A trace of regret appeared on Su Minghua's face.
Chen Ziming looked at him, impassive, but his heart ached intensely.
She had such a difficult past.
"I admit, when I found out, I was angry, very angry."
"I had already spoken with the university teachers and counselors, and even planned her future life path. She could have discussed it with me properly, but by doing this, she showed no respect for my feelings. I am her stepfather, but I have nurtured her growth with care for so many years, sincerely treating her as my own daughter. Her actions have deeply hurt me."
"I called her home, and she had a stubborn look on her face. No matter what I said, she ignored me, her expression as if to say, 'Do whatever you want, I don't care.'"
"Later... later I was really angry, and I slapped her... She cried, and my heart shattered. That day she ran out and never wanted to come home again."
Su Minghua's eyes turned red. He lit another cigarette, covered his face, and the smoke slowly rose, becoming more ethereal the higher it drifted.
Just like his voice, which grew weaker and weaker, until he was choked with emotion and could not speak.
"Director Su." Seeing this, Chen Ziming handed him a tissue, his tone filled with respect.
"Ah, sorry to have made you see me like this." Su Minghua took the tissue and turned away to wipe his eyes, which were filled with the tenderness and helplessness of a father.
He seemed still immersed in the emotions of the moment, unable to break free.
"No," he replied, but still said little.
"Alright... I've answered your question, haven't I?" Su Minghua threw away the tissue, took a deep breath, and looked at Chen Ziming, calming himself, and asked.
He was referring to Chen Ziming's earlier confusion about Su Yue's reaction upon seeing him.
"It is I who have been disrespectful. Director Su, your care for Yueyue is admirable."
Seemingly satisfied with his words, Su Minghua finally smiled, "She is my daughter, it is only right."
He suddenly changed the subject and looked at Chen Ziming:
"Since that's the case, it's my turn to ask you now."
His expression turned serious, with a hint of anger, and his voice deepened considerably.
Chen Ziming sat up straight, placed his hands on his knees, and met Su Minghua's gaze, waiting for him to speak.
"Her mother called her a few days ago, wanting her to come home for the summer. She sent your photo and said she wanted to be with you, and that everything that should have happened between you, has happened."
"Is that true?" he asked, looking at Chen Ziming with a dark expression.
"Yes."
A little surprised by Su Yue's actions, and ultimately outmaneuvered by Su Minghua's seniority and experience as an elder, Chen Ziming felt a pang of guilt and lowered his head, answering truthfully.
"Chen Ziming, I thought you were a rather rational person, I didn't expect this... Do you know she's still a student?!" Su Minghua's anger was now openly displayed. He slammed the table, raising his voice, and questioned him.
"I do."
"She's immature, but are you immature as well? You're already working and come from a prominent family. Once this novelty wears off, what will happen to her? She lacks social experience and might not be able to handle such a blow. Have you considered that?"
His expression was now very, very displeased.
Upon hearing his words, Chen Ziming frowned, looked up at him, and said:
"Director Su, I will take responsibility for her."
"Responsibility?" Su Minghua scoffed, "What responsibility? Anyone can say nice words, hmph..."
"She hasn't reached the legal age for marriage. We can get engaged first. Once she reaches the age, I will marry her."
Chen Ziming replied earnestly.
Su Minghua was genuinely surprised by his words. Did Su Yue really have this ability? To make Chen Ziming so devoted to her?
She was truly not simple...
However, he naturally did not reveal his inner thoughts and continued to press, not accepting this easily, "You say that lightly. Can your parents approve of her? With your family background..."
"My parents never interfere in my life. As long as I like someone, they like them too." He said even more earnestly.
After a moment's thought, he added:
"Our family has always been like this. You can inquire about my cousin Meng Ziqing's wife; she is also not from an extremely wealthy family."