Chapter 0035 Caught in the Act
After Ruyi started graduate school, at Chen Yan's insistence, she submitted an application to not live on campus and moved to Guanlan No. 1, where he had lived for four years during his university years. It was only a 15-minute drive from Lanzhou University. Chen Yan would pick her up and drop her off whenever he had time, and when he didn't, Ruyi would take a five-stop bus ride to and from class by herself.
Most of the time he was busy, and he would only take her to school by taking a detour on his way to work. As for getting off work, there was no fixed time, and he was often busy, so Ruyi had to take the bus home by herself after school.
He didn't have time to help Ruyi fill the void left by college romance, but he wasn't worried at all that someone would take advantage of the situation.
Firstly, although he had already graduated, his reputation still stood, and no junior student had the confidence to try and steal Chen Yan's girlfriend.
Secondly, he had treated the labmates who had helped Ruyi with odd jobs during her first year of graduate school to a meal, asserting his ownership of her and exchanging contact information with them, so they would naturally help him keep an eye on Ruyi.
Thirdly, after the jealousy incident in the car last time, Chen Yan became even more certain that Ruyi loved him, so there was nothing to worry about.
If Li Jinghao hadn't caused trouble in Jingzhou more than two years ago, but instead appeared in Lancheng now, he wouldn't even bother to look at him properly; he was just unlucky.
He was busy during the week to finish his work so he could have time to spend with Ruyi on the weekends. Otherwise, once she finished her first year of graduate school and entered her second year, she might not even have weekends to spare.
He was willing to spend time with Ruyi, but Ruyi didn't want to be with him every week. She wasn't an orphan; her aunt looked forward to her coming home every weekend, and she had to go back to her home in the industrial area every other week.
Moreover, she didn't want Chen Yan to come to her house, fearing that He Caiyu would see him. They would also talk on the phone and make video calls secretly, as if he were someone who couldn't be seen by others.
This time when they returned home, Ruyi again made Chen Yan park on the roadside about 500 or 600 meters from their house. Chen Yan protested unhappily, "When are you going to let my aunt meet me?"
Ruyi glanced at him and asked, "Do you know what meeting the parents means? You think you can just meet them whenever you want?"
"Of course I know, it means I am her nephew-in-law."
Ruyi really wanted to ask, "What about her? When does he plan to take her to meet his parents?"
But Ruyi ultimately couldn't bring herself to ask.
Class is a chasm between the two of them. Whether it was at the graduation party when Chen Yan said he would break up with her when he got tired of her, or now that their relationship is becoming more stable, she can't bring herself to ask him about his true thoughts on marriage, as if she is implying something.
Her pride wouldn't allow such a misunderstanding.
Ruyi waved to Chen Yan: "Alright, see you the day after tomorrow."
As she unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to get out of the car, Chen Yan grabbed her and gave her a long, lingering kiss.
She finally managed to stop them, then got out of the car, only to find He Caiyu standing not far away, staring at the two of them in shock. She was startled and murmured, "Auntie."
He Caiyu knew Ruyi was going home tonight, so she deliberately waited for her on this road. She had a feeling that Ruyi was in a relationship, but she was keeping it from her. What kind of relationship would require hiding it from her? Naturally, the unreliable kind.
The dancing friends told her that once they saw a handsome guy driving a BMW drive her home. He stopped at a certain street, and sometimes they would hug and kiss. They must be dating!
She had been waiting on this road since 6:30, and waited until after 8:00, wanting to see the boy in person.
She walked towards Ruyi, not missing the fleeting panic on her niece's face, which only fueled her suspicion.
Unlike Ruyi's tension, Chen Yan was quite composed, perhaps he had been looking forward to this moment for a long time.
He immediately got out of the car, politely introduced himself, and even tried to get closer to the person.
“When you were in a car accident in our first year of high school, I even accompanied Ruyi to visit you. Ruyi and I have been together for almost eight years, from high school until now, and we have a very good relationship, but we have never had the chance to visit each other.”
"Today was really rushed, and I didn't prepare anything. If it's convenient for you another day, I will definitely pay you a formal visit."
Upon hearing that he had been dating Ruyi for eight years, from high school to now, He Caiyu became somewhat uneasy and asked for confirmation: "Was Ruyi's boyfriend in Jingzhou also you?"
Unable to fathom the elder's complex thoughts, Chen Yan nodded truthfully: "Yes."
He Caiyu was furious.
Her anger wasn't directed at Ruyi for lying to her, but at the deeper meaning behind the deception. If it were a serious relationship aimed at marriage, seven or eight years had passed since high school; what did Ruyi have to hide? The reason she hid it was because this boyfriend had no intention of taking responsibility. She already knew on the bus the day Ruyi finished her college entrance exams that this rich second-generation wasn't a good match.
He Caiyu really wanted to ask, "How far have you two gotten?" But they had been dating for a full eight years, not eight months. At that age, full of youthful vigor, in the old society, their children would probably already be able to write.
