72. Pass smoothly
I slept very soundly on my last night in the ancient town.
They had a dreamless night until near noon the next day, when they were awakened by the sunlight filtering through the gaps in the curtains and the faint sounds of the city outside the window.
After cuddling together for a while, they eventually had to face separation. They had to return to their hometown in L City today, and Chen Yisheng also needed to start dealing with the details of leaving Zhong Xin and preparing for the new company.
After washing, packing and having a simple lunch at the B&B, the whole process was shrouded in a faint, tacit sadness of separation. Both of them were reluctant to part with each other in the upcoming short separation.
When they checked out, the hostess was still very welcoming and gave them a small bag of local snacks. "Eat them on the way. Come back next time!"
Chen Yisheng thanked him with a smile, took the snacks, and naturally picked up Chi Jin's suitcase with his other hand.
The drive back to L City was much quieter than the one from Jing City. Chi Jin leaned back in her chair, watching the winter scenery rapidly recede outside the window. The tranquility and warmth of the ancient town seemed like a fleeting dream, while the wheels of reality were carrying her back to the familiar track.
What's different is my state of mind. The grievances and anxieties that had been lingering within me have been completely washed away by last night's heart-to-heart talk and understanding. While the road ahead may still hold challenges, I'm filled with an unprecedented sense of strength and peace of mind.
Chen Yisheng was concentrating on driving, occasionally reaching out and gently holding her hand on her leg. The warmth on his fingertips conveyed silent comfort and support.
The car drove smoothly into L City, passed through familiar streets, and finally stopped at the gate of Chi Jin's community.
"I won't go up." Chen Yisheng turned off the engine and looked at her sideways. "Have a good rest and cherish your vacation."
"Yeah, you too." Chi Jin nodded and unbuckled his seat belt. "There's a lot to do, so don't get too tired."
The two of them looked at each other, and a thousand words were expressed in their eyes. Chi Jin leaned over and pressed a gentle farewell kiss on his lips.
Just as she was about to open the door and get out of the car, Chen Yisheng gently grabbed her wrist.
"etc."
Chi Jin turned around, a little confused.
Chen Yisheng frowned slightly, his gaze passing her out the car window toward the entrance to the residential complex. Chi Jin followed his gaze, her heart skipping a beat—she saw her mother, standing not far away, carrying a basket of freshly bought vegetables. Her eyes fixed on their car with a look of uncertainty, clearly having just arrived.
Chi Jin's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected her mother to come over at this hour, much less to be caught red-handed. She subconsciously tried to pull her hand away, but Chen Yisheng tightened his grip, gave her a soothing look, and then released her hand.
"It's okay," he whispered in a calm tone, "get out of the car first."
Chi Jin took a deep breath and pushed open the car door. Almost at the same time, Chi's mother also hurried over, with an expression of disbelief on her face, her eyes flicking back and forth between Chi Jin and Chen Yisheng, who was about to get out of the car.
"Jinjin? You... just got back?" Mother Chi's gaze finally settled on Chen Yisheng, her brows slightly furrowed. "This person... looks familiar?"
Chi Jin suddenly felt a little embarrassed, his cheeks slightly hot. Chen Yisheng had already calmly gotten out of the car and walked around the front. He was tall and straight, with an outstanding temperament. Even in such a sudden situation, he still maintained a decent demeanor.
"Hello, Auntie." Chen Yisheng bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet calm, "I am Chen Yisheng."
He did not reveal his identity immediately, but his attitude said it all; he was definitely not just a driver or an ordinary friend.
Mother Chi was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized, and the suspicion in her eyes turned into a sharp scrutiny: "Oh - I remember! Last time, it was you who drove her back to Jing City, right? You said you were the driver?"
The driver's hasty explanation was now clearly untenable. Chi Jin felt his ears burning, and subconsciously wanted to explain: "Mom, we..."
Mother Chi waved her hand, interrupting her daughter. A faint smile flashed across her face, and she said to Chen Yisheng, "Thank you so much for troubling you last time. Now that we're at the door, if you're not in a hurry to leave, why not come upstairs and have a cup of tea?"
The invitation came unexpectedly, but it was also understandable. It was a normal reaction for any mother to want to get to know a man who was clearly close to her daughter.
Chen Yisheng's expression remained unchanged, as he remained humble and polite. "Thank you for your kindness, Auntie. However, I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare anything. It would be rude to come empty-handed on this first official visit."
