Chapter 2

The next day.

I arrived punctually, even a little early. The meeting place was low-key,

but not without style, by a beautiful lakeside. The entrance

was through a small bamboo forest. Although the place was secluded, it didn't feel

desolate.

As soon as I arrived, I saw my mother, as if she was deliberately waiting for me.

Next to her was a man about the same age as Lin Hai, probably

her current partner.

I felt a little awkward, but fortunately, she greeted me as soon as she saw me, appearing

very enthusiastic. She took my arm and said, "Let me introduce you,

this is Lin Che. A'Che, you can call him Uncle in the future."

I pursed my lips, unable to say it, so I remained silent.

Seeing my expression, Lao Wang said cheerfully, "It's okay, we're

family now. You can call me Dad, like Youxiang, it'll be more affectionate."

I forced a smile. His few words showed that he was a

good-tempered man. Youxiang, whom he mentioned, must be their son.

Inside, the atmosphere was somewhat antique. At the head of the table

sat a girl who was looking up and scrutinizing me with

curious eyes, as if she was watching a stray child return to its family.

"Wang Rui, this is Lin Che. We're family now. Stand up and say hello."

Lao Wang said to her in a stern tone, completely different from his earlier attitude.

In an instant, he became a strict father.

I thought young people prefer things to be more casual. Making it so formal was

a bit restrictive, so I generously said my name as

an introduction: "Lin Che."

She just pouted. Although she was my age, she acted like a little girl.

Seeing this, Lao Wang patted my back and said, "Lin Che, sit down. Don't

mind her, she's been spoiled by your mother. Don't take it to heart."

Only then did I open my mouth and say, "It's okay."

But what I was thinking was that she hadn't taken good care of her own son, yet she had

spoiled someone who wasn't even her own flesh and blood for so many years. It sounded a bit mocking.

After Lao Wang sat down, he picked up the teapot and poured two cups, handing one to me and saying,

"Since we all drove here, we'll use tea instead of wine. Let's toast each other as

a welcome to you joining our family."

As soon as I finished drinking, my mother sitting next to me said softly, "You toast Rui Rui.

You're a few months older, so you can be considered her older brother."

Not the same father, not the same mother, and no blood relation, so what sister was she? I

began to size her up carefully. Although she was sitting, judging by her upper body height,

I guessed she was quite tall. Her features were also very delicate, and her overall temperament was

beautiful.

It's not late for a man to get married at thirty, but it's a bit

hard to understand for a woman of that age. Just the watch on her wrist showed that it was extraordinary.

If I wasn't mistaken, it was the same brand as Pei Shi Yu's. Such a woman with both inner and outer qualities,

was her pursuit too high?

I was lost in thought while observing her, and only came back to my senses when I heard Wang Rui say impatiently,

"Are you going to drink or not!"

I saw her looking at me like I was some kind of monster, holding up her cup.

"Wang Rui, what kind of attitude is that? A girl should be gentle and amiable."

It was Lao Wang who spoke, reminding me that the success of a blended family

comes from the way each parent handles things. From such a short period of

contact, I could see that they were protecting each other's children. Such an approach

certainly reduced unnecessary favoritism and increased family harmony.

I deliberately clinked Wang Rui's cup with an indifferent attitude, without

giving her a smile, and drank it straight down.

I thought my actions were cool, but I saw her staring at my face,

asking in an accusatory tone, "What, are you unwilling?"

Her question left me speechless. Fortunately, my mother came to the rescue, saying,

"Rui Rui has been living abroad, so she's more direct. She likes to be treated with

respect."

After hearing this, I poured another cup of tea, then stood up and formally clinked

cups with her again, saying, "I'm sorry, I haven't read many books, so please point out

my shortcomings."

These seemingly humble words were actually meant for my mother to hear.

I don't know if it was a slap in the face, but at least it made her feel a little embarrassed, because

I saw a change in her expression.

Lao Wang seemed to sense it too, and avoided the topic, starting to talk about our

marriage prospects.

"Lin Che, I heard you're not married either?"

"Yeah, I don't want to walk into a tomb." I replied with an indifferent attitude.

"You two need to hurry up. Wang Rui, I'm giving you a year to get married,

otherwise, don't come home. Lin Che, you need to step on the gas too."

It was like an order imposed on Wang Rui and me. It was the first time someone had urged me

to get married, so I didn't feel any pressure. But she started to fight back, probably

because it was an old topic, or maybe she was just tired of hearing it.

"Marriage is my own business. Why are you worrying about it? I have to find someone I like before

I can even consider it."

"If you could easily find someone you like, I wouldn't have to keep pushing you. Just find someone who's

good enough. How old are you?"

Wang Rui was about to retort, but my mother quickly interjected, "Rui Rui, you really

need to take it to heart. Youxiang called last time and said he already has a girlfriend.

You two need to set an example."

"Mom, don't team up with my dad. No one can interfere with this. If my prince doesn't

appear, I'll never get married."

"What white horse or black horse, as long as they're not missing any arms or legs, I'm fine with it.

Your mother doesn't care either."

"You two need to raise your standards. If you bring up this topic again, I'm

leaving."

Wang Rui looked at Lao Wang with a warning tone. The way she addressed my mother showed that they

got along very well and were very casual.

The dishes were served one after another, all local specialties. The portions were small, but they were

arranged very delicately. It was clear that we were eating for the taste.

Lao Wang moved his chopsticks first, placing a piece of fish in my dish...

"Lin Che, try this fish. It's one of our specialties here. You should come here often to eat it in the future."

I calmly put it in my mouth. The taste was indeed good, very smooth and tender,

and the fishy smell was also removed just right.

I don't know what kind of wind was blowing Wang Rui's way, but she stood up and also put a piece in

my mother's dish: "Mom, don't feel neglected, I'm giving you some."

I saw Lao Wang looking at her with a surprised expression, and then said, "Don't

try to create discord. That's not the way a child should behave."

This was a family with a thick atmosphere. Wang Rui called my mother very affectionately,

but I hadn't called her yet. It was as if the stepdaughter and the biological son had switched places. I chewed on the food in my mouth, thinking to myself.