Chapter 22

Lu Yan followed the flow of students leaving the school gates but couldn’t find Shen Kuo anywhere.

This guy really runs fast.

She returned to the school, retrieved her bicycle from the garage, and planned to take a look under the overpass.

Just as she unlocked it, Lu Zhen hurriedly walked over and called out to her, “Mom and I reserved a private room at Century City Restaurant for dinner tonight to celebrate you.”

“Ah, okay!”

Lu Yan finished speaking, mounted her bike, and was about to ride off. Lu Zhen, quick as a flash, grabbed her shoulder. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I’ve got something urgent! Let go, let go!” Lu Yan slapped his hand away and sped off on her bike.

“I know who you’re going to find!”

Behind her, Lu Zhen yelled, “You’re not allowed to go! Did you hear me? I forbid it! … You little brat, when you get back, you’re going to be in trouble, I’ll tell you!”

Lu Yan ignored him and pedaled toward the overpass. There were people at the CD stall under the bridge, but it wasn’t Shen Kuo, it was Zhong Kai.

“Uncle Zhong, is Shen Kuo here?”

Zhong Kai smiled and said, “Little girl, if you’re not sure what to call me, you can call me Brother Zhong or Brother Kai. If that doesn’t work, you can just call me Zhongzhong or Kaikai. But calling me ‘Uncle’—hahaha—now that’s a bit of a compliment to me.”

“Uh… Brother Kai, has Shen Kuo come back?”

“Do you see that stone arch bridge across the river? When your Brother Shen is in a bad mood, he’ll go there to smoke.”

“Alright, thank you, Brother Kai!”

Lu Yan got back on her bike and headed toward the stone arch bridge.

The small bridge spanned over the city river, with low, vintage buildings on both sides. This area hadn’t been developed during the city’s modernization process and still retained its original ancient charm.

On both sides of the river, there were vendors carrying goods on their shoulders, and sometimes you could even see farmers driving cattle and horses across.

Shen Kuo was sitting on the stone railing of the bridge, facing outward, gazing at the shimmering river below. His heels tapped idly against the stone surface.

His beautiful dark brown eyes reflected the sunlight, making them appear even more clear and translucent.

Lu Yan stopped her bike beside the bridge and carefully walked over to him. “Shen Kuo, I’m sorry. I broke my promise.”

“It’s nothing to apologize for.”

Shen Kuo jumped off the railing, turned, and seemed about to leave.

Lu Yan caught up to him, explaining, “Because Lu Zhen said that both our parents are here, and I thought if there’s a chance for them to reconcile, maybe…”

Before she could finish, Shen Kuo suddenly grabbed the back of her head, pulling her close. He looked into her eyes, which resembled Lu Zhen’s peach blossom eyes, and said coldly, “Don’t get too full of yourself.”

“Uh…”

“You’re Lu Zhen’s sister, and God knows how much I hate you.”

Shen Kuo’s voice was harsh, like a taut rubber band ready to snap.

“So… don’t think you’re so important. In my heart, you’re nothing.”

In that moment, the pitiful expression on the girl’s face disappeared, replaced by a subtle look of betrayal.

“You… you hate me, but you still played games with me, still came to listen to me sing.” Her eyes reddened slightly, and her gaze became misty. “I thought… we could be friends.”

“Friends?” Shen Kuo suddenly tightened his grip on her delicate wrist. “Your brother wasn’t wrong. I’m just playing with you.”

Lu Yan’s eyes widened in shock. At least in her limited life experience, no one had ever said such cruel things to her. She was always surrounded by love—family and friends’ love…

She had never been hurt like this before.

“So… you’re saying… you hate me?”

Her voice choked, and she struggled to speak through her sobs.

Shen Kuo released her wrist and pushed her away roughly. “Get lost.”

He turned his back, trying to suppress the sharp pain in his chest, closing his eyes.

Lu Yan lowered her head. Her trembling hands searched through her canvas bag, feeling around for a long time until she found a small blue box, roughly the size of a fingertip. She pressed it forcefully into his hand.

“Happy birthday.”

She said it with a trembling voice, then quickly ran down the bridge, riding her bicycle away in a zigzag motion. As she left, she wiped her tears.

Shen Kuo stood frozen in place, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

He had never told anyone his birthday. How did she know…

His cold, stiff hand opened the blue box, revealing a beautifully crafted mechanical lighter.

