coffee. Lin didn't like coffee, and the few times she did drink it were usually her roommates who ordered it for her. She had only ever had iced Americano, and she really liked the bittersweet taste. However, this time Chen Lan had ordered it hot.
Chen Lan smiled and said, "It's cool when girls should drink something hot."
Lin Ting thought that she would immediately question her about the video, why she had hidden the fact that she was studying acting from Chen Zhiyi, and even be angry with her.
Chen Lan remained as calm and approachable as she had been during their first meeting, without uttering a single harsh word, her tone even gentle. Good manners are sometimes innate, sometimes cultivated through family, and sometimes acquired through money; Chen Lan clearly possessed all three, hence the presence of both warmth and distance within her.
She first asked about her studies, work, and future plans after graduation. She also asked about Chen Zhiyi's current study progress and learned that his recent mock exam scores were quite good, which made her and Chen's father very happy.
But after talking for so long, they still hadn't gotten to the point. Lin Ting knew she was waiting for him to speak.
The coffee shop played soothing and pleasant music, and after listening to it for a while, my mind calmed down.
Lin Ting held the hot Americano, stared at the person opposite her, and finally spoke, "Auntie, I'm sorry, I've let you down."
Chen Lan shook her head. "It's none of your business. I know my son. When he wants to do something, his stubbornness comes out. I think it was his request that you keep it a secret for him."
"No, it was my own choice. I even encouraged him to take acting training classes."
This was unexpected. Chen Lan raised her eyes, scrutinizing Lin Ting with piercing gaze. She wasn't wearing the large black-rimmed glasses she had worn when they first met, revealing her full features. Her face was delicate and refined, not the conventionally striking beauty, but she possessed her own unique charm. Her inherent resilience was even more captivating, as if she could handle anything, having her own principles that wouldn't be influenced by others.
Lin Ting continued, “I don’t know if you’ve seen the video I sent you. If you watch it carefully, you’ll find that Chen Zhiyi really has talent in the field of acting. Logically, since I’m paid by you, I should listen to you and stop Chen Zhiyi from studying acting. But emotionally, I don’t want to see someone with a dream being abandoned so easily. Maybe in your eyes I’m two-faced, but I think I’m doing the right thing.”
Chen Lan: "Teacher Lin is very honest, but whether something is right or wrong cannot be determined solely by emotion?"
Lin took out a stack of documents from his bag. "These are his class records from his training at the performing arts institution, as well as the teacher's evaluations for each class. There were no positive reviews. They praised Chen Zhiyi for being talented and hardworking, so I didn't judge him based on feelings alone."
Chen Lan did not look at these materials. "Some people's life path is set from birth. It is permissible for them to occasionally take a detour, but in the end they will still have to return to the predetermined path. My son is the same."
Lin Ting: "Aren't you disappointed? You've tasted the bitterness of regret before, haven't you?"
Chen Lan's expression turned serious for a moment, then her brows relaxed, revealing nothing unusual. "Regret will eventually fade away."
At this moment, Lin Ting suddenly understood the tragedy of wealthy families. They may have vast wealth and power, but they may not be able to have what they want, while they have no choice but to accept what they don't want.
Lin Ting: "I was born into a humble family, and I've always had many wild dreams since I was little. But every time I brought them up in front of my mother, she would say it was great and I could give it a try. I know that in a wealthy family like yours, there are rules and regulations, and responsibilities. In your expectations, Chen Zhiyi should go into business and management and eventually take over the family business. But life is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Do you really have to cut off all his detours? Can't he pursue both at the same time? I've read many biographies of famous people. They did very well in their careers, but they didn't lose their hobbies, and their dreams were still realized. Some lucky people have their dreams and careers in the same place, while others are lucky enough to have both. Ordinary people are forced to choose one, while unlucky people have to give up both. Dreams are never a stumbling block on the road to success, and success in one's career is not the ultimate goal of realizing one's dreams. I hope Chen Zhiyi is the other kind of lucky one, rather than the unlucky one in the end."
Chen Lan was surprised that Lin Ting had given such a long speech, and every word made sense. "It's a pity that Teacher Lin isn't a speaker."
Lin Ting blushed. "I was just speaking my mind."
Chen Lan: "I agree with everything you said, but do you and I really understand the entertainment industry? Even we laymen know that this industry is a big dye vat. As a mother, wouldn't I worry about him being corrupted?"
Lin Ting: "Since he is your son, you should know his character best. I believe that in your heart he is not the kind of person who is easily blinded by vanity and fame."
Chen Lan: "I didn't expect you two to get along so well. You can speak up for him like this, when you were the one who wanted to refuse the tutoring job three or four times."
Lin Ting felt ashamed: "I wasn't speaking up for him, I was just stating the facts. I would have done the same if it were anyone else, because I also have dreams, and I'm on my journey. I hope that everyone with dreams can pursue them freely, instead of having their wings clipped from the start and being confined in a cage that's supposedly the best for them."
“Auntie, give him a chance, and give your relationship with your son a chance to improve. Show him your love by supporting his dreams, be his support, and let him know that even if he fails, you will be there to back him up.”
These last words touched Chen Lan somewhat; indeed, easing tensions with Chen Zhiyi was something she had always wanted to do.
Lin Ting pressed her advantage, showing Chen Lan a video sent to her by the agency's teacher on her phone. "This was sent to me by the agency's teacher. It's a scene of a mother and son dying together, which he acted out with the acting teacher. He acted very sincerely and emotionally, which shows that he really longs for maternal love and for your attention and support."
