This answer was very much in character for her.
Lan Lan had indeed never considered marriage. She was only twenty-six and in the prime of her career. The current employment environment was not friendly to women who were married or had children. She wouldn't give up this excellent opportunity for promotion. Besides, marriage carried too many responsibilities, which she felt she couldn't handle.
She also had a clear understanding of herself; she wasn't a monogamous person. The thought of spending her entire life with the same person struck her as terrifying.
With so many handsome men in the world waiting for her, why would she tie herself down to just one?
Many people in their circle were married and still played around outside. Although she was flirtatious, she couldn't bring herself to do such a thing. If she wanted to play, she would do it as a single person, why waste another person's time?
Liang Yufeng had already guessed that Lan Lan would give this answer. When they were dating before, she had made it very clear. He wasn't disappointed. He pulled her into his arms and said, "Let's go to sleep."
The next morning, after waking up, Lan Lan and Liang Yufeng went downstairs to have breakfast together. On the way, Liang Yufeng said he wanted to take her somewhere. Since she was on a business trip, Lan Lan naturally assumed he was taking her to a work meeting.
However, the car stopped in front of a sanatorium in Runcheng.
The sanatorium seemed to be located on the outskirts of Runcheng. The surrounding environment was beautiful, more like a resort, with lush trees and various flowers planted all around, resembling a paradise.
But Lan Lan wasn't in the mood to appreciate the scenery. She asked Liang Yufeng, "Why did you bring me here?"
Liang Yufeng ignored her, took her arm, and led her inside. He must have informed the staff in advance. As they entered, a caregiver came to greet them. "Mr. Liang."
Liang Yufeng grunted, "How has she been lately?"
"Very well. Her mood is stable, and her appetite is good. She's watching TV now. You can go in and see her," the caregiver said, leading them forward.
Lan Lan's curiosity was piqued. Who was Liang Yufeng here to see?
Upon entering the room and seeing a face that was strikingly similar to Liang Yufeng's, Lan Lan finally understood the person's identity. It was Liang Yufeng's biological mother.
Lan Lan didn't know much about Liang Yufeng's family background. Even when they were dating, Liang Yufeng rarely mentioned his mother. Meeting her so unexpectedly today, Lan Lan didn't know what to say to her.
Jiang Wan hadn't seen Liang Yufeng in a long time. Her mind was clear recently. Upon seeing her son, she immediately smiled. "Fengfeng, you're here. Is this that girl?"
Jiang Wan looked at Lan Lan, her eyes full of kindness. She said, "You're even prettier in person than in your photos."
Lan Lan frowned. What was going on? Had Liang Yufeng shown her mother her photos?
"Mom, this is Lan Lan," Liang Yufeng said, guiding Lan Lan closer to Jiang Wan and introducing her.
Jiang Wan examined Lan Lan carefully, her smile growing brighter. "Good, good. You're so beautiful. Fengfeng has good taste."
"Say hello," Liang Yufeng reminded Lan Lan.
Although Lan Lan was confused, she maintained her politeness towards an elder. "Hello, Auntie. I'm Lan Lan. Are you feeling well lately?"
Jiang Wan became even happier. "I'm fine, I'm very well. Seeing you and Fengfeng doing so well makes me even better."
Jiang Wan wasn't old, appearing to be in her early fifties. There were fine lines on her face, but they couldn't hide her charm. Even in a patient's gown and without makeup, Lan Lan could imagine how beautiful she must have been in her youth.
If she didn't have a face that could topple cities, she wouldn't have given birth to such a handsome son as Liang Yufeng.
However, Jiang Wan seemed to have misunderstood her relationship with Liang Yufeng. Lan Lan was invited to sit by Jiang Wan. Jiang Wan got out of bed, took out some fruits and snacks, and said, "These were all sent by Fengfeng. He's been thoughtful since he was little."
Lan Lan smiled and said, "Mm." To be polite to Jiang Wan, she opened a bag of mixed nuts and ate some.
While Liang Yufeng went to tidy up Jiang Wan's wardrobe, Jiang Wan pulled Lan Lan aside to chat. "It hasn't been easy for you and Fengfeng over the years. As a mother, I only cause him trouble. I'm relieved to have you by his side..."
Lan Lan was bewildered. What did she mean by "not easy over the years"? Jiang Wan sounded as if she thought she and Liang Yufeng had been together for a long time.
But they weren't even boyfriend and girlfriend now!
Jiang Wan's subsequent words confirmed Lan Lan's guess. "Fengfeng showed me your photo when you were in college. You're even prettier now than you were then. Having you is his good fortune."
Lan Lan understood. When Liang Yufeng was dating her, he had shown her photos to Jiang Wan. However, he hadn't told Jiang Wan about their breakup. Therefore, Jiang Wan had always assumed they had been together all these years.
This was a bit outrageous... What did Liang Yufeng mean by this? Was he using her as a shield?
Jiang Wan didn't notice Lan Lan's expression and continued, "You two will be getting married soon, right? I don't know how many more years I have left in this body. I hope to see you and Fengfeng have a child while I'm still alive. I'll be at peace if your family of three is happy."
Lan Lan wanted to explain, but seeing Jiang Wan's sincere eyes, the words suddenly caught in her throat and wouldn't come out. She looked at Liang Yufeng again. Their eyes met, and she understood his meaning from his gaze – he wanted her to cooperate.
The hearts of parents are truly devoted. Lan Lan thought of her own parents. They were around the same age, but her parents had already retired and were traveling and enjoying life, while Jiang Wan lived in a place like this...
Lan Lan didn't consider herself a particularly loving person, but towards Jiang Wan, she showed all her patience.
Jiang Wan told Lan Lan many stories about Liang Yufeng's childhood, things Lan Lan hadn't known before. For example, Liang Yufeng took his maternal grandfather's surname. He grew up with his grandparents in a small county town. However, the county town was small, and his illegitimate status couldn't be hidden. Consequently, he was mocked from kindergarten onwards, and even in high school, people still pointed fingers and called him "illegitimate child."
As she spoke of this, Jiang Wan's eyes welled up with tears. She wiped them away and said, "It's all my fault, Fengfeng. I was too foolish back then..."
"It's not your fault," Lan Lan said. "He's a very outstanding person. You raised him very well."
These words weren't just said to comfort Jiang Wan. Lan Lan had never doubted Liang Yufeng's character. His upbringing, knowledge, and demeanor were all exceptional.
After hearing about Liang Yufeng's experiences in his youth, Lan Lan understood why he disliked mentioning his parents and family during college. He must have endured those difficult years.
Even so, he had never blamed Jiang Wan.
Lan Lan looked at Liang Yufeng, who was washing Jiang Wan's clothes in the bathroom, and a smile curved her lips.
The sanatorium had good facilities, and there were things he didn't need to do himself, yet he was personally washing Jiang Wan's clothes. His movements were so practiced, suggesting he must have done it often.
Jiang Wan chatted with Lan Lan for the entire morning. After lunch, she fell asleep.
Lan Lan and Liang Yufeng went for a walk outside together. She looked at Liang Yufeng's profile and asked, "Did you tell Auntie that we broke up?"