Bao Jingyan only came once, and then there was no news.
Later, Mrs. Zhou visited, and Su Ruanruan learned that he had already left Yangcheng.
But Bao Jingyan was not idle; he was always doing real estate business near Yangcheng.
Within a month, he acquired several plots of land.
He Jitang was strict with her, and Su Ruanruan had no opportunity to use a phone, nor did she dare to use Mrs. Zhou’s phone to contact Bao Jingyan.
She could only miss him every day.
Occasionally, Old Gu would come over to treat little Ci’an and bring some news.
These pieces of news sustained Su Ruanruan.
She asked Old Gu to deliver a message: she was doing well, just missed them.
In early September, Old Gu brought some news.
He said, "Young President Bao is in City Z. He’ll make time to come to Yangcheng tomorrow afternoon. If you have time, he invites you to meet at Yunjin Restaurant!"
Su Ruanruan felt her heart flutter.
It’s been two months since their last meeting.
Of course, she wanted to see him.
After asking for the time, she whispered, "I’ll find a way to go."
Old Gu promised to deliver the message for her.
Finally, Old Gu apologized, saying: "Young Master Ji made a mistake, and I’m ashamed to be able to help so little."
Su Ruanruan hurried to comfort him.
She knew well that last time Shen Ci had set a trap, and Old Gu suffered greatly. The fact that this old gentleman was willing to help deliver the messages was already a risk.
With her comfort, Gu Dahong felt somewhat better, clasped his hands together, and left.
After he left, Su Ruanruan pondered how to go out without arousing He Jitang’s suspicion.
...
In the evening, He Jitang had someone invite her to dinner together.
On usual days, Su Ruanruan wouldn’t eat with him, but today she was willing.
She changed her clothes and went to the small flower hall in the front.
He Jitang was already sitting there, teaching little Ci’an with a Chinese book.
Little Ci’an was young and not interested in these.
He Jitang was rather stern.
Su Ruanruan pleaded on behalf of little Ci’an: "Third brother, why make it hard for him? Ci’an is young and may not take the same path as you in future."
He Jitang raised his eyes.
He gently asked her, "What path am I supposed to take?"
Su Ruanruan retorted, "Are you trying to find fault with me? If so, then I won’t be eating this meal!"
He Jitang’s eyebrows relaxed a little as he put down the book, saying: "You care for Ci’an, and I was too ignorant to appreciate that!"
Su Ruanruan then sat down again.
She pulled the little fellow over and gently wiped away his tears.
She tenderly said to him, "Our little Ci’an is a young man and shouldn’t cry so easily!"
The little guy mumbled, still feeling very wronged!
He Jitang disapproved: "Boys should not be spoiled like this."
Little Ci’an clung to Su Ruanruan, almost crying.
Su Ruanruan coaxed him to eat his meal, promising to speak on his behalf.
After little Ci’an ate, Su Ruanruan pleaded for him, saying a child so young shouldn’t be forced too much.
He Jitang listened.
He said: "With you planning for him, he won’t fare poorly in future!"
Then he laughed again, "You always plead for him, why not plead for yourself?"
Su Ruanruan lowered her eyes, "I want to go out for dinner tomorrow; I’ve heard Yunjin Restaurant’s dishes are very nice. It’s reputed to be the top Southern cuisine restaurant in Yangcheng."
He Jitang had heard of it.
She wanted to go out for dinner, and he was willing.
But tomorrow he was not free, so he suggested: "Let Ci’an go with you!"
Su Ruanruan was taken aback.
He Jitang casually asked: "Don’t want to take him? No wonder you’ve arranged to meet someone?"
Su Ruanruan’s heart skipped a beat.
She took a sip of tea to cover up, saying: "I’ll take him then. But young kids might not like such dishes."
He Jitang looked at the little fellow, his eyes softened a bit.
He stroked his son’s head and said: "Another time, I’ll take you with your aunt to have a kids’ meal."
Little Ci’an was overjoyed upon hearing this, and gulped down two bowls of rice!