Chapter 65 I Want to Come Over and See You

After being called out, Lu Er felt several gazes pierce into his back like needles—especially Gu Jinzhou’s, burning with barely concealed jealousy.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Er forced himself to step forward. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he walked toward the main seat.

A staff member quickly added a chair beside Qu Suiwan’s seat. This special treatment made the atmosphere grow even more tense.

Lu Er sat down stiffly, his back straight, barely occupying half the chair—like a primary school student facing a strict homeroom teacher.

Qu Suiwan didn’t speak to him immediately. Instead, she resumed her composed demeanor and addressed everyone, reiterating the importance of tomorrow night’s charity banquet.

“I hope everyone keeps in mind that the bigger picture comes first. Gather your compassion and strive to secure tangible help for people in war-torn regions.”

Her voice was steady and authoritative. “Please maintain professional integrity and do not bring the unhealthy practices of the entertainment industry into such a serious occasion.”

Although she didn’t look at anyone in particular, Lu Er couldn’t shake the feeling that the words “unhealthy practices” were a subtle warning aimed at him and Gu Jinzhou.

Even more so, it felt like a caution directed at him—the one who might lead her son astray. The thought made Lu Er’s hands curl unconsciously on his knees.

When the meeting ended, everyone stood up and began to leave.

As Gu Jinzhou passed by, he shot Lu Er a fierce glare, though he didn’t dare cause trouble in front of Qu Suiwan.

Lu Er was about to leave with the crowd when he heard her voice.

“Lu Er, stay for a moment.”

What was coming had finally come.

His heart sank. He sat back down, bracing himself for the expected questioning or warning.

But Qu Suiwan simply took a sip of tea and asked casually, as if making small talk, “Momo has been back in the country for a while now. How has he been?”

Caught off guard, Lu Er’s mind flashed through the past few months—the entanglement, sweetness, arguments, and that painful breakup.

His throat went dry. Lowering his gaze to avoid her eyes, he answered against his conscience, “He’s been doing well.”

The reply sounded hollow, completely unconvincing.

“That’s good.” Qu Suiwan sighed softly before dropping a bombshell in a calm tone. “In his first year abroad, his illness was very severe.”

Lu Er suddenly looked up, shock filling his eyes.

Her voice carried a trace of lingering fear. “When his depression flared up, he was mentally disoriented and accidentally ate something containing peanut butter.”

“It was a critical situation—he nearly lost his life. Fortunately, his colleague Liao Xubai noticed something was wrong and rushed him to the hospital in time.”

She paused, her tone heavy with relief. “That year, it was thanks to Liao Xubai staying by his side. Otherwise, he might not have made it through.”

Liao Xubai.

The name pierced Lu Er’s heart once again, hitting the most vulnerable place.

So it wasn’t just a life-saving favor.

During the time he was absent, it was Liao Xubai who accompanied Song Jingmo through the darkest, most difficult days—pulling him back from the brink of death.

No wonder Liao Xubai was listed as the emergency contact in Song Jingmo’s phone.

A complicated mix of bitterness and shame surged through Lu Er, along with a deep sense of helplessness.

He hadn’t been there when Song Jingmo needed someone the most. What right did he have to feel jealous or dissatisfied?

He was nothing more than someone who, after Song Jingmo had finally recovered, brought him trouble and pain all over again.

Sadness washed over him like a tide.

For the suffering Song Jingmo had endured—and for the fact that the one who stood by his side and earned Qu Suiwan’s approval wasn’t him.

“He’s better now, but there are still times when his emotions become unstable, when he gets stuck in his own head.”

Qu Suiwan looked at Lu Er, her gaze carrying a hint of earnest request. “Lu Er, you’re close to him. I hope you can be more understanding toward him.”

Close?

A bitter feeling spread through Lu Er.

Could their relationship still be described that way?

“Momo often mentions you to us,” Qu Suiwan continued gently. “I hope the two of you can get along well. That way, we as parents can worry a little less.”

At this moment, Lu Er felt immensely relieved that he had pulled back at the last moment—hadn’t truly led Song Jingmo astray, hadn’t responded to those feelings.

Otherwise, how could he face this trust and expectation from her?

They exchanged a few more simple words. Lu Er remained distracted the entire time, responding almost on instinct.

Finally, Qu Suiwan stood up. Lu Er followed suit, and the two walked out of the banquet hall together.

Outside, Yan Huaijin hadn’t left. He seemed to have been waiting.

Seeing them, he visibly relaxed and stepped forward, politely greeting Qu Suiwan.

She nodded slightly.

Only then did Yan Huaijin turn to Lu Er. “Shall we head back together?”

Lu Er quickly said, “Aunt Qu, I’ll head back with Teacher Yan.”

Qu Suiwan nodded, her gaze shifting between the two before she said gently, “Alright. See you tomorrow night.”

Watching their retreating figures—one refined and steady, the other delicate and striking—they indeed made a pleasing pair.

Thoughtful, Qu Suiwan took out her phone and snapped a photo of them.

Then she opened WeChat and sent a message to her son.

[Qu Suiwan: Isn’t it a holiday the next couple of days? Want to come abroad for a short trip?]

Hospital.

Song Jingmo had just taken off his surgical gown. Seeing the message, he rubbed his temples, his voice heavy with fatigue. “I’m too tired. Don’t feel like flying abroad.”

[Qu Suiwan: Okay.]

A few seconds later, another message came through—it was the photo she had just taken.

[Qu Suiwan: Lu Er is getting more and more refined and handsome. Yan Huaijin is gentle and takes good care of him. The two of them look quite well-matched.]

In the photo, Lu Er was slightly turned, listening to Yan Huaijin, his side profile smooth and flawless.

Yan Huaijin leaned in slightly, his posture intimate. The atmosphere between them seemed harmonious.

Song Jingmo stared at the photo. His pupils contracted slightly.

His already tired expression darkened instantly, his eyes turning stormy like the sea before a tempest.

Without hesitation, he initiated a video call.

After a few rings, it was picked up. On the screen appeared Qu Suiwan’s face, smiling teasingly. “What, changed your mind?”

Ignoring her teasing, Song Jingmo asked in a low voice, “Where are you?”

Seeing the obvious change in her son’s expression, she deliberately said, “You’ve even got dark circles. You should rest at home. Besides, Lu Er has someone keeping him company.”

Song Jingmo pressed his lips together and stayed silent for a few seconds. “I want to come over and see you.”

Qu Suiwan’s smile deepened. “I’ve already booked your flight and hotel. I’ve sent the address to your phone. Just head straight to the airport from the hospital—you’ll make it in time.”

After hanging up, she chuckled softly. “That brat.”