To some extent, Jiang Yumo and Mother Jiang are truly mother and daughter, with very similar personalities.
When Jiang Yumo start liking Duan Ye, her teachers and parents talked to her about it. However, this did not make her distance herself from Duan Ye. She remained the same as before. This girl has a weighing scale in her heart and always follows her inner voice.
Mother Jiang is also such a person. Even though her daughter just turned eighteen and entered her first year of college, when others asked about Duan Ye, she wouldn’t be vague or evasive. She would honestly and openly tell them that Duan Ye is her daughter’s boyfriend. This is a mother’s respect for her daughter. She might not be completely optimistic about their future, but at this moment, when her daughter is still wholeheartedly in love, she would at least not oppose or deny it.
The other two roommates, whom Jiang Yumo only recently got to know, admired Jiang Yumo after hearing Mother Jiang’s acknowledgment of Duan Ye.
They envied Jiang Yumo for having such a tall, handsome, and considerate boyfriend.
Just look, from the moment he entered the door until now, he hasn’t stopped; he’s been busy helping with everything, even putting up mosquito nets!
But what they envied even more was her having such a mother.
Compared to a boyfriend, what they care about and love more is their mother. And the fact that her Mom actually agrees to this relationship is like being the happiest person in the world!
Mother Jiang looked at the surprised expressions of the other two mothers and smiled, “I’ve watched this child grow up too. They’ve known each other for many years.”
The two roommates exchanged a glance : Got it! Childhood sweethearts make for great relationships!!
“These two have supported each other all these years,” Mother Jiang shrugged helplessly. “We’ve been watching them all along. They only confirmed their relationship after the college entrance exam. This child is indeed hardworking, which is rare among the younger generation. Every time he comes over, he’s always helping.”
It must be said that Mother Jiang’s few words instantly made the other two mothers accept the situation.
Indeed, growing up together, one handsome and the other beautiful, it’s easy for feelings to develop. But both of them are sensible and mindful. They only started their relationship after the college entrance exam, which earns them extra points in the eyes of parents.
Just from the fact that Jiang Yumo was admitted to the Drama Academy, it’s clear that her academic performance hadn’t been affected, and her future seemed promising.
Moreover, even though this young man appears a bit fierce, he’s actually diligent. Perhaps this is a case of not judging a book by its cover?
“That’s really good,” a mother exclaimed cheerfully. “We all went through this age. Look at this child, so fine, tall and strong, and hardworking too. Who wouldn’t like that?”
Another mother readily agreed.
When Jiang Yumo entered the dorm carrying a bag of beverages, the atmosphere inside became exceptionally harmonious.
Her two roommates looked at her as if she were a savior.
In their hearts, they all thought: Thank you, beauty!! If we start dating, even our Moms won’t object anymore!!
The other two mothers observed Jiang Yumo and then looked at Duan Ye. The more they looked, the more they felt the two were a perfect match.
Jiang Yumo : “?”
She had only been out for a while, what had happened?
Jiang Yumo’s Dad and Mom gave their approval to Duan Ye and acknowledged him as their daughter’s boyfriend. This was partly due to Duan Ye’s personality, but even more so due to their daughter’s feelings for him.
Some new students hadn’t arrived yet, and classes hadn’t officially started. Jiang Yumo was staying in a hotel near the school with them. Jiang Yumo’s parents planned to tour nearby cities, taking a few days off. They had initially intended to spend quality time with their daughter, but seeing the situation now, it seemed they weren’t needed. So, after a brief discussion, they decided to take advantage of the opportunity for a honeymoon trip they had postponed for twenty years.
Thus, Jiang Yumo’s parents happily left.
Only Duan Ye remained to accompany Jiang Yumo, but in a couple of days, he would also have to leave.
Sitting on the intercity train, Father Jiang was sleeping to rejuvenate, while Mother Jiang fell into contemplation. The relationship between mother and daughter was the closest in the world. What the mother experienced, the daughter would eventually go through as well. Therefore, in this world, the most empathetic relationship was that of mother and daughter.
There were so many things to teach her daughter.
