novelraw Chapter 465 - 382: Which Jin?
Chapter 465 - 382: Which Jin?
Chapter 465: Chapter 382: Which Jin?
Mrs. Leng looked at Leng Ning with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Shall we find a place to talk?"
Seeing Leng Ning’s little face tense up, she wondered—did she really seem that intimidating? Did they think she’d actually go as far as to break up a couple?
Well, okay... she had done that before. But back then, that scoundrel with Mochen truly wasn’t suitable!
Looking back now, she felt immensely relieved she had crushed that relationship. Otherwise, if someone as unfaithful as that woman had married into their family, would they ever have had a peaceful day?
That said, she admitted her methods at the time weren’t exactly right and could use some improvement.
"Alright!" Leng Ning glanced at Jin Yichen, who gave her a reassuring look. Indeed, a bustling place like this wasn’t ideal for such a conversation.
In a café on the ground floor of the mall, faced with Mrs. Leng’s many inquisitions, Jin Yichen replied calmly and confidently. He talked about his family, his job, his feelings for Leng Ning, and his intentions.
Mrs. Leng had initially taken a liking to him at first sight. Now, she was even more satisfied.
It was the classic story of a mother-in-law growing fonder of her prospective son-in-law the longer she looked at him!
Since their relationship was now revealed, Jin Yichen showed great tact by suggesting he formally visit their home. Meeting by chance outside didn’t seem proper or respectful enough.
Mrs. Leng happily agreed! She also liberally told them to continue their shopping while excusing herself, saying she had other things to attend to.
Leng Ning was touched and clung to her mother’s arm, acting playfully. Mrs. Leng finally relented, poking her daughter on the forehead with a laugh before leaving.
When Mrs. Leng returned home and told Mr. Leng about Xiao Jin planning to visit, she had expected him to share her delight. But to her surprise, Mr. Leng fell silent for a long time before cautiously asking, "Xiao Jin? His last name is Jin? Which Jin?"
This surname was quite uncommon. Could it be tied to that Jin Family he had some unresolved grievances with?
Mrs. Leng gave him a look, "How would I know? Probably just that Jin Family. What other Jin could it be? What’s the issue with his name!"
Mrs. Leng was slightly annoyed. The debacle with Lei Ming earlier had already left her feeling anything but comfortable.
Since then, she didn’t even dare bring it up in front of Leng Ning, afraid of upsetting her daughter or reviving unpleasant memories.
Lately, they’d been preoccupied planning her son’s wedding, and Leng Ning had been actively helping out. Things finally seemed to be looking up!
Yet, this little girl had hidden her relationship so well. If she hadn’t run into them by chance today, who knew when she would have mentioned it?
And now, even before the new prospective son-in-law had set foot in their home, Mr. Leng was already starting to nitpick.
Mr. Leng, helplessly, explained, "I was just asking. Do you always have to be so hot-tempered?"
Recently, he had noticed that his wife’s temper flared over the slightest thing. Fortunately, he wasn’t home all the time; otherwise, how could he have put up with it?
Mrs. Leng realized she might have overreacted and softened her tone. "Qiankai, don’t blame me for being short-tempered. With our son’s wedding fast approaching and now a grandchild on the way, the one thing weighing most on my mind is our Xiao Ning’s marriage prospects!
Sure, she’s not old, and there’s no need to rush. But after what happened with Lei Ming, I’m genuinely afraid she’ll hesitate to open her heart again. Even if she only dates without getting married, I wouldn’t interfere.
What I fear most is that her heartbreak will keep her from falling in love again. That’s why I’ve been secretly anxious. As for this young man I met today, he seems well-mannered.
He mentioned he and his father only returned to the country late last year, and their family has some considerable assets.
Given our family’s own standing, I don’t care much about those external things. What matters to me is his conversation, character, and temperament, which all seem quite good."
