Su Ba felt Su Ma’s words were somewhat unfair. While Li Li certainly played a part in why Su Man hadn’t been able to find a boyfriend, it couldn’t all be laid at Li Li’s feet.

Among the boys their daughter’s age who had known her — hadn’t every single one of them been beaten by her at some point? — They’d all been scared off. Who would dare pursue someone like that?

Still…

Come to think of it, the way the Li family had handled things these past few years had left the two of them genuinely unsettled.

In the early years they had smiled and brought up the childhood betrothal themselves, chatting warmly about how wonderful it would be if the two families became in-laws someday. And now? Not a word of it.

In all fairness, Su Ba could understand their position. Because the crux of the matter was Li Li.

Because Li Li had never made his feelings clear, his parents had no choice but to laugh and deflect — they couldn’t presume to formally claim Su Man as a future daughter-in-law on their son’s behalf.

When you thought about it, Li Li was twenty-three now too. His academic achievements were exceptional. How was it that in matters of romance, he hadn’t made any progress at all?

Su Ba was deeply troubled.

In most situations, a few words from the parents could pull a child back on course, but when it came to matters of the heart, you could dissect every argument and lay it out in pieces, and the child might still not hear a word of it.

Even if they heard it with their head, their heart might not follow.

The more Su Ba thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

What if his daughter genuinely pinned all her hopes on Li Li, and Li Li had no intention of marrying her? What would they do then?

Heartbreak is not easily healed!

He suddenly felt his wife was remarkably clear-headed, and said into the phone with warm approval: “You’re right. This… we have to watch carefully. If young Lu is truly sincere, we can’t hold our daughter back.”

Su Ba thought for a moment, then continued: “Here’s what — don’t stay at the hospital these next few days. Come home and keep a close eye on things. See how Manman is when she comes back — what her mood is like, what her expression is — and if you can, try to probe a little. Find out what she actually thinks of young Lu, and of Li Li…”

Su Ma replied, “Do you think I need you to tell me? That’s my daughter. I know my own child.”

Su Ba said, “The way I saw it before, the fact that he saved my life made me think he must be a good person. But now I think about it — saving lives has nothing to do with whether a man will treat his wife well. Some people seem perfectly decent on the surface, and then after they’re married they’re seasoned cheats. Right now all we know is that he runs restaurants. What his family is like, what his parents do — we know nothing. Keep that in mind, find a way to work it into conversation…”

He couldn’t help sighing as he spoke. “Aiyo, why does my heart feel so unsettled… If only Li Li would take some initiative. We know that boy through and through — no bad intentions there…”

“All right, all right, nothing’s even happened yet!” Su Ma cut him off impatiently. “Wait until Manman gets home tonight and I’ll call you again.”

She paused, remembering Su Ba was still recovering, then added: “Actually — I’ll tell you over breakfast when I bring your food tomorrow. Manman probably won’t be back until quite late.”

“No, no — I’ll wait for your call. Don’t forget to phone me,” Su Ba insisted.

Su Ma: “Tch. And you were just telling me not to be in such a rush. Looks like you’re more anxious than I am!”

……

Su Man had arrived at the restaurant.

Guided by an attendant, she stepped into the elevator.

This French restaurant occupied the top floor of the building. Eighty-five percent of the walls were glass, offering a sweeping view of the Shanghai nightscape during the meal — which was one of the restaurant’s defining features.

When the elevator doors opened, she walked in and the full interior of the restaurant came into view.

The overall lighting was dim, the sound of a piano drifting through the air like a clear, winding stream, and the conversations between guests were hushed murmurs. Everything was suffused with French romance.

She looked around — the clientele was predominantly foreign, and as Lu Yuwen had described, everyone was formally dressed.

A server walked over with a smile. “Good evening, are you Miss Su?”

—