- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22.1
- Chapter 22.2
- Chapter 22.3
- Chapter 23.1
- Chapter 23.2
- Chapter 24.1
- Chapter 24.2
- Chapter 25.1
- Chapter 25.2
- Chapter 26.1
- Chapter 26.2
- Chapter 27.1
- Chapter 27.2
- Chapter 28.1
- Chapter 28.2
- Chapter 29.1
- Chapter 29.2
- Chapter 30.1
- Chapter 30.2
- Chapter 31.1
- Chapter 31.2
- Chapter 32.1
- Chapter 32.2
- Chapter 33.1
- Chapter 33.2
- Chapter 34.1
- Chapter 34.2
- Chapter 35.1
- Chapter 35.2
- Chapter 36.1
- Chapter 36.2
- Chapter 37.1
- Chapter 37.2
- Chapter 38.1
- Chapter 38.2
- Chapter 39.1
- Chapter 39.2
- Chapter 40.1
- Chapter 40.2
- Chapter 41.1
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- Chapter 153.2 Do you want to make an announcement?
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- Chapter 155.2 Single becomes a hit, Cheng Yu gains fans
- Chapter 156.1 I want to marry you right now
- Chapter 156.2 I want to marry you right now
- Chapter 157.1 One Year Anniversary Gift
- Chapter 157.2 One Year Anniversary Gift
- Chapter 158.1
- Chapter 158.2
- Chapter 159.1
- Chapter 159.2
- Chapter 160.1
- Chapter 160.2
- Chapter 161.1
- Chapter 161.2
- Chapter 162.1 Little flower, I love you so much
- Chapter 162.2 Little flower, I love you so much
- Chapter 163.1 Ending Chapter
- Chapter 163.2 Ending Chapter
- Chapter 163.3 Ending Chapter
- Chapter 163.4 Ending Chapter
- Chapter 164.1 [Extra one]
- Chapter 164.2 [Extra one]
- Chapter 165.1 [Extra two]
- Chapter 165.2 [Extra two]
- Chapter 166.1 [Extra three]
- Chapter 166.2 [Extra three]
- Chapter 167.1 [Extra four]
- Chapter 167.2 [Extra four]
- Chapter 168.1 [Extra five]
- Chapter 168.2 [Extra five]
- Chapter 169.1 [Extra six]
- Chapter 169.2 [Extra six]
- Chapter 170.1 [Extra seven]
- Chapter 170.2 [Extra seven]
- Chapter 171.1
- Chapter 172.1
- Chapter 172.2
- Chapter 173.1
- Chapter 173.2
- Chapter 174.1
- Chapter 174.2
- Chapter 175.1
- Chapter 175.2
- Chapter 176.1
- Chapter 176.2
- Chapter 177.1
- Chapter 177.2
- Chapter 178.1
- Chapter 178.1
- Chapter 178.2
- Chapter 178.2
- Chapter 179.1
- Chapter 179.1
- Chapter 179.2
- Chapter 179.2
- Chapter 180.1
- Chapter 180.1
- Chapter 180.2
- Chapter 180.2
- Chapter 181.1
- Chapter 181.1
- Chapter 181.2
- Chapter 181.2
- Chapter 182.1
- Chapter 182.1
- Chapter 182.2
- Chapter 183.1
- Chapter 183.2
- Chapter 184.1
- Chapter 184.2
- Chapter 185.1
- Chapter 185.2
- Chapter 186.1
- Chapter 186.2
- Chapter 187.1
- Chapter 187.2
- Chapter 188.1
- Chapter 188.2
- Chapter 189.1
- Chapter 189.2
- Chapter 190.1
- Chapter 190.2
- Chapter 191.1
- Chapter 191.2
- Chapter 192.1
- Chapter 192.2
- Chapter 193.1
- Chapter 193.2
- Chapter 194.1
- Chapter 194.2
- Chapter 195.1
- Chapter 195.2
- Chapter 196.1
- Chapter 196.2
- Chapter 197.1 Extra: If we met when we were young
- Chapter 197.2 Extra: If we met when we were young
- Chapter 198.1
- Chapter 198.2
- Chapter 199.1
- Chapter 199.2
- Chapter 200.1
- Chapter 200.2
- Chapter 201.1
- Chapter 201.2
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- Chapter 206.1
- Chapter 206.2
- Chapter 207.1
- Chapter 207.2
- Chapter 208.1
- Chapter 208.2
- Chapter 209.1
- Chapter 209.2
- Chapter 210.1
- Chapter 210.2
- Chapter 211.1
- Chapter 211.2
- Chapter 212.1
- Chapter 212.2
- Chapter 213.1
- Chapter 213.2
- Chapter 214.1
- Chapter 214.2
- Chapter 215.1
- Chapter 215.2
- Chapter 216.1
- Chapter 216.2
- Chapter 217.1
- Chapter 217.2
- Chapter 218.1
- Chapter 218.2
- Chapter 219.1
- Chapter 219.2
- Chapter 220.1
- Chapter 220.2
- Chapter 221.1
- Chapter 221.2
- Chapter 222.1
- Chapter 222.2
- Chapter 223.1
- Chapter 223.2
- Chapter 224.1
- Chapter 224.2
- Chapter 225.1
- Chapter 225.2
- Chapter 226.1
- Chapter 226.2
- Chapter 227.1
- Chapter 227.2
- Chapter 228.1 (patreon post)
- Chapter 228.2
- Chapter 229.1
- Chapter 229.2
- Chapter 229.3
- Chapter 230
- Chapter 231.1
- Chapter 231.2
- Chapter 232.2Editor: PrincessCheng Yu followed Lin An Lan into the room and politely said, “Hello, Uncle and Aunt.”Mother Lin nodded and asked Lin An Lan, “An An, who is this?”“My classmate, Cheng Yu.” Lin An Lan placed the food on the table nearby and explained, “He came to the hospital to visit someone and happened to run into me, so he also came to see you.”Mother Lin nodded. She rarely saw Lin An Lan associate with peers other than Jiang Xu, so she was somewhat pleased and couldn’t help but quietly observe Cheng Yu for a while.How handsome Cheng Yu was! Just standing there casually, he looked like a painting. Moreover, at this moment, he was standing properly and upright, elegant as jade trees, looking simply like an untainted young nobleman.Mother Lin felt that he had good temperament and was also clean-cut. Her eyes curved with pleasure. “Thank you, Xiao Cheng. Please sit. Would you like some water?”Cheng Yu shook his head and held out the fruit basket. “I bought you some fruit.”“You eat it.” Mother Lin smiled. “You’re just a child and don’t have much money. Why did you buy these things? It’s not necessary. Just eat it yourself.”“It’s fine.” Cheng Yu handed the fruit basket to Lin An Lan and smiled. “Please eat more fruit. It’s good for your health.”Lin An Lan took it and placed it on the table.Seeing this, Mother Lin asked him to open the fruit basket and share some with Cheng Yu.Lin An Lan opened the fruit basket and handed the banana inside to him. “You eat it.”After saying this, he took the porridge and handed it to Mother Lin. “Mom, drink some porridge.”Mother Lin accepted it. Lin An Lan helped her set up the small table, then handed the dumplings to Father Lin before sitting down himself.“Aren’t you eating?” Mother Lin asked him.Lin An Lan smiled. “I already ate while waiting for the food at the cafeteria.”He had indeed eaten, but only two steamed buns. Lin An Lan clearly had no appetite for eating. Cheng Yu could see this and silently peeled the banana in his hand and handed it to him.“You eat it.” Lin An Lan said. “I already ate.”“This is fruit, not dinner.” Cheng Yu pulled over his hand and stuffed the banana into it, then peeled another one for himself and took a bite. “Look, I’m eating too.”Father Lin watched this and was probably reminded of when he was still teaching students, because he smiled subconsciously.Lin An Lan stopped refusing and began eating the banana.Cheng Yu didn’t stay too long. Father Lin was still concerned about Lin An Lan’s classes tomorrow. Seeing that it was about time, he sent them away together.“It’s getting late. You should both go back. An An, you go back too. You didn’t go to school at all today, so you have to go tomorrow.”Lin An Lan didn’t want to go home. “I’ll stay to keep Mom company. Dad, you go back.”“How can that work?” Father Lin disagreed.Mother Lin also persuaded him, “That’s right, An An. You have classes tomorrow. Go back first. Your father is here, so it’s fine.”