Author: 颜凉雨 / Yan Liang Yu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

---

Chapter 97

The next morning, Lu Yiyao left.

This visit to see him was sudden and rushed, and because they were in a hotel, they couldn’t be alone together easily. So, their intimate moments were few and far between, almost down to counting minutes. 

However, for Ran Lin, who had endured a two-year long-distance relationship, these challenges were nothing. After finishing filming and returning to Beijing, they would have plenty of time to be affectionate. There was no rush for immediate intimacy. So, even though he was reluctant, he let go of his thoughts and fully devoted himself to his work after seeing off Lu Yiyao.

Meanwhile, Lu Yiyao returned home on the second day after his departure.

It had rained earlier in the day, and the temperature had dropped sharply. When Lu Yiyao finished work and returned to his mother’s villa, it was just getting dark.

“Brother!” Lu Yimeng heard his car and opened the gate, calling out to him. Lu Yiyao parked his car and approached her with a smile, intending to pat her on the head. However, before he could, his younger sister hugged him. 

Lu Yiyao was used to this and entered the hallway with his sister still hanging on him. He closed the door and asked, “Where’s Mom?”

Before his younger sister could answer, Mrs. Fan coughed from the living room. Lu Yiyao smiled and said, “Mom, I’m back.”

“I knew you were at home waiting. Couldn’t you have come back a bit earlier?” Fan Li complained as she walked over, her words and the affection in her eyes not quite matching.

Lu Yimeng finally let go of her brother and turned to help with the conversation. “Mom, if Brother came back any earlier, he might as well have taken the day off.”

Lu Yiyao smiled but remained silent as he bent down to change his shoes.

Fan Li continued to nag, but it was clear she was happy to have her son home.

As Lu Yiyao entered the house, he noticed that half the table in the dining room was already filled with cold dishes. He assumed the hot dishes would be served when he returned.

However, he couldn’t find the cake, so he took off his coat and curiously asked his younger sister, “Where’s your creation?”

Lu Yimeng smiled sweetly. “It’s the grand finale, of course.”

Twenty minutes later, all the hot dishes were on the table, and Lu Yiyao, who had changed his clothes and washed his hands, helped his mother bring the plates to the table. Today, the housekeeper was off, so all the dishes were prepared by Fan Li.  

She was quite skilled in cooking, and Lu Yiyao remembered that when he was very young, he used to frequently enjoy her homemade meals. However, she became busier over time, and her time in the kitchen dwindled. After their parents divorced, Lu Yiyao was sent abroad, and when he returned to reunite with his mother and sister, it became rare to see her cooking.

“Brother, you’re really something,” Lu Yimeng said with admiration as she smelled the delicious food. “You can make Mom willingly put down her work and cook. You’re the only one in the world who can do that.”

“You make it sound like I’m mistreating you,” Fan Li said, bringing the last dish to the table. She glanced at her daughter with a teasing tone. “I didn’t cook, but I still managed to raise you so tall.”

Lu Yimeng retorted, “Other girls raised by their mothers are delicate and fair-skinned, and I turned out this tall. What kind of upbringing is that?”

“Do you want to eat or not?”

“I do.”

“Then hurry up and unveil your grand masterpiece.”

“Here it comes.”

Lu Yimeng quickly went to get the masterpiece, and Lu Yiyao watched her departure in a daze.

“What are you thinking?” Fan Li noticed that her son had been relatively quiet since he entered the house. 

Lu Yiyao snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his mother with a faint smile. “I’m thinking about what wish to make later.”

Fan Li didn’t expect her son to give such an answer. She was rarely stirred by romantic sentiments but replied gently, “What’s there to think about? Your entertainment career has had a successful conclusion, the company is stable, and the only thing left is your marital status. So, what wish do you think you should make?”

The mention of marital status caught Lu Yiyao’s attention, and he almost blurted something out. However, Lu Yimeng was quicker and had already brought over the beautifully decorated cake.

It was a three-tiered cake covered in gold dust, with a spiral staircase leading to the top, where a small figure in a suit stood, holding a beautiful trophy.

“Since the day you won Best Actor, Mom and I have been waiting to celebrate with you. Now, with your birthday coming up, we can have a double celebration.” Lu Yimeng explained, her tone carrying some annoyance at her older brother for not coming home for so long.

