Chapter 12

Song Wei was stunned.

Meeting her family before the New Year? Things were moving too fast. She hadn’t even mentioned it to him. What was going on now?

Chen Jubai glanced over, noticing her surprise. He assumed Chen Yun had misunderstood something. “Maybe my aunt was joking. Let’s save it for another time.”

“…It’s not exactly a joke,” Song Wei muttered.

Chen Jubai glanced at her again.

Neither of them understood what was happening, but since the idea had reached his ears, it was likely the elders had already made arrangements. There was no escaping this meeting now.

Song Wei said, “It’s up to your schedule.”

“The day before New Year’s Eve. Does that work?”

“Sure.”

“What do your parents like?”

“Anything is fine, nothing too expensive.”

“Got it.”

In the back seat, Zhu Qingfei had been eavesdropping with pricked ears while typing furiously on her phone: [Wow, Song Wei, here I was worried about you two, and you’ve already skipped right to the finish line!]

Song Wei replied: [I’m just as clueless (-v-).]

Zhu Qingfei: [Keep it up! Aim to make me a bridesmaid next year!]

Song Wei decided not to respond.

About ten minutes later, Zhu Qingfei got out of the car, leaving the atmosphere even more awkward.

After all the effort to shake off their “blind date” label and finally start feeling comfortable, they were back to square one.

Chen Jubai noticed her discomfort and smiled faintly. “You ate quite a bit earlier. Still hungry?”

“??”

“You kept eating during the opening speech. You didn’t even look up.”

“…”

He continued, “If you think visiting your family now is too soon, we can skip it this time. I’ll explain it to my aunt.”

Song Wei hesitated, her thoughts in turmoil. Finally, she said, “Let’s go. My mom wants to meet you anyway. Sooner or later, it’s bound to happen.”

Chen Jubai looked at her again, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

Feeling embarrassed, Song Wei turned to stare out the window. After a while, she heard him speak again: “It’s a busy time of year for me, but things will settle down after the New Year.”

“Got it.”

“No work tomorrow.”

“…Okay.”

“How’s work going for you?”

“It’s alright.”

“How’s Snowflake?”

“She’s good. Gained a bit of weight.”

“Mm. You’ve lost some, though.”

“…”

Their back-and-forth carried a subtle yet unmistakable intimacy.

When they finally arrived at her apartment complex, Song Wei bid him goodbye and got out. Only when his car was out of sight did she exhale a long sigh of relief.

What was with this cursed awkwardness and… flirtatious undertone?

She patted her warm cheeks, trying to snap herself out of it.

After standing still for a moment to gather her thoughts, she turned to head home and saw Yang Yingqiu, her mother, standing a few meters away, gazing at something in the distance.

Song Wei walked over. “Mom.”

Yang Yingqiu didn’t seem to hear her, still staring at something.

Following her mother’s gaze, Song Wei saw Song Gaoyi standing by the passenger door of an Audi, speaking to someone inside. After a few words, he got in, and the car drove away.

Yang Yingqiu quietly looked away. “Let’s go home.”

Song Wei didn’t think much of it and walked beside her. She asked curiously, “Where’s Dad going so late?”

“I don’t know.”

Noticing her mother’s serious expression, Song Wei decided not to push further. She changed the subject. “Mom, did you know about Chen Jubai coming over?”

“I did. I asked your aunt to arrange it,” Yang Yingqiu said, giving her a sidelong glance. “How much longer were you planning to drag this out?”

“Isn’t it a bit too soon?”

“It’s just a meal. I’m not asking you to marry him yet.”

“Just don’t make things difficult for him, okay?”

Yang Yingqiu shot her a sharp look, her voice suddenly stern. “You two are all about siding with outsiders. Can’t tell good from bad. He can come or not!”

With that, she quickened her pace. The heavy glass doors of the building slammed shut with a loud “thud.”

Song Wei stood there, dumbfounded. Why was her mom so angry?

Was this menopause?

…..

