She personally delivered it, so Zhuang Yuqi naturally had nothing to say. He was still secretly plotting: once his mother was gone, he'd ask the commander to keep her there permanently!
Because we had been notified in advance, we met Zhuang Yicheng as soon as we arrived at T City Airport. Both of us felt a little awkward upon meeting.
Ling Ruoke didn't know how to start. After hesitating for a while, she finally said the most clichéd thing: "Long time no see, how have you been?"
"It's fine." Zhuang Yicheng smiled and nodded. "And you?"
"I'm fine too." She smiled faintly, her face slightly flushed.
Zhuang Yicheng dared not stare at her any longer. Since he had already decided to let go, he shouldn't add to his own pain. "It's rare for you to come all this way, how about we have a meal together? Also, you've taken such good care of me these past few days, consider this a chance to express my gratitude."
It's still a little past four o'clock now, but it will be past five o'clock when we get to the city, which will be just in time for dinner.
"I don't like hearing that. I took care of him because I like him, not because of your thanks for this meal." Ling Ruoke winked playfully.
Zhuang Yicheng smiled. "I'm sorry, I misspoke."
“But we still need to eat; I can’t keep going hungry. Also, I miss Yuan Meng and Fu’an; let’s invite them too.” Ling Ruoke observed carefully and indeed noticed the fleeting emotion on Zhuang Yicheng’s face.
Zhuang Yicheng didn't refuse, but the call wasn't made by him, but by Ling Ruoke. She only said that she had come to T City and asked her out for dinner, without mentioning that Zhuang Yicheng would also be there.
Yuan Meng did not refuse, and the two agreed on a place and time.
The two adults each had their own thoughts.
Zhuang Yuqi pouted, looking unhappy. Although Ling Ruoke had said so much, it was still difficult for him to accept Yuan Meng all at once. He had originally intended to create an opportunity for his parents, but now that Yuan Meng was here, how could he be happy? Unfortunately, his protests were not taken into consideration by the adults.
Ling Ruoke and Yuan Meng had arranged to meet at the buffet restaurant of the Hilton Hotel in T City. She had seen it online beforehand and heard that the buffet there was exceptionally good. The hairy crabs, lobsters, and other delicacies tasted very authentic.
Yuan Meng came from the company, picked up Fu An, and then drove here. It was much faster than Ling Ruoke and the others who came from the airport. She called Ruoke, and then took the little one inside to eat. Since it was a buffet, there was no rule about eating leftovers.
"Mommy, I want this, this!" Huo Fu'an was very excited when he saw the hairy crab. He liked the claw-like thing, mainly because he was curious about it.
Yuan Meng took a plate, placed one crab on his plate, and put it on the table. She then put a scarf around his neck and wiped his little hands clean. She twisted off the crab's arms and legs to prevent him from getting pricked. "Okay, you eat here quietly. Mommy's going to get something else, okay?"
"Okay." Huo Fu'an obediently replied, and lowered his head to begin his battle with his food.
Seeing that he was obedient and well-behaved, Yuan Meng leaned down and kissed him before getting up to get the food. Actually, Yuan Meng rarely ate at buffets. If Yang Ziyun hadn't treated her last time, she would probably be considered a country bumpkin and laughed at by others.
However, she now even knows the best procedure for eating at a buffet. Basically, you have to eat the fresh seafood first, then eat other things, otherwise you'll get full too quickly. She grabbed a large hairy crab and a few oysters, then returned to her seat.
Huo Fu'an was intently eating a hairy crab, his mouth full of crumbs. Seeing her approach, he looked up and grinned.
Yuan Meng breathed a soft sigh of relief. Things were finally better now. When she first arrived, the little one was constantly nagging for Ruoke, almost driving her crazy. He'd be noisy during the day and wake up crying at night looking for her!
Yuan Meng hadn't even finished eating one of her hairy crabs when Ling Ruoke and Zhuang Yicheng, father and son, arrived.