“But then again,” Lu Yimeng continued, “if you had come back after winning the award, I wouldn’t have been able to make this cake.”

With Lu Yimeng’s words, Lu Yiyao could only smile helplessly. “Can I make a wish now?”

“Of course,” Lu Yimeng said as she lit the candles with a lighter, turned off the lights, and the candlelight illuminated the cake and the area around the dining table.

Lu Yiyao wasn’t used to making serious wishes during these family gatherings. Usually, he just closed his eyes, made a quick wish, and blew out the candles, leading to Lu Yimeng often complaining about how he rushed through it.

Finally, Lu Yiyao slowly opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles all at once.

Lu Yimeng got up to turn on the lights, and in the renewed brightness, her confusion was evident on her face. “Brother, why are you acting so strangely today…” 

Lu Yiyao looked at his sister, who was getting closer, with an expression that seemed to say, “Tell me more.” 

“Before, when you made wishes, it felt like you weren’t thinking seriously, like you were just going through the motions. But just now, it was different,” Lu Yimeng said, moving closer to his face. “You definitely have something on your mind!”

Lu Yiyao pushed her head away and said with an indulgent tone, “Eat your food.” 

A glint of curiosity flashed in Fan Li’s eyes, almost too quick to notice. The family enjoyed a joyful meal, but only Lu Yiyao seemed preoccupied, occasionally lost in thought. Fan Li knew her son had something on his mind, but he didn’t want to discuss it in front of his sister, so she patiently waited. 

After dinner, the family of three, who rarely had such gatherings, sat in the living room, eating fruit, watching TV, and chatting. Finally, Lu Yimeng started yawning, and that was when Fan Li took the opportunity to suggest that it was getting late and they should rest. 

Lu Yimeng didn’t suspect anything and yawned as she headed to her room. Fan Li also went back to her room, but when she reached the bedroom door, she glanced back at Lu Yiyao, who was still sitting on the sofa. 

Lu Yiyao had been watching her all along, and with that look, he was sure that his mother had sensed that he wanted to talk about something. 

As Fan Li closed the door, the entire house quieted down. Lu Yiyao got up, turned off the living room lights, and moonlight suddenly shone in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, merging with the light from the night lamp left in the corner, creating a faint and hazy glow. 

Lu Yiyao took a deep breath, as if determined, and ascended the stairs to Fan Li’s bedroom door. Without knocking, he gently opened the door and entered the room.

The light was on in the bedroom. His mother was sitting by the bed. Seeing him enter, she showed no surprise. She was probably sitting there, waiting for him.

“What is it that you must avoid your sister to talk about?” Fan Li cut to the chase. After all, she had already imagined too many scenarios that night and had no patience for her son to slowly get to the point which he might not reach anytime soon.

“It’s not about avoiding Mengmeng. It’s just that she gets startled easily. I don’t want her to create a fuss before we finish talking,” Lu Yiyao said softly. 

Fan Li nodded. “Now it’s just the two of us, mother and son. Tell me, what is the grave matter that has burdened you so heavily?” 

“Do you remember when Mengmeng said I was particularly serious when making a wish earlier?” Lu Yiyao smiled. “It’s because I really hope that what I am about to say will go well.” 

“Don’t beat around the bush, just say it.” Fan Li urged, yet deep down, she had a bad feeling. If her usually straightforward son was circling around with his words, the matter might be more serious than she anticipated. 

The inevitable moment arrived, and Lu Yiyao exhaled softly, looked steadily, and said slowly, “Mom, I can’t bring myself to like women.”

The room suddenly fell silent, as if time had stopped.

Fan Li looked at her son in disbelief, wishing he would make a face the next second and say, “Mom, I’m just kidding.”

But he didn’t. Lu Yiyao’s expression was more serious and determined than ever before.

“It’s okay.” Fan Li tried to make her voice light and breezy so as not to pressure her son further. “Medicine is so advanced now; these are small issues and easily treated.”

Lu Yiyao looked at his mother blankly for a moment, then suddenly realized and hurriedly explained, “I’m not saying I’m incapable with women… I mean, indeed, I don’t feel for women, but there’s nothing wrong with me per se; I just can’t like women. I like men.” 

This statement brought an even more profound silence to the room. 

In the stillness, Fan Li realized her earlier misunderstanding, but the unveiled truth was even harder for her to accept. 