Like when her body was developing, she would take her daughter to buy suitable underwear and teach her how to choose.
Or when her daughter had her first period, it was her who bought her daughter sanitary napkins and taught her how to use them correctly, along with the precautions for those days.
In the blink of an eye, the daughter grew up and even got a boyfriend.
Emotions surged within Mother Jiang.
Yes, she still had to teach her daughter the most important lesson : to protect oneself.
This matter had been brewing for a very long time. Sitting in the train seat with the urban landscape rushing by outside, she edited each word carefully: [Momo, Mom wants to apologize to you first. I should have taught you this a long time ago, but I’m saying it now.
[Xiao Duan is a very good person, but we treat him well because you like him. Mom and Dad will like the person you like and dislike anyone who hurts you. We sent you to school today, in a few years, you’ll have a job. By then, you might not rely on me and your dad the same way, you’ll be a truly independent adult.
[Momo, I haven’t told you this, but before you, Mom also had a child unexpectedly. However, your Dad and I were too young then, and our work and lives were not stable enough. After discussing it, we decided not to have that child. Your dad was emotionally hurt, and I went through physical and emotional torment.
[As you grow up, Mom and Dad can only encourage you from the sidelines and offer advice. Many things you’ll have to decide for yourself. Mom hopes you learn to protect yourself. In this world, no one is more important than you.]
Perhaps this is how being a mother is.
Wanting your child to experience the happiness you’ve felt, maybe even a hundred or a thousand times more.
Wishing your child never encounters the pain and torment you’ve endured.
When Jiang Yumo received these text messages, she initially felt embarrassed. Of course, she understood her mom’s true intentions, but she and Duan Ye hadn’t progressed that far yet. She was about to reply, her fingers already on the keyboard, but she paused.
Her Mom’s hardships.
The pain and torment a woman might face.
She read these messages word by word, seemingly grasping her Mom’s confusion when she was young in the face of unexpected events, the panic and discomfort on the operating table, and… the pain hidden in the casual words about that child mentioned many years later.
Learning to protect herself.
After a long while, Jiang Yumo replied : [Mom, I understand.]
Her unwavering courage had always stemmed from her parents.
Duan Ye was also about to leave.
Jiang Yumo insisted on taking up the task of packing his luggage. Duan Ye knew she was struggling and reluctant, so he leaned against the hotel wall, silently watching her fold clothes, placing each one in the suitcase. Duan Ye didn’t have much stuff, just a few summer outfits, and two coats for the coming colder weather in a month. When he came, his suitcase was full of everyday items he bought for her. Now that he was leaving, the suitcase felt empty.
After she placed his charger inside, Duan Ye stood by, dazed.
Feeling reluctant in his heart, he walked over and embraced her from behind, resting his head on her shoulder.
Jiang Yumo’s shoulders trembled slightly.
She didn’t want to cry, but it seemed that leaving her parents, leaving her friends, leaving Duan Ye, had taken away a part of her bravery.
When her parents left, she cried behind their backs.
And now, she was about to cry again.
Duan Ye’s heart ached too, and he turned her around, bending down to kiss her eyes.
Young people never get used to goodbyes.
Maybe many years later, they would become numb to it, but at this moment, both of them were filled with reluctance.
The source of heavy breathing was unknown, and Jiang Yumo instinctively reached out to grasp onto something. A hand caught hers, and she held onto it like grasping onto a piece of driftwood before sinking, holding on tightly.
She was trapped between him and the wall, not wanting to escape, nor able to.
Their lips intertwined, and Duan Ye pulled back slightly, fingers tightly interlocked with hers. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, their warm yet hurried breaths entwining.
“It won’t be long.”
His voice was low, tinged with a hint of hoarseness, “I promise.”
—We won’t be apart for long.
This was the first time he said ‘I promise,’ making a pledge.
Tears still clung to Jiang Yumo’s eyelashes as she pressed herself against his neck and hummed in agreement.
Duan Ye left.
He didn’t let Jiang Yumo accompany him; he embarked on the unfamiliar journey alone.
Zhou Ji was also leaving the country.
He shared his flight number in the group chat, and the chat immediately became lively.
