Ruolin glanced at the time and realized it was getting late. After hesitating for a moment, she agreed.
The air conditioning was on in the car, but Ruolin felt a bit hot and the air was somewhat stuffy.
She watched as Han Haoxuan beside her drove attentively, seemingly humming an English song softly, appearing to be in a very good mood.
The soft sunlight shone on his face, creating a golden halo that accentuated his sharp features. For a moment, Ruolin was almost mesmerized by his face. She smiled, then turned her head to watch the tall buildings rushing past the window.
After passing a red light, Han Haoxuan stopped the car and stopped humming. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
There were no car horns, no human noise, it seemed as if all sound had vanished. Ruolin felt the space was too cramped, and even breathing seemed a little difficult. She didn't understand why she felt uneasy and nervous when she was alone with Han Haoxuan. Her hands rested on her lap, clenched tightly, and a thin layer of sweat seeped out.
"You don't look well. Do you want to go back and rest?" A pleasant voice traveled through the thin air to Ruolin's ears.
Ruolin paused for a moment, her expression slightly flustered. She smiled somewhat awkwardly and said, "No need." She sat up straight and loosened her tightly clenched hands.
"But you don't look too well," Han Haoxuan said with concern. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "If you urgently need money, I can lend it to you."
"No need. I've already raised the money. Thank you for your kindness."
"Why would you borrow money from him, but refuse the money I offered to lend you?" Han Haoxuan said with a slight smile, a hint of sarcasm in his smile, but a touch of bitterness in his tone.
"Are you jealous?" Ruolin couldn't help but laugh when she saw Han Haoxuan's expression. It was her freedom to borrow money from whomever she wanted. Did she have to report to him before borrowing money from others? Ruolin couldn't help but find it funny.
"Yes." The green light turned on, and a sudden burst of car horns drowned out the soft reply.
Han Haoxuan wasn't sure if Ruolin had heard him. He saw the long line of cars behind him in the rearview mirror and slammed on the gas.
Ruolin didn't hear the drowned-out answer clearly. To her, it was like a swift gust of wind that swept past her ear without leaving a trace.
"What did you just say?" Ruolin asked after the car started.
"It's nothing," Han Haoxuan said nonchalantly. After a long pause, he asked, "Was it for money last time when you handed out flyers?"
"For the sake of survival," Ruolin said firmly, turning her head to look out the window.
"Do you bear the entire burden of your family?" Han Haoxuan asked Ruolin.
"..." Ruolin nodded, then turned to Han Haoxuan, looked at him, smiled, and said, "It's nothing, I'm used to it."
Ruolin had truly grown accustomed to this life. Since her father left home, her mother had shouldered all the burdens alone. But as Ruolin grew older and more sensible, she realized her mother was getting old and unable to support her and her sister's tuition and living expenses. After finishing the college entrance exam, she started working. Because of her good grades, she tutored middle school Chinese to help ease the family's financial burden. After entering university, she took on all sorts of part-time jobs. She thought that this situation would improve after starting work, but unexpectedly, her mother fell seriously ill…
It's said that life can temper a person, and Ruolin has become increasingly resilient. She doesn't run away from difficulties, but faces them bravely.
"I heard from Xinyu that your father..." Han Haoxuan didn't know how to continue.
When Ruolin heard the word "father," her clear eyes immediately turned deep, and she said in a slightly hoarse voice, "What do you know about me? Has Xinyu told you everything?"
"No, she didn't tell me much..." Han Haoxuan saw Ruolin's eyes dim and realized he had said the wrong thing, so he quickly denied it. Actually, Xinyu hadn't told him these things on her own initiative; he only found out when he asked her unintentionally.
"I don't need your pity!" Ruolin stared at Han Haoxuan with wide eyes, her voice trembling slightly.
"I won't pity anyone." Han Haoxuan shrugged, looking indifferent, then said seriously, "Someone as strong as you doesn't need anyone's pity. Besides..." Han Haoxuan paused, his tone tinged with bitterness, and said, "Besides, you're so resourceful, you easily borrowed money for your mother's medical expenses."
"..." Ruolin didn't know whether Han Haoxuan's words were a compliment or an insult, but no matter what he thought, Ruolin didn't want to argue with him now.
When they arrived at the entrance of the residential complex where her tutor lived, Ruolin asked Han Haoxuan to stop the car. As Han Haoxuan was about to get out and open the car door for Ruolin, she had already poked half her head out, crouching low, ready to emerge. Before she was fully out, she suddenly looked up. If Han Haoxuan hadn't reacted quickly and blocked her head with his hand, she would have hit her head on the car.
