"Okay. Be careful on the road." Jiang Jianhuan waved to him from there. Su Mo gave her one last look before the car sped away.
When the view became empty again, Jiang Jianhuan stood there for a while, quietly thinking in the cold wind.
Su Mo didn't tell Jiang Xin and Yi Qingxue that she had paid off all the money. At first, she didn't know how to bring it up, but later, she just procrastinated and avoided it.
On her way home, she was still thinking about how to explain to the two of them. When she got home, she saw Jiang Xin and Yi Qingxue talking, with smiles on their faces and looking relaxed. Somehow, the shackles in her heart loosened.
The words came out naturally.
"Dad, Mom, there's something I've been keeping from you."
Jiang Jianhuan laid it all out, briefly explaining his reunion with Su Mo and the transfer of debts.
But the scenario I envisioned didn't materialize after I finished speaking.
Jiang Xin and Yi Qingxue exchanged a glance before looking at her cautiously.
"Huanhuan, your father and I actually knew about this a long time ago."
Jiang Jianhuan sat in the living room, still somewhat dazed.
But thinking about it, it makes sense. How could such a big thing go unnoticed?
“It was Su Mo who called us personally,” Jiang Xin explained.
"What?" She looked up in disbelief.
"Su Mo apologized to me before I even received the message."
Jiang Xin still remembers his voice on the other end of the phone.
The explanation was solemn, calm, and simple, yet every word was sincere.
"Uncle, I'm sorry to appear before you in this way."
"My stubbornness and recklessness led to my breakup with Jianhuan, and I've been unable to let go of it all these years. I only recently learned about you..."
"...Jian Huan's normal life has been affected several times because of her debts."
"This is exactly what I can do..."
"I know you can't accept this..."
"...This is the best solution I can think of...I have always felt incredibly guilty towards her because of what happened back then, for not being there for her when she needed me most. I hope you can give me a chance to make amends."
"If you still refuse, then consider it a loan from me..."
"I just want her to return to a peaceful and stable life."
"I hope you can put aside your prejudices... All I did was want her to be happy. That's all."
Jiang Xin remained silent for a long time, so long that the minute hand of the clock on the wall had moved a full division, before speaking to the young man on the other end of the phone. His slow voice carried a heavy weight.
"If you've decided to do this, you have to promise me one thing."
"Please speak."
"No matter what, you must not go against her own wishes."
"I promise you."
The call has ended.
Jiang Xin looked at Jiang Jianhuan, who was still full of questions, and didn't tell her the details of the conversation, but simply summarized the content.
Jiang Jianhuan barely managed to regain his senses.
To her surprise, Su Mo had consulted her parents first on this matter.
She recalled the outburst she had directed at Su Mo, and Su Mo's lukewarm attitude over the past few days.
My feelings are indescribably complicated.
"Dad, am I doing the right thing?" Jiang Jianhuan looked up, somewhat bewildered. The firm principles in her heart were being pulled against reality. Her emotions, which had been building up for days, had found a breakthrough, and she couldn't wait to get an answer.
Jiang Xin patted her head, his eyes filled with deep love and comfort.
"When you don't know what to choose, follow your heart."
After the holiday, Jiang Jianhuan returned to work. Suddenly going from the peaceful and leisurely rural life to the non-stop work, she felt a little lost.
She was clearly not the only one who felt this way.
Early in the morning, everyone received a New Year's red envelope from the company and Jiang Yuan. Then, they took a break from their busy schedules to gather together and discuss how they spent the Spring Festival and where they went. Fang Xiaoli was the most active among them, chattering like a noisy little sparrow.
Jiang Jianhuan rubbed her aching temples, got up, and took her cup to the tea room. As she passed them, someone called out to her.
"Hey Jianhuan, where did you go for the Spring Festival?"
"I've been staying home with my parents," Jiang Jianhuan said with a smile, preparing to leave.
Fang Xiaoli behind her clearly wanted to say something more, but the landline on her desk suddenly rang. She gasped in surprise, her face filled with terror.
"Oh my god, my phone's ringing. It must be the boss calling me. I'm off!"
She left in a hurry, and the others shook their heads helplessly. Jiang Jianhuan poured herself a cup of coffee and returned to her seat.
Staring at the computer screen, her thoughts drifted involuntarily, recalling the day Su Mo asked her when she would be back.
He stood there, his gaze gentle and serene, which, in the cold winter, inexplicably reminded one of the bright spring sunshine.