Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Shu Pan finally had the day to meet Wen Chiâs parents. She had dropped off Joy at Ye Xiaomengâs apartment early in the morning. Joy was initially unwilling, but Shu Pan used a mix of persuasion and coercion to get her to agree.
Shu Pan squatted down, patted Joyâs head, and promised that if she behaved, they would go to the zoo next time. Joy had been looking forward to that, so she reluctantly agreed.
Seeing Joyâs unhappy expression, Shu Pan couldnât help but feel uneasy. She wondered if what she was doing was right. But if she took Joy with her on their first visit and Wenâs parents had objections, it could be embarrassing for her. At least this way, the child wouldnât witness any potential awkwardness.
Before long, Wen Chi arrived to pick her up. She carried the prepared gift and got into the car. During the drive, she remained silent, and Wen Chi finally noticed something was amiss.
âPan, whatâs wrong?â he asked.
Shu Pan glanced at him and smiled, âNothing, just a little nervous.â
In reality, Shu Pan was so nervous that she felt her stomach tightening into knots. As they got closer to the Wen familyâs home, her anxiety only increased.
The car finally came to a stop in front of a small two-story villa. After getting out of the car, Wen Chi held Shu Panâs hand and carried the gift as they walked toward the house.
As they entered the front door, they saw Wenâs mother waiting for them in the living room. Wen Chi introduced them to each other.
âMom, this is just a little something from Shu Pan,â Wen Chi handed over the âJust a small token of appreciation. Hope you like it, Auntie,â Shu Pan said with a touch of nerves.
âWhy go all out? Your presence is enough. Iâm not missing anything,â Mrs. Wen replied and casually set the gift on the coffee table.
âDadâs got some commitments tonight and wonât be joining us for dinner. Letâs dig in,â Mrs. Wen led them to the dining room.
Over dinner, Mrs. Wen asked casually, âShu Pan, howâs your parents? Whatâs the situation in your family?â
Shu Pan answered honestly, and Mrs. Wenâs hand paused briefly before she continued serving dishes.
âWhy bring up all these topics during dinner?â Wen Chi interrupted, piling more food onto Shu Panâs plate.
âJust curious, thatâs all,â Mrs. Wen said nonchalantly, feeling a tad uneasy when she saw Wen Chi sticking up for Shu Pan.
âIn fact, Auntie, Iâve been married before, and Iâve got a daughter named Joy,â Shu Pan didnât want to keep it a secret and blurted it out.
âWhat⦠married before, and youâve got a kid? Wen Chi, you trying, to give me a heart attack?â Mrs. Wen was livid.
âAuntieâ¦?â Shu Pan was taken aback.
âMom, chill out. Letâs have a talk,â Wen Chi reassured her, patting her back.
âHonestly, I didnât mention it earlier because I was worried youâd judge. Itâs not Panâs fault. I hope youâll understand.â
âI donât wanna see you both right now,â Mrs. Wen pointed toward the door.
âShu Pan, Iâm sorry. Iâll explain things to my mom later. Let me take you home first,â Wen Chi apologized with a heavy heart. He realized he hadnât thought about the possibility of such a strong reaction from his mom.
âNo worries. Iâll head back. Take care of Auntie. You donât need to escort me, it was my bad. I didnât think about Auntieâs feelings,â Shu Pan said with deep regret.
Shu Pan walked out of the villa, feeling heartbroken. She had thought that things were finally looking up, but it seemed like luck wasnât on her side after all.
In fact, when she saw the Wen Chi familyâs fancy villa, she couldnât help but feel a sense of unease. As a divorced woman with a child, she couldnât fathom how sheâd be welcomed into such a well-off family.
She walked along the roadside lost in thought, tears streaming down her face..