When she felt her head bump into a thick palm, a blush suddenly appeared on her face. She was stunned for a moment before stepping back. Regaining her balance, her face flushed with shyness, she awkwardly smiled and said, "Thank you."
Han Haoxuan acted as if nothing had happened, showing a gentle smile, and said, "You're welcome."
Ruolin smiled, then turned and walked towards the residential area.
Han Haoxuan watched Ruolin's retreating figure silently until it melted into the sunlight before getting back into the car. He looked down at his hands; the back of his hand was slightly red with a clear mark that throbbed faintly. He loosened and clenched his fist several times, took a deep breath, gripped the steering wheel, and drove off into the distance.
Chapter Thirty
Report pornographic and reactionary information
Report score manipulation
That evening, when Han Haoxuan returned home, just as he was about to go back to his room, Xu Ling, who was watching TV nearby, called him back.
"You're back so early? Didn't you ask Xinyu out?" Xu Ling asked, looking at Han Haoxuan.
"Didn't we have lunch together?" Han Haoxuan replied impatiently.
"Why don't you invite her out next time and let your father see her?" Xu Ling turned her head and looked at Han Jianrong beside her.
Han Jianrong shifted his gaze to Han Haoxuan, smiled, and said, "I heard from your mother that Xinyu is a pretty good girl. I'd really like to see her."
"Let's talk about it next time," Han Haoxuan said indifferently, seemingly just going through the motions.
“What do you mean next time? If you have time, your dad and I will invite her out, and you have to come too,” Xu Ling said.
“Your mother is right, let’s have a meal together another day,” Han Jianrong said.
"..." Han Haoxuan didn't say anything, and turned to go to the bedroom.
"Look at this child." Xu Ling watched Han Haoxuan walk away with a hint of helplessness.
"He couldn't possibly have turned down on Xinyu again, could he?" Han Jianrong said.
“Don’t say that,” Xu Ling retorted, “Xinyu comes from a good family, is very elegant and poised, and is very polite. Any man who marries her is truly blessed. Perhaps Haoxuan has been busy with work these past few days.”
"Hearing you praise her so much, I really want to see what my future daughter-in-law is like," Han Jianrong said with a smile, somewhat expectantly.
Xu Ling naturally took Han Jianrong's words to heart, and a few days later, he invited Xinyu out.
Xinyu arrived at a five-star hotel early and then went to the restroom to touch up her makeup.
The woman in the mirror was dressed elegantly and appropriately, her hair was tied up high, and her makeup was exquisite, giving her an air of sophistication.
Han Haoxuan's father, Han Jianrong, is a big name in the media industry and quite famous. Since he took the initiative to invite him, he naturally had to pay more attention to his appearance.
Soon after, Han Jianrong and his wife arrived, but Han Haoxuan was nowhere to be seen.
Although Xinyu felt a little uneasy about not seeing Han Haoxuan, it did not affect her speech and behavior.
Xinyu poured wine for Han Jianrong and Xu Ling with elegant and graceful movements. Han Jianrong smiled brightly, nodded frequently, and showed approval in his eyes.
“Uncle, I have admired you for a long time.” Xin Yu smiled slightly. “Your Hanxin Media is very good.”
"Thank you, you flatter me." After saying that, Han Jianrong turned to look at Xu Ling. The two smiled at each other, and then he gently leaned close to Xu Ling's ear and asked, "Why hasn't Haoxuan arrived yet? Why don't you call and urge him?"
"Okay," Xu Ling replied softly, then told Xin Yu, "I'm going to the restroom," and got up from her seat.
Xu Ling urged Han Haoxuan to come over quickly, saying that everyone else had arrived except for him, and even scolded him a little, saying that he was being rather inconsiderate and should be more proactive in such matters.
Han Haoxuan drove to the restaurant after receiving the call.
He was now somewhat regretful, regretting that he hadn't stopped his parents from doing so. He had thought they were just saying it casually, but who knew they would actually arrange to meet Xinyu.
Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, Han Haoxuan saw the three of them sitting together, chatting happily. Soft lighting shone on them, and the scene was harmonious and warm. He stood there for a few seconds, a hint of hesitation in his heart, but he didn't know what he was hesitating about. The scene would have been even more perfect with him in it, yet he seemed unwilling to join in.