The day before New Year’s Eve, Song Wei’s aunt arrived before Chen Jubai. She eagerly awaited his arrival, and when he finally showed up, carrying several large bags, her face lit up with joy. “Oh, you shouldn’t have! Coming is enough; why bring so many things?”

At the door, the man dressed simply but elegantly, his restrained smile hinting at nervousness. “Hello, Auntie.”

The aunt laughed, covering her mouth. “Oh no, I’m not your mother-in-law. I’m Weiwei’s aunt. Her mom’s in the back.”

Chen Jubai looked embarrassed, and Song Wei felt even worse. Mother-in-law? Her aunt was stirring the pot too much. She quickly took the bags from his hands. “Come on in.”

Inside, Chen Jubai greeted Song Gaoyi, who was cooking in the kitchen. The two had met before and exchanged a few words before Song Gaoyi sent him to the living room.

The aunt, ever enthusiastic, pulled him to sit down. “Xiao Chen, you’re even more handsome than in the photos. Your aunt wasn’t exaggerating.”

Chen Jubai smiled politely. “I don’t take many photos. The one she has is from the internet.”

The aunt chuckled. “Perfect! You and Weiwei are such a match. No worries about your kids’ looks in the future.”

“…” Song Wei was speechless. “Auntie, stop saying things like that.”

“How is it wrong? Genetics and inheritance—you high-achievers know this better than me, don’t you?”

Song Wei decided to stay out of it, lowering her head to pet her cat.

But even Snowflake seemed to rebel against her today, squirming free from her arms and waddling across the room to Chen Jubai. The cat affectionately nudged his arm before curling up in his lap.

Chen Jubai, now much more at ease with the cat, picked up Snowflake without hesitation. The fluffy feline comfortably snuggled into a ball.

Seeing this, Song Wei gritted her teeth. Well, well, Snowflake. Betrayed by your looks, huh?

Even the aunt was surprised. “You’ve met Snowflake before?”

Chen Jubai glanced at Song Wei, then explained, “We’ve crossed paths once.”

As Yang Yingqiu entered the room, she caught sight of the scene—her daughter’s cat, who never liked anyone else, was now cozily nestled in a man’s lap. The man, meanwhile, was gently stroking the cat’s head while conversing with the aunt.

She watched silently for a few seconds, then cleared her throat.

The three people in the living room immediately turned to her. Chen Jubai stood up and greeted, “Hello, Auntie. I’m Chen Jubai.”

Yang Yingqiu’s expression remained stern as she nodded and sat down on a single-seater.

Her tone was equally serious. “You’re Xiao Chen, right?”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember me?” She carried herself with an authoritative air.

“Yes, Principal Yang,” he replied respectfully.

Yang Yingqiu nodded slightly, her brows still furrowed. “I heard from Weiwei that you’ve started your own company?”

“Yes, Guangnian Technology. It’s made some progress in the past couple of years.”

“Is work usually busy?”

Chen Jubai sat upright, slowing his movements as he stroked the cat. He answered seriously, “It’s busier around year-end or during major projects, but otherwise, it’s manageable.”

“With Weiwei working at your company, how do you plan to handle your relationship?”

“Song Wei’s professional abilities are exceptional. Having her at Guangnian is an added advantage. She can fully realize her potential on this platform, and our relationship won’t affect her work.”

Their exchange grew increasingly serious, resembling a negotiation.

Song Wei’s aunt leaned closer and whispered, “What’s going on? Is your mom interrogating him or disciplining a student?”

Song Wei shrugged, equally puzzled.

Though Yang Yingqiu wasn’t exactly a warm personality, her tone had never been this aggressive. And wasn’t it her idea to invite him in the first place? Why the hostility now?

The conversation shifted abruptly. “When did your mother pass away?”

Hearing this, Song Wei’s aunt quickly interjected, “Sister, let him have some water.”

She handed Chen Jubai a glass, which he accepted, taking a sip before answering, “My mother passed away from illness when I was nine.”

“What illness?”

“Stomach cancer.”