“I’ll go in the afternoon tomorrow. It’s the same.”“Be good.” Mother Lin comforted him. “There’s only one accompanying bed here. If you stay, you won’t even have a place to sleep. You’re just making Mom worry. Go back first. If you want to come, come again tomorrow, understand?”The woman in the bed next to hers had been watching Lin An Lan busy himself back and forth since Mother Lin was admitted to the ward. She also joined in persuading him, “That’s right, child. Listen to your mother. School is most important for children your age. If you stay, your mother will still have to worry about your studies in her heart. Wouldn’t that be bad for her condition?”Lin An Lan had no choice but to reluctantly agree.“That’s perfect. You and Xiao Cheng can keep each other company and look after each other on the way. It’s fine. If anything happens, Dad will call you.” Father Lin said this and stood up, preparing to see them off.Seeing this, Lin An Lan also stood up. He helped Mother Lin refill her thermos with hot water and washed some fruit before reluctantly leaving with the room’s garbage.The woman in the bed next to Mother Lin was somewhat envious and couldn’t help saying, “Your child is really filial. Unlike my son, who acts as if he’s dead. I’ve been hospitalized for so many days and he hasn’t come to see me once. When I ask, he just says he’s busy. People who don’t know would think he’s busier than the president!”Mother Lin smiled and, unlike traditional parents, didn’t act modest. She said gently, “Our An An is indeed quite filial, and he studies well too. He’s a three-good student every year and receives scholarships.”After saying this, she seemed to feel that speaking this way wasn’t quite right and was somewhat boastful and annoying. So she comforted the woman in the next bed, “Maybe your son is really busy. Don’t be sad. Wait a little longer. An An is a student, so it’s easy for him to ask for leave. From what you just said, your child should already be working. Once you’re employed, sometimes it’s hard to get leave.”Hearing her say this, the woman felt somewhat comforted. She nodded and began chatting with her.Lin An Lan and Cheng Yu left the hospital and walked all the way to the bus stop.Lin An Lan asked him, “Which bus do you take?”“Which one do you take?”“Route 9.”“Me too.” Cheng Yu immediately said with delight.Lin An Lan was somewhat suspicious, but there was no benefit for Cheng Yu to lie to him about this kind of thing, so he only doubted briefly.Cheng Yu saw that he had been silent and unhappy since leaving the hospital room. He thought Lin An Lan must still be worried about his mother. Indeed, with such a big incident happening, no one would be able to be happy.He took out his phone and sent a WeChat message to Yu Heng, asking if he knew any oncology experts.Yu Heng replied quickly: [Why are you suddenly asking about this? Are you sick?]Cheng Yu: [It’s not me, it’s my classmate’s mother.]Yu Heng just assumed it was a close friend and didn’t ask further. After a while, he sent over a WeChat contact: [Professor Wang, a leading figure in this field. I just told him about you. You can chat with him about the rest.]Cheng Yu quickly thanked him and added this Professor Wang.With Yu Heng’s introduction, Professor Wang approved his friend request quite quickly. After adding him, he began asking about the patient’s condition.How could Cheng Yu explain this clearly? He poked Lin An Lan.Lin An Lan turned to look at him. Cheng Yu silently held his phone in front of him. “Well, I asked my big brother to help me contact an expert in this field. He’s asking me about the condition, but I’m not too clear about it. You talk to him.”Lin An Lan hadn’t expected that when he was looking down at his phone just now, he was actually doing this. He looked at him with surprise and joy, almost giving him a delighted hug.He took Cheng Yu’s phone and seriously reported the condition to Professor Wang.Professor Wang listened and asked some other questions. Lin An Lan had been by Mother Lin’s side all day and remembered almost all the X-rays and diagnoses clearly, so he answered without much hesitation.Finally, Professor Wang replied: [That should be considered fortunate in the midst of misfortune. I’ll go take a look tomorrow.]Lin An Lan quickly thanked him.After learning that Mother Lin had a tumor, he had already searched online for experts in this field. Therefore, as soon as he took Cheng Yu’s phone and saw the familiar work photo in the other party’s avatar, he guessed that this should be Professor Wang Yue, who everyone said was an expert among experts, a leader among leaders.Too many people wanted to see someone like him, but too few actually got to see him. Now that he said he would come to see Mother Lin’s condition tomorrow, Lin An Lan naturally understood that he wasn’t giving face to himself, but to Cheng Yu.Lin An Lan added Professor Wang on WeChat and only then returned the phone to Cheng Yu, saying sincerely, “Thank you.”“You’re welcome.” Cheng Yu didn’t care at all. “You’ve helped me too.”Lin An Lan heard his words and knew that his so-called “you’ve helped me too” referred to him explaining some problems he didn’t understand at school.That was just a small favor from him. How could it require such a heavy repayment?He looked at Cheng Yu and could vaguely see the familiar gentleness of the Cheng Yu from his dreams. He thought for a moment and said to him, “Did you want me to be your tutor before?”Cheng Yu nodded immediately.Lin An Lan smiled and said gently, “I agree.”“Really?” Cheng Yu was delighted.Lin An Lan nodded. “Until your grades improve.”Cheng Yu thought that was it then. His grades probably wouldn’t improve until the university entrance examination.“Then I’ll pay you according to market rate, the kind that’s 500 yuan per hour.”Lin An Lan: …Lin An Lan chuckled softly. “That’s not necessary. Although my mother is ill now, our family still has some savings, and we also have a house. So if I need money later, I’ll ask to borrow from you. But there’s no need for that now.”“You’ve already helped me tremendously. There’s no need to give me money anymore, or I’ll feel embarrassed.”Hearing this, Cheng Yu wanted to say something more but swallowed it back. He did want to give Lin An Lan more money, both to keep him and to help him get through this difficult time.However, since Lin An Lan wasn’t willing, that was fine too. He could completely work from Professor Wang’s side and the hospital’s side. As long as he paid enough money in advance, the Lin family naturally wouldn’t need to pay too much.After all, Mother Lin had medical insurance. When the time came, he could say it was covered by medical insurance, and they definitely wouldn’t think much about it.Yes, Cheng Yu thought this method was good. After all, he was now so poor that he only had money left!
