Chapter 31: Going Home
Lin Jia’s hometown was a small northern county. She and Yang Yu took their time driving there, treating the trip like a road trip, making stops along the way. After a few days, they finally arrived.
Standing at Lin Jia’s doorstep, Yang Yu carried several bags filled with health supplements.
Lin Jia chuckled. “I told you there was no need to buy these, but you just wouldn’t listen.”
“It’s my first time meeting your parents. How could I show up empty-handed? Now hurry up and open the door—these bags are heavy.” Yang Yu grinned.
Lin Jia pulled out her keys and unlocked the door while calling out, “Mom, Dad, I’m home!”
Inside, her mother was busy cooking, while her father was watching TV. Hearing his daughter’s voice, Lin’s father immediately brightened up. “Why didn’t you tell us in advance?”
Lin Jia stepped inside with Yang Yu.
“Hello, sir. I’m Yang Yu, Lin Jia’s boyfriend,” he greeted, bowing slightly.
Lin’s father sized him up, noting his sharp appearance, and nodded approvingly.
Just then, Lin’s mother came out of the kitchen carrying a dish. “You should’ve told us you were bringing someone home! We didn’t prepare anything. How about we eat out?”
“No need! I love Mom’s cooking,” Lin Jia said, playfully clinging to her mother’s arm.
Yang Yu stepped forward and greeted her warmly. “Nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m Yang Yu. Since I wasn’t sure what you both liked, I brought some health supplements as a small gift.”
Lin’s mother smiled. “There was no need to bring gifts.”
Then, she turned to Lin Jia with a puzzled expression. She clearly remembered that Lin Jia’s boyfriend was someone named Meng Yun. They had been together for years—when did that change?
Lin Jia caught her mother’s questioning gaze and subtly signaled her not to ask about it in front of others.
Sensing the tension, Lin’s mother said, “Jiajia, why don’t you take Xiao Yang to your room for a bit? I’ll whip up a couple more dishes.”
Lin Jia led Yang Yu to her bedroom. It was simple—just a bed, a desk, and a chair.
Yang Yu immediately flopped onto the bed. “I noticed your house has only two bedrooms. Does that mean I’m sleeping here tonight?” he teased.
Lin Jia shot him a warning glare. “Behave yourself. Our old house has thin walls.”
Yang Yu smirked. “I can’t promise that. Just don’t make any noise.”
Knowing she couldn’t win this argument, Lin Jia rolled her eyes and changed the subject. “I’m going to help my mom in the kitchen. Stay here—I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”
Yang Yu nodded and stretched out on the bed. Meeting parents for the first time didn’t make him nervous, but it still felt a little awkward. He decided to take a quick nap.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Lin’s mother lowered her voice. “What’s the story with this Xiao Yang? Last time you were home, you said everything was fine with Meng Yun.”
“I broke up with Meng Yun. I’m with Yang Yu now. That’s all there is to it,” Lin Jia said.
Lin’s mother frowned. “Did he do something to hurt you? Or was it—”
“Mom, don’t worry about it. Just know that I’m happy now.” Lin Jia cut her off, acting coy.
Lin’s mother studied her daughter’s expression. As a mother, she knew Lin Jia too well. If she wasn’t willing to talk about it, that meant the breakup was Meng Yun’s fault.
With a sigh, she relented. “Fine, I won’t push you. But you’re not a child anymore. Do you two have any plans for the future? Jiajia, you’re almost thirty. Look at your old classmates—some of them already have kids.”
Lin Jia groaned. “Alright, alright, I get it.”
Soon, dinner was ready, and Lin Jia went to wake Yang Yu.
Lin’s mother had prepared a spread of home-cooked dishes—tomato and egg stir-fry, shredded pork in garlic sauce, kung pao chicken…
During the meal, she casually probed into Yang Yu’s background.
Lin Jia frowned. “Mom, are you interrogating him?”
Yang Yu didn’t mind. “It’s okay. I understand she’s just looking out for you.”
He answered honestly, “I’m an orphan. I grew up in an orphanage. Now, I run a business in Shanghai.”
Hearing this, Lin’s mother felt a little guilty. “I’m sorry, Xiao Yang.”
Yang Yu smiled. “It’s no problem.”
She pressed on. “You own a business? Then how did you and Lin Jia meet?”
Yang Yu chuckled. “To be honest, it was a complete coincidence. But once I met her, I refused to give up. I kept chasing after her, even though she wouldn’t give me the time of day at first.”
Lin Jia huffed playfully. “Oh, so now it’s my fault?”