She had also witnessed Chen Yan embracing and kissing Ruyi in the car. As someone with experience, what didn't she understand? He had probably already taken advantage of Ruyi!
He Caiyu's heart was in turmoil, but she forced herself to remain calm and said to Ruyi, "You go home first, I need to talk to Xiao Chen for a bit."
Ruyi hesitated, glancing at Chen Yan and then at her aunt, her expression uneasy.
He Caiyu was furious and said angrily, "He's such a big man, do you think I'd hit him? Go back right now!"
He Caiyu is gentle and kind to others, but she also has her own principles and will not tolerate outsiders infringing on them. Ruyi's personality is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, just like her.
Seeing that she had really become famous, Ruyi walked away with mixed feelings, turning back every few steps.
Oh my god, what is Auntie going to say to Chen Yan? Will she scold him? She's not actually worried that He Caiyu will hit Chen Yan, she's worried that if she says something too nasty, Chen Yan will hit her...
Seeing that Ruyi had walked away, He Caiyu smiled at Chen Yan and got straight to the point: "She's a shy young girl, and she's embarrassed. Her parents passed away early, and she doesn't have many relatives. I'm the only one who can help her."
"You and Ruyi have been dating for many years. Do you have any plans to get married?"
Without hesitation, Chen Yan blurted out, "Yes."
He wasn't just stalling for time or making empty promises; he genuinely intended to do so. Ever since his family found out he was dating during his sophomore year, he hadn't hidden Ruyi's existence or her family's circumstances. His hard work was evident to the Chen family, who were very pleased. Chen Yan attributed his motivation to Ruyi, which greatly reduced the Chen family's dissatisfaction with Ruyi's ordinary background. At least some of the elders were quite looking forward to meeting her.
Chen Yan did not reveal these subtle efforts to anyone, including Ruyi. Before he was 100% sure, he only wanted to keep her firmly under his protection and did not intend to let her meet the elders of the Chen family, so as to avoid her suffering any grievances.
There was no need to reveal the intricacies of the situation to outsiders. He only knew that if he hesitated even slightly when facing He Caiyu's question, it would arouse her suspicion and dissatisfaction.
If He Caiyu were to force Ruyi to break up with her boyfriend, who would Ruyi choose between her hypocritical, ruthless, and domineering boyfriend and her aunt who raised her? It's obvious. Besides, he didn't want Ruyi to be caught in such a dilemma.
Seeing that his attitude and tone were flawless, He Caiyu's tense expression relaxed a little, but she still asked suspiciously, "But I heard that you don't come from an ordinary family. Although our family doesn't belittle ourselves, realistically speaking, for Ruyi to marry you is a step up. Don't your parents have any objections?" There are many examples of girls from humble families who marry into wealthy families and are tormented and mistreated by their snobbish in-laws. Even their own children are influenced by what they see and hear and look down on their mothers. She doesn't want Ruyi to suffer a lifetime of grievances because of so-called love and marrying the wrong person.
Chen Yan understood He Caiyu's concerns and said, "Don't worry, my family isn't the kind that values birthright. My parents have always respected my ideas, and I've mentioned Ruyi to my grandparents. They've seen her picture and like her very much. However, my family situation is indeed quite complicated. My parents divorced early, my mother lives abroad most of the time, and although my grandparents are retired, they are very busy, so it's difficult for us to get together. But since you've spoken up today, I'll contact them as soon as I get back and see if we can arrange a time for the two families to sit down and have a proper meal together."
Chen Yan's words were spoken in a gentle and earnest manner, dispelling He Caiyu's concerns while also expressing her determination. He Caiyu breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. It seemed that her Ruyi was blessed despite her simple-mindedness. She had just had a false alarm today. She sighed to Chen Yan, "Alas, Ruyi is such a pitiful child. She lost her parents when she was young. Although I am not related to her by blood, when I saw her, such a small girl with big eyes and fair skin, being timidly led to my house by the police, I had never seen such a beautiful little girl before. She was like a porcelain doll. My heart melted."
"Over the years, I've raised her like a daughter, afraid that she would be bullied. Luckily, she was fortunate to have met you."
He Caiyu is getting old, and when she's in a good mood, she inevitably becomes talkative. She now considers Chen Yan as half a nephew-in-law, and the more she looks at him, the more pleasing he becomes. With his appearance and tall stature, he and Ruyi are a perfect match!
She smiled and invited him upstairs for a chat and a cup of tea.
Chen Yan had no interest in tea, and besides, it would be quite awkward for him to come empty-handed when elders were present for the first time. But he couldn't let the opportunity pass him by, and he also wanted to see Ruyi's surprised little face, so he shamelessly agreed.
As they walked, He Caiyu recounted anecdotes about Ruyi's childhood, which Chen Yan listened to with great interest.
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