While the Su family was in a chaotic state, Su He lived a remarkably peaceful life. During her recovery at home, she spent her days tending to her plants, playing with her cats, and sketching designs. Her adoptive parents frequently visited, ensuring she never felt bored.
One day, Tang Jiaojiao arrived with a freshly brewed soup. "Su Su, look what delicious treat Mommy brought for you! Longan and brain-boosting soup!" she exclaimed. "I know an old Chinese physician who said this soup can replenish qi and blood and calm the nerves."
"You've been having trouble sleeping and dreaming a lot lately, haven't you? This is perfect for you!" Tang Jiaojiao said, opening the insulated container and taking out various dishes.
Su He put down her gardening tool and walked over, drawn by the aroma. "Thank you, beautiful Jiaojiao!"
The endearment pleased Tang Jiaojiao greatly. "Try it and see if it suits your taste."
Tang Jiaojiao's cooking skills were indeed mediocre, merely managing to cook the food. However, Su He didn't mind and praised her profusely, finishing everything.
Tang Jiaojiao looked at Su He with affection. "Now that you're full, let's mother and daughter have a good chat."
Su He patted her slightly full stomach and suggested a walk in the yard.
"Your wedding was unexpectedly canceled. Have you set a new date?" Tang Jiaojiao asked in a low voice. She had heard many rumors lately that were unfavorable to Su He and didn't want the situation to drag on, as it would only cause more harm.
Su He thought for a moment and replied, "We haven't planned it yet."
"Are you that indifferent? This is a once-in-a-lifetime joyous occasion!" Tang Jiaojiao said, feeling a sense of disappointment. After a pause, she asked, "Is it you who doesn't want to, or is it him?"
"It was a mutual decision," Su He answered honestly.
"Why?" Tang Jiaojiao was shocked again.
"Because we are dating. According to the usual process, we should date for a while to confirm our feelings before entering the temple of marriage," Su He said earnestly. This was a decision she had made after careful consideration. She could feel Lu Yanbei's attentiveness towards her, but it all felt rather unreal. How could an ordinary girl like her be noticed by the heir of a prominent family? It defied logic!
"Dating? Then what was the deal with saying you'd get married on New Year's Day?"
"That's a long story. The situation was complicated at the time, and I ended up getting married without fully understanding it."
Tang Jiaojiao: ...... This silly girl! She had so casually decided her lifelong commitment!
Su He scratched her head sheepishly. "I think it's good this way. Going through the normal process and getting to know each other better is the only way to know if we're compatible."
"You mean, if you're not compatible, you plan to divorce?" Tang Jiaojiao was once again startled by Su He's bold statement.
"I'm speaking hypothetically. For now, we're getting along quite well," Su He said with a sweet smile. Lu Yanbei would chat with her for a while every time he came home before attending to his own affairs. He respected her and never forced her to do anything she didn't like. He sent her flowers daily and gave her gifts on special occasions. If she was upset, he'd comfort her; if she was tired, he'd carry her. In short, he was an undeniably perfect boyfriend. Su He was quite satisfied with the current situation.
"So, do you sleep separately or...?" Tang Jiaojiao, seeing her daughter's innocent demeanor, decided to give her some preemptive advice.
Mentioning this, Su He couldn't help but blush. "We... we sleep separately..." Although they occasionally shared intimate moments, Su He wasn't ready for more, so their interactions were limited to kissing, hugging, and touching. Nothing beyond that. She knew that Lu Yanbei endured considerable pain when emotions ran high, but he would always stop at her word of "no." This fact alone significantly increased Su He's affection for him.
Tang Jiaojiao let out a sigh of relief after hearing this. "That's good... Anyway, you must remember to protect yourself. Don't get pregnant before the wedding, okay?"
Su He nodded emphatically.
Tang Jiaojiao stayed for a while before leaving, promising to visit again soon. Before departing, she made an excuse for Su Lin. "That rascal is on a world concert tour; all the schedules were set in advance and couldn't be changed. When he returns, I'll definitely make him come and apologize to you."
"It's not that serious," Su He said, amused by Tang Jiaojiao's words. "At most, I'll ask him for a few more red envelopes."
"That's a good idea! If there's one thing that kid has plenty of, it's money!" Tang Jiaojiao muttered. Su Lin, as a top domestic celebrity with over a hundred million fans, wasn't a fleeting star who rose to fame based solely on looks. He had become famous overnight and continuously released widely popular songs. His music garnered numerous awards each year, and his trophies were almost overflowing. Unlike other singers who ventured into acting for exposure, Su Lin focused solely on music and was never tempted by other pursuits. Industry insiders admired his strong resolve. Even in the current downturn of the music industry, Su Lin's songs would sell out immediately upon release, and his albums never lacked sales.
However, this seemingly aloof top star appeared completely different in front of Su He. He was incredibly clingy. When Su He was sketching, he would move a beanbag chair next to her to bask in the sun; when Su He cooked, he would bring a stool to the kitchen to help her peel garlic; and he loved to follow her when she went shopping. Once, he was recognized by fans, and a group of girls rushed towards them, frightening Su He into sprinting to avoid being mobbed.
"Why are you sticking to me? Shouldn't you have more in common with Sister Yingying and Brother Suchen?" Su He asked, amused.
"Suchen is a smiling tiger; his thoughts are too deep, and he speaks in riddles. It's tiring!"
"As for my second sister, she doesn't have your patience or gentleness..."
Su He couldn't help but press her forehead. "They're not like you say... Big Brother is a businessman. In the cutthroat world of business, how can he afford to be careless? He's just protecting himself! In reality, he smiles a lot in private."
"And Sister Yingying, she's just a bit impatient and a bit of a hothead... She's always been good to all of us! Most of your performance costumes are made by her, aren't they?"
"It's not that they're not good, but I feel most comfortable with you. I don't have to overthink your true intentions; you have a reassuring aura about you."
Su He: ...... So, she was calling her simple-minded? Every time Su He thought about this, she felt like twisting his ear. The two youngest members of the Su family were the most vivacious and spent the most time together. Therefore, they were closer than Su Chen and Su Ying.