As the dinner progressed, the atmosphere at the dining table became more and more harmonious. Lin Qianru watched, smiling, as her man and her father drank and chatted animatedly, her smile never fading. Only now did she truly feel that her life was perfect. From this day forward, there would be no more clouds in her sky, only the bright sunshine.
"Tianxing, don’t just focus on drinking, have some dishes. Auntie has some questions for you."
At this moment, Cai Shuya placed some food into Lu Tianxing’s bowl and curiously asked, "Tianxing, let me ask you, how long have you and my daughter been acquainted? What stage have you two reached? Have you progressed to the final step and planned when to get married and have children?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Tianxing’s fingers stiffened, while Lin Qianru sat there, her face flushing red, looking down and not daring to meet her mother’s eyes.
For a while, the entire dining table was silent.
Lu Tianxing sat there with a dark expression, realizing that mothers-in-law all over the world seemed to enjoy asking such a question. Bai Zhiqing’s grandparents were , and so were Lin Qianru’s parents, incessantly fixated on it, as if not having children was a cardinal sin.
Seeing the embarrassment on Lu Tianxing’s face, Lin Qianru spoke up with a blush, "Mom, let’s just eat, why ask these things?"
When Cai Shuya saw Lin Qianru’s flushed face, she seemed to understand something, and her smile brightened even more, "Alright, alright, mom won’t ask anymore. But you and Tianxing should hurry, while your dad and I are still young and can help with the children. Otherwise, you’ll be on your own when we’re old."
Lu Tianxing immediately broke into a cold sweat at Cai Shuya’s gaze, and could only weakly nod his head, while Lin Qianru sat there with her face red, her eyes cautiously sweeping over Lu Tianxing, seemingly quite moved by Cai Shuya’s suggestion.
Just then, Lin Zhanpeng softly interjected, "Alright, wife, it’s the young people’s business, why fuss over it? Look, you’ve made them awkward. Tianxing, keep drinking, and don’t mind your aunt’s nonsense. Whenever you plan to have children is up to you."
Hearing Lin Zhanpeng’s words, Lu Tianxing almost wanted to kiss him on the cheek—this was a true Chinese father-in-law, understanding how to give his son-in-law an out, unlike other fathers-in-law, who seemed ready to kill with their gaze at a son-in-law’s first visit, not to mention saving face.
"Here, uncle, this drink is for you."
With these words, Lu Tianxing poured a drink for himself and Lin Zhanpeng and then downed it in one go.
Watching the two men endlessly drinking one cup after another, Lin Qianru and Cai Shuya were at a loss for words. Wanting to intervene, yet unsure how to begin, they decided to turn a blind eye and stood up, walking towards the living room.
"Mom, letting dad drink isn’t good for his health, shouldn’t we say something?" Lin Qianru and Cai Shuya sat down on the sofa in the living room, somewhat worried.
"Ah, let your dad drink a bit! You know his temper. Besides, you’ve been away from Modu for so many years, he hasn’t been this happy in a long time. Let him enjoy himself! We haven’t talked in a long time either, so let’s have a good chat today."
"It’s fine, Qianru, I know you’re worried about your boyfriend, but don’t worry, nothing will happen. I can tell that Tianxing is a sensible kid. He knows his limits and won’t act recklessly, so don’t worry."
Cai Shuya’s face wore a gentle smile, her eyes sweeping back and forth over Lin Qianru, her mouth curving into a meaningful grin.
Lin Qianru, after sensing her mother’s gaze, a hint of shyness appeared on her face, she knew all too well what her mother’s look implied.
"Alright, don’t be shy, come here. Mom wants to ask you, when do you plan to marry Tianxing, when do you plan to have a child?" Cai Shuya asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianru’s face grew even redder, like a ripe peach that seemed like it could squirt juice if pinched.
"Mom..." Lin Qianru coyly called out, somewhat at a loss for how to respond.
"What’s there to be shy about? Every woman goes through this. Tell mom, and I’ll give you some advice."
"Mom, I’m still young, isn’t it too early to get married and have children? We plan to focus on our careers first, to establish ourselves before settling down."
Upon hearing this, Cai Shuya frowned and said, "Is that your idea or his?"
"It’s my idea. I’m still young, and I want to build a career first."
"Ah, you child, why are you so silly?"
Cai Shuya raised her finger and poked Lin Qianru’s head irritably, speaking as if she were regretfully scolding iron that couldn’t turn to steel, "I tell you, it’s not just work that’s fiercely competitive, everything else is just as competitive. You need to learn to seize the opportunity, do you understand? Tianxing is such a good catch, definitely, many women are after him. If you don’t grab the chance now, what if someone else snatches him away? Then you’ll really have something to cry about, you get it?"
Lin Qianru, listening to her mother’s words, bitterly smiled to herself. She very much wanted to marry Lu Tianxing, but in the end, she was merely the despised "other woman," a presence that couldn’t stand the light. If she forced Lu Tianxing to give up his lawful wife for her, it might end up as a futile effort where she gained nothing at all.
Moreover, if Lu Tianxing really did that, perhaps then she truly ought to worry—worry that one day, for another woman, Lu Tianxing might abandon her. After all, a man who could leave his wife for you might one day leave you for another woman; such a man was the least trustworthy.
However, Lin Qianru would not voice any of these thoughts. In the past, she might still harbor some competitive thoughts toward Lu Tianxing’s lawful wife, but when Lu Tianxing unhesitatingly returned with her to Hang City and single-handedly confronted the Tan Family to seek justice for her, all those thoughts had dissipated. Lu Tianxing’s actions had shown her how important she was to him.
She didn’t yearn for Lu Tianxing to offer her any legitimate status; she merely hoped that he would stay by her side—that would be enough.
Seeing Lin Qianru silent, Cai Shuya said earnestly, "Qian Ru, don’t think of me as overly meddlesome. Tianxing being willing to accompany you back to Hang City shows that you have a place in his heart. You must seize the time, otherwise, if someone else steals him away, it will be too late for regrets."
Lin Qianru nodded vigorously, clenching her fists.
Watching her daughter’s demeanor, Cai Shuya nodded in satisfaction. Such a good man must not be given to others. In matters of love, one should never back down. Happiness is not bestowed by others but fought for oneself. Missing out and then regretting it is just too late.
Thanks to Vodka, ﹏﹏浮游び豆*﹏﹏, Ruan for the rewards, thanks for the support!!!