Although her mother spoke with deep emotion, and it seemed to have some logic, in Lu Mingzhe's eyes, it was nonsense.
Her mother, without understanding Xiang Wan at all, had concluded that they wouldn't be happy together, which was unfair to Xiang Wan.
Moreover, she was right here. Wouldn't it be too cruel to say such things in front of her?
He couldn't allow his mother to continue speaking without restraint, so he interrupted her.
"If you think that because I'm your son, I have to listen to everything you say, and that you can plan everything for me, then you are gravely mistaken."
"You don't need a disobedient son like me, and similarly, I don't need an overbearing mother like you."
"I don't want your household registration book, only the page that belongs to me. Give it to me, and I'll get out of here right now!"
How ridiculous. Lu Mama was almost amused to tears by his anger.
"For a woman like this, Lu Mingzhe, are you really going to sever ties with me?"
Lu Mingzhe: "You know I don't want this, but you're forcing me."
"I won't give you anything. Get out."
Lu Mama's whole body trembled. She pointed into the distance, looking at Lu Mingzhe with resentment.
"I never want to see you again. If we're severing ties, then so be it. Lu Mingzhe, take your woman and get as far away as possible. Go!"
Fine.
Good. Excellent.
Lu Mingzhe grabbed Xiang Wan's hand and chose to leave without hesitation.
On the drive back, the silence between them was even heavier than on the way there.
With things escalating to this point, Xiang Wan truly didn't know what to say to Lu Mingzhe.
Lu Mingzhe could guess what she was thinking. Although he didn't speak, he held her hand tightly, expressing everything through his actions.
Upon returning home, his younger brother had dinner ready.
Lu Mingzhe guided Xiang Wan to the table.
"Eat. Everything is the same as before. Do what you need to do. There's no need to ruin your mood because of her."
His attitude was clear enough. If she continued to look glum, it would seem too childish.
Although she had no appetite, Xiang Wan still ate a large bowl of rice.
After tidying up, they lay on the bed, with Lu Mingzhe holding Xiang Wan.
"I was planning to take you to get our marriage license tomorrow, but it seems it will have to wait a few days."
"Don't rush. Once I get my household registration transferred and become an independent household head, we can go anytime."
For the first time in her life, a man was willing to abandon everything for her. Xiang Wan felt endless gratitude and warmth.
She squeezed his hand tightly, unable to say anything beyond "good."
The next day, Xiang Wan went to work. Lu Mingzhe drove her to the building and gave her a card.
"There's ten million here. Take it and pay off Tang Haichao's debt first."
"If there's not enough, tell me, and I'll find a way."
Although Lu Mingzhe came from a well-off family and had a good job, his profession wasn't one that yielded particularly high profits.
He had mentioned before that his parents had provided the down payment for the house, and he had gotten it at a discount from a friend.
He didn't have many savings.
He had handled the fire incident.
How could he have so much money after such a short time?
Xiang Wan didn't want him to borrow money from others for her sake. A man's pride in front of his friends was important.
So, she hesitated to accept it.
"Where did you get so much money?"
Seeing her worried expression, Lu Mingzhe smiled.
"Don't worry, I didn't steal or rob."
"Indeed, I haven't earned much in the past few years."
"Before I met you, I thought money wasn't that important, as long as it was enough. So, I wasn't very focused on my career. Now, I regret it."
"From today onwards, I'm going to work hard to earn money. This is from Lu Qingxu."
"That kid has earned quite a bit following Zhan Beijue these past few years. Don't feel burdened. This amount is just a drop in the bucket for him. Just use it."
As before, Xiang Wan could only feel touched.
"Mm."
He had already asked his brother for the money. If she stubbornly refused his kindness, it would only hurt him.
"I will repay Tang Haichao as soon as possible."
"Good. Don't overthink it. Work well, and call me if anything comes up."
Her boyfriend had fallen out with his mother for her. It was impossible not to be affected.
All morning, Xiang Wan worked while replaying yesterday's events in her mind.
After much thought, she realized that besides taking care of the child and doing her job well, there was nothing else she could do.
She could only force herself to calm down.
Taking advantage of a break at noon, she called Tang Haichao, asked him for an account number, and transferred the money.
Tang Haichao understood that her boyfriend must have been displeased with their interactions and wanted to draw a clear line between them as soon as possible.
He could understand that.
Men were possessive creatures. If it were him, he wouldn't want his girlfriend to accept help from other men either.
So, he didn't say much and sent an account number.
Xiang Wan asked the finance department to make the payment, waiting by the side.
A moment later, the finance officer looked over with an embarrassed expression.
"Sister Wan, this card can't be used."
Xiang Wan was stunned. "What do you mean?"
"The funds have been frozen."
The funds were frozen?
Without much thought, she could guess what had happened.
Since Lu Qingxu had given the card to Lu Mingzhe, he must have given him free rein with it. He wouldn't freeze it himself.
Then who else could it be?
Besides his mother.
It seemed she was really going to great lengths to force Lu Mingzhe to comply.
"I understand. You can take a break now."
Xiang Wan apologetically messaged Tang Haichao again, saying she was sorry, there was a temporary issue, and she couldn't repay the money yet.
Tang Haichao instinctively wanted to ask if something had happened.
But then he thought, never mind.
Everyone had their own secrets. Since she hadn't offered an explanation, what right did he have to ask?
He only said one thing.
"Actually, you don't need to feel so much pressure. I'm not in a hurry for the money. Give it to me whenever you can."
All afternoon, Xiang Wan became even more uneasy.
She was debating whether to tell Lu Mingzhe about the situation.
How would he react if he knew?
The more you loved someone, the less you wanted to see them upset.
In the past, she had been so carefree and at ease with Lu Mingzhe.
But now? Hesitant, worried about everything.
She seemed unsuited for dating; dating was so difficult.
In the end, Xiang Wan didn't tell Lu Mingzhe about the card. She wanted to tell him in person that evening.
Even if he had a bad reaction, she could comfort him in time.
Unexpectedly, before work ended, Xiang Yang called.
"Sister, what happened? Why can't we get into Brother Lu's house anymore?"
"What do you mean?"
Xiang Wan had a bad premonition.
Xiang Yang said, "It seems the lock has been changed. The password, fingerprint, nothing works."
Xiang Wan had to call Lu Mingzhe. Without a word, Lu Mingzhe drove to find her.
They met downstairs. Lu Mingzhe clearly already knew.
"If I don't live there, I don't live there. I don't care about her money, nor her house. Can I not live without her?"
"During work hours, I had people help pack up my luggage and belongings. We'll move somewhere else."