In the prolonged silence, she didn’t know what to say. Shock and surprise intertwined into a surreal feeling. She felt her brain thundering, pounding with a headache, and making it hard to breathe.

Finally, Fan Li spoke, her voice trembling slightly with a hint of coldness, a suppressed restraint. “Since when?”

Lu Yiyao, feeling pained, still met her sharp gaze without flinching. “I was born this way, and I’ve realized it long ago.”

Fan Li asked, “Then why only say it now?”

Lu Yiyao paused for two seconds and said, “I’ve been thinking about how to tell you, and it took me so many years.”

“No.” Fan Li seemed to smile briefly, but it was too quick to be sure. “You’re telling me now because you’ve found the person you want to be with.”

Lu Yiyao tried to suppress the surprise in his heart, but his expression shifted slightly.

Unexpectedly, Fan Li softened her tone. “Who is he? What kind of person is he? Can you tell Mom?”

Lu Yiyao pursed his lips, silently staring at his mother for a long moment, then slowly shook his head. “It’s not time yet.” 

Fan Li slightly frowned; a hint of sadness apparent in her eyes. “Why?” 

Lu Yiyao felt guilty but remained firm. “Because you still need time to truly accept that I like men. This matter has nothing to do with whom I’m with now. Even if I’m single, it doesn’t change the fact. Mom, if you can’t accept the real me, then no matter who I’m with, you won’t be able to accept it.” 

The room was too quiet that the echo of Lu Yiyao’s words lingered for a long time. 

Fan Li’s eyes began to redden, seemingly trying to suppress the tears with several deep breaths. 

Lu Yiyao appeared unmoved, yet his hands clenched white behind him. 

It was a torturous moment for both.

“You need to give me time,” Fan Li finally said, her voice hoarse. 

Lu Yiyao let out a sigh of relief but felt a deeper guilt and discomfort. “Mom, I’m sorry.” 

Fan Li took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, shaking her head as if to shake off the prior conversation. “No more talking. I want to rest.” 

Lu Yiyao didn’t expect things to be settled in one conversation. In fact, this was already much better than he had anticipated, so after saying goodnight, he left. 

A sleepless night followed. 

The next morning, Lu Yiyao got up early for work, knowing his mother would be awake. Indeed, as he descended the stairs, he saw porridge and side dishes on the dining table. His mother looked a bit haggard but urged him to eat quickly and go to the office to set an example for his employees. She didn’t mention last night’s conversation. 

Knowing that haste wouldn’t bring success, Lu Yiyao didn’t bring it up again, obediently finishing his breakfast and driving to the office. 

But Lu Yiyao was resolved that starting now, he would return home every weekend, gradually talking, until his mother truly accepted the fact that he liked men. Then it would be natural to introduce Ran Lin to the family. 

Lu Yiyao was optimistic because his mother’s reaction was much better than expected, but what he didn’t know was that as soon as he left, Fan Li’s expression turned cold, staring out the window lost in thought. 

If it were an employee of Fan Li’s company, they would instantly recognize that the boss was angry, very angry, to the point that no amount of yelling or table-flipping could resolve the issue. So she became even calmer, because only in calmness could she devise a satisfying solution, either to strike a deadly blow to her enemies or to completely eradicate the problem that irritated her. 

When Lu Yimeng came down the stairs, sleepy-eyed, Fan Li was still sitting there; her face was no longer clouded with anger but only sadness. Lu Yimeng was surprised to see her mother hadn’t gone to the office yet and quickly explained as their eyes met, “I start work at nine. I’m not late.”

Although Lu Yimeng worked for their family business, starting from the bottom and being miles apart from her mother, the CEO, she hardly ever saw her at the company. She subconsciously thought her mother, a powerful woman who was at her office by seven each morning, might not understand the schedule of their junior employees, who started work at nine.

But after her explanation, she realized that her mother wasn’t about to reprimand her; in fact, her mother might not have even absorbed her words. Her mother just stared blankly at her, her eyes slowly welling with tears.

Startled, Lu Yimeng snapped awake and hurried over. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

She had always thought only something as severe as the divorce from her father could make her sturdy mother so vulnerable, and that had been over a decade ago. Her mother hadn’t shown such emotion since then, so Lu Yimeng felt as if the sky was falling. 

