Ye He Ping’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was full of concern, making Ye Ling’s eyes redden. She turned her head away silently, while Ye He Ping let out a deep sigh.
"Dad knows you’re angry. Let’s take this opportunity to talk about what’s been weighing on your mind."
"There’s nothing weighing on my mind." Ye Ling replied indifferently, unaware that her demeanor clearly showed she was sulking.
Ye He Ping watched as his daughter rarely revealed her childlike side, and a smile appeared on his face. "Is it because I asked you to come home before college? I regretted asking you after I did; I know you won’t forgive me, and I don’t blame you. If it weren’t for your mother going too far, you wouldn’t refuse to come home. I didn’t understand your feelings and kept hoping to ease things between you and your father, but I never looked for the root cause."
"It’s my fault for breaking my promises over and over. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I do hope you’ll take care of yourself." Ye He Ping paused for a moment. "But look at you now, how can I be at ease?"
Ye Ling’s eyes reddened, "Dad, it’s my arrogance that led to this outcome. Rest assured, from now on, I won’t let myself get hurt again."
Nor will she easily touch upon emotions again. She seemed to shine so brightly that it dazzled your eyes, yet she had a dark heart. Truly, she was foolish, living through two lifetimes and still fooled by appearances. Today’s outcome ensures she won’t repeat her mistake.
Living through two lifetimes, in the previous she was infatuated with Liu Zhiyuan, which led to her downfall. This time it’s due to Fu Lei, nearly ruining her life again. Ye Ling forced a smile; it seems she must steer clear of emotions, as two lifetimes almost cost her everything.
"You silly child, everyone makes mistakes. Hearing that you like a boy, Dad was happy. I’ve seen Fu Lei before; he seemed simple and honest originally, but who would’ve thought otherwise? Even with Dad’s experience and age, I got fooled, let alone you." Ye He Ping was pleased his daughter shared her thoughts. "You’ve stayed with your grandma since you were little. After she passed, you never got love or warmth. When Dad noticed his mistake and wanted to make up for it, he was too rough and never understood your feelings. Meeting someone caring and kind, how could you not pay attention? It’s just that you didn’t encounter someone recognizing you, so this time you were exploited."
Ye Ling turned back to her father, "Dad, don’t you feel embarrassed about me? Being exploited because I liked a boy, and in anger, I hit him. Isn’t it embarrassing?"
At that time, Ye Ling thought she handled the situation rationally. However, reflecting on it later, she felt quite embarrassed, like a clown, reacting without care instead of ignoring them. Wasn’t it just angered and ashamed?
"What’s embarrassing about it? Liking someone isn’t wrong. I’m sure anyone knowing the truth would agree you were right to hit him. As students, they set up such a trap lasting half a year, showing how devious they are. Such people are unfit to even be regular individuals, let alone an army man." Ye He Ping understood what his daughter worried about regarding relationships, as she was too naive and unaware. "Emotions aren’t smooth sailing. Even if they end in hurt, it doesn’t mean humiliation, nor would anyone laugh at you. It only shows you two weren’t suitable. If everyone worried about relationships ending badly and being ridiculed, who would dare to love? Ye Ling, Dad noticed you often get stuck on emotional matters. If not knowing your lack of experience, I’d think you were hurt before for being so sensitive."
Ye Ling’s heart sank, "Wouldn’t people laugh thinking I don’t understand depth, liking anyone? Wouldn’t they say I can’t see myself clearly?"
Was her previous life’s affection for Liu Zhiyuan criticized only because she expressed herself after marrying?
Ye Ling’s mind was in turmoil; could it really be her thoughts are wrong?
"This isn’t something shameful." Ye He Ping didn’t understand why his daughter was fixated on this issue. "If you doubt, observe when you return to school if anyone looks at you strangely. Though, with you taking on three people, you’ll definitely get some looks."
Ye Ling knew her father was teasing, but she couldn’t bring herself to smile, "Dad, thank you. I always thought I could handle things alone, yet every time trouble arose, you cleaned up my mess, and I kept blaming you."
"As a parent, it’s our debt to you children, not trouble." Her words brought comfort to Ye He Ping. "In the past, I wronged you. Now you’re in college and will join the survey team. Dad hopes you’ll let yourself be happy instead of hiding within a protective shell, guarded against everyone. Doing so means you’ll never find joy, as there are more good people in this world."
His wife’s actions left the daughter in this state; Ye He Ping didn’t have the energy to be angry anymore. He hoped for her slow growth in the future, to step out of her inner darkness and welcome a new life.
"Dad, I understand now." Ye Ling smiled openly.
The knot brought by her rebirth unraveled at this moment. Ye Ling realized she had been too caught up in her past life’s matters. Regardless, she’s fine now, not entering blind alleys or repeating mistakes; living well will surely be okay.
"That’s good; then Dad need not worry. This matter troubled Shen Bin; without his help and resources, such a resolution wouldn’t have been possible. You need to thank Uncle Shen sincerely." On the way, Ye He Ping already heard the outcome from Shen Bin.
Hearing the name ’Uncle Shen,’ Ye Ling twitched her lips, almost wanting to tell her father, this Uncle Shen fancies your daughter. But Shen Bin said it was just acting; Ye Ling wasn’t bold enough to tell her father then, lest it seem as if she’s boasting. After hesitating, she kept Shen Bin’s matters to herself. This content belongs to NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"Dad, I’ve left food for you; go ahead and eat." Ye Ling changed the topic.
Seeing her daughter was fine, Ye He Ping was relieved, sat down for a meal, and after a few bites, Shen Bin and several others entered. Ye Ling secretly noted how accurately they timed things; naturally, Ye He Ping took over the night watch. Ye Ling thought it was quite nice since having to face Shen Bin alone, she’d still feel awkward. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes and monthly votes; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)