In the end, he still took the first step and went inside.
He pulled out the empty chair next to Xinyu and said "I'm sorry" to everyone, as a belated apology.
Xu Ling quickly told him to sit down, and said with a slight reproach, "Why did you only arrive now?"
"Something came up at the company, I can't get away," Han Haoxuan said tactfully, lying without batting an eye. In truth, he hadn't wanted to come, this was just an excuse he made up at the last minute.
Xinyu picked up the wine bottle and poured wine for Han Haoxuan. Her movements were gentle, skillful, and elegant. Han Jianrong and his wife watched with delight, their faces beaming with smiles throughout, as if they were very satisfied with Xinyu.
Xinyu, after all, came from a scholarly family and had a broad range of knowledge. When chatting with the elders, she was eloquent and spoke eloquently. Han Haoxuan, on the other hand, didn't say much. He would occasionally laugh in agreement or drink alone, with a hint of loneliness in his eyes, but none of them noticed.
What appears to be a beautiful scene actually reveals a person's inexplicable emotions stirring within.
Back home, Xu Ling started scolding Han Haoxuan, blaming him for arriving so late and needing her to urge him. He clearly knew the mealtime, so why didn't he hurry up and come over? Xu Ling was incredibly clever; how could she not know that her son had just been lying?
"Didn't I say there were some things to do at the company?" Han Haoxuan insisted on the same excuse he had just used.
"Don't I know what you're thinking?" Xu Ling seemed to have read her son's mind. But, she didn't know what her son was really thinking.
"Mom, I'm a little tired and want to go back to my room to rest." Han Haoxuan made up an excuse not to listen to Xu Ling's nagging anymore. He had his own ideas about what to do.
“Xinyu is so good, what else could you possibly be dissatisfied with?” Xu Lingzhen really didn’t know what her son was thinking all day. It was one thing that he couldn’t find a suitable partner before, but now that he has, he was happy at first but seems a little unhappy now.
“Xinyu is indeed a good girl,” Han Jianrong interjected.
“I know, I didn’t say I was dissatisfied with her,” Han Haoxuan said, glancing at the two of them.
"You were late, which is impolite to others. Don't do it again next time," Xu Ling said with a sigh of relief, in a lecturing tone.
Han Haoxuan simply nodded and said okay.
After returning to his bedroom, Han Haoxuan stood quietly by the window, took out a cigarette, lit it, and the scarlet glow suddenly illuminated the dimly lit bedroom.
He frowned slightly, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and then slowly exhaled a white ring of smoke, making it difficult for him to see the night view clearly.
If Ruolin hadn't arranged the blind date for Xinyu, perhaps everything would have been simple and straightforward.
But some things seem to be ordained by fate; once encountered, they cannot be forgotten, and one can only continue to pursue them.
Xinyu's mood was exactly the opposite of Han Haoxuan's. As soon as she got home, she couldn't wait to call Ruolin. She was in a better mood than ever before.
It's often said that the approval of one's partner's parents plays a significant role in a successful marriage. Making Han Haoxuan's parents happy is definitely something Xinyu should be delighted about.
Xinyu excitedly told Ruolin about having dinner with Han Haoxuan's parents that evening and how satisfied they were with her, her voice filled with undisguised joy.
At that moment, Ruolin had just finished her part-time job at the restaurant and was on the bus home. She offered her heartfelt congratulations to Xinyu, but felt a strange sense of loss, though this feeling was fleeting.
Ruolin leaned her head against the window, feeling utterly exhausted. She closed her eyes slightly, letting her thoughts settle into a blank.
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-One
Report pornographic and reactionary information
Report score manipulation
Not long after Xinyu hung up the phone, Ruolin's phone rang again.
Her heart suddenly clenched. Could it be Han Haoxuan calling? Would he tell her that Xinyu had successfully won over his parents and asked her to congratulate him, or would he tell her that he still couldn't let her go?
She didn't really want to hear either of them, because they would put her in a difficult position.
However, Ruolin was just being paranoid; the call wasn't from Han Haoxuan, but from Mu Jingyan. Ruolin breathed a sigh of relief.
After returning to D City from B City, Mu Jingyan called Ruolin several times, mostly to inquire about Ruolin's mother's condition and to exchange pleasantries about taking care of herself.
Ruolin was always happy to receive Mu Jingyan's call, not only because he was someone she had liked, but also because they could look after each other in a foreign land, which felt quite heartwarming.