0115: A Conversation with Mother

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No, it can’t be—Father-in-law didn’t fail to come home yesterday, did he? Should I notify someone... Ji Yun? It seems like Ji Yun isn’t home either.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just stayed up too late.” Xu Lin scratched his head.

At that moment, the elevator arrived on the sixth floor. Sure enough, someone was heading straight toward apartment 601. Xu Lin hurried over to the opposite door and knocked.

But the scene Xu Lin least wanted to encounter unfolded: before he could enter, the door swung open, and Ji Yun popped her head out.

“What are you doing here so early? You came back so late last night—how late were you working? You should rest properly.”

Then, the sound of the door opening behind her abruptly stopped. Ji Yun noticed the figure nearby, froze for a moment, and looked at Xu Lin helplessly.

“What’s going on?”

“I just happened to run into your mother coming back!”

“Ji Yun, why are you over here?”

Mrs. Ji, wearing small leather shoes, quickly approached. Ji Yun, embarrassed, stepped out from inside, still dressed in her adorable panda pajamas.

“Mom, I…”

“What’s going on between you two? Does your father know?”

Before Ji Yun could finish, Mrs. Ji narrowed her eyes, a sharp chill striking Xu Lin like a poisoned blade. Her gentle warmth from moments ago vanished instantly.

“Auntie, hello.”

“Don’t ‘hello’ me! What’s your name? How long have you two been together?”

“Mom! What do you mean by that? Let me finish, okay? You’re always like this!”

Surprisingly, Ji Yun snapped, pulling him behind her and shielding herself with her slender frame, glaring with bright eyes.

“Ji Yun, I’ve been wondering why you’ve been meddling in your father and my affairs recently.”

“I’ve told you countless times: focus on your studies in high school. When you get to university, if you want to date, that’s your business!”

Hearing Mrs. Ji’s words, Xu Lin realized she had misunderstood. She didn’t even know that the person living opposite was Chu Qingchan.

“Mom, whether I’m dating or not, we’re just friends.”

“Ji Yun, now you’ve learned to lie? What did you say earlier about being out late last night?”

“You’re just a young girl—don’t you find that embarrassing? Show some respect! And you, you must be the one… leading my daughter astray!”

“Don’t you find it embarrassing to be shouting here like this?”

Ji Yun was too tired to argue further. Her mother was always like this—once she made up her mind, she believed she was right.

“Xu Lin, let’s go inside!”

Ji Yun puffed out her cheeks and dragged him into the room. Mrs. Ji immediately reached out to grab her.

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At that moment, the door behind them clicked open. Chu Qingchan, wearing the same panda pajamas as Ji Yun, looked at the group groggily.

“What are you all doing? Hello, Auntie, is there something I can help with?”

“Miss Chu, this is my mother.”

“Hello, Auntie Chu. I just bought this apartment. The last time I visited your home, you weren’t there—only your uncle and Ji Yun were.”

Chu Qingchan responded politely. Mrs. Ji, stunned by Chu Qingchan’s beauty, which even outshone her daughter’s, and her unique aura, was momentarily at a loss.

“Hello, Miss Chu…”

She couldn’t help but say, then stared at Chu Qingchan for a few seconds before smiling, as if recognizing her identity.

“Old Ji never told me about this, only said the neighbors moved away.”

“Please come in. Ji Yun and I will go change.”

“All right.”

Chu Qingchan gestured politely, and Xu Lin and Ji Yun followed inside. Ji Yun leaned close to him and whispered:

“My mom’s a bit snobbish. Don’t mind her.”

“It’s fine. I like you—I don’t have to like your mom. Besides, she cares about you.”

“Mm.”

“Ahem!”

Seeing her daughter cozy up to that guy again, Lu Xiaoyan cleared her throat. Ji Yun glanced at her mother, then followed Chu Qingchan into the bedroom.

“Auntie, see? It’s not like Ji Yun and I live here—otherwise, why would I have knocked?”

Xu Lin added. Lu Xiaoyan took a deep breath, looking at Xu Lin’s calm expression throughout, feeling a bit awkward.

“I know you only want what’s best for Ji Yun, but sometimes you should calm down and hear what she has to say first.”

“Are you really not a couple?”

“No, Ji Yun and I are just close friends and classmates. Chu Qingchan is my friend; we planned to exercise together this morning.”

Noticing the black sportswear on Xu Lin, Lu Xiaoyan massaged her forehead. “My mistake—I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”

“It’s fine, please have a seat.”

“Your name’s Xu Lin, right?”

Lu Xiaoyan had calmed down now. Although he said he wasn’t Ji Yun’s boyfriend, she still wanted to ask more carefully.

“Were you in the same class as Ji Yun?”

“Yes, since first year of high school. We didn’t know we lived in the same neighborhood until recently.”

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“My friend rented a place here, and Ji Yun often comes over to hang out. They’ve become good sisters now.”

“I see. I’m usually busy with work and travel a lot. Does her father know about this?”

“Yes, I’ve met Uncle Ji a few times. He recommended this place to my friend.”

“I see.”

Lu Xiaoyan nodded, annoyed with Old Ji. A celebrity moved in next door, and he never told her? And a boy who’s close to her daughter—he didn’t tell her either?!

At that moment, Ji Yun and Chu Qingchan came out after changing clothes. Mrs. Ji’s expression instantly changed; she smiled warmly at Chu Qingchan.

“So beautiful—she looks even better than on TV.”

“No, no. I’ll prepare some food for you. Auntie, you just came back, haven’t eaten breakfast yet?”

“No need to trouble yourself. I’ll just eat at home.”

“Let’s eat together. We haven’t had breakfast yet either.”

Saying that, Chu Qingchan headed to the kitchen. Xu Lin quickly followed, unwilling to leave her alone.

Besides, he guessed Ji Yun wanted to talk to her mother about Aunt Yao’s matter.

That was her family’s issue; Xu Lin and Chu Qingchan could only stand guard and watch over her.

In the living room, only Ji Yun and her mother remained. Lu Xiaoyan’s face turned serious as she looked at her daughter.

“Earlier, I misunderstood you, but why did you shout at me like that? What kind of behavior is that?”

“You wronged me, and you didn’t listen to Dad’s explanation.”

“He’s still in contact with that woman—what’s there to explain?”

“Mom, it’s really not like that. Don’t treat me like a child—I want to talk to you properly.”

“About what?”

To be honest, seeing her usually obedient daughter like this was rare. She was a little surprised but thought it over and agreed.

“I found out something.”

“What did your father tell you?”

Her daughter’s tone grew serious. She was nervous; she didn’t believe her husband would have told their daughter.

Those matters were the only mistake and stain of her life—things she had always tried to avoid.

“Mom, I met Aunt Yao.”

“!”