Chen An had been very busy lately. While handling Wang Liting’s company business, he met a like-minded partner. Guan Luning was three years older than him, a super rich second-generation heir, yet not ostentatious. He was still considered a young junior in the investment world, and Chen An was even more of a newcomer. Perhaps precisely because of this, the two hit it off immediately. Leveraging his family connections, Guan Luning had several excellent projects on hand, and he invited Chen An to advise and participate. For Chen An, who was just starting out, this was a precious opportunity.

During this period, he saw that text message full of implications.

His loss of control at the dessert shop that day seemed to have frightened her. However, from what he could see now, Cheng Lele was still just testing the waters. As long as he didn’t cross the line again, she should return to her comfort zone. He didn’t want to rush things. Once she came to the provincial capital under his watch, he would guide her step by step, meeting each move.

Cheng Lele was a timid little rabbit. He didn’t want to scare her away.

He busied himself frantically, and whenever he had a moment to breathe, he would send Cheng Lele text messages asking about her daily life. Looking at the calendar, before long, she would be back by his side again. Just hold on a bit longer.

The scores came out. As expected, Cheng Lele did exceptionally well.

Chen An sent a text asking how she did. She told him honestly. Chen An was delighted and said that once he finished his work and returned to Taixi, they would finalize the application plan in person.

Cheng Lele stared blankly at the score on the computer screen and only replied with “okay.”

Chen Xiaomu and Zhong Ming called separately to congratulate her in advance. Cheng Lele thanked them, and during the phone call with Zhong Ming, she asked if he was in Taixi lately.

“Are you throwing a celebration banquet?” Zhong Ming asked.

“No, there’s something else good and I’m thinking of you.” Cheng Lele mechanically picked at her phone case.

“I feel like you might be setting me up.”

Cheng Lele said nothing more.

The weather had been very muggy lately. Every day seemed like a storm was brewing, yet not a drop had fallen.

Cheng Lele looked out the window. When would the heavy rain come?

A knock sounded at the door. Ye Xiaomei came in carrying watermelon.

“Lele, have some watermelon.”

Cheng Lele said “thank you” with her eyes downcast, not looking at her mother.

Ye Xiaomei didn’t leave but sat at the foot of the bed. Last time she sat here chatting with her, she had said: “What Mom likes, I definitely like.” Those words still echoed in her ears, but her state of mind was completely different now.

“Lele, what do you think of Uncle Qin?”

What had to come finally came. Cheng Lele bit into the watermelon tip and said: “He’s pretty good.”

“Do you like him?”

Cheng Lele was somewhat absent-minded. After a moment of distraction, she said: “Mm, I like anyone who’s good to you.”

Ye Xiaomei took Cheng Lele’s hand, a blush on her face: “Last time in Beijing, your Uncle Qin proposed to me, and I accepted. I know this decision seems a bit hasty to you. Actually, we’ve known each other for some time now. Your Uncle Qin is a fan of my performances. He’s been following me since we first started uploading videos. His spouse also passed away in an accident. Like me, he bore a painful past. After learning about my situation, he kept using his own experiences to encourage me to emerge from the shadows. My gradual recovery over the past six months is partly thanks to him. To use your young people’s trendy term, we met offline at a sharing event. That day he confessed his admiration for me, and without telling me, he even secured me a teaching position at a senior university in Beijing. They’re urging me to start work…”

The implication was that she would be going to Beijing soon.

Cheng Lele listened quietly.

It was good. At their age, they naturally wouldn’t drag things out for years like young people. Once in a relationship, it was headed straight for marriage. Uncle Qin handled things properly and thoughtfully. Not only did he give Mom emotional support, but he also found her the career she had been dreaming of. He was a worthy marriage partner.

The deceased were gone; the happiness of those left behind was most important.

She had no reason to object.

Ye Xiaomei stood up, placing one hand on her daughter’s shoulder, half-embracing and half-leaning her into her arms: “Lele, in this world, you’re Mom’s only family. Whether you’re a burden or a concern, we mother and daughter are the people each other can’t let go of most.” She paused. “So Mom hopes you can also go to Beijing for university. We’ll start a new life there together, okay?”

The sword of Damocles that had been hanging over her head these days finally fell.

Cheng Lele sat stiffly.

A new life… Chen An had also described a new life to her. Living together in a sixty-plus square meter apartment within view of Z University’s cherry blossoms, fulfilling romantic and sexual love with her.

And Mom wanted to take her to distant Beijing to live with a pair of unfamiliar father and son, witnessing her romantic and sexual love with him.

They both wanted to start a new life with her, but neither was what she wanted.

Seeing Cheng Lele remain silent, Ye Xiaomei lowered her head: “If you don’t want to go, that’s fine too. You’re an adult now. You have the freedom to choose your own life.”

“Mm, I know.” Cheng Lele patted Ye Xiaomei’s hand and said with a calm expression: “It’s getting late. You should go to sleep, Mom.”

Pitter-patter, pitter-patter—the rain that had been delayed for days came crashing down, beating against the window with sounds like thunderous booms. Cheng Lele pushed open the window. Wild wind carried rain threads blowing inside.

There had been another night of violent wind and bitter rain like this. Ye Xiaomei had made her choose—did she want Mom or did she want Little Bro? She couldn’t choose and cried her heart out. Little Bro told her everything was resolved.

Now she had to solve the problem again. But this time, she was on her own.