Zhao_Zheng : [Wow, Boss Zhou, you truly deserve the title ‘boss.’ Too bad I’m busy lately, otherwise, I’d definitely come to see you off.]
Guo_Shichao : [How sad… I’ve never been abroad. Will I ever get the chance in this lifetime?]
Yan_Qing : [You’re talking as if we’ve all been abroad! But Zhou Ji, take care over there too~ Remember to keep in touch when you’re back!]
Sun_Mengting : [If possible… could you buy me some stuff there? I heard things are cheaper abroad!]
Jiang_Yumo : [What Mengting said is also what I want to say. I heard from my roommate that many foreign students are doing purchasing on behalf of others]
Duan Ye finally spoke up : [@Zhou_Ji, have a smooth journey.]
Zhou_Ji : [Thanks everyone, you can come find me to hang out sometime.]
He added another sentence : [I’ll reimburse the plane ticket, and I’ll arrange for food, drinks, and entertainment.]
The group instantly exploded with messages, everyone flooding the chat with [Boss Zhou is so domineering.] Jiang Yumo looked at it all, and from beginning to end, Ning Zhiyu hadn’t said a word. The ones truly facing separation could empathize with each other.
In the freshman dormitory, Ning Zhiyu stood in the darkness, staring at the group messages on her phone.
After keeping her phone aside, showering, and getting ready, she lay on her bed tossing and turning. She couldn’t fall asleep all night. In the middle of the night, she reached for her phone from under the pillow, glanced at the time, and it was already 2 a.m. She wasn’t sleepy. Thinking about him leaving, thinking about how they didn’t say a proper goodbye, she felt like a thin rope was tightening around her, almost suffocating her.
She didn’t know if ot’s because she had stayed up too late, but her eyes were getting sore.
With her finger on the phone keys, she struggled to type out each word, as if she was using up all her remaining courage.
[Zhou Ji, I lost my parents when I was very young. I stayed with my uncle’s family, my eldest uncle’s family, and my aunt’s family at different times. They were actually very kind to me, but the feeling of being dependent made me cautious all the time. I’ve heard them arguing about which family I should stay with in the second half of the year, as if I were a ball to be tossed.
[Maybe describing it this way is not accurate, because they have no responsibility or obligation towards me, and I’ve always been grateful. Later, when I went to high school, I returned to live on my own at home. I sometimes felt lonely, but I felt secure in my heart. I no longer had to worry about whether my every word and action would displease someone.
[The environment I live in is completely different from yours, so when you said you wanted to stay for me, I was very afraid. But I must also admit, I have a tiny bit of excitement and pride that I can’t show to others, even you. Thank you for letting me experience the taste of being loved again.
[However, Zhou Ji, I hope that the decisions you make in the future, every important decision, are made for yourself. You need to think carefully about what you truly want to do.
[As long as you’re willing, I’ll be here waiting for you.]
A few days had already passed since Duan Ye arrived in this city.
His adaptability has always been strong, and he’s quite adept at following his Uncle’s lead. On this day, he finally finished work early. He bought a meal, sat in the dormitory, and while eating, he flipped through rental advertisements. He didn’t really want to stay in the dormitory, because there are too many people, so it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable. Luckily, renting a place here is quite cheap. A regular small single room would suffice for him.
As he was contemplating which pamphlet to look at first, his phone, placed casually on the table, vibrated. He glanced at it and when he saw that the incoming call was from Zhou Ji, a foreboding feeling instantly emerged.
What could be the matter?
He had checked Zhou Ji’s flight; if he wasn’t mistaken, Zhou Ji should still be on the plane at this time.
How could Zhou Ji be calling him?
Perhaps international flights allow calls?
With a determined expression, Duan Ye hesitated for a few seconds, then pressed the answer button.
Before he could even ask anything, the voice on the other end boomed, “Lao Duan, I’ve come to seek refuge with you. I’m at the station, come pick me up!”
omg, this guy is killing me!! He’s so cute and hilarious!!!!
Lol, this OG ML is too cute! Wishing him safe refuge with the boss! Thank you for the chapter 🙂