Shen Keqin, despite her words of not helping Jian Mubai, was actually consumed by worry and even anxiety over the matter.
Too proud to tell Song Qinian and Miao Zi'ai about it, she resorted to seeking help from netizens online. However, not only did she fail to get any answers, but she also became increasingly dejected.
She posed her question to the netizens: "My boyfriend previously did something that hurt my father. Now he knows he was wrong and wants to make amends. Are there any good ways to get my parents to forgive him?"
Netizen A: "If apologies worked, what would the police be for?"
Netizen B: "Echoing A. Once the harm is done, any apology is useless. Talk of redemption is all BS. Absolutely do not forgive."
Netizen C: "If there were no personal gain, why would he apologize? Sister, keep your eyes wide open. Don't be fooled by a scumbag."
Netizen D: "Toad with three legs is hard to find, but men with two legs are everywhere. Never do the foolish thing of choosing a boyfriend over your parents. You'll be laughed at by the whole world."
Shen Keqin knew very well that everything they said was true. However, the person involved was Jian Mubai, and she wanted to give him a chance. Even if Jian Mubai deceived her again, it would be her own fault.
But the future was unpredictable. All she could do was her best and leave the rest to fate.
Before Jian Mubai went to see the Shen family, Shen Keqin communicated with her parents first. After dinner, she led her parents to the sofa and hesitantly began, "Dad, Mom, Jian Mubai wants to see you..."
She nervously observed their expressions, her heart pounding. Shen Zhengcheng and Xi Ruxue exchanged glances. Shen Keqin was not one to hide her feelings, so how could they not see what their daughter was thinking?
Xi Ruxue took Shen Keqin's hand. "Qinqin, tell Mom the truth. Do you like Mubai very much?"
"I..." Shen Keqin bit her lip, hesitated for a few seconds, and then nodded heavily. "Yes, I like him very much."
Immediately, she tightly held her parents' arms. Fearing they would be sad, she anxiously declared, "Of course, you are still the most important people in my heart. If you don't forgive him, I will absolutely not be with him."
The fact that their daughter cared about their feelings made her parents very happy. Shen Zhengcheng reached out and stroked Shen Keqin's head. "Darling, Mom and Dad also want you to be happy. It's just... does Mu Bai really like you?"
Shen Keqin nodded vigorously. "He does. I can feel it." Love and being loved are known to the parties involved. To be frank, in a situation of unrequited love, the person being admired cannot be completely oblivious. If it wasn't acknowledged, it was simply because they didn't like the other person.
"Of course, while I hope you can forgive him, I also care deeply about your true feelings. Please don't just go along with it to fulfill my wish..."
Before Shen Keqin could finish, Xi Ruxue interrupted her with a smile. "Qinqin, you care about Mom and Dad, and Mom and Dad love you even more."
Shen Zhengcheng said, "Bring him over to the house another day!"
Shen Keqin nodded repeatedly. As long as her parents were willing to see Jian Mubai, there was still hope for everything.
The day Jian Mubai was supposed to visit, Shen Liubai also returned. Shen Keqin, who hadn't slept well for days due to this matter, appeared calm on the surface, but was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
The others, however, were as usual, reading newspapers, watering plants, or exercising.
Shen Keqin, hiding on the balcony, sent Jian Mubai a WeChat message: "Why aren't you here yet?"
Soon, Jian Mubai replied: "I'm at the entrance."
"Don't come in yet. Wait for me."
"Okay."
Putting away her phone, Shen Keqin cleared her throat. "Is Jian Mubai a snail? Why is he so slow? Ah... I'm so bored. Dad, Mom, Brother, you all sit for a bit. I'm going out for a walk, okay?" With that, she ran out of the living room.
Xi Ruxue sighed softly. "I was worried before that Qinqin hadn't dated anyone by this age, thinking something might be wrong with her. Now, I'm not afraid of her dating, but I'm afraid of her becoming love-struck."
Shen Zhengcheng smiled slightly. "You don't need to worry about that."
"Why?"
"Aren't all of us in this family a bit love-struck?"
As Shen Zhengcheng spoke, his eyes unintentionally glanced at Shen Liubai. Feeling alluded to, Shen Liubai...
Thinking of Shen Liubai's situation, Xi Ruxue became melancholic again. "Liubai, when I last chatted with Ruolan's mother, she said you and Ruolan were no longer an option. Are you... still in love with Zhuyin?"
Shen Liubai remained silent, but his meaning was quite clear.
Xi Ruxue was about to say more when Shen Zhengcheng pulled her to sit on the sofa. "Children and grandchildren have their own destinies. Don't worry too much."
Xi Ruxue nodded and looked at Shen Liubai. "Liubai, if you truly cannot let go of Zhuyin, you can be with Zhuyin. Your father and I have no other wishes but for you and Qinqin to be happy."
Shen Liubai looked at his parents gratefully and smiled at them. "Thank you, Mom and Dad."
Meanwhile, at the entrance...
As soon as Shen Keqin stepped out, she saw Jian Mubai holding a pile of gifts. He was wearing a black suit today, and his meticulously groomed appearance made him look spirited, handsome, and charming.
Shen Keqin was only stunned by his handsomeness for two seconds before she ran up to him and tidied his tie. Even though there was nothing on his clothes, she still reached out and patted them. While patting, she instructed, "Be sincere when you apologize later. If my dad gets angry and hits you, you have to endure it. Remember, this is your only chance."
Jian Mubai nodded obediently. Shen Keqin let out a heavy sigh. "Are you nervous?"
Jian Mubai nodded. "A little."
Shen Keqin scoffed. "I didn't expect you to get nervous too."
Jian Mubai replied, "Anyone would get nervous sometimes. Besides, today I'm meeting your parents as your boyfriend."
Shen Keqin's cheeks flushed. "What boyfriend? You're going to apologize."
"Mm..."
Looking at Shen Keqin, who was even more nervous than he was, Jian Mubai's heart softened.
"Hey, do you have any way to relieve your nervousness? Otherwise, what if you can't say a word when you see my parents later?"
Jian Mubai nodded. "I do..."
"Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and do it."
"Okay."
Jian Mubai put down the items in his hands, wrapped his arm around Shen Keqin's slender waist, lifted her chin, and kissed her deeply.
Shen Keqin: "..."
After a brief kiss, Jian Mubai released Shen Keqin. "Much better. I'm not that nervous anymore."
Shen Keqin: "..."
This wasn't about relieving nervousness; it was clearly about taking advantage of her. This guy's tricks were becoming more and more profound.