At four in the afternoon, he got up, picked up his shattered phone, took out the SIM card, put it into another phone, and logged into WeChat.
Seeing his mother pleading with him to come home again on WeChat, he called her back: "I'll come home tonight for dinner with you."
Because of the change of leadership, his father had been very busy for the past few months.
Coupled with his mother's deliberate concealment, the father and son hadn't seen each other for a long time, but they didn't notice anything unusual.
On the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Lu Mingzhe finally sat down at the same dinner table with his father.
His father, seeing his emaciated appearance and poor complexion, praised him unusually.
"Your mother said you were very motivated last year, constantly chasing business, traveling everywhere, and working hard. Look how thin you've gotten, eat more."
His mother sat silently beside his father, eating slowly and carefully, not daring to meet Lu Mingzhe's gaze.
Lu Mingzhe felt a pang of sadness in his heart.
No matter what, she was still his mother.
No matter how excessive her actions were, at least her intentions weren't to truly harm him.
Now, even coming home for a meal with her felt like a favor, making him walk on eggshells between his father and himself. His mother was also a pitiable person.
He proactively picked up a piece of food and offered it to his mother.
Seeing the dish he offered, his mother's eyes lit up with joy, and then her eyes slowly reddened.
Lu Mingzhe sincerely said to his father, "It's not hard work. I was immature before and took too many detours. Now I just want to make up for it as quickly as possible."
"From now on, I will listen to you and Mom, and I won't worry you anymore."
His father's hand also trembled slightly.
Lu Mingzhe, after thirty years of being a scoundrel, was finally speaking like a human.
His son had grown up.
"It's your 30th birthday this year, the age of establishing oneself. I am very pleased to hear you say this. It's not in vain that your mother has dedicated herself to educating you and your brother for so many years."
"But as I said before. Career is important, but so is your health. Take care of yourself."
"Understood, Dad."
"Your mother said your younger brother is dating, and the girl is in the United States. He went to chase her. Although his actions are a bit exaggerated, they are still commendable."
"He has always been cautious in his relationships. He has never brought a girl home in all these years. I imagine he truly likes her this time, and we should support him."
"What about you? Do you want to talk about relationships with Dad?"
Lu's mother was startled.
She knew how Lu Mingzhe had endured the past few months and how difficult it was for him to behave this way today. Fearing that it might stir up painful memories, she forced a smile and prepared to interrupt her husband to change the subject.
Unexpectedly, Lu Mingzhe himself agreed.
"Of course, we can talk."
"I don't meet many suitable women in my work. I was foolish before and didn't let my mother introduce anyone to me, so I haven't had a relationship recently."
"Mom, while you have time during this holiday, I'll follow your arrangements."
Lu's mother's pupils trembled again.
This didn't sound like something Lu Mingzhe would say.
Just a few days ago, he had wished to sever their mother-son relationship. Could he have been so upset that he was going to cause trouble again?
"A Zhe..."
"I'm serious, Mom. I've thought it through."
"Living to my age, if I still can't see clearly what relationships and marriage are about, then I've truly lived in vain."
"You're right, it's most important to live a stable life with a companion. Vows of eternal love and passionate romance are for teenagers; they are no longer suitable for me."
How long is a few months?
Long enough to transform a person's mindset from 20 to 40.
Hearing him say this, Lu's mother finally felt relieved, even secretly wiping her eyes with comfort.
She nodded and smiled.
"Okay, I couldn't be happier that you've come to this understanding."
"Actually, so many aunties have introduced you to people. Everyone says you are young and promising. I didn't know how to refuse out of politeness."
"Since you've said so, should I reply to them?"
"Go ahead. I'm staying at home these days. Let me know anytime if you need my cooperation."
Lu's mother acted quickly, arranging a blind date for him on the afternoon of the third day.
Lu Mingzhe looked at the photo of the other party. It was heavily retouched, similar to the generic internet influencers, but overall, she was a beauty.
Since both parties knew each other well, he went.
Upon entering the restaurant, he was surprised to see an old acquaintance.
It was the girl he had spent several hours with on the dance floor on New Year's Eve, and with whom he had shared a drink afterward.
He didn't expect such a party girl to be out on a blind date.
Lu Mingzhe was somewhat surprised to see her, but he deliberately concealed his emotions, remaining poker-faced.
The girl, however, was different, almost jumping with surprise.
"It's you! I was still regretting not getting your contact information that night and thinking I'd never meet you again. I didn't expect to see you today!"
"Didn't you say you're 30? In our circle, being unmarried at 30 is considered a difficult match. You're so handsome, how could you still be waiting?"
The girl's name was Fang Shuya. She was only 24 years old, had grown up abroad, and had just returned to the country after graduation.
She currently ran her own small clothing design company.
To put it nicely, it was starting a business; to put it bluntly, it was just passing the time.
Her family was wealthy, and they were waiting for her to find a good family to marry into and have children, not caring about the meager income she earned.
"So, Miss Fang, are you saying you find me old?"
"No!" Fang Shuya said directly.
"Although you're thirty, you look about my age. I don't mind!"
"Hehe. I'm not a party person, please don't misunderstand. That night, after dinner, I was dragged along by my cousin and other male cousins. I rarely go out, and I didn't expect to meet you the first time I did!"
"Honestly, don't you think we're quite fated?"
Fang Shuya was practically broadcasting "I fell in love with you at first sight" on her face.
"So, Miss Fang, are you implying you want to develop things further with me?"
"Why are you so boring today? You're not as fun as you were that night. Can't you tell me your first impression of me?"
Lu Mingzhe said, "You are very beautiful and lively. According to your own description, you have a good education and good upbringing, making you a perfect marriage prospect."
"...So. Is that how you judge me?"
"Isn't that good enough? Isn't it good enough that I'm dating you with the intention of marriage? What else do you expect me to treat you as?"
Fang Shuya was momentarily stunned by his words.
Right. Dating her with the intention of marriage should be the most responsible attitude, shouldn't it? What else was she expecting?
She instantly felt more satisfied with Lu Mingzhe.
With the support of both sets of parents and the willingness of the individuals involved, everything progressed very quickly.
Fang Shuya was enthusiastic, proactive, and had time, meeting him twice in two days.
On the third day, she visited Lu's mother at home.
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, both families sat together to discuss the engagement.
Lu Mingzhe frankly admitted that he had been married before and that this was a point where he owed Fang Shuya, so he would compensate her with a higher bride price.