Chapter 25 Meeting the Parents

When Lin Anran heard Director Chen call out to her, she wondered if he was going to backtrack—maybe the payment was too generous. She turned around and smiled, saying, “Director Chen.”

“You brought me such an expensive gift yesterday, I can’t accept it. I’ve brought something for you in return; I’ll accept the fruit, though,” he said.

Lin Anran looked at the two boxes on the desk and quickly said, “Director Chen, this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it. Since I’ve given it, there’s no reason to take it back. Besides, it’s not worth much…”

As soon as she said “not worth much,” she realized her mistake. The cosmetics were purchased in the 20th century, and the ginseng was homegrown—both were quite valuable in this material-scarce era of the 1980s. Startled, she quickly smiled and said, “Director Chen, please accept this as a token of my appreciation.”

She hurriedly left the office, hearing someone call from behind, “Wait, wait.” But by the time he came out, Lin Anran was already out of sight. He sighed.

Just as Lin Anran stepped out of the hospital, a strong hand grabbed her. She looked up to see Leng Feng. She felt a bit flustered and uneasy—today she was meeting his family, and she was nervous.

Looking up at Leng Feng, she said, “Do we really have to go today? I… I’m not ready yet.” She paused and added, “What if your mother doesn’t like me? I’ve been married before, and I’m divorced.”

Leng Feng looked at her gently and affectionately stroked her head, saying, “My mother is very open-minded and kind.” Seeing her lower her head and remain silent, his palm felt a thin layer of sweat, and he reassured her, “It’s okay, I’m here. In my house, I make the decisions.”

Holding her small hand, Leng Feng’s clear eyes and firm tone gave her confidence, and she said, “I trust you.”

Lin Anran then said, “I’ll buy some gifts. I can’t visit empty-handed.”

Leng Feng, seeing her serious expression, smiled and said, “As you wish.”

Lin Anran went to the fruit shop she had visited earlier. The owner, seeing her return, quickly stood up and said, “You’re here again—what an honest person you are!”

Standing at the door, Leng Feng watched the petite figure walk into the shop, lighting a cigarette, inhaling, and exhaling through his nose with a sharp, stylish gesture. Lin Anran glanced back and, momentarily distracted by the sight, stared at him. The owner immediately noticed Leng Feng outside and understood, waving her hand in front of Lin Anran and softly calling, “Miss, miss.” Lin Anran snapped back to attention.

She began selecting and arranging the fruits by color, and before long, they looked perfectly arranged. The shop owner exclaimed, “Girl, you really have skillful hands! Beautiful work!”

Lin Anran replied, “Sister, now that you’ve learned, may I ask for a favor?”

The owner laughed freely, “Any request is fine.”

Lin Anran said earnestly, “I’ve already taught you. From now on, I want a 30% share of the net profit from every fruit basket you sell.”

The owner looked into her eyes and asked, “You mean, if one sells for 10 yuan, I give you 3 yuan?”

“Yes.”

“Deal,” the owner agreed.

Lin Anran then quietly said, “Sister, I have one more request. Could you give me this fruit basket…?”

“Of course! You taught me a skill, it’s only fair,” the owner said.

Lin Anran carried the basket out of the shop, smiling at Leng Feng. “Let’s go!” she said.

Leng Feng, seeing the beautifully arranged fruit basket, was slightly surprised at how pretty it looked. He frowned, took the basket from her hand, and smiled, saying, “How many more surprises do you have for me?”

Lin Anran replied, “You wouldn’t even imagine.”

She, coming from twenty years in the future, had seen people living well, cars on the roads. She couldn’t reveal this to him, fearing he would think her insane. Living in the present in her host’s body, she aimed to uphold her host’s family honor, showing the aunt respect and making others admire them profoundly.

Following Leng Feng, she soon arrived at a place. Lin Anran was a little surprised—it was only about a mile from her ex-husband Gao Ershan’s home. Injured, she didn’t return home…

She looked up at the grand entrance: a traditional courtyard house, exactly like in her “space,” and momentarily felt stunned. Leng Feng called her, and she followed him into the courtyard: a main house with two side rooms. In the yard stood a fruit tree—not the mythical “life fruit” but an apricot tree, its fruits already turning yellow.

Leng Feng led her into the yard and called out, “Mother, I’ve brought her. Don’t scare her away!”

Mother Leng laughed, “How can you speak like that? You underestimate me too much.” Seeing Lin Anran behind him, she gestured, “Young lady, come in quickly. Sit inside.”

Lin Anran, seeing Mother Leng’s warm and kind expression, smiled and said, “Auntie, this is a small gift. Please accept it.”

Mother Leng took the fruit basket. Seeing the careful arrangement, she showed a look of appreciation. It seemed her son had good taste—someone with skillful hands and beauty. Remarkably, she had even braved danger to bring her son safely. Her eyes were full of approval.

Lin Anran, touched by Mother Leng’s warmth, smiled and said, “Auntie, it’s just a small gift, please don’t mind.”

Mother Leng held her hand and said, “You’re a polite, clever, and skillful girl. Feng’er is lucky to have you. You two talk; I’ll go cook.” She entered the kitchen and added, “You help yourself; I’ll be done soon.”

Lin Anran politely said, “Auntie, let me help you.”

“No need, I’ll be done shortly,” Mother Leng replied. Lin Anran felt delighted to be recognized.

Leng Feng asked Lin Anran to sit in the main room while he helped bring the food. She entered and noticed photos of Leng Feng from childhood on the walls. In a corner, there was a bronze mirror, identical to one in her “space.” She slowly approached and instinctively reached out to touch it…

Suddenly, a sound rang out…