“You’re specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and right now, the most needed doctors at the grassroots level are those like Xiao Liu. I can try to help you,” Meng’s father said, “but the chances of success are very slim.”
"How long will it take to find out the results?" Meng Yang asked.
"I can't quite explain it, it will take at least three days," Meng's father asked. "Why are you in such a hurry?"
“I’m worried about Liu Zhi,” Meng Yang said. “Her condition is quite serious on her maternal grandmother’s side.”
"Mengmeng," Meng's father frowned, "Why do you want to go to Yancheng too?"
For a moment, Meng Yang's mind went blank. She paused for a moment and said, "I want to smear my resume."
"Give me a break, I know you too well," Meng's father said, slamming down his teacup.
Meng Yang subconsciously shrank back a little.
For a moment, Meng Yang felt she might be forced to come out of the closet. She clutched the fabric of her pants, speechless.
"You've really changed a lot by being around excellent and hardworking people. You've made great progress." Mr. Meng smiled. "I'll try my best to help you."
Mencius' mother, standing to the side, silently rubbed her forehead.
Meng Yang breathed a sigh of relief and respectfully handed his father a stack of his application report and Liu Zhi's report together.
Mencius' father took it and turned to look at Mencius' mother.
"Looks like we'll have to host another big feast to entertain Xiao Liu."
Mencius' mother: "..."
Meng Yang chuckled twice, but her mother ultimately didn't expose her.
After dinner, Meng's mother took her daughter to the balcony to chat.
"What if it can't be approved?" Mencius' mother asked.
"I..." Meng Yang stammered.
"You want to resign and go to Yancheng?" Mother Meng asked, fiddling with her fingers and resting her arm on the windowsill.
"Yes." Meng Yang had no way to refute it.
“I disagree with that,” said Mencius’ mother, “but you have legs, and I know your character.”
"Mom." Meng Yang wrapped his arms around his mother's arm.
“But I still have to interrupt you,” Mencius’ mother said. “You should know how valuable a position is at the Capital Medical University Affiliated Hospital, and how many people are waiting to take your place.”
Meng Yang said, "I know."
"I don't know how far your relationship has progressed," Meng's mother said seriously, "but your behavior today is just like someone who is already married."
"Have you ever asked yourself if it's worth it?" Mencius' mother said.
"I've already asked." Meng Yang paused. "It's worth it."
"As long as you have a clear conscience," Mencius' mother said, giving her daughter half of her shawl. "I've already analyzed the pros and cons with you. Now it's up to you to make your own choice."
"Your mother doesn't really want you to leave the capital," Meng's mother said, looking at her. "Are you willing to leave your father and mother?"
"I can't bear to part with it," Meng Yang said truthfully, "but..."
"Alright, you don't need to say anything more." Mencius' mother sighed. "You young people are just like that, sigh."
"Mom is a little envious of you because you are young, romantic and bold, and you dare to take responsibility for your actions."
“She and I…we’ve really missed each other for too long.” Meng Yang looked at the stars in the sky. “I don’t want to miss each other again.”
"I understand, Mother." Meng's mother smiled. "If you want to do it, then do it, while you're still young."
"Mom," Meng Yang said, resting his head on his mother's shoulder in a spoiled manner.
"I want to be as young as you, facing the same choices you have," Mencius' mother said. "My choice will definitely be the same as yours."
"Why? Actually, I think our personalities are quite different," Meng Yang said.
“I was even more mischievous than you when I was young,” Meng’s mother chuckled. “But after I got married and had you, I had to give up many of the things I wanted to do.”
"I really envy your relationship," Meng's mother said. "I can tell from Liu Zhi that she cares about you a lot."
Meng Yang's ears turned red.
How did you figure that out?
“She hardly ever loses her temper when she’s angry,” Mencius’ mother said. “It’s not easy for a doctor who has worked in the emergency room and served as a chief resident to be like that.”
“Your dad was like this when we were dating. He’s gotten older and doesn’t have much of a temper with me anymore.” Meng’s mother paused. “Actually, your dad has a pretty bad temper, especially when he’s busy.”
“I’ve never seen Liu Zhi lose his temper,” Meng Yang said.
