Wei Yumeng stayed at Song's mother's residence, and Song Yifan visited almost every day.
"Yumeng, this is something I bought for you. See if you like it."
Song Yifan said, placing a gift box on the table.
Wei Yumeng opened it with some confusion, only to find a shimmering pearl necklace.
The necklace was so familiar that it reminded her of the past...
Back then, she was still in college and could only go on dates with Song Yifan during her free time.
Their school happened to be located next to a commercial street, which naturally became their dating spot.
It was Wei Yumeng's birthday that day, and they walked past a jewelry store.
The various ornaments in the display window dazzled her, but she was particularly drawn to a pearl necklace.
Although the necklace was made of pearls, it had been specially shaped through processing. Coupled with the blue and white gradient, it mesmerized Wei Yumeng.
"You like this?" Song Yifan saw through Wei Yumeng's thoughts at a glance.
But Wei Yumeng shook her head, "This necklace is too expensive. We can't afford it."
As students, even with part-time jobs, such luxury items were indeed too costly.
Song Yifan at that time said, "Even if we can't afford it now, I will work hard to earn more money in the future and buy you everything you like."
Wei Yumeng was touched just hearing those words back then.
However, neither of them expected that this relationship would not give them the chance to walk towards the future together.
This necklace reminded Wei Yumeng of the ring Song Yifan had shown her before.
Song Yifan still remembered the past, but she could no longer reciprocate.
Song's mother saw the complex expression on Wei Yumeng's face and thought she didn't like the necklace.
"Yumeng, don't you like the necklace? Why don't you and Yifan go to the store together and exchange it for one you like?"
Wei Yumeng suddenly realized that she was currently pretending to be Song Yifan's girlfriend. If she didn't accept the gift, it would only arouse Song's mother's suspicion.
She could only accept it for now and find an opportunity to return it to Song Yifan later.
"How could I not like it? I just didn't expect Yifan to give me a necklace, so I was a little surprised."
Hearing her say this, Song Yifan picked up the necklace and personally put it on Wei Yumeng.
However, Wei Yumeng looked at Song Yifan with some concern, "Is this really okay? This necklace must be very expensive."
She remembered that Song Yifan was still burdened with gambling debts due to his father's affairs. Buying something like this would only increase his burden.
Song Yifan just shook his head, "It's alright, don't worry. I have my plans."
Wei Yumeng nodded. She couldn't say many things in front of Song's mother, so she could only find an opportunity to talk to Song Yifan privately.
Life here was indeed peaceful. If it weren't for the land issue, Wei Yumeng could have completely put everything aside and enjoyed life here.
But she still clearly remembered her true goal.
So, while helping Aunt Wang wash dishes, she finally expressed her thoughts.
"Aunt Wang, I heard Yifan say before that you are a local, right? And you have a piece of land in the scenic area ahead."
"That's right," Aunt Wang nodded. "When our family was there, it wasn't a scenic area yet. That piece of land was used for farming. But later, reforms were made, and it became a scenic area. I, alone, couldn't do much farming, so I just left it there."
"Aunt Wang, haven't you thought about doing something meaningful with it?"
Wei Yumeng probed. If Aunt Wang also intended to do something, that would be best.
She just needed to go with the flow to acquire it.
Aunt Wang thought for a moment before saying, "I thought about it in the past, but I didn't have the energy to bother with it later. Besides, I'm living a content life now and don't lack that money."
However, Aunt Wang was an experienced person. With just a few words from Wei Yumeng, she could sense her intentions.
After all, why else would someone inexplicably bring up the matter of that piece of land?
"Child, do you have any ideas about that piece of land?" Aunt Wang asked. "Actually, if it's you, I don't really have any objections. After all, you're Fanfan's girlfriend, and I should support your endeavors."
These words made Wei Yumeng fall silent.
Even though she had prepared herself to use her current false relationship with Song Yifan, hearing Aunt Wang say that made her guilt grow.
Could she really do this?
Aunt Wang was so good to her, yet she was deceiving her.
If Aunt Wang handed over the land to her, and then found out the truth about her and Song Yifan, how angry would she be?
"Aunt Wang, I was just asking casually. I just felt it was a pity for that piece of land to be left there."
Wei Yumeng couldn't bring herself to directly state her desire to acquire the land.
Before she could even say it, she needed to convince herself. Was what she was doing right?
After finishing the chores, Aunt Wang went to accompany Song's mother.
Only Song Yifan and Wei Yumeng were left in the living room.
Wei Yumeng had been wearing a distressed expression. Song Yifan looked at her helplessly, "What's wrong? Did something trouble you?"
Wei Yumeng looked at Song Yifan, unsure how to begin.
Song Yifan didn't even know about the land issue, so she couldn't directly tell him her worries.
So, she changed the subject.
"I'm thinking, this necklace, I really shouldn't accept it."
As Wei Yumeng spoke, she tried to remove the pearl necklace from her neck.
Song Yifan immediately stopped her, "I know what you're worried about. I've already paid off a part of my father's gambling debts with my salary, and those people are not in such a hurry to collect. So you can absolutely accept it."
"It's not just that," Wei Yumeng sighed. "You and I are not that kind of couple after all. You shouldn't have bought something so valuable."
"Then consider it as acting for my mother. When you leave, if you still don't want it, you can return it to me."
Song Yifan's tone was somewhat bitter as he spoke.
This was also a gamble for him. If, by then, Wei Yumeng still refused to accept his feelings, then all his efforts might be in vain.
But even with that possibility, he was willing to continue, not wanting to give up even with a sliver of hope.
Wei Yumeng hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
After all, she had accepted the necklace in front of Song's mother today. If Song's mother were to ask about it one day and she couldn't produce it, it would be troublesome.
"Okay, then I'll keep this for now. I'll take good care of it, don't worry."