Seeing Mu Linjing and Zhan Yichen walk downstairs hand in hand, Wei Yumeng and her two children showed expressions of delight. The two of them were finally back together. Zhan Yichen also hadn't smiled so happily in a long time. Now, his eyes were solely on Mu Linjing, and he couldn't see anyone else. While they sat on the sofa talking, he couldn't hear what others were saying and could only rely on Mu Linjing's relay. Even Wei Yumeng, who was immersed in sweetness every day, was so touched by this gesture that her teeth ached.
"Linjing, now that you're back, when are you going to see your parents? Have you contacted them these past few years? Your aunt and uncle must miss you dearly. Since your work isn't too busy now, take some time to go back and see them."
Wei Yumeng's words got to the heart of the matter. Mu Linjing nodded and held Zhan Yichen's hand, "I was thinking the same thing, so I plan to take Yichen back tomorrow."
She knew how much Zhan Yichen had silently sacrificed for her over the years, so she no longer wanted to let down this man who only had her in his heart. Everything Zhan Yichen wanted from her, she wanted to give.
Upon hearing that she would take Zhan Yichen back, Wei Yumeng readily agreed and supported her, "That's the best plan. If both families have no objections, you and Yichen can also quickly complete the marriage ceremony that was postponed back then. I say, don't just get engaged, get married directly. You're both old enough. If you don't hurry up and get married and have children, you won't be able to catch up with us."
As she spoke, she hugged her two children as if to show off, hoping they would also hurry. After all, they had already wasted too much time. Moreover, Grandpa Zhan also dearly wished to see Zhan Yichen's children born within his lifetime. Their relationship had long reached a point where it was ripe for fruition, but there had just never been a suitable opportunity.
In fact, her words had also resonated with Mu Linjing. She didn't want to drag things out any longer. Who wouldn't envy the blessings of having children?
Therefore, she squeezed Zhan Yichen's hand, "Yumeng is right. I don't want to delay either. What about you?"
She had stated her own attitude first and wanted to hear Zhan Yichen's thoughts.
Zhan Yichen would naturally not object. Hearing her say that, he immediately replied, "I'll listen to you."
"How about this, you go home tomorrow with peace of mind and also try to gauge your aunt and uncle's feelings and do some convincing. As for Grandpa, Mo Han and I will handle him, and we'll strive to get you married as soon as possible."
Wei Yumeng had just finished making this plan when she heard Grandpa Zhan cough a few times from behind. She didn't know how long he had been listening to their conversation.
Glanced at by Grandpa Zhan, Wei Yumeng immediately stood up awkwardly, "Grandpa, when did you get here? I didn't hear a sound."
Grandpa Zhan sighed, "If I didn't make a sound, wouldn't I have heard all your little schemes?"
Everyone thought he was angry and was about to apologize when they saw him smile.
"What's there to convince? Can I not let my grandson marry and have children? You think I'm too unreasonable," he said, motioning for Mu Linjing to come to his side. "Linjing, when you go back, discuss it properly with your parents. Yichen is already this old and still doesn't have children. It's making me so anxious."
Mu Linjing's heart, which had been in her throat, finally settled. She quickly agreed, "I heard what you said. I'll definitely do as you've instructed when I get back."
Actually, Grandpa Zhan didn't dislike Mu Linjing that much. If it weren't for the broken engagement that had damaged the Zhan family's reputation, things wouldn't have escalated to the point of wanting to drive her away.
Now that he had promised Zhan Yichen to treat this girl well, he had to keep his word.
Seeing his grandfather's attitude, Zhan Yichen was also happy and rushed to Grandpa Zhan's side, saying some mushy words to thank him. Grandpa Zhan, looking disgusted, pushed him away several times. Finally, finding him too bothersome, he simply picked up Shishi and left.
The couple didn't stay with Wei Yumeng for long. Since they were going back to their hometown the next day, they rushed off to pack their luggage.
The next morning, they got into the car heading back to Mu Linjing's hometown. This time, the feeling was akin to Zhan Yichen's first visit, but with an additional layer of mixed emotions – a blend of nervousness and anticipation.
Aunt Mu, upon learning that her daughter was returning, woke up early and prepared a lot of ingredients. She had been busy in the kitchen all morning, but there were still many ingredients left unused.
Seeing his wife working so hard, Uncle Mu couldn't help but advise her to rest, "Your daughter will be staying at home for several days. You don't have to cook everything at once. Keep some dishes for the next couple of days, don't tire yourself out."
Aunt Mu wiped the sweat from her brow, her face beaming with happiness, "Jing'er hasn't been back for three years. I, as her mother, can't help her much. If I can't even make a few delicious dishes, that won't do. My daughter has been drifting for three years, she must miss home-cooked meals dearly."
As she spoke, her eyes moistened. Actually, Aunt Mu knew why Mu Linjing hadn't come home or contacted them much for the past three years. The broken engagement had indeed caused the Mu family to lose face with the Zhan family, and many things had changed after that incident.
It was normal for her daughter to be unhappy about it. But since she was willing to come back now, it meant she had forgiven her parents.
With her daughter back, how could she not cook more of her daughter's favorite dishes?
As the couple was talking in the kitchen, a knock sounded from outside. Seeing their daughter return, with Zhan Yichen by her side, both carrying many things, Aunt Mu quickly wiped her hands and rushed out of the kitchen, coming before her daughter.
Mu Linjing's demeanor had improved significantly in the past three years, and she exuded more confidence. However, in her mother's eyes, she only saw that her daughter had become much thinner.
Whether it was because of the long separation or seeing her daughter's thin appearance, Aunt Mu's tears began to fall. "Jing'er, you must have had a tough time these past few years abroad. You've lost weight. Your chin is so pointed. The food abroad must not be good."
Mu Linjing also felt a pang of emotion, her eyes reddened as she comforted her mother, "Yes, Mom. I can't eat foreign food. Your cooking is still the best."
Aunt Mu was also amused by her words, "Okay, okay, come inside. Mom has made many of your favorite dishes. We'll be eating soon."
As the mother and daughter walked ahead, Uncle Mu took the items Zhan Yichen was carrying and ushered him into the house. He had witnessed Zhan Yichen's efforts over the years, and he knew that this day was bound to come. He was clear about it in his heart.
Thinking about it now, this marriage was not without its merits. The woman from the Zhan family had already passed away. It was time to let go of past grievances. However, he wondered if the Zhan family would be willing to do so.