Chen Lan silently took the phone and watched the recorded video, not uttering a single word. In the video, Chen Ziyu sat by his hospital bed, holding his dying mother, his face streaked with tears and even snot streaming down his face. She had never seen her son so disheveled. Seeing him act out the final scene of his heartbreaking farewell to his mother, crying and pleading with her not to close her eyes, not to leave him alone, expressing his love for her, Chen Lan felt a surge of emotion well up in her eyes. She blinked hard, forcing back the tears. Her fingers, resting on the table, trembled slightly, as if silently conveying the shock she felt.
Lin Ting choked up a little, "You may never have understood Chen Zhiyi. He is very stubborn. You are his mother all his life. Even if he argues with you and goes against you, deep down he still recognizes you and loves you. He also longs for maternal love. You can see that he was really expressing his feelings in this scene. If it were any more tragic, it wouldn't be so touching. And his resistance in your eyes is actually his persistence in what he wants."
Chen Lan first tilted her head slightly, then gave a bitter smile. "I haven't been able to understand my son for over ten years, and you two understand him after only a short time together. Don't you think I'm a terrible mother?"
Lin Ting: "You are absolutely qualified in terms of material things, but you are unqualified in the spiritual world."
Chen Lan sighed: "Yes, we always thought that as long as we gave him the best material things, that would be enough. But we rarely took the initiative to understand and communicate his true thoughts. That's why my son and I have drifted further and further apart. I should understand and support his dreams. Even if he suffers or gets hurt in the future, we will support him. What I need to do is let go and let him pursue his dreams. I hope I understand this not too late."
Lin Ting: "It won't be too late, he'll find out."
Just as she finished speaking, a familiar voice came from behind her, "I already know." Turning around, she saw Chen Zhiyi standing behind her.
Lin Ting found it unbelievable: "What are you doing here? And eavesdropping on our conversation."
"Where did you get the idea of eavesdropping? I was sitting right behind you the whole time, listening openly. You were just too engrossed in what you were saying."
Lin Ting retorted irritably, "You were following me?"
Chen Zhiyi found it amusing, "I didn't even know you had this date, how could I have followed you? It's just that the seats you chose were too obvious, I only saw you when I was passing by from the other side."
Lin Ting was still angry. "Then why didn't you come over and say hello?"
Chen Zhiyi didn't speak, but glanced at Chen Lan. He was feeling a bit conflicted. It was impossible for him to completely let go of his wariness and estrangement from his mother. It had been built up over a long period of time and couldn't be let go of in a short while. But he had heard their conversation just now, and it would be a lie to say he wasn't moved. So he was caught in this dilemma and couldn't bring himself to come over and say hello.
Chen Lan broke the ice, saying, "I asked Teacher Lin to let me know about your recent studies. I didn't expect to see two wonderful videos. I was surprised and delighted to find that my son has such a talent for performing."
Chen Zhiyi didn't react much, only saying "Oh!"
Lin Ting rolled her eyes inwardly. What was she pretending for at a time like this?
Chen Lan knew that although Chen Zhiyi still treated her coldly on the surface, he was actually feeling uneasy inside. Otherwise, he would have left long ago. There were some things that should have been said to her face to face. Once the opportunity was missed, it would be gone forever.
“I’m sorry, I haven’t communicated with you enough in the past, and I don’t know enough about what you really like and want. Since you love performing so much, go for it, I won’t object anymore. When I was young, I gave up what I loved for the sake of my family and career. I don’t want that kind of regret to happen to you. If the road ahead is difficult or you get tired, you can always turn back and I’ll be standing behind you.”
Chen Zhiyi's lips trembled. He buried his head in silence for a while, then his eyes reddened as he glanced at Chen Lan again. That glance contained a lot of meaning. He had so much to say, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. All he could manage to say was, "Thank you!"
Chen Lan understood him. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, forming an elegant arc. Her eyes were gentle as she patted his arm. "Good luck! The art exam is not easy."
Chen Zhiyi nodded. "What about Dad?"
Chen Lan: "Don't worry, I will talk to him. It's a family of three, and he lost just because it was two to one."
Chen Zhiyi smiled slightly and deliberately looked away.
Chen Lan picked up her handbag and stood up. "I'm going back to the company now. Zhiyi, you should thank Teacher Lin properly. She's the one who convinced me."
Chen Zhiyi looked at Lin Ting with a tender and affectionate gaze. This woman always stirred his heart again and again.
Chen Lan left her seat and looked at Chen Zhiyi, seemingly wanting to say more, but emotional healing takes time, and saying too many touching words now would seem pretentious, so she said no more, "Mom, I'm leaving now."
Chen Zhiyi: "Hmm!" As Chen Lan walked past him, he suddenly grabbed Chen Lan's hand, "Work less overtime. You can't earn all the money in the world. You might as well go home and have a proper meal. Aunt Chen cleans your room every day, but she never comes back to stay. It's such a waste."
The tone was still unpleasant, but I could sense the atmosphere of family.
"Okay, Mom will definitely come home more often from now on." Her voice was hoarse.
After Chen Lan left, Lin Ting also prepared to get up and leave. Just as she moved away from her seat, she was suddenly embraced. She felt herself being tightly held in Chen Zhiyi's arms. The tightness was so intense that she could clearly feel the warmth of his chest. A voice rang in her ears, clear and resounding, "Thank you!"
Lin Ting reached out and patted him on the back. "No need to thank me. You helped me once, and I'll help you once. We're even now."
Even? No way! We're meant to be entangled, for life!
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