- Chapter 233.1Editor: PrincessThe next afternoon, Lin An Lan hurried out as soon as school ended. Cheng Yu quickly caught up, walking beside him. “I’ll go with you.”Lin An Lan thought it over. After all, he’d connected with Professor Wang through Cheng Yu, so naturally it would be best if he was willing to come along.“Thank you.”“No problem.” Cheng Yu smiled. “I don’t have anything to do at home anyway, and going with you means I can see if there’s anything I can help with.”Hearing this, Lin An Lan’s heart stirred. Remembering their relationship in the dream, he asked, “Why are you helping me so much?”The question caught Cheng Yu off guard. He was already sixteen or seventeen, not some six- or seven-year-old kid, so he couldn’t very well say “I want to be friends with you.” So he could only respond, “We’re all classmates, right? Of course I’d help when I can. Besides, aren’t you supposed to be my little tutor? Naturally I hope I can help you too.”Reasonable and well-founded, very much in line with socialist core values. Lin An Lan nodded and didn’t pursue it further.He hailed a taxi, and he and Cheng Yu went to the hospital together.Professor Wang had arrived earlier than them. He’d already asked about Mother Lin’s condition and had her redo some tests. Now he was discussing changing hospital rooms with Lin An Lan’s parents.Mother Lin was reluctant, feeling that the current room was fine. It was crowded, yes, but cheap, and there were people to chat with.But Father Lin disagreed. Mother Lin was getting on in years, and though the doctor said the surgery success rate wasn’t low, he’d also tactfully indicated that at this age, the risks would be somewhat higher.Father Lin was terrified that if something really happened to her, she’d still be frugally saving money on her deathbed. The thought of future regret was unbearable, so he immediately expressed their willingness to move to a better room.The two were still arguing when Lin An Lan and Cheng Yu entered.They immediately saw Professor Wang in his white coat. After politely asking about the situation, Lin An Lan also urged Mother Lin to change rooms.With a different room, he could stay with Mother Lin instead of leaving only one person for care because this room was too crowded.Seeing him say this, Mother Lin stopped insisting and agreed to move to a VIP room.Professor Wang chatted briefly with Cheng Yu, then didn’t stay long, just saying he’d come check on her daily and they could do surgery in a week.Cheng Yu repeatedly expressed his thanks.Mother Lin watched this, and after Professor Wang left, she earnestly thanked him.Since connecting with Professor Wang was good news, Lin An Lan had told his parents about it last night so they could feel somewhat more at ease.Father Lin and Mother Lin weren’t stubborn people. Knowing that their son had helped find connections, they didn’t feel that the other party looked down on them. Instead, they were very grateful to Cheng Yu, simultaneously marveling at this youthful friendship—how genuine children’s feelings were for each other—while telling Lin An Lan that he had to help him more in the future and never forget this kindness.Lin An Lan naturally agreed.Because of this, the Lin family elders were particularly fond of Cheng Yu when they saw him now. Holding his hands, they asked how his studies were going, thanked him repeatedly, and said he had to tell them if he ever needed anything. If Cheng Yu hadn’t clearly been from a wealthy family—beyond their reach—Father Lin and Mother Lin would have wanted to adopt him as a godson.How clever was Cheng Yu?! Seeing such a perfect opportunity before him, he quickly acted cute: “My grades aren’t very good, not as good as Lin An Lan’s. But fortunately Lin An Lan is kind. Whenever I ask him questions at school, he always answers them seriously. So this time, I was just helping out casually. Uncle and Auntie, you don’t need to be so polite.”Father Lin had been a teacher for half his life and loved nothing more than students who actively asked questions after class. For a responsible veteran teacher like him, he wasn’t afraid of students who couldn’t learn well. He was afraid of students who didn’t want to learn.So hearing Cheng Yu say this, he immediately liked him even more: “You’re only in your second year of high school. It’s fine if your grades aren’t good now. As long as you work hard later, you can catch up. Having this mindset and knowing to ask others questions proves you’re diligent and eager to learn. You’ll definitely catch up in the future.”“I hope so.” Cheng Yu smiled. “When my grades improve, I’ll give Lin An Lan a big red envelope.”“That’s not necessary.” Father Lin smiled warmly. “You’re classmates, helping each other with studies is what you should do. An Lan isn’t helping you for any reward. Your grades improving would be the best reward for him.”Lin An Lan nodded cooperatively. “Mm.”“Then I’ll definitely work hard.” Cheng Yu said.“Good.” Father Lin was very satisfied.Then he said as if remembering something: “An Lan, why don’t you and Xiao Cheng do homework here for a while? I’ll go buy you some food. That way, you can also see what Xiao Cheng doesn’t understand and help him.”“Right.” Looking at her newly changed room, Mother Lin now thought it was quite nice. It was spacious and quiet, suitable for the children to do homework.“This room has a table that’s big enough for both of you to write. Try to finish early so you can go straight to sleep when you get home.”“Okay.” Lin An Lan smiled.He picked up his schoolbag and glanced at Cheng Yu. Cheng Yu quickly stood up and walked with him to the round table nearby.Cheng Yu pulled a chair right next to Lin An Lan’s and sat beside him. Lin An Lan looked up at him. Cheng Yu blinked innocently: “This is more convenient.”Lin An Lan thought: Is it?He somewhat suspected that Cheng Yu was already starting to like him at this point. Otherwise, why would he be so dedicated to his mother’s situation? Not only that, even doing homework, he had to sit right next to him.But thinking it over, he didn’t refuse, just said, “You write first. Ask me when you don’t understand something.”“Mm.”Seeing them pick up their pens, Father Lin prepared to go downstairs to buy food. Before leaving, he thought of something else: “Xiao Cheng, is it okay for you not to go home for dinner? Won’t your parents worry?”Cheng Yu shook his head, very well-behaved: “My dad doesn’t care about these things. I live alone.”Mother Lin found this strange and asked, “What about your mom?”Cheng Yu smiled, his voice very soft: “She’s not around anymore. She’s been gone since I was in middle school.”Not only Father Lin and Mother Lin, even Lin An Lan froze, staring at him in shock.Mother Lin immediately felt regretful: “I’m sorry, Xiao Cheng. Auntie didn’t mean to.”“It’s fine.” Cheng Yu didn’t mind these things. “You were just concerned about me, Auntie. I know.”Mother Lin smiled slightly, feeling somewhat sorry for him.Father Lin also felt that such a kind, loving, and studious child shouldn’t have encountered such circumstances. His heart filled with pity, and his occupational hazard kicked in again. He began worrying about whether Cheng Yu’s family environment might affect his college entrance exam.This wasn’t his fault—for Father Lin, he’d spent half his life worrying about students. What he feared most was when students’ families had problems during their second or third year of high school, causing children who could have gotten into first-tier universities to end up in second or third-tier schools, or unable to take the exam at all.Wouldn’t this directly affect the child’s entire future?!So after buying food and returning, Father Lin still worriedly asked, “Xiao Cheng, are you usually alone at home?”Cheng Yu nodded: “My dad is busy, and our house is far away. For convenience with school, I moved near the school.”“Your dad is comfortable with that? He didn’t find someone to take care of you?”Lin An Lan listened quietly, also wondering about this.Cheng Yu smiled: “It’s fine. I can manage on my own. I’m already 17, I’m not a little kid anymore.”Father Lin felt that this wasn’t the right way to think about it. Students who hadn’t graduated were still children! He thought Cheng Yu’s father was inappropriate. How could he let his child live alone?Cheng Yu wanting to study well and moving near school wasn’t a problem. It showed he was motivated and progressive. But as a father, he couldn’t be absent!Especially during the crucial second year of high school, when children easily felt psychological pressure and most needed parental companionship and encouragement. How could he be absent?!But Cheng Yu wasn’t his student after all, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to directly contact Cheng Yu’s parents to tell them to care for and accompany their son more. So he could only pat Cheng Yu’s shoulder and say, “If you encounter any problems in life, call An Lan. You’re classmates, and living alone, you’ll inevitably need help sometimes. Don’t feel like you’re troubling anyone, just ask An Lan to help you.”