Shen Kuo took it out and tried it. With a small “zzzt,” a tiny flame flickered up, only to be extinguished by the wind.

Shi Xuexian, with Shi Ya in tow, appeared at the entrance of Century City Restaurant.

Shi Ya looked at the luxurious golden lion at the restaurant’s door and nervously asked Shi Xuexian, “Mom, Uncle Lu didn’t ask us to come. Will he be mad if we show up?”

“Even if he’s mad, we’re coming. I knew that vixen wouldn’t give up on your Uncle Lu. She’s still thinking about getting back together with him. I won’t let that happen.”

“Mom, usually, a vixen is a term used by the original wife to refer to the mistress…”

Shi Xuexian glared at Shi Ya, and Shi Ya immediately fell silent.

The well-dressed, polite attendant asked Shi Xuexian if she had made a reservation. After Shi Xuexian gave the name of the private room, the attendant led them inside.

Shi Ya thought to herself that her mom was really something—she even managed to find out the name of the private room where they were having dinner.

This dinner had been planned by Lu Zhen for a long time. It was only after much persuasion that he managed to get his mom to come, and now their family was finally having a meal together.

He had his mom and dad order food inside the private room while he stood at the door, playing the role of “doorman.”

Lu Yan stood next to him listlessly, looking like she wasn’t in the best of spirits.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

“Don’t talk to me.” Lu Yan turned around and knocked her head against the wall. “I’m hated.”

Lu Zhen put his arm around her shoulder and casually asked, “Shen Kuo?”

“Mm.”

“He’s just a jerk, his brain’s messed up. Don’t pay attention to him.”

“Dad, why are you always at odds with Shen Kuo?” Lu Yan finally looked up and asked curiously.

“I’m at odds with him because that guy’s always going against me!” Lu Zhen was fuming. “Since the first year of middle school, that guy’s been causing trouble for me—both openly and secretly setting me up! Who the hell has nothing better to do than try to mess with me?!”

“Why?”

“He’s jealous that your brother’s better-looking than him.”

Lu Yan twitched her mouth. In terms of looks, she thought Shen Kuo might actually be more attractive, but he wasn’t as refined as Lu Zhen. Shen Kuo’s skin wasn’t as fair as Lu Zhen’s, and his clothing was less meticulous, but if you just looked at his face, Shen Kuo was definitely superior.

“I think there must be a reason why Shen Kuo targets you. Have you ever thought about talking to him calmly, resolving your differences?”

“Resolve? ^[1]“Fat chance” is an idiomatic expression that means very little or no chance at all. It is often used sarcastically to emphasize doubt or disbelief that something will happen.Fat chance.”

“…”

“Hey! I’ve noticed you can’t go three sentences without mentioning Shen Kuo.” Lu Zhen grabbed the collar of her shirt, making circles. “What are you trying to do, huh? Are you interested in him?”

“No, no, I’m just hated.”

“Being hated’s no big deal. People like him probably hate the whole world.”

“Woo…”

Lu Yan slapped Lu Zhen, and he immediately slapped her back. Just as the father and daughter were playfully bickering at the door, Shi Xuexian appeared with Shi Ya at the entrance to the private room.

“Lu Zhen, is your dad inside?”

Lu Zhen furrowed his brows. “What are you doing here?”

Shi Xuexian smiled and said, “We’re family, of course I should come.”

“Family? Sorry, today’s dinner is to celebrate my sister, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Lu Yan gently tugged at Lu Zhen’s sleeve and leaned in to whisper, “Could it be that Grandpa asked her to come?”

“That would be too harsh.”

Lu Zhen wasn’t sure, but no matter what, he couldn’t let this woman ruin their family gathering.

“Sorry, Aunt Shi, please leave. This dinner has nothing to do with you.”

Shi Ya stepped forward and said defiantly, “Uncle Lu didn’t ask us to leave, so why are you telling us to go?”

Just then, Lu Jian came out and asked Lu Zhen why he hadn’t gone inside yet.

He and Meng Zhining had been alone in the private room, and the atmosphere was awkward enough to explode.

“Brother Jian.” Shi Xuexian immediately approached him, gently linking her arm with his, “I heard you were eating here, so I thought I’d come over. Let’s all have a meal together and treat Miss Meng.”

Lu Jian didn’t expect Shi Xuexian to show up. He looked a little uncomfortable, pulling his arm out of her embrace and lowering his voice, “Today’s dinner is for me and her mother to celebrate Yanyan. What are you doing here?”

