Lin Mei’s expression grew more serious: “Don’t say these things to Jing Chu.”
She didn’t want him to corrupt the child with his forceful ways; Jing Chu would never act like that.
Xing Zheng saw her worry and then smiled, “Don’t think of our son as too innocent. He has my blood running through him.”
Lin Mei: “……”
Yes, how could she forget that?
Perhaps it was because Lin Jing Chu had always been so intelligent and mature.
Due to Xing Zheng’s past health conditions, Jing Chu underwent psychological evaluations every six months before he came of age.
Lin Mei and Xing Zheng had created a harmonious family environment for him, and Lin Jing Chu showed no issues. As the doctors had said, the so-called genetic predisposition to mental illness was also due to generations living in the same environment, where environmental stimuli played a significant role.
Lin Jing Chu’s temperament was largely inherited from Lin Mei and her parents. He rarely lost his temper and was very respectful of others, but that didn’t mean he lacked a bottom line or principles.
Xing Zheng understood his son very well. He was his son, and like him, once he set his sights on someone, he would do whatever it took, by any means necessary, to keep them by his side.
Thinking of this, Lin Mei couldn’t help but worry. If Lin Jing Chu were to act like Xing Zheng and resort to forceful means…
“He won’t,” Lin Mei reassured herself. “Jing Chu has liked Yue Kai for so many years and has been patient. He has his limits. He likes Yue Kai so much, he wouldn’t force her.”
They had seen Lin Jing Chu’s feelings for Jiang Yue Kai long ago. Previously, Lin Mei had even spoken with Lin Jing Chu, and he had said he wasn’t in a hurry and planned to tell Jiang Yue Kai when she was older.
He hadn’t chosen to study abroad after his college entrance exams because he wanted to wait for Jiang Yue Kai to finish hers in China. His patience with Jiang Yue Kai suggested he wouldn’t act impulsively.
However, Xing Zheng’s thoughts were completely different from Lin Mei’s, “That was before. Now Yue Kai has someone she likes. Do you think it’s the same?”
Lin Mei: “……”
“He won’t stand by and watch Yue Kai be with someone else.” If he could do that, he wouldn’t be his son.
Lin Jing Chu and Jiang Yue Kai finished their barbecue, and it was already nine o’clock. Jiang Yue Kai needed to go home, so Lin Jing Chu drove her.
On the way, Lin Jing Chu received a new WeChat message. Jiang Yue Kai saw it and said, “You have a WeChat message.”
Lin Jing Chu picked up his phone during the red light, only to see a message from Xu Yiran. Someone had added him as a friend that day, and he had accepted it casually. When he asked, he found out it was Xu Yiran. Since they were already connected, Lin Jing Chu didn’t feel it was appropriate to block her directly.
Xu Yiran sent a voice message, which Lin Jing Chu accidentally played. “Are you free tomorrow? Let’s go see the science exhibition!”
Xu Yiran’s voice was soft and sweet, sounding very youthful. When Jiang Yue Kai heard Lin Jing Chu listening to a girl’s voice message, she immediately recalled him mentioning he liked someone. Could it be her?
But she hadn’t heard this voice before.
Lin Jing Chu didn’t reply to Xu Yiran’s message. He started the car, and then heard Jiang Yue Kai ask, “Is it the girl you like?”
“No,” Lin Jing Chu denied.
Jiang Yue Kai didn’t doubt the truth of his words because Lin Jing Chu’s attitude was indeed quite indifferent. “Oh, I see, I see. She’s someone who likes you, right?”
Lin Jing Chu remained noncommittal. Jiang Yue Kai had already come to her own conclusion and teased him casually, “As expected of you, you’re always popular no matter when. I bet the girls chasing you at your school line up for miles. I look forward to you bringing back a sister-in-law for me.”
With a screech, Lin Jing Chu suddenly slammed on the brakes, his expression gradually darkening.
Jiang Yue Kai had rarely seen him like this and was startled. She thought about it, but couldn’t figure out what she had said to upset him.
Her attention was so focused on why he was angry that she didn’t even realize the car had stopped in front of her house.
Jiang Yue Kai asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
“You should go inside,” Lin Jing Chu said. “Get out of the car.”
Jiang Yue Kai looked out the window. Oh, they had arrived home. “Do you want to come in for a bit? My mom was mentioning you a few days ago.”
Because Lin Jing Chu’s mood was off, Jiang Yue Kai spoke to him more cautiously.
Lin Jing Chu realized his失态 (loss of composure). He calmed himself down. “No, it’s too late. You should get some rest. I’ll make time to visit another day.”
“Oh.” Jiang Yue Kai took her backpack and got out of the car.
Lin Jing Chu remained in the car, not moving for a long time. Through the car window, he watched Jiang Yue Kai enter her house. His agitated mood had still not subsided…
In front of Jiang Yue Kai, he had always been patient. Jiang Yue Kai was very playful and mischievous when she was young. Whenever she visited his house, she would snatch his toys. He never argued with her about it; he would even proactively hand over all his toys to her.
Sometimes, when Jiang Yue Kai played pranks on him, no matter how excessive the game, Lin Jing Chu would only smile at her.
But just now, he had actually lost his temper with her. Perhaps it was because he had been suppressing his feelings since learning about her and Gu Jiang, and then hearing her say “bring back a sister-in-law,” he had exploded.
He rubbed his temples, a wave of self-reproach washing over him. He shouldn’t have lost his temper with her just now. How could she know his convoluted thoughts? He was the one pulling himself apart and giving her his negative emotions.
Lin Jing Chu opened WeChat and sent Jiang Yue Kai an apologetic message: [I’m sorry for being harsh with you just now. I apologize. I’ll send you a gift tomorrow. What do you want?]
After Lin Jing Chu drove back to his apartment, he received a WeChat message from Jiang Yue Kai. She said, [It’s okay, everyone has moments when they’re in a bad mood. I forgive you.]
Jiang Yue Kai had a very good temper, being generous and straightforward. Especially with those close to her, she wouldn’t dwell on minor issues. Since Lin Jing Chu had apologized, she had put the incident behind her.
The next day was Saturday. Lin Jing Chu received a call from Lin Mei early in the morning, asking him to come back for dinner.
After Lin Jing Chu started university, Lin Mei and Xing Zheng rarely interfered with him, only calling him back when there was something important. Lin Jing Chu thought that they must have something significant to discuss if they were calling him back, so he returned for lunch.
When he arrived home, Lin Mei and Xing Zheng were sitting in the living room, basking in the sun. Lin Jing Chu walked over, “Mom, Dad.”
“You’re back,” Xing Zheng said, glancing at him.
Lin Jing Chu replied “Mm” and sat down on a chair beside them. Lin Mei asked him, “How have you been lately?”
“Same old,” Lin Jing Chu replied, assuming they were asking about school.
“Did you take Yue Kai out last night?” Lin Mei asked casually.
Mentioning Jiang Yue Kai, Lin Jing Chu’s expression changed. He didn’t need to hide anything from his parents. “Mm.”
“Your godmother called me yesterday,” Lin Mei said. “We talked about you and Yue Kai.”
Hearing this, Lin Jing Chu knew the reason for calling him back today. They were trying to gauge his intentions.
He stated directly, “She has someone she likes. I know.”