"That day, Xiao Liu was outside taking a phone call, probably because an intern made a mistake or something. I was watering the flowers not far away. She wasn't the type to have a bad temper, but she looked obviously off, all gloomy."
"Later, when you called her, she stood there for a while, calmed down, and then went out to find you. When she spoke again, she was much gentler."
"Mom," Meng Yang said, "I feel bad that you're saying that."
Do you know why Mom doesn't object to you?
"have no idea."
"If someone is willing to risk their own safety to protect me in a critical moment, I would be tempted too, and I would give myself to them on the spot."
Both Mencius' mother and Mencius' son laughed.
"Mom, I'm so glad that you and Dad are both so open-minded." Meng Yang's eyes held a hint of melancholy.
"Um?"
“Enlightened,” Meng Yang said, emphasizing each word.
“Different parents raise their children in different ways, and that’s why Mengmeng is able to live such a carefree life,” Mengmeng’s mother said.
"From what you're saying, Xiao Liu's parents aren't very open-minded?"
“Some,” Meng Yang said. “She has a younger brother, and it seems like the family invests all their resources in him.”
“But life is your own,” Mencius’ mother said. “Once your children become independent, in a sense, parents don’t really need to interfere.”
"Mom," Meng Yang said again with emotion, "it's so good to have you."
Chapter 50 Guilt
Meng's father guessed correctly; Liu Zhi's application was approved, but Meng Yang's was not.
Meng Yang went to ask his father for help again, but his father refused outright.
"Xiao Liu is concerned about family matters." Meng's father stared at Meng Yang. "And why are you concerned?"
Meng Yang hung his head, unsure how to answer.
"I was thinking that I could work with her..." Meng Yang's mind was a mess, and he had no idea what he was saying.
"Why do you insist on working with her?" Mr. Meng frowned.
“I have a good relationship with her,” Meng Yang said, his voice growing softer as he spoke.
"You and Xiao Liu are that close?" Mr. Meng tapped the rim of his cup twice. "Can't you even be separated?"
“It’s just that good,” Meng Yang said. “I don’t want to work separately from her.”
"So how did you manage on your own before you lived with her?"
A sentence popped into Meng Yang's mind: "I could have endured the darkness if I had never seen the sunlight."
Meng's father was amused by her words, "If Xiao Liu weren't a virgin, I would have thought you were dating her."
"Why are they so inseparable, day after day?"
"Dad, please don't worry about this," Meng Yang pleaded, his face contorted with embarrassment. "Just tell me, is it okay or not!"
"No," Meng's father replied decisively.
Meng Yang lowered his head.
Father Meng sighed, "You have to understand, not everything can be accomplished by your father, and not everything will go smoothly."
“I understand this principle,” Meng Yang nodded obediently, “but…”
"Why do you insist on being with Liu Zhi?" Meng's father was still very curious.
“Dad, you wouldn’t understand our relationship,” Meng Yang said.
“What’s the big deal?” Meng’s father said. “Even comrades-in-arms, best friends, and even husbands and wives can’t be together all the time.”
Meng Yang hummed in agreement and said nothing more.
The house quieted down, and Meng's mother, having finished her gathering with her old friends, walked to the sofa with her bag and spoke to her daughter.
"How about it?"
Meng Yang shook his head.
"What should we do next?" Mencius' mother asked.
"Resign," Meng Yangyun said calmly. "There's no other way."
"Do you want Mom to tell the truth?" Liu's mother pondered for a moment.
"Please go ahead and speak." Meng Yang sat down against the sofa, covering his face with his hands, looking somewhat tired.
“You’re too impulsive and reckless,” Mencius’ mother said. “You’ve entrusted everything you have to yourself.”
"It's because your parents are able to accept your impulse. If your parents weren't able to, would you still disregard everything to be with Liu Zhi?"
Meng Yang was speechless.
"Mengmeng," Meng's mother said gently, "It's not easy for two girls to walk together." Looking into her daughter's eyes, she added, "I hope you will think carefully."
Meng Yang hummed in agreement, his voice slightly hoarse.
"I see."
"I hope so," said Mencius' mother. "I am also looking at the issue from my own perspective. The most important thing is to consider one's own intentions."
Meng Yang nodded heavily.