Ling Ruoke was the first to walk in. So Yuan Meng quickly stood up, waved to her, and gestured for her to come this way.
Then, Zhuang Yicheng appeared, and their eyes met...
"Mommy!" Huo Fu'an jumped off the chair, almost knocking the tableware off and breaking it.
Ling Ruoke quickly steadied the tableware and then him. Since it wasn't convenient to pick him up, she bent down, hugged him, and kissed him several times. "Did you miss Mommy?"
"Yes! Fu'an misses Mommy the most!" The little guy was quite clever and started feeding her rice porridge.
Ling Ruoke chuckled. She teased him a couple more times, then helped him back into his chair. "Hurry up and eat, Mommy's sitting right next to you, okay?"
Huo Fu'an chuckled and started eating his food again.
Ling Ruoke turned her attention back to the two armies meeting in front of her, which still seemed somewhat awkward. Although Huo Fu'an had only distracted her for a moment, she had still managed to see it.
The moment Zhuang Yicheng and Yuan Meng saw each other, their expressions were both strange. They paused for a moment, then quickly looked away. There was awkwardness in their expressions, but it wasn't just awkwardness; there was something else entirely.
Ling Ruoke secretly smiled to herself, thinking: These two are definitely going to have a future! However, she never expected that Zhuang Yicheng and Yuan Meng would end up together. Fate is truly a wondrous thing!
She smiled and said to Yuan Meng, "This is Mr. Zhuang Yicheng, and this is my good friend Yuan Meng. Yuan Meng, I brought an extra adult and a child with me, do you mind?"
"No, I don't mind, of course I don't mind." Yuan Meng smiled, but her smile was a little stiff. "Please sit down, I'll go get you something to eat."
Then she left without even asking what they liked to eat. She looked like she was about to flee but had no choice but to stay.
Ling Ruoke looked at Zhuang Yicheng, but couldn't glean anything from his expressionless face. She was curious how these two had gotten involved. They were from completely different worlds and would normally have no chance of crossing paths.
She reached out and nudged Zhuang Yuqi again. "What are you sitting there for? Hurry up and get some food. The food here is expensive; you'll lose out if you don't eat your fill. Go, go!"
Zhuang Yuqi looked at his father, Zhuang Yicheng nodded, and he ran off.
"What do you want to know? What do you want to do?" Zhuang Yicheng turned his gaze away from his son, looked at her, and asked directly.
Ling Ruoke was completely stunned. She hadn't prepared any lines for such a direct question. "I heard from Zhuang Yuqi that you and Yuan Meng are together. I think you two are quite suitable, so..." She gestured, trying to ease her embarrassment.
Zhuang Yicheng stared at her intently for a long time before shifting his gaze to the table. He sighed softly and said, "Ruo Ke, aren't you being too cruel? Even if Yuan Meng and I are a good match, this is not something you should be doing, at least not in my eyes."
Ling Ruoke dared not look into his eyes, afraid of seeing the deep sorrow and pain in his heart. After a long while, she could only stammer out, "I'm sorry."
As their eyes met, and they were about to say something, Yuan Meng and Zhuang Yuqi returned one after the other carrying their things.
"Ruoke, this is for you. You're pregnant, so there are a lot of things you can't eat. You need to be careful." Before leaving the company, Yuan Meng specifically checked on the computer and wrote down all the foods she couldn't eat, just in case this young mother wouldn't remember them. In fact, she herself was quite young when she was pregnant with Fu'an and didn't know anything about it either.
Ling Ruoke smiled brightly at her. "Thank you, Yuan Meng, you're the best!" As she spoke, she subconsciously glanced at Zhuang Yicheng, but couldn't see any expression on his face.
Yuan Meng smiled slightly and pushed another plate in front of Zhuang Yicheng. "Mr. Zhuang, I saw others eating this, so I just grabbed it. I don't know if you'll like it." Yuan Meng pushed the other plate over. It was basic politeness, and she didn't think much of it.