- Chapter 233.2Editor: PrincessLin An Lan hadn’t expected him to be in such a situation. Although he’d been abandoned by his birth mother early on, fortunately his adoptive parents treated him well, raising him like their own son. He’d never lacked warmth. By comparison, Cheng Yu’s situation seemed truly pitiful.Under normal circumstances, with his mother gone, shouldn’t his father care for him even more? Clearly, this father was also unreliable.Lin An Lan suddenly thought of his never-met birth father. Indeed, reliable fathers like his adoptive father were truly rare among fathers.“Mm.” He replied warmly, “I’ll help you as much as I can.”Cheng Yu hadn’t expected Lin An Lan’s parents to be such warm and kind people, making even Lin An Lan more affectionate toward him.He quickly responded gratefully, not forgetting to praise: “Uncle, you’re really kind.”Father Lin smiled: “You’re all still young, you’re all children.”“My dad used to be a teacher, so he can’t stand to see students’ studies affected by family problems.” Lin An Lan smiled.Cheng Yu had already sensed that although Father Lin was older than he’d expected, he was very refined. He’d guessed he might work with words, but hadn’t expected him to be a teacher.“No wonder I thought Uncle seemed so approachable. It turns out you’re a teacher! Of course you’d be approachable.”Lin An Lan chuckled quietly, thinking: You’re definitely not this approachable when you see the teachers in our class.Father Lin also laughed: “That’s because you’re eager to learn. The ones who don’t want to learn run away scared when they see me.”Cheng Yu: …Cheng Yu felt that Father Lin really thought too highly of him. He was actually the one who really didn’t love studying.However although he felt ashamed inside, his face still beamed as he said, “Uncle, you’re so impressive. No wonder Lin An Lan is our school’s top student—like father, like son! Our class teachers and classmates all especially like him!”Father Lin quite enjoyed hearing this, and not only enjoyed it, he even asked deliberately, “Really?”“Mm, otherwise I wouldn’t ask him questions. All our classmates love asking him questions. He’s even more popular than the teachers!”Lin An Lan: …Don’t you dare, I’m not worthy of such praise. Are you sure there’s no problem with flattering me like this?Clearly there was no problem, at least not with Father Lin.Father Lin’s smile deepened: “As it should be. When poor, perfect yourself alone; when capable, help perfect the world. You’re all classmates, so it’s normal for you to ask him when you don’t understand something. When I was teaching, I found that you students don’t like asking teachers questions. You prefer finding classmates to solve problems privately, as if teachers would eat you alive. But that’s fine. As long as you understand in the end, it’s good. It’s a good thing that An Lan can help you all.”“You’re so kind.” Cheng Yu sighed. “If only my dad could be like you.”Father Lin had already been grateful that he’d helped their family with such a big favor, moved by his diligent studying and kind heart, and then pitied him for being alone and helpless. Now hearing him say this, he immediately responded, “Xiao Cheng, if you don’t mind, once your auntie gets better, come to Uncle’s house often. This situation with your auntie—we owe it all to you. Our family doesn’t know how to thank you. So if you’re willing, come visit often in the future. An Lan said he’d tutor you, right? It’s convenient at home too. I have all kinds of teaching materials here, practice tests from every year and every province.”Cheng Yu wanted to grab his hands directly. Uncle, you’re like a real uncle to me!! No one can ever break our uncle-nephew bond!“I’d love to.” He said sincerely. “I’m just afraid I’d disturb you.”“It’s no disturbance at all.” Father Lin smiled. “Your auntie and I are both retired, so we’re not busy. There’s only An Lan at home. Having you come would give him company too.”“This child.” Father Lin looked at Lin An Lan, his eyes both proud and somewhat disapproving, “is just too filial. Sometimes I tell him to go out and play with classmates like you, but he won’t go—he just stays home with us. Having you come would be perfect. You could accompany him to movies or chat about games you young people like. Otherwise, spending all his time with us, he won’t look like a trendy young person.”Lin An Lan just smiled and replied to his dad, “I think I’m quite trendy.”“Exactly.” Cheng Yu praised without hesitation. “He’s the most trendy person in our class!”Father Lin: …This little classmate really knows how to talk! He’s a good child!Lin An Lan watched as, in the course of conversation, Cheng Yu practically started moving into his house. He could only think that Cheng Yu’s eloquence was truly impressive.When they’d arrived, he’d barely known his parents, but before it was time to leave, his dad practically wanted to adopt him as a godson!He was simply too skilled at winning people over!But this time Cheng Yu had truly shown great kindness to their family, so Lin An Lan thought it was normal. Never mind just having him come to their house. Even if his dad really adopted him as a godson, he’d have no objections.Looking at Cheng Yu, Lin An Lan felt more and more that he didn’t seem to treat him as an ordinary classmate.Could he really already like him?This early?Why?Lin An Lan couldn’t understand. What was there about him that could attract Cheng Yu’s attention?Surely it couldn’t really be his good grades, right?Had he helped Cheng Yu somehow without knowing it?Lin An Lan couldn’t figure it out, but…He suddenly realized a terrifying problem. He didn’t know if it was because he’d been dreaming too much, and the future from his dreams had been verified, but now he seemed to no longer reject the idea of Cheng Yu liking him. He was even thinking about why Cheng Yu might like him!My god, Lin An Lan shuddered. Was he really going to accept Cheng Yu’s secret crush?!