Hearing this, Leng Qiankai felt his lingering doubts ease. Knowing the guy had been abroad further put his mind at rest. "Fine, leave it all to you. You know I’m no good with these family matters!"
Unbidden, snippets of past memories crept into his mind. How many years had passed? In those quiet, solitary moments of creation during the deep night, he would still recall them.
If only, back then, things had happened differently... would his life have taken another path?
But fate plays cruel tricks, and life never entertains that many "what ifs."
"Alright then!" Mrs. Leng couldn’t help but secretly roll her eyes. What did he mean by "no good"? He simply didn’t care, plain and simple!
In all these years, what had he ever paid attention to? The only thing in his eyes was his paintings! Perhaps this was the curse of being an artist—to pour oneself entirely into a craft to achieve success.
So many years had passed, and he was still the same. Mrs. Leng felt her once-burning heart had long gone numb.
When Leng Ning returned home that evening, Mrs. Leng casually mentioned that her father had agreed to let Jin Yichen visit them.
Ecstatic, Leng Ning hugged her mother and playfully said, "Thank you, Mom! You’re the best!"
While feeling pleased, Mrs. Leng feigned annoyance, scolding, "Save your flattery! If I’m so great, then why didn’t you tell me you had a boyfriend earlier? If I hadn’t bumped into you today, would you have even said anything?"
"Mom! It’s just that I hadn’t figured out how to bring it up yet!" Leng Ning noticed her mother’s smile and then added, "You’ve been so busy with my brother’s wedding and helping me find a location for my shop. As your biological daughter, of course, I worry about tiring you out!"
Mrs. Leng, deeply gratified, nodded. "At least you still have a conscience! Xiao Ning, seeing you with a boyfriend genuinely makes me happy. Lately, my mind has been preoccupied with your affairs. Knowing this, I’m truly relieved!
That young man seems like a good one. Not only is he good-looking, but his family’s conditions also match ours. You two should get along well and strive for a good outcome!"
Leaning against her mother’s shoulder, Leng Ning tilted her head and asked, "Mom, do you really believe he’s great? You’re not just saying that to comfort me, right?"
She was worried her mother might just be going along with her happiness, too afraid to voice any objections, lest it cause another breakup and strife.
Mrs. Leng frowned slightly. "Xiao Ning, how could you think that? You’re my precious daughter—could I ever just brush you off? That’d be ruining your future!"
Finally, Leng Ning broke into a broad smile. "Then I’m the one being petty and doubting your sincerity! Mom, I feel like we fit so well together. We share so much common ground, and we’re always on the same page! Even our ways of thinking and views on things are so aligned!
I truly hope you and Dad will both like him! Mom, do you think Dad will?"
Mrs. Leng chuckled and tapped her forehead. "I can’t say for sure—you’ll have to ask your dad. But I think he will. Look, even in the past, he didn’t oppose... you know."
Thinking of Lei Ming, who couldn’t compare to Jin Yichen in any way, Mrs. Leng felt immensely grateful. She would rather be hated back then for breaking it off than let that relationship continue.
Had she tolerated it back then, would Xiao Ning have had the opportunity to meet someone like Jin Yichen, with whom she was so perfectly matched?
On reflection, Leng Ning chuckled to herself. She had let her own worries get in the way, forgetting that her parents were open-minded people. Why would they object to Jin Yichen?
Mrs. Leng felt it was necessary to have a heart-to-heart with her daughter, so she began, "Xiao Ning, while some people scoff at the idea of being well-matched in marriage, the truth is, it’s the foundation for a harmonious and lasting relationship. I think you and he have a promising future."
She had initially wanted to use Lei Ming as a counterexample but eventually decided against it. Why sour her daughter’s good mood by bringing up such an irrelevant person?
"What about my brother and Li Si?" Leng Ning asked immediately. By most measures, her brother and Li Si weren’t a "perfect match," yet their happiness seemed to outshine everyone else’s.
To her knowledge, the two had never even raised their voices at each other. (To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit qidian.com to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)