Xun Tianhai had contacted Liao Qianqian’s parents as soon as he received Jiangli’s message yesterday.
Upon hearing that Jiangli wanted to see them, Liao Qianqian’s parents agreed to the meeting without hesitation.
It seemed that Liao Qianqian had told them about Jiangli’s existence and help.
Liao’s father and mother were very much looking forward to this meeting.
Xun Tianhai led Jiangli, Fu Shiyan, and others into the café.
As soon as they entered, Jiangli saw Liao Qianqian’s parents sitting at a corner booth.
The couple held each other’s hands tightly, their nervousness palpable, occasionally looking toward the entrance of the café with eyes full of anticipation, as if they were expecting to see their daughter once more, as though she had never left.
When they saw Jiangli, the two supported each other and stood up, filled with surprise and excitement.
As Xun Tianhai led Jiangli and Fu Shiyan closer, he said, "I apologize for the wait. This is the Abbot from Jiaoyang Temple, whom you’ve met before, remember?"
Liao Guoqiang nodded repeatedly, his gaze fixed on Jiangli, "We’ve heard about you from Qianqian and recognize the Abbot. Please, have a seat!"
The couple hurriedly gestured for them to sit.
Jiangli and Fu Shiyan walked over and sat down opposite Liao’s father and mother.
Seeing this, Xun Tianhai sat with Xia Xin and Duan Jianchuan at another booth nearby.
"Has Qianqian come back since the Abbot suddenly asked to meet with us?" As soon as they sat down, Liao’s mother, unable to hold back the tears in her eyes, asked eagerly, "Can we see her again? Or, is it possible for her to stay with us?"
Hearing this, Jiangli’s face showed no emotion, even appearing somewhat indifferent as she calmly stated, "Regarding this matter, I believe Liao Qianqian has already told you. Humans and ghosts walk different paths; it’s impossible for her to come back, let alone continue to stay with you."
Upon hearing this, Liao’s mother couldn’t help but let her tears fall, her hands clenched in disappointment.
Liao’s father choked up a little, fighting back tears, "We know... we understand... but, but people can’t help but hope against hope..."
Jiangli didn’t want to shatter the slim hope in Liao’s parents’ hearts, but she still had to state the facts.
"Liao Qianqian can’t come back now. I wanted to meet you, not her. She’s not here," Jiangli said.
This statement extinguished all hope in Liao’s parents.
Liao’s mother couldn’t help sobbing quietly.
"Then why does the Abbot..." Liao’s father, choked up, wiped the corner of his eyes and asked, "Why did you want to see us?"
"I’m here to convey a message from Liao Qianqian." Jiangli relayed the entrusted message to them word by word, "Liao Qianqian said that you are still young and well-off. She hopes you will have another child, even if it replaces her, even if it makes you forget about her, it’s fine. She just doesn’t want you to spend your old age alone."
Upon hearing this, both Liao’s father and mother struggled to contain their emotions.
Liao’s mother beat her chest and stamped her feet, "My Qianqian... my dear Qianqian... how could you say this, how can Mom bear it!"
Liao’s father’s eyes were red, and tears silently fell as he was unable to speak.
Everyone present felt uncomfortable in their hearts.
Jiangli wasn’t good at comforting others and didn’t know how to console Liao’s parents.
Watching the unmistakable grief of Liao’s father and mother, Jiangli was somewhat taken aback, with a hint of darkness in her eyes.
She didn’t realize that all her reactions were under the careful observation of Fu Shiyan.
Catching a glimpse of Jiangli’s expression, Fu Shiyan’s brows slightly furrowed, then quickly relaxed, as though nothing had happened.