Lin Yixun hurriedly left, fearing that Leng Yixiu might follow her, and couldn’t help but look back, only to find that Leng Yixiu’s former spot was empty.
Her heart involuntarily relaxed. This man was too terrifying, she no longer had the ability or energy to deal with him. She was especially afraid that Leng Yixiu might appear in front of her mother; no one knew better than her how much her mother hated him. She didn’t want her mother to be even slightly agitated.
For some reason, Ouyang Hao suddenly appeared in her mind. The roguish smile of Ouyang Hao in her mind slightly lifted her originally gloomy mood.
Lin Yixun had to admit, this man was gradually intruding into her bones, bit by bit, subtly influencing her.
Time passed quietly, and in the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve. Lin’s mother’s condition was worsening, yet she insisted on going home for the New Year. Lin Yixun had no choice but to agree.
Father Lin had not been released from prison, so only Lin Yixun and her mother were at home, making it inevitably a bit lonely. To add some festive spirit to the house, Lin Yixun specially bought couplets and ’Fu’ characters, and made a table full of dishes in the evening.
They watched the New Year’s Gala on the old television while eating the hot dishes. In the cold winter, this New Year finally had a bit of warmth.
"Xiao Xun, eat more, put on some weight!" Lin’s mother said with a smile, placing a big chicken leg in Lin Yixun’s bowl.
Lin Yixun glanced at the mountain of food in her bowl and pouted. "Mom... you’ve been piling food into my bowl all night, are you planning to turn me into a fat girl?"
"A bit of chubbiness is good, mom likes you to be a bit plumper."
"As you wish, dear mother!" Lin Yixun’s eyes curved into a smile. She leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder and said, "Then my New Year’s wish for next year is to get a bit chubbier."
"You silly girl, still acting spoiled at this age." Lin’s mother affectionately patted her head, then paused and said, "Mom has a New Year’s wish too, wishing that you’ll find a good match."
"Mom... why are you talking about this again? I’m still young, not in a hurry to get married. Besides, I think staying by your side is wonderful!"
"What girl doesn’t get married." Lin’s mother suddenly gave her a light knock on the head. "I think young Ouyang is quite good."
"Mom, why did you bring him up out of nowhere?"
"Can’t I be concerned about my future son-in-law?"
"He’s not your future son-in-law, he and I have nothing to do with each other."
"What do you mean by nothing? I think young Ouyang is very devoted to you. Xiao Xun, in a woman’s lifetime, it’s very hard to find the right person. Originally you and Xing Yi... oh well, he’s gone, why bring him up." Lin’s mother composed herself, holding back the sadness and regret, and continued softly, "Young Ouyang is actually quite good too. Though he doesn’t seem very serious, he has no bad intentions. The most crucial thing is, he loves you, and that’s more important than anything. Xiao Xun, you missed your chance with Xing Yi, don’t miss young Ouyang too, or you’ll regret it."
Lin Yixun fell silent. She understood the meaning behind her mother’s words. It’s just that the gaps between her and Ouyang Hao couldn’t be bridged by a simple word, "love."
Her past, Ouyang Hao’s identity, and his mysterious family, all these were insurmountable barriers between them.
Though this New Year’s Eve dinner had only the two of them, mother and daughter, it was quite warm. Meanwhile, on Ouyang Hao’s side, it was a completely different scene.