Chapter 200 I’m Really So Happy

After chatting for a bit, Father Song asked, “How’s work been lately? Do you need any help?”

“I’ve been resting recently, just adjusting my condition. The next project is still under discussion, so there’s no need to worry, Uncle.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

Father Song handed him a cup of tea. “Public opinion comes and goes quickly. The most important thing is to focus on doing your own work well.”

“Thank you, Uncle. I understand.”

Lu Er took the teacup with both hands.

Father Song glanced at Song Jingmo. “Go help your mother in the kitchen. That child Nanzhi is clumsy—don’t let her burn the kitchen down.”

Song Jingmo responded and, as he stood up, looked at Lu Er. “Don’t be nervous.”

Once Song Jingmo left, only Lu Er and Father Song remained in the living room.

Holding the teacup, Lu Er’s palms began to sweat.

“Xiao Lu,” Father Song refilled his tea, “has Jingmo ever told you about what happened when he first went abroad?”

Lu Er’s heart tightened. “He mentioned a little, but not much.”

“That child has always been reserved. He never talks about anything.”

Father Song sighed. “When he first went overseas, he got sick. Once, he ate something wrong and almost…”

Lu Er’s hand trembled, and some tea spilled out.

“Sorry.”

He quickly set the cup down.

“It’s fine.”

Father Song handed him a tissue. “We flew over overnight and stayed at the hospital for several days. Later, we found out—it was because of you.”

Lu Er’s nose stung, and tears welled up in his eyes.

“I’m not blaming you.”

Father Song looked at him. “There’s no right or wrong in matters of the heart. I just want to say—Jingmo truly holds you close to his heart.”

Lu Er lowered his head, tears falling onto the back of his hand.

“I know you must be wondering—why a family like ours, why Wanwan and I would agree to you two being together. This is the reason.”

“After that incident, all we parents want is for our child to be safe and live a smooth life.”

Father Song’s voice was gentle. “He chose this path himself. Whatever happens in the future, he will bear the consequences. What we can do is offer help within our means.”

He refilled the tea again before continuing, “Don’t give up easily just because of temporary difficulties. The road may be winding, but the future is bright.”

Lu Er was stunned.

He had originally thought Father Song bringing up the past was meant as a warning—not to hurt Song Jingmo again.

But now he understood—Father Song was worried he might give up under pressure.

“Uncle…” Lu Er’s voice choked, “I won’t give up.”

“That’s good.”

Father Song smiled. “As for your mother’s side, don’t be too pessimistic. In the end, parents all hope their children will be happy.”

“If you need help, just say so.”

Lu Er nodded and wiped away his tears.

At that moment, Qu Suiwan’s voice came from the kitchen: “Honey, come help for a second!”

Father Song stood up. “Jingmo chose you—we trust his judgment.”

Lu Er stood as well and said solemnly, “I won’t let him lose.”

After Father Song left, Lu Er stood alone in the living room and looked toward the kitchen through the window.

Song Jingmo was chopping vegetables, his side profile focused and gentle.

Qu Suiwan was saying something beside him. Song Jingmo nodded, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

On the other side, Song Nanzhi clumsily peeled garlic. After being scolded a couple of times by Qu Suiwan, she pouted in grievance.

As if sensing something, Song Jingmo suddenly looked up toward Lu Er through the glass.

Lu Er smiled back, lifted the now slightly cooled tea, and slowly finished it.

There are no absolutely correct choices in this world. But since he had made his choice, he would do his best to make it the right one.

For Song Jingmo—and for himself.

Lunch was abundant, all home-style dishes.

Braised pork ribs, steamed sea bass, garlic broccoli, yam and pork rib soup, and Lu Er’s favorite—sweet and sour pork.

Qu Suiwan kept putting food into Lu Er’s bowl. “Eat more, you’re too thin.”

Song Nanzhi chattered nonstop about school and insisted on taking a photo together.

“Brother, can I post this on Moments?” she asked Song Jingmo.

Before he could reply, Lu Er smiled and nodded. “Go ahead, it’s fine.”

“Yay!” Song Nanzhi happily started editing the post.

Watching the scene, Father Song raised his glass. “Let’s use juice instead of wine—welcome Xiao Lu to our home.”

Qu Suiwan added with a smile, “May your road ahead become smoother and smoother.”

Song Nanzhi: “Wishing my brother and sister-in-law everlasting love!”

Lu Er quickly raised his glass. “Thank you, Uncle and Auntie—and thank you, Nanzhi.”

The glasses clinked together with a crisp sound.

After the meal, Lu Er insisted on helping with the dishes, but Qu Suiwan shooed him out. “Go sit in the yard and enjoy the sun. We don’t need you here.”

So Lu Er went to the yard with Song Jingmo.

Under the wintersweet tree, they sat side by side.

Warm sunlight poured down, and the air carried a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.

“What did my dad say to you?” Song Jingmo asked.

Lu Er repeated Father Song’s words, then said, “Your dad is really nice.”

“Mm.” Song Jingmo held his hand. “Er’er, thank you.”

“For what?”

“Thank you for not giving up,” Song Jingmo said. “And thank you for choosing me.”

Warmth filled Lu Er’s heart. He leaned his head on his shoulder. “If anything, I should be thanking you.”

“Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for waiting for me for six years. Thank you for letting me know that there really is someone who would place me above even their own life.”

The yard was quiet, filled only with the sound of wind brushing through the plum branches.

After a long while, Lu Er softly said, “Song Jingmo.”

“Mm?”

“When we’re old, let’s find a place like this to live.”

“Okay.”

“By then, you can go practice tai chi in the park every day, and I’ll go do square dancing.”

Song Jingmo laughed. “You? Square dancing?”

“What, not allowed?” Lu Er raised an eyebrow. “I’ve studied dance, you know. I’ll definitely be the most dazzling old man.”

“Alright.” Song Jingmo’s eyes were full of laughter. “You’ll be the best-looking.”

One week later, at the hospital office.

Looking at the schedule that had been sent over, Yin Siyao asked, “Jingmo, you’re already the director—do you still have time to teach at A University?”

Last year, Professor Wen had invited them both to teach there, but they put it off due to hospital work.

This year, with an old professor retiring, Professor Wen insisted they couldn’t delay any longer and had to step in.

Without looking up, Song Jingmo said, “You go. One person can handle two.”

Yin Siyao protested, “I’m a department head now—I’m busy too, okay? Didn’t we agree to take turns?”

“Keyan is busy with his graduation thesis this year. He probably won’t have time to come to the hospital.”

Song Jingmo signed documents as he spoke. “One class equals one meeting opportunity. You really don’t want that?”

Yin Siyao scoffed, “What is it, gold? Why would I want it? Seeing each other every day gets tiring.”

Mainly because that guy Leng Keyan was way too clingy.

They’d agree on just one kiss, but every time it turned into an hour-long make-out session.

His lips never got a break.

Song Jingmo looked up.

Yin Siyao instinctively turned back to check the tightly shut door, then let out a sigh of relief.

Song Jingmo said calmly, “Have you prepared how you’re going to coax him yet?”

Yin Siyao: “???”

Song Jingmo put down his pen. “I don’t mind being a good person and relaying what you just said.”

“You’d better not be a good person…” Yin Siyao surrendered. “Fine, I’ll go. The capable ones work harder, right? And I can earn a bit more money too—I’m really so happy.”