"Thank you." Zhuang Yicheng smiled slightly and nodded. He picked up his utensils and began to eat the hairy crab.
At the dinner table, Zhuang Yicheng barely spoke, only replying with a word or two when necessary.
Ling Ruoke and Yuan Meng, on the other hand, sat together, whispering to each other. They also had to look after the two children, especially Huo Fu'an.
Although Ling Ruoke longed to see the two of them together, intimate and happy, she understood that some things couldn't be rushed. Forcing things isn't good; ultimately, it's best to let things take their natural course. Since the two of them had met and had interactions, it meant there was still potential for something more.
Eating at a buffet is actually a wasteful and unhealthy way to eat. In order to get their money's worth, many people eat on an empty stomach, even from the previous meal or the day before. As soon as they enter the restaurant, they start eating heartily, afraid that if they don't eat enough, they'll be giving the restaurant a profit, so they often end up overeating. Only when they finally stop do they realize that the food is already piled up in their throats.
However, the people at their table were an exception. Ling Ruoke and Zhuang Yicheng were not short of money, so they naturally wouldn't sacrifice their appetites for such a small amount. Yuan Meng wasn't the type to be greedy either, so she also knew when to stop. Only the two children ate their fill of ice cream and desserts, which they usually couldn't eat much of. When they left, their bellies were bulging, which amused the adults.
"If you'd like to stay at my place, would you mind? My bed isn't very big, it might be a bit cramped. But there's a 7 Days Inn next door, so it would be convenient to stay there." Yuan Meng asked as soon as they left the restaurant.
Ling Ruoke pursed her lips. "Anyway, I'll definitely come to your place to take a look. As for where to stay, we'll see when the time comes."
“Okay.” Yuan Meng smiled and took Fu An’s hand.
"Let me take you back," Zhuang Yicheng offered. His voice was low and hoarse, revealing fatigue and other unidentifiable emotions.
Ling Ruoke turned to Zhuang Yicheng. "If you're busy or tired, you can take Zhuang Yuqi back first. It's easy to get a taxi here, so don't worry."
Zhuang Yicheng smiled slightly. "It's alright. I'll go get the car, you guys wait for me here." With that, he left.
Zhuang Yicheng quickly drove his car over.
Ling Ruoke noticed that Yuan Meng hadn't told him her address, and he hadn't asked. This meant it was clear that their relationship had gone beyond a simple meeting. She thought to herself, "They're both pitiful people; let's hope they really get together!"
Yuan Meng's place wasn't too far from the Hilton Hotel. It was an old neighborhood, but the environment was alright; it wasn't one of those urban villages. However, the neighborhood was a bit of a distance from the street, and the middle section of the road was lined with tall trees and not many people, making it a little dangerous to come back late.
"Yuan Meng, you don't usually work overtime tonight, right? If you do, be sure to take a taxi back. There are so few people around here, it's not very safe." It's only a little past seven in the evening, not even eight yet, and there aren't many people on the road. The streetlights aren't very bright, hidden by the trees.
Yuan Meng smiled. "I know."
The car quickly stopped downstairs.
Zhuang Yicheng opened the car door and let them out. "I won't see you upstairs."
"Yuan Meng, you and the little one go up first. I want to say a few words to Zhuang Yuqi." Although Ling Ruoke knew it was inappropriate, she still had a few things to say.
Yuan Meng nodded and took Fu'an upstairs. Little Fu'an was reluctant at first, but when Yuan Meng said that Mommy would be up soon, he finally took a step.
"Zhuang Yuqi, go sit on that stone bench over there. I want to chat with your father for a bit, okay?" Ling Ruoke patted his head, her tone gentle.
Zhuang Yuqi didn't ask any questions and obediently went; he listened to Ruoke the most.
Zhuang Yicheng felt the same way. He was a step too late. If he had been a step earlier, he believed Ruoke would be Yuqi's mother. However, life never offers "what ifs," and he dared not allow himself to think about such "what ifs" any longer; they were a sharp sword.