- Chapter 234.1Editor: PrincessPropping his cheek on his hand, Lin An Lan recalled the scenes from his dreams. How should he put it? This future didn’t seem unacceptable.After all, he’d been having these dreams for so long now, he was used to it.It was just that suddenly becoming bent like this was inevitably a bit hard to accept.Knowing something was one thing, and digesting it was another. Lin An Lan felt that he needed some time to help facilitate his digestion.Cheng Yu and Lin An Lan stayed in the hospital room until 9 PM. When Mother Lin was preparing to sleep, Father Lin sent them home.Seeing how late it was, Cheng Yu called a taxi and first took Lin An Lan home, then went to his own place.He tossed his schoolbag aside, casually changed clothes, and went to play games.After all, he never turned in homework anyway. Acting the part in front of Lin An Lan and Lin An Lan’s parents was one thing, but back home with no one to supervise him, who would want to do homework?Cheng Yu thought that if Lin An Lan required him to do homework properly, he would definitely do it.Too bad Lin An Lan had never said such a thing to him. With no one managing him, he had no desire to advance. He just wanted to waste time.Sometimes people really couldn’t be too smart. Being too smart, learning everything easily, made one not care.If he really struggled more with studying, then even just to give Yu Heng a good grade at final exams, he would study diligently and work hard every day. But unfortunately, he really wasn’t bad at all, so studying became something he didn’t take to heart.Cheng Yu sighed and lay down on his bed.He thought that if Lin An Lan’s father knew about his attitude, he’d probably really want to have a heart-to-heart talk with him!When Lin An Lan got home and pressed the elevator button, he remembered that he and Jiang Xu hadn’t been in contact for several days.Mother Lin’s condition had occupied all his thoughts, so these past few days, he simply hadn’t thought of Jiang Xu.With this realization, he pressed the button for Jiang Xu’s floor and walked to his door.He knocked, but got no response. He’s probably not home, Lin An Lan thought to himself.Since Jiang Lirong had left, Jiang Xu was both guarding this home and unwilling to return to it.Father Lin was a kind and good person, plus teachers had a natural sense of responsibility toward children this age, so he’d told Jiang Xu more than once that if he was willing, he could come to their house. Whatever his mother had done, his most important thing now was the college entrance exam. He needed to study well and prepare for it first. This was a matter affecting his entire life.But Jiang Xu obviously couldn’t listen. Even though the Lin family had shown sufficient goodwill, he hadn’t continued sitting in the classroom listening to teachers lecture as Father Lin had hoped. Instead, he’d chosen to abandon himself.Father Lin couldn’t persuade him, and Lin An Lan couldn’t persuade him either. But after all, they were friends who’d grown up together. Just watching the other person give up on himself left Lin An Lan unable to bear it.He called Jiang Xu, but Jiang Xu didn’t answer.Having no choice, Lin An Lan returned to the elevator, preparing to go home.He had too many things to keep busy with now—running between school, hospital, and home every day. He no longer had much energy to manage Jiang Xu.For Lin An Lan, the most important people in this world would always be his parents.When his parents were fine, he could spare energy for Jiang Xu or others. But when his parents had problems, he was too lazy to care about even himself.In his world, his parents were always the most important.After going to the hospital with Lin An Lan for several days, Cheng Yu had completely warmed up to Father Lin and Mother Lin. He was simply too good at talking. He could praise people, coax them, and figure out what others wanted to hear. Father Lin and Mother Lin were so delighted by his flattery that their address for him changed from “Xiao Cheng” to “Xiao Yu”.Lin An Lan felt that he should be called “Little Flower”—flowery words and honeyed speech, all pleasant-sounding talk.**This Friday, Lin An Lan finally convinced Father Lin to go home and rest while he kept watch in the hospital room.Cheng Yu said he’d stay to keep him company, but was forcefully taken away by Father Lin. Cheng Yu was very reluctant, saying he’d come back tomorrow.Lin An Lan chuckled and waved at him, telling him to go home and do his homework properly.“I’ll see what you don’t understand when you come tomorrow and explain it to you.”“Okay.” Cheng Yu replied.Mother Lin waited until he’d left before smiling: “Xiao Yu is quite interesting. Is he especially popular in your class?”Lin An Lan’s hand that was peeling an apple froze. Cheng Yu really wasn’t like this at school. He usually looked quite cool, and when playing with Xu Sheng and the others, he smiled very brightly. But when he got to his parents’ place, he inexplicably became lively and animated, quite different from his usual appearance.Lin An Lan figured that this was probably because he was there. Since Cheng Yu liked him, he’d be different in front of him than in front of others. This was normal.“Mm.” He continued peeling the apple. “His family is well-off, and he’s handsome, so not just girls in our class, many girls throughout our school like him.”“An Lan, you think he’s good-looking?!” Mother Lin was surprised. “This is the first time you’ve praised someone like this. You never used to say others were handsome.”“Did I not?” Lin An Lan asked her.“Of course not. You’d only say things like, ‘His studies aren’t good’, or ‘His grades are decent but his personality isn’t good.’”Lin An Lan: …Was he really such a picky person?He silently handed the peeled apple to Mother Lin and changed the subject.Mother Lin smiled but didn’t call him out, eating the apple he’d peeled slowly.
