Chapter 25: Not Settling

Shen’s mother smiled warmly and greeted, “Please sit, don’t be so formal.”

Song Huaiwen had prepared himself mentally before entering, but at this moment, his mind went completely blank—he didn’t know what to say.

Mechanically, he placed the gift on the table, then sat upright on the edge of the stool, his hands neatly resting on his lap. His fingers unconsciously rubbed together lightly. Though a polite smile stayed on his face, a fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Shen’s mother glanced at the nearby table, picked up the teapot, and began pouring water. She seemed to turn her head slightly without meaning to, her gaze subtly appraising Song Huaiwen.

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. The man’s brows and eyes revealed determination and sincerity, his gaze always following Qingqing’s movements.

Shen’s mother pursed her lips lightly, her eyes full of satisfaction.

No comparison, no hurt.

Among children their age in the compound, Li Haoxuan was considered outstanding. He treated his daughter well but always seemed to be missing something—something genuine.

Though he was often by Qingqing’s side, Qingqing was never really in his eyes.

Song Huaiwen had long noticed Shen’s mother’s scrutiny. He sat still, not daring to move, his mind turbulent like a stormy sea, even more nervous than when charging on the battlefield.

He truly had no experience dealing with elders, and glanced toward Shen Nanqing for support.

Seeing Song Huaiwen, usually so calm and composed, now so anxious and fidgety, Shen Nanqing found it both strange and amusing. Her lips curled into a smile as she softly said, “Mom, this is Song Huaiwen.”

“Song Huaiwen—what a good name,” Shen’s mother said, handing a porcelain cup filled with water to Song Huaiwen. “Here, Xiao Song, have some water.”

Song Huaiwen quickly stood up. His solemn demeanor made it seem like he was receiving a medal rather than a cup.

Shen’s mother smiled at this and sat down on a nearby stool, her eyes gentle. “Xiao Song, where are you from?”

Holding the cup, Song Huaiwen didn’t dare drink, sitting up straight. “Auntie, I’m from Yandu, local here.”

Seeing her mother start to inquire about Song Huaiwen’s family, Shen Nanqing didn’t interrupt, trying her best to be a background figure.

Shen’s mother had a very good temperament; her smile gave off a warm feeling that naturally invited closeness.

Most of the older women Song Huaiwen knew were straightforward and capable; this was his first time interacting with such a gentle older woman. Talking with her felt comfortable, and his nervousness slowly faded.

A mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law grows more fond with each glance.

That was Shen’s mother. She even took out their family photo album and happily introduced it to Song Huaiwen.

Seeing this scene, Shen Nanqing couldn’t help but chuckle to herself—her mother was really honest.

She was supposed to be the one asking about Song Huaiwen’s family, but ended up spilling everything about their own family.

But judging by her mother’s openness, it seemed she truly accepted him from the bottom of her heart.

Just as Shen’s mother was about to reveal some embarrassing old photos, Shen Nanqing changed the subject: “Mom, what about Dad?”

Mentioning her husband, Shen’s mother’s face showed a touch of mock reproach. “You still don’t understand your dad. He’s completely focused on work. Whenever something happens at the factory, he runs off without even eating lunch. I keep nagging him, saying he’s not young anymore and should give the younger generation a chance. But he just smiles and dives right back into work.”

Though she complained, a subtle smile crept across her eyes and eyebrows. Her expression hid nothing but understanding and fondness for her husband—despite the words, it was all sweetness.

Caught off guard, Shen Nanqing took a bite of a snack and joked with a smile, “Dad really thinks work is more important than eating with his wife. Next time I’ll help you teach him a lesson.”

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“You girl, what are you saying?” Shen’s mother couldn’t miss the teasing tone in her daughter’s voice. She glanced at Song Huaiwen, then shot a sharp look at Shen Nanqing.

After confirming Shen Nanqing was fine and that her purpose for coming home today had been achieved, she pretended to go upstairs for a while, then prepared to take Song Huaiwen away.

At the door, Shen’s mother saw something and pulled Shen Nanqing aside for a private talk.

Song Huaiwen, sensing the mother and daughter wanted to speak privately, took a few steps aside.

Shen’s mother said, “Xiao Song’s qualities are quite good in every aspect, but since you two have only known each other for a short time, there’s still a lot you don’t know about each other. With matters of the heart, you can’t rush—take your time. If it’s not right, don’t just settle. Wait until you’re sure you’re compatible, then make plans.”

Hearing this, Shen Nanqing’s eyes instantly reddened. Earlier, seeing her mother took a liking to Song Huaiwen, she thought her mom would pressure her to marry.

She never expected her mother to say to take it slow first, then decide later.

There’s a saying: “Relationships without the intention of marriage are just messing around.” These days, it’s even more so.

She remembered a member of the dance troupe whose family pressured her hard to marry, even though the girl was excellent. But in her mother’s eyes, the guy wasn’t good enough.

Whenever there was a boy, the girl’s parents would say, “He’s a decent person. Just say yes. Why are you still being picky? You should be grateful someone wants to marry you!”

But now, with such an outstanding person before her, her mother wasn’t thinking about grabbing onto this man. Instead, she believed her daughter deserved the best in the world and should never settle.

If the people in the compound knew this kind of thinking, they’d definitely tease her behind her back.

Shen Nanqing threw her arms around her mother, burying her head deep into her shoulder. After a long moment, with a choking voice, she murmured, “Mom, thank you…”

“You child, why are you thanking me? I’m your mother. Of course, I want you to live happily and be well,” Shen’s mother said, hugging her back gently and patting her shoulder.

Happiness and well-being!

At that moment, Shen Nanqing thought of her own mother who had remarried after a divorce and never cared about her. Not all parents in this world hope their children live happily and well.

Only the Shen family, who loved her, truly wished for her happiness.

Song Huaiwen wanted to see Shen Nanqing back to her dormitory but was refused.

After all, they hadn’t officially reported their relationship to the higher-ups yet. Being seen together like this would definitely cause gossip.

Shen Nanqing didn’t want to become the subject of idle talk; before the report was approved, she wanted to keep things low-key. But Song Huaiwen clearly didn’t want to wait and planned to ask the political commissar to handle things specially.

After all, the political commissar had been pressuring him to settle down for a long time, and now it was his turn to put in some effort.

The day’s rehearsal had ended. Song Huaizhi was in the office writing her work journal. Hearing a knock on the door, she didn’t even look up and said, “Come in.”

Shen Nanqing said, “Director, I’m here to officially return from leave.”

Song Huaizhi recognized the familiar voice. Her pen stopped moving on the paper, and she looked up in surprise, “You’re back? You—did you kiss him… and are you okay?”

“Today was just a misunderstanding. I kissed him but nothing happened,” Shen Nanqing smiled and explained.

Song Huaizhi frowned slightly. “What happened? This kind of serious illness isn’t something to joke about.”

A trace of disgust flashed in Shen Nanqing’s eyes, and her tone grew colder. “Someone was playing a prank.”