Chapter 47: The Lu Family

The trio had changed into casual clothes.

Lin You was dressed in a beige, long down coat with a matching scarf, her hair in a simple bun, looking fresh and charming. Qin Lang wore a black down jacket and black slacks, with his military bearing, he looked mature and steady. Standing together, they made a handsome pair.

When the three of them appeared at the gate of the Lu family estate, a middle aged couple in their fifties was waiting. They exuded a refined, intellectual aura, clearly from an educated family.

As Lin You got out of the car, the man’s eyes instantly reddened, his lips quivering slightly as he murmured, “She looks so much like her… It’s truly a blessing to find you in my lifetime.”

Sensing the man’s heartfelt emotion, Lin You understood he was family. She walked over with a smile and greeted him respectfully, “Uncle, Aunt.”

Hearing this, the man’s face lit up with a look of relief and joy as he nodded gently. “Child, you’ve been through so much all these years.”

Then he turned to Qin Lang, with a look of curiosity and approval. “And this must be Captain Qin?”

Qin Lang took a step forward, responding politely, “Yes, Uncle, I’m Qin Lang. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Uncle warmly shook his hand, welcoming them both inside, “Please come in; the winter in Beijing is quite cold.”

Inside the villa, Lin You and Qin Lang felt a wave of warmth. The decor was tasteful and minimalist, with an elegant touch. Even though the color scheme was subdued, every detail seemed meticulously chosen, adding a refined atmosphere. Lin You and Qin Lang, though used to seeing grand places, couldn’t help but be impressed.

Lu Li’s father, Lu Zhouchen, kept looking at Lin You with teary eyes. He wanted to embrace his niece but held back due to propriety, it felt like his sister was standing right there.

Lu Li stepped in to lighten the mood. “Dad, don’t be like this, you’ll scare her.”

His mother, Wang Yue, gently took Lin You’s hand, “Don’t mind him, dear. He’s just missed his sister so much. It’s a bit overwhelming for him to see you.”

She added, “You really do look so much like her.”

Then Wang Yue handed Lin You a stack of photos.

Lin You, slightly puzzled, began to look through them. Having not understood her mother’s choices for so long, she’d never kept a single picture of her. As she carefully studied the photos, she realized just how much she resembled her mother. No wonder Lu Li had recognized her instantly.

Looking at these pictures, she understood that, deep down, she had always missed her mother. For years, she’d suppressed this feeling, but now, these photos seemed to unlock memories buried in her heart. Her mother’s image reappeared gentle, steadfast, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams, never forcing her into anything.

Tears slipped down her cheeks. Qin Lang gently pulled her into an embrace, offering comfort. She held his hand tightly, signaling that she was okay.

She was grateful that she hadn’t followed her mother’s advice too rigidly, choosing instead to pursue freedom and independence. Had she not, she might never have discovered Qin Lang’s true feelings.

The Lu family parents noticed Qin Lang’s attentiveness and Lin You’s reliance on him, exchanging a satisfied look and nodding.

Lu Li, with a playful tone, chimed in, “Dad, Mom, isn’t it a great joy that Sis is home? Let’s be happy! Can we eat now?”

Lu Zhouchen, realizing his distraction, quickly called out, “Oh, yes! Wang Ma, please serve the food.”

As the dishes were placed on the table, Lu Zhouchen eagerly introduced them, “Lin You, Captain Qin, I didn’t know your preferences, so we prepared a variety. I hope you enjoy it.”

He kept filling Lin You’s bowl with food. Seeing the mounting pile, Lin You kept eating to keep up, but Qin Lang, noticing she was getting full, casually took some food from her bowl.

Watching, Lu Zhouchen was touched by how well Qin Lang seemed to care for Lin You.

After dinner, the two were shown to a room.

“This is the room my dad recently renovated for you, Sis,” Lu Li said as he opened the door.

Lin You looked around the room.

It was spacious and bright, warm and comfortable, with a cozy bed and elegant decor. A small table by the window was filled with fresh flowers, her favorite Elsa roses.

“Thank you. I love it,” Lin You said sincerely.

“Good, I’m glad you do. You must be tired today. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around Beijing. Get some rest.” With that, Lu Li left.

After he left, Lin You turned and wrapped her arms tightly around Qin Lang’s waist, pressing her head to his chest.

“Qin Lang, I miss my mom and dad.”

Qin Lang gently patted her shoulder, comforting her, “I understand.”

The memories of her parents flooded her mind, especially after hearing so much about them.

Qin Lang could see she was overwhelmed by meeting her mother’s family.

He lifted her onto the bed and brushed a gentle hand through her hair, his lips tenderly kissing her brow, her eyes, and finally her lips. He held her close, easing her sadness with each embrace.

Slowly, his kiss grew deeper, savoring her sweetness. Lin You began to respond to his warmth, and their breathing became heavier. He started to remove their outer layers, and when the cold air touched her bare skin, she shivered slightly.

Qin Lang quickly pulled the blanket over them both. As he moved to go further, Lin You gently pushed against his chest, shyly whispering, “No, not here… This isn’t our home.”

He paused, looking into her beautiful face, filled with love. He gently stroked her hair, “I understand. I don’t feel comfortable in someone else’s home either.”

Then, he held her close, calming her.

Lin You, cheeks flushed, nodded in understanding.

Qin Lang couldn’t help but smile at her bashfulness, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. His voice low and warm, he said, “Let’s sleep. We’ll stay one more day here, then we’ll go home.”

Lin You snuggled against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, slowly feeling her own peace returning.

Qin Lang held her, softly stroking her hair, until they both drifted into sleep.