Chi Jin was in a good mood and felt that what he said was very good. It not only expressed respect for the elders, but also made it clear that he intended to formally confirm the relationship and make a solemn visit. It gave Chi's mother enough face and also eased Chi Jin's embarrassment.
Upon hearing this, the scrutiny on Chi's face faded a little, and a subtle hint of satisfaction flashed across her eyes. She nodded, "Okay, then you young people can make your own arrangements. If it's convenient tomorrow, come over for a simple meal."
"Okay, I will." Chen Yisheng agreed.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mother Chi picked up the basket of vegetables, gave Chi Jin a few more instructions, and turned around to go upstairs.
Watching her mother disappear at the entrance of the corridor, Chi Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling her back wet with sweat. She looked at Chen Yisheng, her eyes filled with apology and gratitude: "I'm sorry, I didn't expect it to be so sudden..."
Chen Yisheng smiled and ruffled her hair. "What's there to be sorry about? We'll meet sooner or later. This is good. It saves you from having to think about how to tell your family."
His calmness and understanding made Chi Jin's heart completely calm down.
"Then tomorrow..."
"Don't worry," Chen Yisheng said with a steady look in his eyes, "I know what to do. Stay with your mother tonight, and I'll tell you before I come over tomorrow morning."
He took the suitcase out of the trunk and handed it to Chi Jin: "Go up."
Chi Jin took the suitcase and nodded: "Then drive carefully."
"Um."
After watching Chi Jin drag his suitcase into the complex and disappear behind the apartment building door, Chen Yisheng finally got into his car. He didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and thought for a moment. Then, he picked up his phone and searched for gifts suitable for the elderly, seeking both reputable and brand-name gifts.
The next morning, the sun was shining brightly.
Chen Yisheng's car stopped right downstairs at Chi Jin's house. He was wearing a well-tailored dark cashmere coat, looking less aggressive and more composed and elegant than his usual workday. He was carrying several beautifully packaged gift boxes that looked like they were worth a fortune.
Chi Jin received the call and went downstairs. Seeing his "fully armed" scene, he was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but curl his lips: "Are you... going to move the mall here?"
Chen Yisheng looked at her with gentle eyes and a rare, almost nervous seriousness: "This is the first time you formally meet your future mother-in-law, so you have to be serious."
The words "future mother-in-law" made Chi Jin's heart feel like being gently brushed by a feather, and a wave of sweetness and throbbing surged. She walked forward, helped him share the two gift boxes, and whispered, "Don't be so nervous, my mother...she is a very good person."
"I know." Chen Yisheng looked at her, "But I hope she can trust you to me."
The two walked up the stairs side by side. Chi's mother had obviously been waiting for a long time. The doorbell rang only once and the door opened.
Today, Chi's mother had changed into a relatively new casual outfit, and her hair was meticulously combed. When she saw the two people standing outside the door and the large number of gifts in Chen Yisheng's hands, which were obviously carefully prepared, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a warm smile.
"Please come in, please come in! Just come, why bring so many things? It's too wasteful." Mother Chi said politely as she let the person into the house.
"Happy New Year, Auntie. It's just a small token of my appreciation." Chen Yisheng placed the gift in the corner of the living room with a humble and proper demeanor.
Chi Jin's home was a typical old-style unit housing complex in L City. Chi Jin had recently paid for renovations. It wasn't large, but it was clean and tidy, full of life. Photos of Chi Jin from childhood hung on the wall, and a few potted plants grew on the windowsill. The sunlight streamed in, bringing a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Chi's mother asked Chen Yisheng to sit on the sofa, and then instructed Chi Jin to pour tea.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the atmosphere grew somewhat tense. Chi's mother looked at Chen Yisheng with a gentle yet inquiring gaze.
Chen Yisheng knew it was time for the official opening remarks. He put down his teacup, sat up straight, and met Chi's mother's gaze calmly and sincerely.
"Auntie, let me formally introduce myself. My name is Chen Yisheng, Erdong Chen, Yi as in "yi" and Sheng as in "sound." I currently work at Zhongxin Media Group, and I'm Xiaojin's superior." He paused, his tone becoming more serious. "Also, I'm Xiaojin's boyfriend. We're dating seriously with the intention of getting married."
He spoke steadily, his pronunciation was clear, and every word carried weight.
Chi Jin came over with tea and just heard these words. Her cheeks flushed. She placed the teacup on the coffee table in front of Chen Yisheng, then sat down quietly on the armrest of the sofa beside him.
Mother Chi nodded, her face showing no emotion. She simply asked, "Zhongxin Media...you guys are quite busy at work."