- Chapter 234.2Editor: PrincessCheng Yu indeed came early the next day, even bringing breakfast for them.Father Lin hadn’t arrived yet. He’d been keeping watch for several days and had finally gotten to go home once—Lin An Lan hoped he’d rest a bit longer.Mother Lin had been awake for a while, reading a book. Both she and Father Lin were educated intellectuals who maintained the habit of reading even at their age. Watching them, Cheng Yu felt that their whole family had quite a cultured atmosphere.After eating the breakfast he’d brought, Lin An Lan began tutoring him.He checked Cheng Yu’s homework. Most of it was done, with only some problems he didn’t know left blank and some completed but incorrect.Lin An Lan started with chemistry, where he’d made the fewest mistakes. Cheng Yu listened cooperatively, and though he clearly understood everything, he had to pretend to look like he’d just grasped it. His acting was quite convincing.At noon, Father Lin brought homemade lunch to the hospital room. Everyone ate together and chatted for a while.Cheng Yu praised Father Lin’s cooking skills for a long time. Then after receiving another dinner invitation from Father Lin, he and Lin An Lan began a new round of studying.While listening to Lin An Lan earnestly explain the problems he’d deliberately gotten wrong, Cheng Yu could occasionally hear the quiet conversation between Father Lin and Mother Lin nearby.Probably to avoid disturbing Lin An Lan and himself, they spoke very softly, their voices gentle and warm.This was a very happy family, Cheng Yu thought to himself. He’d seen it long ago. Although Lin An Lan’s family had modest means and his parents were getting on in years, they were a happy family.Lin An Lan cared for and loved his parents, and his parents were concerned about and cherished their son.Every time he praised Lin An Lan, Father Lin and Mother Lin would become especially happy, and when Father Lin and Mother Lin were happy, even if Lin An Lan said nothing, his eyes would sparkle with gentle, smiling warmth.They were like the most ordinary family in the world, consisting of loving parents and a filial child. Yet it was a longing he could never possess.Cheng Yu really loved their family atmosphere. He even wanted to station himself here so he could feel this warmth and kindness from all directions.Unfortunately, when evening came, he still had to leave.Lin An Lan didn’t want to leave either, but having spent a night at the hospital yesterday, Father Lin felt sorry for him and refused to let him stay at the hospital again today.Lin An Lan had no choice but to leave the hospital with Cheng Yu and head home.Just as they were approaching Lin An Lan’s home, his phone rang. Lin An Lan looked and saw that it was Jiang Xu.Calling him at this hour, he was either injured or drunk. Lin An Lan could already guess. He answered the call calmly: “Hello.”Jiang Xu was indeed drunk, calling groggily from the other end, asking him to come pick him up and take him home.Lin An Lan looked at the time and didn’t refuse. He asked, “Where are you?”Seeing him hang up, Cheng Yu asked, “Did Jiang Xu ask you to pick him up?”Lin An Lan nodded and said to him, “Let me take you home first, then I’ll go get him.”Cheng Yu immediately became jealous, madly jealous!He remembered that it was the same before. At 1 AM, Jiang Xu had called Lin An Lan. They’d all thought Lin An Lan wouldn’t come, but he’d still shown up to take him home.Cheng Yu clenched his fists subconsciously, however his expression remained relaxed: “I’ll go with you. It’s so late, and he’s drunk. If something happens, that wouldn’t be good.”“It’ll be fine.” Lin An Lan really didn’t want to trouble him further. “You go home and rest. I’ll text you when I get home.”“Let’s go together.” Cheng Yu said. “It’s the weekend tomorrow anyway, I don’t have anything to do.”Seeing his insistence, Lin An Lan stopped refusing. He had the driver turn around and head to the bar where Jiang Xu had gone.Jiang Xu was obviously drunk. Seeing Lin An Lan, he struggled to stand up, took a couple of steps, and hugged him.Lin An Lan supported him, looking at his condition with both anger and helplessness.He didn’t like this version of Jiang Xu who was acting half-dead because of his mother’s departure, but he couldn’t just ignore him either. With so many years of friendship, if he didn’t care about Jiang Xu, truly no one would.People in adversity always hoped someone could help them.Little Lin An Lan had hoped someone could take him away and give him a home. Father Lin and Mother Lin had done that, so he was grateful and respected them.Because of this, he hoped he could become like his parents, become someone who could give others hope.So he didn’t want to give up on Jiang Xu, didn’t want Jiang Xu’s world to be completely dark.“Let’s go.” He supported Jiang Xu as they walked outside.Cheng Yu went to the other side, wanting to help him support the drunk Jiang Xu, but was pushed away by Jiang Xu.Jiang Xu frowned and looked at him carefully for a moment, seeming to recognize him: “Cheng Yu?”“Mm.”Jiang Xu didn’t want to deal with him. He and Cheng Yu weren’t close to begin with, and besides, what would a rich young master like Cheng Yu understand?He stayed close to Lin An Lan, swaying as they walked out.Cheng Yu wanted to help Lin An Lan share some of the weight on his body, but unfortunately Jiang Xu wouldn’t have it: “Mind your own business! What are you doing here?!”Hearing him shout like this, Lin An Lan couldn’t help but get angry.“What are you yelling about?” He said angrily. “What’s he doing here? He came with me to pick you up. If you hadn’t gotten yourself into this state, would he need to accompany me here?!”Cheng Yu hadn’t expected that before he could even speak, Lin An Lan would defend him first. He looked at Lin An Lan in surprise, hardly believing it.Jiang Xu also couldn’t believe it, saying angrily, “I didn’t ask him to come.”“I asked him to come.” Lin An Lan said. “Look what time it is. Look at the place you’re in. Is this somewhere a student should be? Aren’t you worried about something happening to yourself?!”Seeing that he was really angry, Jiang Xu didn’t dare say anything more.Lin An Lan looked at him coldly and lectured him: “Someone kindly comes to help you, and instead of being grateful, you blame them. Do you think that’s appropriate?!”“I didn’t ask him to come. I never wanted him to come.” Jiang Xu said quietly.Hearing this, Lin An Lan let go of him completely, pulling Cheng Yu directly toward the door.Jiang Xu was startled and sobered up considerably. He stumbled after them, apologizing: “I was wrong.”“Apologize to him.” Lin An Lan said coldly. “What’s the point of apologizing to me? You didn’t push me just now.”Jiang Xu was reluctant in his heart, but since Lin An Lan was still angry and he didn’t dare provoke him, he could only say to Cheng Yu, “I’m sorry.”“It’s fine.” Cheng Yu replied.He fundamentally didn’t care about Jiang Xu, so whether Jiang Xu’s attitude toward him was good or bad didn’t matter to him. He just didn’t want Lin An Lan coming to pick up Jiang Xu so late at night. He wasn’t really concerned about whether Jiang Xu lived or died.After Jiang Xu apologized, he looked at Lin An Lan pitifully.Seeing that he’d admitted his mistake, Lin An Lan reluctantly forgave him, though he didn’t want to support him anymore. He looked like he could walk independently anyway.“Let’s go.” He said, walking outside.Cheng Yu looked down at his sleeve. The sleeve that Lin An Lan had grabbed still had some wrinkles that hadn’t smoothed out. But now, the hand that had been gripping it had already let go.He caught up quickly, looking at Lin An Lan’s pale, slender wrist, wanting to grab it but not daring to.Jiang Xu could only follow along, getting into the car with them.Lin An Lan sat in the middle, with Jiang Xu and Cheng Yu each on one side.Jiang Xu was somewhat dissatisfied, muttering, “Why do we have to ride in the same car as someone else?”Lin An Lan asked him, “What did you say?”Jiang Xu: …Jiang Xu closed his mouth obediently.He did care about Lin An Lan as a friend after all—this was the only person he could depend on now. So he quickly softened his attitude and begged for forgiveness.He leaned against Lin An Lan, resting on his shoulder, complaining pitifully: “Xiao Lan, my head hurts.”Lin An Lan thought he deserved it. Drinking so much, if he didn’t get a headache, who would?“If a headache can’t stop you from drinking, what else can I say?” He said coldly.Jiang Xu leaned against him obediently: “I won’t drink next time.”Lin An Lan laughed coldly: “You made me the same promise last time, and the time before that.”Jiang Xu: …Listening to this, Cheng Yu watched as Lin An Lan’s expression wasn’t great, but he ultimately didn’t push Jiang Xu away.He still cared about Jiang Xu very much, that’s why he’d come pick him up so late at night, why he’d speak so bluntly about things he disapproved of.They really were close friends.Cheng Yu felt uncomfortable. He looked at his own hands quietly. Jiang Xu could openly lean against Lin An Lan, but he didn’t even have the right to hold his wrist.Lights slowly swept across his face as they passed. Cheng Yu looked out the window and said nothing.By the time they reached Lin An Lan’s home, it was very late.Lin An Lan turned to look at Cheng Yu and saw him with half-closed eyes, seeming somewhat tired.Well, it was so late now. Cheng Yu had accompanied him in this ordeal until now, he must be tired too.Jiang Xu opened the door and got out. Cheng Yu also opened his eyes and looked at Lin An Lan quietly.“Are you tired?” Lin An Lan asked him.Cheng Yu smiled slightly: “I’m okay.”His emotional regulation ability had always been strong. No matter what mood he was in, he could present whatever mood he wanted to show others.Lin An Lan thought he was quite gentle. These past few days, Cheng Yu had indeed helped him a lot and worked hard. Plus, his feelings toward Cheng Yu were quite complex now. So he thought it over and asked, “Would you like to stay at my house tonight?”Cheng Yu: !!!Lin An Lan’s voice was soft and pleasant: “You’ve been running around with me for half the night. Don’t trouble yourself further. I can see you’re tired too. Since there’s no school tomorrow, if you’re willing, just make do at my house for one night.”Cheng Yu quickly replied, “I’m willing, willing. I’m especially willing!”What “making do”? This was simply an unexpected delight!