“Any family history of hereditary diseases?”

“No. Neither my grandparents nor any extended relatives have had this illness.”

“And you’ve been living with your father since then?”

Song Wei felt a pang of unease. Before her aunt could step in, she spoke up herself. “Mom, are you conducting a census? You haven’t stopped grilling him.”

Yang Yingqiu cast her a stern look, clearly signaling her to keep quiet.

Chen Jubai remained composed and open, his tone steady. “It’s okay. Auntie has every right to understand my family background.”

He then recounted the details he’d shared with Song Wei before, rendering the atmosphere in the living room unbearably heavy.

After a long pause, Yang Yingqiu pressed further, her eyebrows furrowed. “So your father is currently working as a security guard?”

“Yes. He’s unmotivated and just looking for an easy job to pass the time.”

“Do you live with him?”

“No. He has his own place. We meet maybe once or twice a year.”

Yang Yingqiu fell silent.

And that silence was suffocating. Even the cat, sensing the tension in the air, let out a couple of uneasy meows.

Chen Jubai lowered his head to soothe it.

After what felt like an eternity, Song Gaoyi called out from the kitchen, “Dinner’s ready!”

Song Wei instantly felt a wave of relief. “Coming!”

At the dining table, Yang Yingqiu refrained from further questioning, restoring some semblance of normalcy to the meal.

Song Wei stole glances at the man quietly eating beside her. He occasionally responded to her father and aunt’s friendly questions, looking more at ease than earlier.

But across the table, Yang Yingqiu’s silence was telling. Song Wei’s heart sank—her mother likely disapproved of Chen Jubai.

After dinner, Chen Jubai stayed for a short while before Song Wei suggested ending the evening. She escorted him out.

From the front door to the elevator, and then downstairs, neither of them spoke a word.

Standing by his car, Song Wei finally broke the silence. “Don’t take it to heart. My mom’s been a principal for over a decade—she’s just like that. She didn’t mean any harm.”

Chen Jubai’s lips curved into a faint smile, his tone calm. “I know. It’s fine.”

“Alright. You should head back then. Let’s keep in touch.”

“Okay.”

As Song Wei walked away, Chen Jubai sat in his car, his tense body finally relaxing. Leaning back into the seat, he exhaled a long breath.

….

Back upstairs, as soon as Song Wei entered, her aunt pulled her into the bedroom.

“Why do I feel like your mom doesn’t like Xiao Chen?”

Song Wei felt the same. Yang Yingqiu’s attitude had been far from welcoming.

“What about you? What do you think of Xiao Chen?”

Song Wei hesitated, then summed up her thoughts in three words. “He’s alright.”

“And what’s his take on you?”

Song Wei froze for a moment, then walked slowly to the bed, her voice trailing off. “I don’t know.”

Her aunt sighed. “I don’t know what your mom’s thinking, but I quite like Xiao Chen. His looks, height, and career—what’s not to like? Maybe your mom disapproves of his background, but take it from me, this kind of in-law situation is ideal. An only child, with no parents to meddle—you two would have a very comfortable life together.”

Song Wei chuckled. “Auntie, we’re not at that stage yet.”

“Well, you’ll have to think about it eventually,” her aunt insisted. “Weiwei, I’m saying this for your own good. You’re 26 now. If you marry at 27 and have a child at 28, you’ll be nearing 30 when you give birth. You’re not getting any younger.”

Her aunt glanced towards the door, then lowered her voice. “You know your parents’ situation. Be sensible and don’t give them more to worry about.”

Song Wei latched onto the last part and asked, “Auntie, do you know why my parents turned out the way they did?”

Her aunt glanced at the door again, looking conflicted. But seeing that Song Wei was no longer a child, she decided it might be better for her to know. Closing the door, she sat down and began.

“You know what your parents are like—both strong-willed and career-driven. And both have been very successful. Neither was willing to compromise.”

Song Wei nodded. “I know.”

“Do you remember when you were in your first year of high school? Your father had just won a national award and was being heavily relied upon at his institute. He was even being considered for the deputy director position, which kept him extremely busy.”

