The two drove to Riverside.
The scenery was nice; not far from the shore was River Heart Island, connected by a large bridge.
They strolled and chatted idly. To tell the truth, this couple-like demeanor made Chen Feng somewhat uncomfortable.
But Wu Mengting was wholeheartedly devoted to him, and he had to admit in his heart that he liked her too.
So, when Wu Mengting asked him to go for a walk on Riverside, Chen Feng couldn’t refuse. In fact, as long as it wasn’t anything too over-the-line, Chen Feng didn’t resist the idea; he even enjoyed it.
"My family situation, as you’ve seen, they have started to push for marriage. So, it’s hard to stay at home. I plan to visit your parents on the fifth day of the new month and then return to Xiu Zhou with you. What do you think?"
Could Chen Feng object? He couldn’t.
"You can decide for yourself. However, I think if you communicate well with your parents, they will understand. Besides, their intention is for your good, so there’s no need to get angry with them and strain the relationship."
"I’m not angry, just a bit bothered. I know they want what’s best for me, but I really don’t need it. They can’t force me to do things I don’t like; I’m already an adult, with my own thoughts and opinions."
Chen Feng chuckled, "You’re seeking independence from your parents’ control, huh?"
"Yes. The reason I chose to stay and work in Xiu Zhou was precisely to break away from their control. All my life, I had to listen to them about everything, including which university to attend, which major to choose, and even what job to take in the future; they had it all planned out for me.
Originally, I’ve always been very fond of literature and wanted to major in it in college, but under their insistence, I ended up studying finance. When they later wanted me to pursue a graduate degree, I adamantly refused and found a job as an editor. For that, my parents were angry for a long time. Now, they are forcing me into blind dates, pushing me to accept a future son-in-law they consider decent. I definitely cannot tolerate it."
One could tell that Wu Mengting harbored quite some resentment towards her parents.
Chen Feng tried to console her, "Look at it from another perspective; they only have you for a daughter, so of course, they think and plan for you in every way they can. Whether or not you like these plans, undoubtedly they mean well. You need to understand them too."
"I’m well aware they mean well, but that doesn’t mean their arrangements are always right, and they certainly can’t make me comply with everything they say. I’m an adult and have my own thoughts and opinions."
"It all boils down to a communication issue. When you go back, talk to your parents about your own thoughts; I believe they are reasonable people."
"Thanks, I’ll take your advice. When I return, I’ll clarify things with them."
After walking on Riverside for more than half an hour, they sat on an open-air bench for about fifteen minutes.
As the sky grew dark, Wu Mengting offered to treat him to a meal, extending her hospitality as a local host.
Chen Feng didn’t refuse and let her lead the way to a restaurant inside a shopping mall, claiming that one could enjoy authentic Lu City cuisine there. Most importantly, the food was good, prices were reasonable, and service was excellent.
Really, the local dishes were authentic, and they tasted wonderful. They ordered seven or eight dishes, and when Wu Mengting paid the bill, it only came to a little over two hundred—a real bargain.
"I’ll take you home first."
Coming out of the mall, the street lights had just come on. Chen Feng planned to drop her off first as they got into the car.
"How about we go see a movie? The cinema isn’t far from here."
Wu Mengting didn’t seem to want to go home so early.
"I still need to get back," Chen Feng said, not wanting to watch a movie alone with her.
"Go back tomorrow. It’s not very safe to drive on the highway at night."
Chen Feng looked at her speechlessly. If it weren’t for spending the earlier part of the evening walking, chatting, and dining with her, he wouldn’t have to drive at night.
"I have things to do tonight. I need to go back," he said seriously.
"What could you possibly have to do?" Wu Mengting didn’t believe him.
Chen Feng glanced at her and said candidly, "I have plans with Yu Jiao; I’m spending the night at her place."
Wu Mengting’s face changed immediately upon hearing this, and after a long sigh, she said, "I know you’re doing this to upset me, to make me completely give up on you. Sometimes I also wish I could maintain a sibling-like relationship with you, but I can’t. I’ve let you down."
What could Chen Feng say? He drove silently to the entrance of her family’s villa complex.
The two remained silent during the drive, not speaking again.
After stopping the car, Chen Feng finally turned to look at her, "We’ve arrived. Go on home. If you have any issues, communicate well with your parents, and don’t keep it all bottled up inside."
Wu Mengting didn’t get out of the car right away. Sitting in the passenger seat, she hung her head for a while before speaking in a subdued voice, "I don’t know when you’ll come to terms with accepting me, but I truly hope that we don’t end up missing each other and become each other’s regrets."
After saying this, she turned to look at Chen Feng, her expression desolate.
Chen Feng felt overwhelmed, placed his hand on her shoulder, and tried to console her, "You’re still young; don’t be so stubbornly fixated on me. It’s really not necessary. What you call persistence and fate might seem laughable a few years from now. The way we are now, like siblings, is quite good—there’s no need to insist on being a couple. Go on, get out, and have a good think at home."
Chen Feng gently patted her shoulder and then let go, urging her to leave the car.