- Chapter 232.1
Chapter 229.1
Editor: Princess
The next day, Lin An Lan rarely refrained from going to work.
He told Cheng Yu that he was taking a day off today, though in actuality he had his own plans.
At noon, he prepared lunch and drove to the Yu family’s company.
Yu Hanshuang was slightly surprised when she heard that he had come, then instantly guessed the purpose of his visit.
The secretary respectfully led Lin An Lan into the office. Yu Hanshuang closed her pen and walked to the sofa in her office, inviting him to sit together with her.
“How come you came today?” She asked with a smile.
Lin An Lan took out the lunch box and arranged it in front of her. “I brought you lunch.”
“You made this yourself?” Yu Hanshuang was delightfully surprised.
Lin An Lan nodded and helped her open the lid.
Yu Hanshuang looked at the food, her heart filled with tenderness.
These were all dishes she loved. Lin An Lan must have put considerable effort into making them. She looked at the person beside her and touched his hair. “You should eat together with me.”
Lin An Lan nodded and began eating with her.
The dishes were very well made and suited Yu Hanshuang’s taste perfectly. Lin An Lan ate quietly, as if he had really come simply to bring her lunch.
Yu Hanshuang also remained silent and ate with him. Only after finishing the food and slowly drinking water did she speak. “It was very delicious. I liked it very much.”
“Then I’ll cook for you in the future too.”
“That won’t be necessary. You have your own matters to attend to. There’s no need to delay your time for me. Eating in the cafeteria is fine for me.”
She looked at him, her tone gentle. “When I want to eat your cooking, I’ll tell you at home, and then you can make it.”
Lin An Lan nodded quickly, then fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking the words he had been wanting to say. “I’m sorry.”
He said, “About the matter between Cheng Yu and me, I’m very sorry.”
“Last night, I originally intended to go with him, but he didn’t want me to go. I didn’t want him to be unhappy, so I didn’t go. However, I actually should have gone with him to speak to you and Dad. This is a matter concerning both of us, and we should have shouldered it together.”
Yu Hanshuang listened and smiled slowly, asking him, “What are you apologizing for? Are you sorry that you grew up with him since childhood, or sorry that you’ve always taken such good care of him, or sorry that despite having your own thoughts, you still consider his feelings?”
“An An, I understand my son very well. He’s a person with strong opinions. If he hadn’t willingly chosen to love you, then no matter how much you liked him, you wouldn’t have been able to move his heart. I used to worry greatly. Worried that he would be like his father, promiscuous and unfaithful, and also worried that he would be like me, giving his love to the wrong person. However, he’s been fortunate. He hasn’t become like his father, treating relationships frivolously and irresponsibly, nor has he become like me, hurting himself because of love.”
“He feels comfortable and natural in love, and all of this is what you’ve given him. So what do you need to apologize for?”
Lin An Lan had considered that she might not blame him, but he hadn’t expected her to comfort him so gently. He stared at her in a daze, then said softly, “If we’re together, there won’t be any children.”
“When you have a child, as parents, you should naturally love and protect them well. However, when you don’t have a child, as an independent individual, the person you should love most is yourself. Each of us is an independent individual, destined to be unable to fulfill all of our parents’ expectations from birth. When I was young, my parents weren’t very supportive of my marrying Cheng Feng. They felt that Cheng Feng was unreliable and feared I would be hurt.”
“But I wanted to marry him because at that time, I felt it was the best choice. I understood my own personality very well, so I chose to marry him. This is human nature—living people can never satisfy their parents’ every wish because people inherently have their own thoughts. Therefore, my parents respected my thoughts, and I also respect your thoughts.”
She looked at the child before her, subconsciously remembering when he was still small. “Do you remember what I told you before?”
“What?” Lin An Lan didn’t understand which words she was referring to.
“That year when I moved out and you came to find me, I said I hoped you and Xiao Yu could always be good to each other. I said that if one day I wasn’t here anymore, then you should put more effort into caring for him and taking care of him. At that time, you didn’t promise me. You said you were only a younger brother, not a mother, and you couldn’t do it. But now, you can do it.”
Her eyes were filled with loving kindness and peace. “You’ve grown up. You’ll become his partner and stay with him forever. Even if one day I’m not here anymore, you’ll help me take care of him, won’t you?”
Lin An Lan nodded quietly, then said, “You won’t be gone.”
Yu Hanshuang hugged him, laughing. “Silly child, I’m so much older than you two, of course I’ll leave before you do. But this is good now. At least I can feel at ease. In this world, I wouldn’t feel comfortable entrusting you two to anyone else’s hands, but now that you’re together, my two most beloved children are together, I can naturally feel at ease.”
“Mom.” Lin An Lan called her softly.
Yu Hanshuang rubbed his head. “So there’s no need to feel guilty. Look at Xiao Yu, he doesn’t feel guilty, so you don’t need to either.”
Lin An Lan couldn’t help but hold her tightly and promise, “I’ll take good care of him.”
“Mm, I know.” Yu Hanshuang responded. “Just as he said, he’ll take good care of you. No one could be better to each other than you two.”
In that moment, Lin An Lan felt tolerance and love. All the cruel scenes he had imagined never appeared. Yu Hanshuang gave them the greatest degree of maternal love. She released her hands but delivered the future right before their eyes.
Lin An Lan held her, feeling that she really was a very gentle mother.
He chatted with Yu Hanshuang for quite a while before leaving the Yu family’s company.
Yu Hanshuang watched him leave, let out a gentle sigh, then smiled. Her children were all very good children.
**
Lin An Lan didn’t return home or go to the bookstore. Instead, he went directly to the Cheng Group.
Cheng Yu was rarely not at the company today, having gone to find Yu Heng instead. Therefore, he chose this time specifically to meet with Cheng Feng.
After all, he was Cheng Yu’s biological father, so he felt he also needed to apologize to him.
Regarding this love between himself and Cheng Yu, he always felt guilty. This guilt didn’t stem from the matter itself but from his own moral sense. The stronger his moral sense, the more guilty he felt.