Her aunt sighed. “One day, your mom came to me, asking if I could find out if your dad had someone on the side at his institute. I was shocked and immediately looked into it.”

She continued, “There was indeed a woman he was close to—a colleague on his project team. But a mistress? Absolutely not. Still, your mom visited the institute once, and things must not have gone well. That’s when the cracks in their relationship began.”

Song Wei had initially thought her parents’ issues were solely due to their careers, but now she learned there was more to the story. Her chest tightened, leaving her unable to speak.

“So, after all these years, they’ve been maintaining this superficial harmony while emotionally drifting apart. You are their only bond,” her aunt said, looking at her intently. “I truly want what’s best for you. I hope you can settle down here in Nan’an. Maybe that could even create an opportunity for your parents to reconcile.”

The weight in Song Wei’s chest grew heavier, almost suffocating her. Finally, she managed to force out a response. “Got it, Auntie. Thank you.”

“If you really mean that, then settle down quickly.”

“I know, I know.”

After seeing her aunt off, Song Wei sat in a daze at her desk for over ten minutes, with the sleeping Snowflake curled up nearby.

When Snowflake stretched its paws and turned over comfortably, Song Wei got up and went out.

Yang Yingqiu was in the study. Song Wei knocked on the door and entered.

Leaning against the desk, she casually picked up a pen and played with it for a minute or two before speaking. “Mom, you don’t like him, do you?”

Yang Yingqiu removed her glasses. “You figured that out?”

Anyone could tell from today’s interrogation. Feeling unfair on Chen Jubai’s behalf, Song Wei protested, “You were the one who invited him over, and then you treated him like that. He must’ve felt awful.”

Yang Yingqiu scoffed. “Felt awful? If he can’t handle a few of my questions, how can he manage a company or survive in society? It’s better to find out early and end it now.”

“…”

Song Wei stayed silent. After a while, Yang Yingqiu relented, her tone softening. “If you like him, I won’t oppose you continuing to see him.”

Song Wei looked up, startled.

Yang Yingqiu glanced at her with a hint of exasperation. “It’s true I don’t like him. Our family isn’t lacking in money, and you won’t have trouble finding someone with better qualifications. I always hoped you’d marry into a good family, at least one comparable to ours. Parents with education, decent jobs—a match that could elevate your career.”

“But you’ve never followed my plans since you were a child. You didn’t want to take the path I laid out for you and insisted on running around outside. I figure if I set you up with someone from our circle, you’d refuse anyway. So, it might as well be him.”

Yang Yingqiu looked at her daughter. “Weiwei, women are always at a disadvantage in marriage. Today, I acted the way I did to show him that if my daughter marries him, she can’t be mistreated. Your family will always have your back.”

Song Wei had never believed that family background alone determined power dynamics in a marriage. If she were to marry Chen Jubai, they would be two independent and equal individuals.

The so-called in-law and extended family dynamics were external factors. Problems, if they arose, would ultimately stem from the two people involved.

Even so, she was touched by her mother’s words. Walking behind her, she bent down to hug her around the neck. “Mom, thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I don’t dislike him that much. As long as he loves you, the choice is yours,” Yang Yingqiu said. “He doesn’t have many family ties. In the future, it’ll just be the two of you relying on each other. Be good to him. Life won’t be that hard.”

Having lived through much, Yang Yingqiu’s judgment of people was usually about seventy to eighty percent accurate.

From what she saw today, aside from his family background, she had no complaints about Chen Jubai.

He was driven, steady, and kind. When speaking about his father, he showed neither resentment nor inferiority. And when he looked at her daughter, his eyes lit up.

That was enough.

Even Snowflake, who only stuck to Song Wei, seemed to adore him. She had no grounds to object.

Patting her daughter’s hand, Yang Yingqiu said, “Think it over carefully. If you like him, then go ahead. If not, wait for someone else.”

Song Wei’s eyes grew warm. “Okay, I understand.”