“Mom, talk to me. What’s wrong? Don’t scare me!” She would have shaken her mother by the shoulders if she wasn’t worried about making matters worse.

“Your brother…” Fan Li finally spoke, her voice carrying both weariness and sadness. “He’s told me everything.” 

Lu Yimeng’s eyes widened, and she inhaled sharply. “What, what did he tell you?”  

Fan Li looked deeply at her daughter. Lu Yimeng swallowed, forcing herself to wait for her mother to speak first to avoid any blunder that would infuriate her brother. 

Fan Li took Lu Yimeng’s hand gently, as if drawing strength from her. “Your brother said he likes men, and he has already found someone he wants to be with…” 

Lu Yimeng’s mouth fell open, unsure of what to say next.  

She had thought of the possibility of her brother coming out when she saw her mother’s expression, but actually hearing it made the revelation feel incredibly abrupt. Such a big revelation just dropped without any preamble or cushioning. At least some sort of buffer could have been provided! 

But then she thought, no matter how much you cushion or prepare for such news, it’s still a bolt from the blue, especially given the societal norms where most parents wouldn’t accept it. Her mother’s reaction was already quite extraordinary. 

As Lu Yimeng’s thoughts raced, none of her expressions escaped Fan Li’s watchful eye.  

Fan Li had initially wanted to inquire if Lu Yiyao had been closely involved with anyone recently, given that Lu Yimeng was her brother’s biggest fan and closely followed his every move, including his social engagements. Knowing Lu Yiyao liked men, her daughter must also be undoubtedly curious about who the person was and might even help her find out. 

But Lu Yimeng’s reaction right now, with surprise, conflict, and realization, lacked any disbelief or shock. This meant she had already known about “Lu Yiyao liking men”! 

Fan Li was unsure whether her son had told her daughter or if her daughter had found out on her own—because yesterday, Lu Yiyao had avoided Lu Yimeng when he came to her. This could be interpreted as “he thought Lu Yimeng was unaware” or “he hoped his mother would think the daughter was unaware, thus not directing anger at her.” But whichever it was, it didn’t matter. As long as Lu Yimeng was aware, this matter would be much easier to handle than anticipated. 

“Mom, actually, it’s not as serious as you think. Homosexuality… uh, it’s already legal in many countries, like the United States and the UK. It’s quite normal there, and they can even register for marriage. Brother has been studying in the UK, influenced by what he’s seen and heard, so he can understand…” 

“I’m not angry, and I won’t blame your brother,” Fan Li interrupted softly, then her face hardened, and she narrowed her eyes unconsciously. “If anyone is to blame, it’s that surnamed Lu.” 

Lu Yimeng silently looked out the window.  

Dad, I’m sorry! 

Sniffling, Fan Li spoke again, solemn and earnest. “I know what kind of person your brother is. He’s not one to joke about such matters, nor is it a fleeting whim. So, although it’s really hard to accept, I can try. But the person he chose… I forgot the name; I really don’t think he’s suitable for your brother. Does your brother want to be with him for a lifetime, and does he sincerely want to be with your brother for a lifetime? Besides, your brother never dated before him, and with all the temptations in the entertainment industry, your brother never wavered, so why now for… What’s his name? It’s on the tip of my tongue…” 

Fan Li frowned deeply, massaging her temples in thought.  

Lu Yimeng sighed, “Gu Jie.”  

Her mother must be truly saddened; otherwise, her usually excellent memory wouldn’t fail to recall a name. 

“Right.” Fan Li’s face remained unchanged, still furrowed with worry. “I think his intentions in approaching your brother aren’t pure.” 

“You can’t say that.” Lu Yimeng, unsure of the effectiveness of her consolation, still wanted to support her brother. “Everyone’s in the entertainment industry, seeing each other all the time, so developing feelings over time is normal. And he’s also in movies and variety shows, so he’s not short on money. What could he be after from Brother?” 

Fan Li’s eyes lowered in silence. Lu Yimeng sat quietly beside her, hoping her mother wouldn’t dwell on her concerns too much. 

“Forget it.” Fan Li finally lifted her head and said to Lu Yimeng, “Don’t worry about me and go to work.”  

Lu Yimeng hesitated.  

“Relax.” Fan Li patted the back of her daughter’s hand. “I won’t do anything rash; I just need some time to process this.” 