When Cheng Feng heard that Lin An Lan had come, he almost instantly guessed why he would visit.
Honestly speaking, he, being the type of person he was, didn’t support homosexuality. He claimed his father was somewhat traditional, yet in his heart he shared the same thoughts as his father. If they couldn’t have children, then what was the point of marriage?
If today Cheng Yu had told him he was with some other boy and they wanted to marry, he felt he definitely wouldn’t have the heart to break Cheng Yu’s legs, but he would definitely have the heart to break the legs of that boy who dared try to be with Cheng Yu!
Seducing his son, what audacity!
But it happened to be Lin An Lan, the Lin An Lan he had watched grow up since childhood. Between Lin An Lan and Cheng Yu, who seduced whom? Anyone could tell with their eyes closed that it must have been his son who made the first move!
He couldn’t bear to break Cheng Yu’s legs, and he certainly couldn’t bear to break Lin An Lan’s legs either. Therefore, he could only turn a blind eye and accept this situation.
His only regret was that Lin An Lan wasn’t a girl. If he were a girl, everyone would be happy, and he would raise both hands in approval.
But unfortunately, he was a boy, which made things very difficult.
He was very worried about their family’s next generation. Although they could adopt, whose child would they adopt? What if the adopted child grew up and insisted on returning to his biological father like Jiang Xu?
He himself didn’t care much about blood relations. Even though Cheng Yu was his only son, he believed that no one could enter their family’s door without Cheng Yu’s permission in this lifetime.
But people like him were rare after all. Wasn’t Jiang Xu a living example? He had grown to sixteen or seventeen years old and should have had some sense, yet he still came seeking recognition from his ancestors when his father ignored him and didn’t want him.
What if the adopted child turned out like Jiang Xu? Wouldn’t Cheng Yu and Lin An Lan be the ones to suffer in the end?
Thinking of this made Cheng Feng very worried. There were always some people in this world who were confused and brainless. Even his excellent bloodline could produce an idiot like Jiang Xu, let alone other people’s bloodlines.
Cheng Feng felt melancholy and depressed, but this didn’t prevent him from putting on a kind expression before Lin An Lan entered.
Lin An Lan brought him coffee and pastries as afternoon tea.
Cheng Feng accepted them, pulled him to sit on the sofa, and smiled. “How do you have time to visit Dad today?”
Lin An Lan looked at him, rarely feeling somewhat guilty. He seldom experienced this feeling when with Cheng Feng. After all, since third grade, he had known that Cheng Feng had done things that wronged Yu Hanshuang and Cheng Yu. However, today, sitting across from Cheng Feng and looking at him, he felt unusually guilty.
Because he was Cheng Yu’s father.
“I’m very sorry.” He said in a low voice. “I shouldn’t be with Cheng Yu. I know this, yet I couldn’t do it.”
Rationally, he understood everything, but he couldn’t suppress his emotions.
He and Cheng Yu had been together for too long. So long that he himself didn’t know when he had become unable to accept Cheng Yu leaving him.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly.
Cheng Feng looked at him and sighed. “An An, honestly speaking, I indeed find it difficult to accept men being together. Men can’t bear children, this is reality. I hope Cheng Yu has a biological child to inherit our Cheng family bloodline. This is also my most genuine thought. But An An, I’ve watched you grow up since you were small. In all these years, you’ve never done anything that displeased me. If you were my biological son, I would definitely love you more than Cheng Yu. So I can’t say anything about you, do you understand?”
“I feel guilty toward your mother and Xiao Yu. The matter with Jiang Xu is what I feel most guilty about. Your mother and Xiao Yu don’t mind, but that’s because they can’t be bothered to fuss about it. But I know they were actually hurt by this incident too.”
“Who could tolerate such a thing? If someone told me now that your mother had another child with someone else, I don’t know what I might do. So whether Xiao Yu criticizes me or confronts me, I endure it all. I owe him one act of tolerance. I personally told him that blood relations don’t matter, so I can’t turn around and say blood relations are very important. Wouldn’t that be slapping my own face? How could Xiao Yu feel secure about Jiang Xu then, and how could he believe that I really only care about him?”
He looked at Lin An Lan, his eyes full of helplessness. “I can’t bring myself to be harsh with Xiao Yu, and even less so with you. What wrong have you done? You’ve been the most well-behaved one in the family since childhood. Whenever your mother and I argued, Xiao Yu wouldn’t come to find me, but you would come to persuade me. You would tell me that Xiao Yu couldn’t be without a father, and that your mother’s health wasn’t good. If you hadn’t told me then how poor your mother’s health had become, I definitely wouldn’t have noticed at the time, and who knows what would have happened later.”
“So An An, I don’t blame you for this matter.”
He patted Lin An Lan’s shoulder. “You don’t need to feel guilty either. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. It’s not your fault that you’re not a girl. No one knows what their future will be like, so no one can choose their birth circumstances. You’re a good child, and you’re really the person who treats him best in this world. You even care about him more than I, his father, do. So it’s very natural that he likes you. I can understand, and I can accept it. I’m just somewhat worried about your future, do you understand?”
“I’m afraid that if the child you two adopt turns out like Jiang Xu in the future, insisting on recognizing his ancestors and returning to his biological father, wouldn’t you have raised a child for nothing all these years?”
“That won’t happen.” Lin An Lan told him. “Not everyone is like that. Children are born as blank slates and need their parents’ guidance and education. Just as I would never think of seeking out my biological parents, I believe that as long as Cheng Yu and I can properly educate and raise the child, he will be like me and won’t be like Jiang Xu.”
“I hope so.” Cheng Feng said worriedly.
Lin An Lan consoled him. “Actually, it’s quite normal. After Jiang Xu’s mother left you, her life wasn’t as prosperous as before. Later she fell in love with someone else and abandoned Jiang Xu. That’s why Jiang Xu came to find you, longing for your recognition. But before his mother abandoned him, he never came to find you. Perhaps he didn’t know of your existence, but it’s also possible that at that time, having just his mother was enough for him.”
“So as long as Cheng Yu and I don’t abandon him, I think he shouldn’t want to return to his biological parents.”
Cheng Feng shook his head. “That’s still different. The biggest problem with your and Xiao Yu’s child is that he’ll know very clearly that neither of you could have given birth to him, so he’ll be curious about who his mother is and will long to know about his birth. This is human nature, and once he knows, it becomes very difficult to control what happens next.”
Lin An Lan fell silent for a moment, then smiled. “It doesn’t matter.”
He continued, “Then we’ll just be more careful when choosing the child. Moreover, I have faith in Cheng Yu and myself.”
Since he put it this way, Cheng Feng didn’t want to pressure him further, so he nodded and patted his shoulder. “That would naturally be best.”
Lin An Lan hadn’t expected that this would be his greatest concern. He was somewhat surprised, having thought Cheng Feng would find it very difficult to accept. Instead, it turned out much better than he had anticipated.
He chatted with Cheng Feng for a while before returning home.
