When Teng Hao and Yun Shen got together, initially Ren Tianhai didn’t agree at all. Although Yun Shen had her disability, in Ren Tianhai’s heart, Yun Shen was perfect, and Teng Hao in his wheelchair naturally wasn’t worthy of her. But parents can never win against their children, because children are their softest weakness. Yun Shen was in love—what could he do about it? Moreover, Teng Hao truly treated Yun Shen well.
What moved Ren Tianhai most was that Teng Hao could understand Yun Shen’s sign language anytime, anywhere, allowing them to communicate without barriers. It’s not particularly moving when someone is willing to speak sweet words to another, but when someone is willing to learn a language that only she understands, that must be true love.
After being discharged from the hospital, without waiting for his injuries to heal completely, Teng Hao immediately arranged for both families to meet.
Teng Yi represented the groom’s family while Ren Tianhai represented the bride’s. The four of them dined together at the Tianhe Grand Hotel in Liao City.
Looking at the two brothers sitting properly before him in their suits, Ren Tianhai couldn’t help but marvel at how time flies. The two neighborhood boys from years ago had grown into such mature, steady men.
During the meal, Teng Hao and Yun Shen showed their affection, each caring for the other, making Teng Yi and Ren Tianhai smile fondly throughout.
Midway through, somehow the conversation turned to Zhou Xu’s matter, which still bothered Ren Tianhai.
“I heard Jingtai is just an empty shell now, that’s why Zhou Xu was clutching at Yun Shen like a lifeline. It’s my fault—I was blinded for a moment and almost pushed Yun Shen into disaster. But that fool was really stupid. Yun Shen is my only daughter—if he had treated her well, never mind forty percent of the shares, the entire Haike Group would have been him in the future. With such shortsightedness, no wonder he couldn’t keep Jingtai afloat!”
“Uncle, please don’t worry about the past anymore. Looking at it another way, if it weren’t for Zhou Xu, Yun Shen and I might not have gotten together so quickly.”
“That’s true. Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and blessings may harbor misfortune. Everything has its best arrangement.” Ren Tianhai raised his hand and patted Teng Hao’s shoulder. “You young man, don’t disappoint me.”
“Rest assured, Uncle. I absolutely won’t disappoint you.”
“I don’t have very high expectations for you. I just hope you’ll treat Shen Shen well, yield to her in everything, protect her completely, and most importantly, let her always do what she loves.”
“Of course.” Teng Hao held Yun Shen’s hand. “In this world, there are two kinds of happiness: one is opening your eyes every day to see the person you love, and the other is opening your eyes every day to do what you love. I will ensure Yun Shen always has both kinds of happiness.”
“Good, good, good, though it will be hard on you,” Ren Tianhai said.
“I don’t find it hard at all—what I’m doing now is also what I love.” Teng Hao smiled. “I used to be someone without any real goals. Seeing my brother dance, I thought dancing was cool, so I insisted on learning it. I thought that was what I loved, but actually, I was just pursuing the thrill of showing off. True passion shouldn’t be as superficial as just seeking thrills. True passion should give people a sense of achievement while maintaining a sense of awe.”
Now managing DT, watching the market, making investments, and bearing responsibility for employees’ livelihoods and the company’s survival, he constantly felt achievement and awe. This made him truly feel the vibrancy and value of life. He thought this must be his true passion.
“Yes, yes, yes, that makes sense.” Listening to Teng Hao’s insights, Ren Tianhai found himself liking this young man even more.
“I now have enough ability to protect everything I want to protect.” Teng Hao held Yun Shen’s hand but looked at Teng Yi. “I hope everyone I love can do what they love.”
Teng Yi lowered his head, holding his teacup, motionless for a long while. Teng Hao’s words were full of deep feelings—not just for Yun Shen, but for him too. How could he not understand?
–_–
After dinner, when the four left the hotel, Teng Yi saw Teng Hao and the others off and then called Ruan Yu.
“Where are you?”
“At the bar.”
“What are you doing?”
“Learning to be a hostess.”
Teng Yi smiled.
He drove to the bar, which was particularly lively today. As soon as he pushed open the door, he saw several servers gathered around Ruan Yu.
“Come, come, come! We’re having a special event today—any customer who makes a purchase gets the hostess’s autograph!” a young server called out loudly.
Teng Yi: “…”
How did this turn into a department store promotion?
Customers in the hall all crowded around Ruan Yu. Some weren’t satisfied with just an autograph, greedily wanting photos too. She was good-natured about it, refusing no one.
The atmosphere in the bar was wonderful—no one even noticed when Teng Yi, the owner, arrived.
Teng Yi stayed quiet, leaning to the side, watching Ruan Yu sign autographs and take photos one after another. Only when she had a free moment did he walk up behind her?
“The hostess is quite popular.”
Hearing his voice, Ruan Yu turned around, immediately smiling when she saw Teng Yi.
“Of course, I’m very famous, you know? The belle of Liao City’s hosting circle.”
Teng Yi smiled and reached out his hand. She took it, and they went upstairs together.
Ruan Yu thought he would take her to the break room, but after going upstairs, he took her directly to the practice room.
The shattered glass in the practice room was still there—Ruan Yu saw it as soon as she entered.
“That was… you?”
Teng Yi nodded.
“Practice boxing or self-harm?”
He didn’t answer, just closed the door behind them and embraced her in a kiss.
Caught off guard, Ruan Yu stepped backward as he moved forward, their embracing forms pushing toward the center of the practice room.
The mirrors on all four sides reflected their embracing figures.
He rarely seemed so impatient. Ruan Yu found it strange but couldn’t spare her mouth to ask. With just a few touches from him, she had already melted in his embrace.
When the kiss ended, Teng Yi held Ruan Yu’s face in his hands, pressing his forehead against hers, then couldn’t resist pecking her lips once more.
“What’s wrong with you today?” Ruan Yu asked.
“Nothing.”
“Really nothing?”
“Mm, just had too much dog food earlier, and came back to taste something fresh.”
Ruan Yu immediately laughed: “Seems like Yun Shen and Teng Hao are getting along better and better.”
“Yes, they’re doing well.” He said, then added with deep feeling, “It’s good that they’re doing well.”
“Teng Yi, they don’t need your worry anymore.” Ruan Yu pointed at the mirror. “Now you’re making me very worried. What’s going on with this mirror?”
“That’s the product of my battle with the world.”
“…”
How profound.
Teng Yi hugged Ruan Yu, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Little Fish, I always thought that if Teng Hao wasn’t doing well, I had no right to be well. But only today did I realize how wrong I was. It turns out Teng Hao is so open-minded and generous—he’s long since reconciled with the world. I was the one stuck in a mental rut. To outsiders, it seems like he’s my burden, but actually, I’m the burden weighing on his heart. What I truly did wrong wasn’t that accident years ago, but that he walked out of the accident while I didn’t.”
“It’s good that you understand now. You’re brothers—for Teng Hao, only when you’re well can he be better.” Ruan Yu gently stroked the back of Teng Yi’s hand. “Promise me, no matter what, never hurt yourself again.”
“I promise you. Will you also promise me something?”
“What?”
“Tomorrow, come with me somewhere.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“Xi You.”