"Lin Jing, actually, Yi Chen doesn't blame you for what happened back then. It wasn't because he didn't trust you that he became distant," Wei Yumeng said.
As soon as Wei Yumeng finished speaking, Mu Linjing, who had just picked up her cup of water, almost dropped it. "What? Then why did he become distant from me?"
He still deeply remembered the look in Zhan Yichen's eyes when Wen Yulan died. Although she understood Zhan Yichen's reaction was understandable at the time, Zhan Yichen had never contacted her again after that. She couldn't say she wasn't sad.
Now that Wei Yumeng said this, did it mean Zhan Yichen had something else on his mind, which caused him to become distant from her?
Seeing her reaction, Wei Yumeng quickly told her to sit down. "Don't overthink it. You were in the process of quitting medication back then. Yi Chen knew it wasn't you after he calmed down. But he was afraid that if Mu Bai's attempt to instigate failed, he might do something to harm you and your family, so he deliberately distanced himself from you to protect you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed to shield you from all the impact during the explosion back then."
Mu Linjing certainly wouldn't forget that explosion. She was moved that Zhan Yichen was willing to use his body to save her at the critical moment, but more than that, she felt guilt and a burden. It was precisely because she didn't want to drag him down further that she chose to go abroad.
Her feelings back then were so complicated. Both the Mu family and the Zhan family had put considerable pressure on her. Now that she knew Zhan Yichen's true thoughts back then, Mu Linjing didn't know how she should feel for a moment.
Wei Yumeng took her hand and said earnestly, "Lin Jing, please stay. Yi Chen's heart has never changed. You've always been apart since you got together; you've already wasted too much time."
Indeed, how many three-year periods could one afford to waste in youth? Mu Linjing began to waver. However, she didn't know if his parents would agree. If they still disagreed, she wouldn't dare to show any intention of reconciliation to Zhan Yichen.
Facing Wei Yumeng's persuasion at this moment, she could only sigh, "Due to a work transfer, I've already decided to stay. It's just that Yi Chen and I... I haven't thought it through yet."
Wei Yumeng knew that such matters required careful consideration and couldn't be rushed. Fortunately, she was preparing to stay in the country, so this matter could be discussed slowly in the future. She and Zhan Yichen still had each other in their hearts, and their relationship wouldn't end like this.
The two sat together and chatted about the trivial matters that had happened to Mu Linjing over the years, neither of them noticing that Shi Shi and Jin Zhi were no longer in the room.
The two little ones had snuck out to inform Zhan Yichen. At this moment, Zhan Yichen was with Min Mo.
After the Ji family was dealt with back then, Min Mo had indeed gradually shifted his focus to Pengcheng. With the support of Zhan's company, his business had developed very smoothly, and the two companies had reached a long-term cooperation. This time, upon learning that the business Mu Linjing had returned to discuss was with Min's company, Zhan Yichen had set a trap early on.
No matter what, he had to keep Mu Linjing here. Only by keeping her here could everything progress.
Fortunately, Min Mo had handled the matter beautifully. Zhan Yichen sat in his office and thanked him profusely.
At this moment, he received a call from Jin Zhi. His tone was filled with joy. "What's wrong, little Jin Zhi? Do you have good news to tell me too?"
Jin Zhi wiped his sweat. "Auntie is at Grandpa's place. Is that good news or bad news?"
Upon hearing this, Zhan Yichen stood up immediately. "Don't let her leave. I'll be right back."
He hung up the phone, not even having time to apologize to Min Mo. He only said he would treat him to a meal next time before rushing off.
When he drove back to the Zhan family's house, dinner was being prepared. Cen Yuan was about to go up and call Wei Yumeng and the others when he saw Zhan Yichen.
"Second Young Master is back. Miss Mu is upstairs talking with Madam. I was just about to call them down for dinner."
Zhan Yichen took a deep breath, waved his hand breathlessly, "I'll go."
He tidied his messy hair, adjusted his breathing, and went upstairs, only to be blocked at the top of the stairs by Jin Zhi. "Second Uncle, come here, I'll give you a tip."
He quickly went over. His little strategist was very capable.
Jin Zhi whispered a few words in his ear, and the uncle and nephew exchanged glances. Zhan Yichen's expression became cunning. "Little Jin Zhi, I didn't expect you to be so devious."
"You go down first. I'll go and call Auntie for you."
Jin Zhi waved to send his second uncle away and went into the room to call Wei Yumeng and Mu Linjing down.
The two were still engrossed in their conversation and came downstairs. They saw Grandpa Zhan already seated at the table and quickly took their seats.
Mu Linjing knew that Grandpa Zhan's attitude had completely changed because of Zhan Yichen. She should try to win him over more. Looking at the dishes in front of her, she rearranged their positions. "Grandpa Zhan, you like this dish the most. Let me move it closer."
Knowing that she was deliberately trying to please him, Grandpa Zhan pretended not to notice and smiled kindly. "Lin Jing is still thoughtful. You still remember what Grandpa likes to eat."
Both of them had their intentions, which made Mu Linjing feel more at ease. After confirming that Grandpa Zhan's attitude had indeed changed, the worry that had been hanging in her heart finally dissipated completely.
The meal was relatively harmonious, but halfway through, a person staggered in from outside. It was Zhan Yichen, who had returned. He was holding a wine bottle, and his unsteady steps made people worry that he would fall over at any moment.
Cen Yuan quickly went to help him, but Zhan Yichen pushed him away. He stumbled and collapsed onto the sofa, muttering Mu Linjing's name.
Everyone at the dinner table saw this. After their gazes lingered between him and Mu Linjing a few times, Grandpa Zhan sighed and put down his chopsticks. "This child is always like this. Lin Jing is here, so go and check on him. We can't persuade him anyway."
Saying this, he left the table with a look of helplessness, shaking his head.
In reality, he knew very well that this was all Zhan Yichen's act. He had seen the exchange between his nephew and grandson earlier. But how could he bear to expose his grandson's efforts for a woman? So, he played along.
Seeing this, Wei Yumeng quickly urged Mu Linjing to go and see him. Although she didn't know that Zhan Yichen was faking it, this was a good opportunity for the two of them to mend their relationship. How could she let Mu Linjing miss it?
As she spoke, she didn't forget to give Shi Shi a look.
Shi Shi had already been briefed by Jin Zhi. She quickly walked around the dining table and took Mu Linjing's hand. "Auntie, please go and see Second Uncle. Second Uncle always comes back smelling of alcohol, and he calls your name every day. He's so pitiful. If Auntie ignores him, he'll be even more pitiful."