“I… I’m here to celebrate Yanyan too.”

“Go back,” Lu Jian seemed to realize it wasn’t quite appropriate, “Go back and have the kitchen prepare something for you.”

“Brother Jian, look at me… I’m already here.”

Lu Jian didn’t like women acting on their own, so his expression darkened: “Go back.”

He was someone who meant what he said, and Shi Xuexian didn’t dare to anger him.

At this moment, Meng Zhining’s voice came from the private room: “It’s so hot outside, it’s rare for Mrs. Shi to come over and wait for her husband under the scorching sun, that’s admirable. Come in and sit down.”

Since Meng Zhining had spoken, Lu Jian naturally didn’t say anything more and moved aside to let her enter.

Lu Zhen and Lu Yan exchanged glances, and Lu Zhen’s brows furrowed so tightly they could have sharpened a pencil.

Shi Xuexian, however, found a good spot and sat directly between Lu Jian and Meng Zhining.

The meal didn’t unfold as Lu Zhen had imagined, with everyone eating in silence and the atmosphere becoming increasingly awkward.

Shi Xuexian tried to show off her affection with Lu Jian, continuously serving him food. Lu Jian had to tell her several times to stop serving him and eat for herself. Shi Xuexian then said to Meng Zhining, “Our Brother Jian is like this—saying one thing but meaning another. Oh, how come there’s no braised pork knuckle? He loves braised pork knuckle! And why is there fish mint? Doesn’t anyone know Brother Jian hates fish mint?”

Meng Zhining smiled politely, “Your husband ordered this.”

She finished speaking and placed a piece of fish mint into her bowl. “All the dishes on the table are my favorites. If they don’t suit Mrs. Shi’s taste, I apologize.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Xuexian’s face turned slightly unpleasant.

Not willing to back down, she continued, “Nowadays, society praises powerful women, but I think that’s nonsense. The ultimate goal for a woman is still the family. If a woman doesn’t even know what dishes her husband likes, it’s no wonder the divorce rate is so high.”

Shi Xuexian smiled at Meng Zhining. “Miss Meng, don’t you think so?”

Meng Zhining remained expressionless as she replied, “Since Mrs. Shi emphasizes the importance of family and believes women should return to the family, I assume Mrs. Shi must be very skilled at cooking, washing dishes, mopping the floors, and scrubbing the tiles.”

“I…”

Lu Zhen quickly intervened, “She doesn’t do anything at home, she’s always out playing mahjong.”

“That’s not how it is,” Shi Xuexian retorted. “I make sure my husband has a relaxing time after work, listens to him, and never argues with him. That’s enough, right, Brother Jian?”

Lu Jian massaged his forehead, silent and visibly annoyed.

Lu Yan looked at her grandfather’s expression and understood his feelings. Between his ex and current wife, both exchanging barbs, it was impossible for him to be in the right. No matter who he protected, it would be wrong.

After all this, Lu Yan actually felt much better, watching with interest to see how Meng Zhining would handle Shi Xuexian.

“I see,” Meng Zhining said calmly, “So Mrs. Shi’s point is that a woman’s value lies in being like a canary at home, trying to please her husband. When the husband is happy, he gives her a little snack, right?”

“Isn’t that correct?”

“And if one day, when age catches up and beauty fades, and she can no longer please her husband, what then?”

“I— I never said I wanted to please my husband with my looks. You really look down on me, don’t you?”

“Don’t get so worked up,” Meng Zhining said with a composed smile. “We’re just discussing the current social situation. I didn’t specifically refer to you, Mrs. Shi.”

Shi Xuexian took a deep breath, her full chest rising and falling. No matter how smooth and clever she was, her little tricks couldn’t compete with Meng Zhining’s poise.

“I just think,” Shi Xuexian said, bringing the conversation back on topic, “—That women shouldn’t neglect their family and children while pursuing a career outside. That’s wrong.”

“I agree with your point, but everyone has their own ambitions. Not all women should be confined to the family and the kitchen. If a husband cannot provide respect and support, then there’s nothing to regret if they get divorced,” Meng Zhining replied.

After speaking, she glanced at Lu Jian.

Lu Jian’s gaze darkened, and a faint ripple passed through the depths of his dark eyes.

Meng Zhining looked at Lu Yan and said, “Yanyan, remember, never lose yourself for the sake of love. No matter how much you like a man, the first person you should love… is yourself.”