Seeing that her mother didn’t have an extreme reaction, though still apprehensive, Lu Yimeng obediently washed up, brushed her teeth, ate breakfast, and then hurried off to the company to be a proactive and upward-moving successor. 

However, on the way to the office, Lu Yimeng hurriedly made a call to tip off her brother. At the time the phone rang, Lu Yiyao was alone in the meeting room, watching the behind-the-scenes footage from Xi’an for the drama <Youth of Wuling>, a weekly routine task to understand the filming progress and make a reasonable forecast for the future—a unique habit of Lu Yiyao, the actor turned executive. 

By the time he returned to his office, it was already 9:30 a.m. Lu Yiyao noticed his phone plugged in and flashing its notification light. He checked to find three missed calls from Lu Yimeng, all between 8:30 and 9:00. 

Shrugging, Lu Yiyao called her back.  

The call was cut off almost as soon as it rang but then rang again shortly after—Lu Yimeng was calling back. 

“Hello…” Lu Yimeng’s voice sounded secretive.  

Lu Yiyao chuckled. “What are you doing?”  

“At work,” Lu Yimeng whispered, obviously suppressing her voice. “It’s not good to be seen making personal calls by the supervisor, so I’ve hidden in the bathroom.”  

Lu Yiyao laughed. “What’s up?” 

“Stop pretending. Mom told me everything.” Despite her quiet voice, Lu Yimeng’s tone was firm. Originally, she had called to tip off her brother, but now that they were talking, she began to admonish him, “Why would you hide something as important as coming out from me? I could have supported you and spoken for you!” 

Lu Yiyao was taken aback, feeling that his sister’s focus was… somewhat off? 

As if hearing his thoughts, Lu Yimeng continued with a hint of resignation. “You think you’ve kept it a secret? I’ve noticed it long ago and was just waiting for you to say it. I thought I might even be a god-tier support when the time came.” 

Lu Yiyao was astonished.  

He had genuinely thought he hadn’t given anything away. Was this some kind of telepathy between siblings? 

“You always hang out together, and you even visited his set. If others can’t tell, how could I not notice? Ever since you debuted, when have you been so close with anyone?” Lu Yimeng sighed, her voice softening as she thought of her mother’s condition that morning. “Mom’s quite upset, but it seems like she’s trying to accept it. I told her that this kind of thing is common overseas, and many countries allow marriage… Hopefully, she’ll take it to heart.” 

Hearing this made Lu Yiyao feel a mix of discomfort and sorrow. “Did Mom say anything else to you?” 

Lu Yimeng replied, “Not much. Just worried you might be deceived. She said if anyone is to blame for you liking men, it’s Dad’s fault.”  

Lu Yiyao, about to assert his maturity in discerning genuine feelings, paused when he heard the latter part. “Blame Dad?” 

Lu Yimeng hesitantly continued, “I accidentally mentioned it when I said that countries like the UK and the US allow marriage… That your studying in the UK might have influenced you.” 

Lu Yiyao facepalmed.  

He remembered considering the same thing when he first realized he might like men. It seemed like his father was destined to carry this blame. 

“When are you coming back?” Lu Yimeng suddenly asked. Lu Yiyao replied, “This weekend, and I’ll be coming back every weekend from now on.” 

Lu Yimeng breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. This is probably going to be a long battle, but don’t worry, brother, I’m with you!”  

For the first time since last night, a genuine smile spread across Lu Yiyao’s face. “Got it.” 

“Okay, I better go back to my desk before the supervisor comes looking for me.” With the tip-off complete, Lu Yimeng quickly ended the call.  

Lu Yiyao looked at his phone and slowly smiled, feeling quite good about having an ally. 

…… 

While Lu Yimeng was making her tip-off call, Fan Li, on the other hand, had Dai Chu thoroughly investigate Gu Jie’s background.  

Now that his name was known it was easy to find his information. He was an artist in the entertainment industry, had appeared on variety shows, acted in movies, and was acquainted with Lu Yiyao… Putting all these clues together, there was no need for further narrowing down or investigation; the target was clear. Moreover, according to the information Fan Li received, this man had posted a photo on Weibo dining with her son just two days ago. 

A face with distinct features, proper and well-placed, tanned skin, and a sturdy and robust physique, he seemed every bit the embodiment of masculine youth. 

Him and Lu Yiyao?!  

