Just as Ling Yichen and Jun Moran were determined to fight for their relationship, family factors, like a sudden and powerful storm, violently impacted their newly solidified emotional world.
Ling Yichen received a letter from home, in which his parents earnestly expressed their concern and disapproval of the rumors circulating about his relationship with Jun Mo Ran. In Ling Yichen's hometown, traditional family values were deeply ingrained, and such a relationship that defied social norms was absolutely unacceptable. His father sternly rebuked him in the letter: "Yichen, as a member of the family, you bear the responsibility for the family's reputation and legacy. If your inappropriate relationship with Jun Mo Ran spreads, it will bring shame to the family. What will become of our ancestors' honor? You must immediately sever this entanglement with him, return to the right path, settle down and start a family as soon as possible, and continue the family line." His mother also lamented in the letter: "My son, you have always been well-behaved and sensible, and we have always placed high hopes on you. Now you are in such a predicament. How can we face our ancestors? Can you bear to see us unable to hold our heads high in front of our fellow villagers?"
As Ling Yichen read the letter, his heart ached as if being stabbed. He knew his parents' views were difficult to change, and the honor of the family was of paramount importance to them. He was caught in a deep contradiction and struggle, torn between his beloved Jun Mo Ran and the reputation of his parents and family. He didn't know what to choose, and he became depressed and haggard.
Jun Mo Ran faced the same predicament. His family elders, upon learning of his relationship with Ling Yi Chen, expressed strong opposition. A highly respected elder personally visited the opera troupe, found Jun Mo Ran, and sternly said, "Mo Ran, you have been well-versed in literature since childhood and should know propriety and shame. Your relationship with Ling Yi Chen violates moral principles and is absolutely intolerable. If you remain obstinate, the family will have no choice but to take measures against you, stripping you of your position and rights within the family, and severing all ties with you." Looking at the elder's angry face, Jun Mo Ran felt a mix of emotions. He understood the family's ruthless methods, but giving up Ling Yi Chen was more painful than having his heart ripped out.
Under family pressure, the relationship between Ling Yichen and Jun Mo Ran became extremely difficult. Their former intimacy was replaced by awkward silence. They were both afraid to talk about their families, yet they both knew that this issue was like a sword hanging over their heads, ready to fall at any moment and completely sever their relationship.
Once, they met by chance in the courtyard of a theatrical troupe. Their eyes met, but they remained silent for a moment. After a long while, Ling Yichen finally spoke with difficulty, "Brother Jun, I received a letter from home. My parents are strongly against us being together. I... what should I do?" His voice was filled with helplessness and despair. Jun Mozhan felt a pang of pain in his heart. He suppressed his inner turmoil and said, "Yichen, my family feels the same way. They cannot accept our relationship. I don't want you to break ties with your family because of me. Perhaps... perhaps there really is no possibility for us."
Hearing Jun Mo Ran's words, Ling Yi Chen felt a pang of panic. "Brother Jun, how can you give up so easily? Didn't we agree to face difficulties together?" He stepped forward and grabbed Jun Mo Ran's arm. Jun Mo Ran slowly shook his head, tears welling in his eyes: "Yi Chen, this isn't a problem we can easily solve. The pressure from the family is as heavy as Mount Tai. I don't want to see you bear the name of being unfilial because of me, and suffer the scorn of everyone."
However, deep down, neither of them was willing to give up. Countless nights, Ling Yichen tossed and turned, recalling every moment he had spent with Jun Mo Ran. Those beautiful moments, like brilliant stars, illuminated his dark inner world. He remembered their seamless teamwork on stage, their mutual care and support in life. He knew this relationship was so precious; how could he easily sever it? Jun Mo Ran was also struggling in agony. Gazing at the bright moon outside his window, he silently prayed for a miracle, hoping they could break free from the constraints of their families and stay together forever.
In an attempt to alleviate the pressure on his family, Ling Yichen decided to go home and speak with his parents in person. He embarked on his journey home with trepidation. Upon arriving home, his parents' faces, instead of their usual joy, were filled with worry and anger. Ling Yichen knelt before his parents and sincerely said, "Father, Mother, I know my relationship with Jun Mozhan has disappointed you. But my feelings for him are genuine. We supported each other and grew together. I hope you can understand me and give me another chance." His father glared at him angrily: "You dare plead for him? If you remain obstinate, then don't consider us your parents anymore!" His mother, meanwhile, wept silently.
Ling Yichen was at an impasse with his parents. He tried to persuade them by arguing that the family's reputation and his acting career should go hand in hand: "Dad, Mom, I'm already quite well-known in the entertainment industry, and my collaboration with Jun Mo Ran has brought some prestige to the family. If we can continue to be together, we will work even harder to bring honor to the family and enhance its standing in the public eye." But his parents wouldn't listen. They believed that this unconventional relationship was a disgrace to the family.
Meanwhile, Jun Mo Ran was also working hard within his family. He showcased his and Ling Yi Chen's achievements in the entertainment industry and their contributions to the dissemination of ancient culture to the family elders. He said, "Elders, although Yi Chen and I have a special relationship, we have never done anything immoral. In the entertainment industry, we promote ancient customs through our performances and are loved by many. If we are forced to separate, it will not only cause us lifelong pain but may also affect our careers and be detrimental to the family's reputation." However, the family elders remained unmoved, insisting that the family's traditions and reputation were above all else.
Ling Yichen's communication with his parents at home was fruitless, leaving him feeling utterly desperate. Meanwhile, Jun Mo Ran's situation within the family was becoming increasingly difficult, facing the danger of being expelled. Under these circumstances, their relationship seemed to have reached a dead end, with no glimmer of hope in sight. They didn't know how to find a balance between family and love, and could only continue to struggle in pain and confusion, awaiting the final judgment of fate. Their once unwavering belief in love was also teetering on the brink of collapse under the powerful impact of family factors.
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