"Yes. The pace of the media industry is indeed quite fast." Chen Yisheng answered truthfully, then changed the subject and took the initiative to mention his future plans. "However, I am currently in the process of resigning. After the new year, I will partner with a friend to establish a new media company in Jing City. The relevant resources and team are already being prepared."
This news was obviously more surprising to Chi's mother than the fact that he was Chi Jin's boyfriend. She was stunned for a moment, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes: "Starting your own business? That... is quite risky, right? Is it stable?"
"Mom..." Chi Jin couldn't help but speak, wanting to explain for Chen Yisheng.
Chen Yisheng gently pressed her hand, indicating he would speak. He looked at Chi's mother, his gaze steady and confident. "Auntie, any startup carries risks. I'm well aware of that. But on our existing platform, our room for growth is limited. While our new company won't start out large, it will be more focused and better suit my long-term career plans. My partners and I both have experience and resources in related fields, and we're confident in our future growth."
Mother Chi pondered for a moment and did not immediately express her opinion.
Chen Yisheng continued, "I've also considered Xiaojin and I's future. In the short term, she will continue to develop in Zhongxin, where her dreams and career foundation are. I fully support her. I will respect all her decisions. Once both our careers are stable, we will plan our next steps together."
He paused, his voice growing more sincere. "Auntie, I know that as parents, what we most want is for our children to live a stable and happy life. I promise you that I will do my best to take good care of Xiaojin, support her dreams, and give her a stable and happy future. There may be challenges ahead, but I have the confidence and ability to face them together with her."
His words were clear and coherent, demonstrating his ability and responsibility, fully expressing his respect and support for Chi Jin, and making concrete plans and promises for the future. Although they lacked flowery rhetoric, they moved people more than any sweet talk.
Mother Chi listened quietly, her expression gradually softening. She glanced at Chen Yisheng, then at her daughter, who was nestled beside him, her eyes filled with trust and dependence. The last bit of doubt and worry in her heart seemed to slowly dissipate.
She had lived for most of her life, so she still had a good eye for people. The young man in front of her was calm, confident, well-planned, and responsible. More importantly, when he looked at his daughter, the cherishment and tenderness in his eyes could not be faked.
Mother Chi sighed softly, and a relieved and pleased smile finally appeared on her face. "It's a good thing that you young people have your own ideas and plans. Auntie is not old-fashioned. As long as you are serious, support each other, and live a good life, I will be relieved."
She picked up the fruit on the coffee table and handed it to Chen Yisheng: "Here, eat some fruit. Don't just talk."
This action means recognition and acceptance.
Chi Jin's heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down completely. She looked at Chen Yisheng, and they smiled at each other, the air filled with warmth and tacit understanding.
The atmosphere became more relaxed as Chi's mother inquired about Chen Yisheng's family situation, and Chen Yisheng politely answered each question. Chi's mother felt even more relieved when she learned that his parents, both intellectuals, had long since retired and were in good health, currently living abroad with his brother and his wife.
At noon, Chi's mother invited Chen Yisheng to her home for a simple meal. The meal, though simple, was rich in the flavors of home. Throughout the meal, Chi's mother frequently served Chen Yisheng food with a warm and natural attitude, treating him like a junior.
After dinner, Chen Yisheng sat for a while before he stood up to take his leave. He had to rush back to the city to take care of some things in the afternoon.
Chi Jin sent him downstairs.
Walking to the car, Chen Yisheng turned around and looked at Chi Jin with a smile in his eyes: "It seems that the first level has been successfully passed."
Chi Jin glared at him angrily, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise: "Well done, Mr. Chen."
"That's good." Chen Yisheng lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Spend the New Year with your aunt at home. I'll come see you after I'm done with these two days."
"good."
After watching his car drive away, Chi Jin turned and went upstairs. His heart was filled with a full, warm feeling of happiness. The smooth passage of meeting the parents seemed to have cleared another important obstacle for their future path.
Back upstairs, Chi's mother was clearing the dishes. Seeing Chi Jin come in, she asked casually, "This Xiao Chen seems quite steady. Are you... serious?"
Chi Jin walked to his mother, took the bowl from her hand, and nodded seriously: "Mom, we are serious. He is very good to me and supports my work."
Mother Chi looked at the confident and happy expression on her daughter's face, and finally felt relieved. She patted the back of her hand and said, "That's good. It's up to you to choose the person you like."
The sunshine outside the window is just right, indicating that it will be a warm and hopeful New Year.
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