Ling Ruoke took a deep breath, raised her head, and met Zhuang Yicheng's gaze as he looked down at her. "Zhuang Yicheng," she called him by his name, no longer "Mr. Zhuang."
Zhuang Yicheng was also taken aback by this change. His gaze was deep and unfathomable.
Ling Ruoke didn't avoid his gaze; instead, she boldly met his eyes. "Zhuang Yicheng, I've always wondered if you're carrying a mountain on your back, which makes you so weary and helpless. I've always hoped that one day you could let go of it, or find someone who can give you rest. Maybe you think it's cruel of me to say these things, but I don't. We weren't destined for each other in love, but at least we had the chance to meet in this vast sea of people, and I think that's something to be happy about."
Ruo Ke smiled faintly, though there was a hint of helplessness in her smile. "If I had a choice, I really wouldn't want you to like me at all. But neither of us has the right to choose. However, you do have the right to choose another good woman. Yuan Meng is really good, and she's very suitable for you. I hope you can step out of this alley and embrace a new world. It may be difficult now, but one day you'll find that it was all worth it."
"I understand." Zhuang Yicheng didn't tell her; he had figured this out long ago. However, the hardest part wasn't figuring it out, but how to put it into practice. Thinking and talking are easy; doing is the hardest part.
Ling Ruoke felt somewhat powerless, but she didn't say anything more. "Then I'll go up first. Drive carefully. Zhuang Yuqi!"
Zhuang Yuqi came running over, and Ling Ruoke gently patted his cheek. "Don't run around like that next time. If you want to go to Z City, tell Dad and then call me, okay?"
"Hmm," Zhuang Yuqi responded listlessly. Just as she was about to turn around, he suddenly hugged her waist. "Mom, if you can, please call me too. The baby is starting to stretch his legs and arms. Just tell me, and I'll go see him."
Ling Ruoke smiled and nodded. "Okay."
The father and son watched her disappear around the corner of the stairs before getting into the car one after the other. As soon as Zhuang Yuqi got in, he said, "Dad, if you like that person, I won't object."
Zhuang Yicheng looked at him in surprise, but said nothing.
The car moved slowly through the darkness and soon disappeared into the night.
Ling Ruoke was shocked to realize after going upstairs that she hadn't asked Yuan Meng which floor and room she lived in. Luckily, she had her phone and quickly took it out to call and ask.
Upon entering, Ling Ruoke found it to be a small one-bedroom apartment, with the "living room" even smaller than the bedroom; the entire apartment was only about 30 square meters. However, Yuan Meng had kept it clean and tidy, making it comfortable to look at.
"It's a bit small here, so please sit down quickly and don't bump into anything." Yuan Meng pulled her into a chair and poured her a glass of water. The space was too small; she might accidentally bump into something, which would be a big problem.
Ling Ruoke sat down obediently, with Xiao Fu'an sitting beside her, grinning foolishly. She reached out and pinched his chubby cheeks. "Is your tummy still upset?"
"I don't feel uncomfortable!" The little guy rubbed his bulging belly. He had eaten his fill today, so naturally he didn't feel uncomfortable.
Ling Ruo was incredibly cute, and pinched his little cheek again, listening to his quacking like a little duck. She turned her head and called out, "Yuan Meng, stop busying yourself and come sit down. I'm practically a guest, and you're not even here to chat with me?"
Yuan Meng smiled helplessly and came over. She took her hand. "Let's sit on the bed. This chair is too hard and cold."
Ling Ruoke followed her into the room. The bed was 1.5 meters wide, with bright-colored sheets and a floral duvet cover—not the flashy kind, but rather fresh and comfortable. Just like Yuan Meng herself, unpretentious, yet making people feel comfortable and warm.
He grabbed Yuan Meng's hand, his eyes gleaming with gossip. "Come on, tell me, how did you and Zhuang Yicheng meet?"