“Mm, I remember,” Lu Yan nodded obediently.

Seeing Meng Zhining giving advice to her daughter, Shi Xuexian wasn’t willing to back down. She turned to Shi Ya and said, “Yaya, you must prioritize family in the future. Don’t learn from those girls in society talking about feminism and independence. Otherwise, in the end, you’ll be the one who suffers.”

Meng Zhining stood up with her bag, “Well, I’m about done with my meal, I’ll leave first. Lu Jian, enjoy your dinner with your wife. Yanyan, Little Zhen, please see me out.”

Lu Yan and Lu Zhen immediately stood up from their seats, preparing to see Meng Zhining off. Lu Jian looked up at her and said, “Regarding the collaboration between the Lu and Meng companies, I’ll come to your office next time to discuss it in detail.”

“Make an appointment first,” Meng Zhining glanced at him, “I’m not sure if I’ll be free.”

“When Yanyan looks for you, you say you’re always available. When I look for you, you’re never free.”

“Can you compare with my daughter?” Meng Zhining smiled lightly, ruffling Lu Yan’s head. “Isn’t that right, my good daughter?”

Lu Yan took Meng Zhining’s hand. She had to admit, she really liked the way Grandma Meng carried herself. Even twenty years from now, a woman like her would still be irresistibly charming.

Meng Zhining, wearing high heels, quickened her pace as she exited the restaurant, finally showing her true feelings. “What kind of people did your dad find? I’ve seen it all now!”

Lu Zhen and Lu Yan exchanged looks and said in unison, “Now you know?”

“Teaching children like that—ah! It’s really terrifying!”

Meng Zhining shook her head and said, “I can’t leave you guys at your dad’s house, with a woman like that around you! No way!”

Seeing this, Lu Zhen quickly said, “Mom, if you remarry Dad, we won’t be influenced by her.”

Lu Yan, supporting him, nodded repeatedly.

“Remarrying is impossible, it will never happen. Even if that damn man kneels in front of me begging, I’ll never remarry him!”

“Mom, don’t say it so decisively.”

“Alright, let’s go back. You two…” She paused for a moment and then said, “I’ll go consult with a lawyer. At least I have to get Yanyan back.”

Lu Yan immediately hugged Lu Zhen’s waist. “I don’t want to be separated from Dad… or from my brother!”

Lu Zhen looked at her with a sad face. “Mom, you only want my sister, not me?”

Meng Zhining gave Lu Zhen a light tap on the back of his head. “You’re grown up now. Alright, let’s go.”

—

In the evening, Lu Yan sat alone on the balcony, holding her guitar and playing an unknown tune.

Her heart felt heavy.

She didn’t know why she cared so much, cared so deeply about what Shen Kuo had said.

In her previous life, she thought Shen Kuo was a cold, ruthless man with no emotions. A middle-aged loner, all his thoughts and calculations were focused on how to take revenge on Lu Zhen.

Such a person was terrifying. Even if Lu Yan just glanced at him, she couldn’t help but shudder.

But now, twenty years earlier, she had witnessed his struggles and hardships as a young man. Occasionally, she saw sincerity in his smile.

A mix of emotions surged within Lu Yan. These feelings were transferred to her fingertips, producing a series of clear and gentle melodies.

She wanted to write him a song, as a way of making up for breaking her promise.

Just as Lu Yan slowly lifted her head, she suddenly saw a tall young man standing alone under the streetlamp at the street corner not far away. His slender wrist, revealed under his short sleeves, was holding a lighter.

It flickered open, then closed.

The flame danced in the darkness, flickering and vanishing.

He looked up at her, his dark eyes shadowed by his brow, making it hard to see them clearly.

Lu Yan felt her heart suddenly race. She stood up, walked to the railing of the balcony, and wanted to wave at him, but remembering what Shen Kuo had said, her hand trembled and recoiled.

Shen Kuo had said he hated her.

There was no moon tonight. The night was as dark as ink that couldn’t be dissolved. Lu Yan gazed at him through the thick darkness, only able to make out his vague silhouette.

A few minutes later, Shen Kuo hung a small white bag on the iron gate of the Lu house, turned, and disappeared at the end of the long, damp street.

Lu Yan quickly put down her guitar, rushed downstairs, and ran out to take down the white bag.

Inside the bag was a small transparent box, containing a tiny strawberry-shaped cake.