Chapter 71: Past Events

Lu Zhijun still harbored such deep feelings of longing for her even now...

If, back then, she had chosen Lu Zhijun instead of Fan Chi, perhaps her life would be very different—perhaps she would have been happy all this time...

But then again, if Lu Zhijun had not married Tian Aiyu, how would the little prince Lu Ming have come into the world?

Thinking of this, Lian Youyou’s mood lifted considerably.

Lu Zhijun smiled at her kindly. “When your mother had just passed away, I actually considered taking you in as my goddaughter, so I could help you more. But your grandparents gently declined; they said you were Lian Meng’s precious legacy, and it was only right that they raise you. I did send you some support money several times, but later my work became too busy and most of my business was in Japan, so I was always abroad. I asked my wife to come deliver it to you regularly. Youyou, your aunt often visited you on my behalf—do you remember her?”

Visited often…

Whether in her daughter’s diary or from her parents’ words, she had never heard them mention Tian Aiyu…

Though puzzled, Lian Youyou replied, “Yes, I remember her.”

Whether Tian Aiyu never came at all, or gave the money to Lu Ming to deliver, she could not expose the truth. It wasn’t easy for Tian Aiyu to win over Lu Zhijun; she didn’t wish for the couple’s relationship to suffer again because of her.

Lu Zhijun then recounted many stories from their university days. In his eyes, Lian Youyou could see nostalgia and sorrow.

Things she barely remembered, Lu Zhijun recalled with perfect clarity. Their past, their stories—he treasured every one of them.

“Forgive me, Youyou. Am I being too long-winded?” Lu Zhijun smiled apologetically. “It’s just that seeing you makes me so happy that all these memories come flooding back, and once I start talking, I can’t stop.”

“Not at all, Uncle. I love hearing your stories,” Lian Youyou replied with a smile. “I’ve always wanted to know what my mother’s life was like.”

Upstairs, Lu Ming leaned against the banister, listening to what seemed like a conversation between two generations, but was in truth a dialogue between peers.

In his memory, his father and mother had always respected each other as partners, envied for their loving marriage. Yet from his father’s words and his mother’s once irrational actions, he could sense they both carried secrets in their hearts…

He had watched over Lian Youyou for many years, but he had been protecting the Youyou of before, not Lian Meng…

The current Lian Youyou, he had only known for less than a year. But his father and she shared the beautiful memories of four years at university…

Straightening, Lu Ming walked to his parents’ bedroom and knocked.

He waited, but there was no answer. Not until his fourth knock did his mother, Tian Aiyu, finally permit him to enter.

Lu Ming opened the door and stepped inside. Tian Aiyu sat upright at her dressing table, her back to him.

“Mom, this is Youyou’s first time visiting our home. Aren’t you going to come downstairs and greet her?” he asked.

Tian Aiyu’s hand gently stroked her own cheek as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “Tell me, son, do you think I’m ugly?”

Time had eroded her youth, but not her beauty. Though she could not compare to Lian Meng in looks, she had once been one of the most beautiful women of her era.

Moreover, her family background was far superior to Lian Meng’s.

Yet, why… why was it that the only one he ever truly loved was Lian Meng…

Lu Ming feigned ignorance. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Tian Aiyu forced a smile, unwilling to appear fragile before her son. “It’s just that seeing your girlfriend today brought back so many memories. She looks so much like Lian Meng, I couldn’t help but think of Mengmeng. She was my dearest friend, you know.”

Dearest friend, was she…

Lu Ming’s heart ached a little at the sight of his mother, but he didn’t know how to comfort her.

Though his father held Lian Meng in his heart, he had always treated his mother well. He never shouted at her, never scolded her, had never been unfaithful, never angered her. Anything she wanted, he gave her.

But this kindness seemed to lack love.

Following his mother’s words, Lu Ming asked, “Mom, have you ever done something in your life that you regret, something that let down someone close to you?”

Tian Aiyu turned, a flash of anxiety in her eyes. “Did someone say something to you about me?”

“No, no one said anything. I was just curious,” Lu Ming replied, noting her reaction.

Tian Aiyu stood up, tilting her head to avoid his gaze. “Everyone has a few things they regret, things they wish they hadn’t done. Some things can be spoken of, others are best kept to oneself.”

She walked toward the door. “Come on, son. Your girlfriend is waiting downstairs. It’s not right to keep a young lady waiting too long.”

When they returned downstairs, Lian Youyou and Lu Zhijun were still deep in cheerful conversation.