Yuan Meng blushed instantly, recalling the unexpected kiss at the hospital. "It was just a coincidence, what's there to say?"
Ling Ruoke's eyes gleamed mischievously, thinking to herself, "This first meeting seems rather ambiguous." "Just tell me, I'm curious."
"It was when you were hospitalized after Guzheng injected you with that stuff, he went to visit you, and we bumped into each other on the stairs. That's all." Yuan Meng wouldn't be so foolish as to tell her that they didn't just bump into each other, but kissed. Thinking about it, her face flushed again.
Ling Ruoke didn't press for details. Instead, she took Yuan Meng's hand and looked into her eyes. "Yuan Meng, Zhuang Yicheng is a good man, and he will be a good husband and a good father. Give him a chance, and give yourself a chance too."
"We're not like that, don't talk nonsense." Yuan Meng's eyes flashed; she had too many things on her mind, it wasn't that simple. "In this life, besides Kaiyi, I will never be with anyone else."
Ling Ruoke feared hearing this most, and now it had come true. She sighed, feeling helpless towards both of them. "Yuan Meng, you can't do this to yourself. I believe Lei Kaiyi wouldn't want to see you like this either. Do you know what he said to my Qingfeng before his accident?"
Yuan Meng remained silent. She had read Kaiyi's suicide note, and it had torn her to pieces. Countless times she recalled it, and each word was like a sharp knife, stabbing her heart again and again, causing excruciating pain.
"He said he would take care of my mother and Yuan Meng, and that Yuan Meng shouldn't be foolishly waiting around, but should quickly find someone to marry." Ling Ruoke's eyes welled up with tears as she said this. The tragic and deep affection behind her words was truly moving.
Yuan Meng covered her mouth and began to sob. She wasn't unaware of many things, but she simply didn't want to think about them. Her past was too heavy, like a mountain. Although she didn't intentionally dwell on it, she had always carried that mountain on her back, never letting it go.
Ling Ruoke reached out and hugged her, letting her cry on her shoulder.
Hearing his mother cry, Huo Fu'an put down his toys and ran inside. "Mom, what's wrong?"
Hearing his childish question, Yuan Meng was overwhelmed with sorrow. Her son rushed into her arms, and she scooped him up in her arms, burying her face in his neck. She hadn't noticed it when he was little, but as he grew older, Fu'an looked more and more like Kaiyi. Every time she looked at him, she felt both relief and pain.
Looking into Fu'an's large, dark eyes, Ling Ruoke sighed deeply. Although she had never met Lei Kaiyi, Fu'an didn't look like her mother, so she must look like Lei Kaiyi.
“Yuan Meng, there must be some wonderful memories from the past. Let’s keep them in our hearts and not keep dwelling on them, okay? You’re only in your twenties, you have a long life ahead of you. Let’s look forward, okay?” Yuan Meng naturally didn’t answer, but Ling Ruo knew she could hear her.
“We always think about it, but he can never come back to us, so we might as well live happily. If there really is another world, they would be happy to see us doing well.” Ling Ruoke finally shed tears; how could she not miss her parents?
Every time she thinks of it, she can't help but feel overwhelmed with sorrow and burst into tears. However, even if she cries herself to death, they can never come back. The only consolation for herself is to live well, so that they may find comfort in another world.
Ling Ruoke kept taking deep breaths, trying to stop herself from crying along with Yuan Meng, otherwise Yuan Meng would never stop. She was about to say something when her phone suddenly rang.
She paused for a moment, then realized it wasn't her phone. "Yuan Meng, your phone is ringing."
Yuan Meng then looked up, hastily wiping away her tears, and answered the phone. "Hello?"
Then, Ling Ruoke saw Yuan Meng's red eyes suddenly widen, and she abruptly stood up, almost knocking Fu'an off her knees. Her face turned deathly pale.
Just as Ling Ruoke was about to ask, her own phone rang.
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