Leaving the study, Song Wei took a deep breath.

She had braced herself for an argument but was surprised by the unexpected outcome.

Back in her room, she checked her phone and saw a message from Chen Jubai, sent ten minutes earlier, letting her know he had arrived home.

There was also a message from Jiang Xiaoyu: [Weiwei, did my brother embarrass himself today?]

She replied: [Not at all. Why do you ask?]

Jiang Xiaoyu wrote back: [He went straight to his room when he got home and hasn’t smiled at all. It’s scary. Sis, my brother’s not good with words. Please don’t hold it against him.]

Song Wei thought to herself that he hadn’t been tongue-tied at all today. He had answered her mother’s difficult questions calmly and clearly. If he had faltered even slightly, Yang Yingqiu’s attitude might have been even worse.

A message popped up at the top of her phone screen:

Chen Jubai: [Good night.]

Song Wei stared at the message, her mind replaying the events of the day.

Her aunt and Yang Yingqiu had both asked if she liked him. She couldn’t say for sure but was certain she didn’t dislike him. Their interactions had been smooth. There wasn’t much to talk about when they were together, but she wasn’t particularly talkative either. The fact that she could feel comfortable in the silence was already a rare thing.

As for “liking”… She had never liked anyone before and didn’t really know what it felt like. Deep down, she admired and respected his abilities and ambition. If she had to describe it, she thought of the man on stage at the annual company event—the way he exuded a glow that overshadowed his looks and physique. But did that count as liking?

And what about him? Song Wei wasn’t sure. Whether it was liking her or simply yielding to parental pressure to go on blind dates and tick off life’s milestones, he hadn’t rejected her after their meetings. Today, he had even made a deliberate effort to visit. His intentions seemed clear.

After ten minutes of thought, Song Wei decided to call him.

She felt she owed him some sort of answer.

He picked up almost immediately. “Still awake?”

“No,” Song Wei said awkwardly, “You’re home now?”

“Just finished a shower.”

“Thank you for making the effort to come today,” she said.

“It was no trouble,” he replied.

The conversation grew a little awkward. Song Wei hesitated before asking softly, “Chen Jubai, can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why did you agree to the blind date in the first place?”

He paused for a few seconds before answering honestly, “I didn’t agree. I was late to our first meeting because my aunt told me at the last minute you were already waiting.”

No wonder. “What about after that?”

He suddenly went quiet. Song Wei’s face reddened as she realized what the answer might be and quickly changed the subject. “Did your family ever pressure you to get married?”

“Yes.”

“What about you? What do you think about it?”

“I think it’s still early.”

“…” Song Wei was momentarily at a loss. She had braced herself for all sorts of scenarios, but it turned out he hadn’t given it much thought at all.

She debated ending the call when she heard him say softly, “But if it’s something that has to be done eventually, I don’t mind doing it at this stage.”

“Because of your career?”

“That’s part of the reason.”

“…”

Well, at least they were on the same page in some way. Song Wei pressed on. “Chen Jubai, then about us…”

Her sudden nervousness caused her to stop mid-sentence. After steadying her breathing, she continued, “When’s your next free day? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

Silence fell. Through the phone, their breaths intertwined, uneven but steady.

Her question expressed a willingness to keep seeing him.

The quiet stretched on, and Song Wei thought he might decline. Yang Yingqiu’s overbearing attitude earlier in the evening had given him plenty of reasons to call it quits. Just as she began to feel uneasy, she heard his reply.

“I’m free anytime.”

His tone was gentle yet firm, his unspoken message unmistakably clear.

Song Wei’s cheeks grew warm. She walked to the window and cracked it open, letting the cold breeze cool her down. “Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. Goodnight,” she mumbled, about to hang up.

“Song Wei,” he called out.

Her heart skipped a beat as she gripped her phone. “Yes?”

Chen Jubai paused briefly before asking in a low voice, “Did I pass your mom’s test today?”

Standing by the window, a faint smile tugged at her lips. “You did.”