Fan Li couldn’t imagine it; just thinking about it made her feel like she was going mad. 

When she first heard from Lu Yiyao that he liked men, she was unable to accept it. Now, pinning a face to the person supposedly leading her son astray, the chaotic images in her mind from the previous night took on a concrete form, and it became even more unbearable for her. She didn’t argue with her son right then only because she understood him well and knew that doing so would only backfire. It was better to stabilize him first and then find a solution. 

She could see her son had made up his mind, so the solution naturally had to come from the other person involved. 

“Is he in Beijing?” Fan Li asked, looking at the apartment address listed in the information.  

“Yes, he returned from Xi’an yesterday,” Dai Chu replied. 

“I want to meet him.” The reason Fan Li could manage such a large company alone was her ability to be patient when necessary and decisive when needed. 

Dai Chu understood that when Fan Li said “meet”, it was more akin to “confronting.” He informed her, “He just returned from Xi’an yesterday and doesn’t have any engagements today. If he hasn’t made plans with friends, it’s likely he’ll be at his apartment. Even if he’s gone out, we can wait for him.” 

“Okay.” Fan Li stood up. “Let’s go now.” 

Dai Chu was puzzled but quickly followed. Suddenly being tasked with investigating an artist, understanding his complete social and friendship circles, and then going to confront him—the whole situation was odd. 

Dai Chu sensed that this had something to do with Lu Yiyao, especially since Fan Li and Gu Jie were unrelated. But Gu Jie was as clean as distilled water. Since entering the industry, he had hardly any scandals, except for a brief rumor with an actress named Qi Luoluo, which was later proven false. He hadn’t been in any confirmed relationships either, dedicating his prime years to acting, fitness, and free fighting—essentially a homebody in another sense. 

Moreover, Gu Jie and Lu Yiyao were good friends. The information gathered showed a deep brotherly bond, with no trace of Gu Jie ever betraying Lu Yiyao. So, what exactly was Fan Li worried about, and what did she want to discuss with Gu Jie? Dai Chu couldn’t figure it out. 

…… 

Gu Jie was woken up by the doorbell.  

Before it rang, he was dreaming of Chang’an, savoring rose mirror cakes, drinking Bingfeng soda, tearing into lamb stewed buns, picking wide belt noodles, all delicious and heartwarming… 

And then, abruptly, there was no more. 

Gu Jie yawned and got up, figuring it was his assistant at the door, as no one else would come this early. He wasn’t scheduled for any work today, but you never know if the assistant might bring some company matter to his attention. 

So, he opened the door in his shorts, bare-chested. “What’s the order now…” 

Gu Jie’s words stopped abruptly. 

The cold wind outside hit his robust upper body, raising goosebumps. 

But this discomfort was nothing compared to the shock of seeing who was at the door. 

A woman in her fifties, dressed simply, her face somewhat haggard, and a well-dressed man in his thirties, tall and strong. More importantly, he didn’t recognize either of them. 

“Did you… maybe knock on the wrong door?” Gu Jie could only think of this possibility. 

“Hello,” the woman said, her voice weary but gentle. “I am Lu Yiyao’s mother.” 

Gu Jie’s mind went blank for a moment. 

But his mouth acted quicker than his brain. “Uh, Auntie, please come in. I’ll go put on some clothes…” 

With that, Gu Jie stumbled into his bedroom to get dressed—civility and politeness are basic virtues, even in a state of confusion. 

As Dai Chu listened to the banging and clanging from Gu Jie’s bedroom, he couldn’t help but think that the man wasn’t so much dressing as dismantling something. Lost in thought, he heard Fan Li say, “Wait for me in the car downstairs.” 

Dai Chu hesitated, mainly concerned for Fan Li’s safety, especially given Gu Jie’s muscular build, but then he remembered that the man was Lu Yiyao’s friend and probably wouldn’t be discourteous to his friend’s mother. Although he didn’t know what Fan Li intended to discuss, her instruction to wait downstairs likely meant she had a plan. 

“Alright. Call me if you need anything,” Dai Chu said and took the elevator down. As the elevator doors closed, Fan Li entered Gu Jie’s apartment. 

When Gu Jie came out dressed, Fan Li was already sitting on the sofa, looking at him with gentle eyes like calm waters. 

However, Gu Jie felt uncomfortable under her gaze, but he didn’t forget to pour a glass of water for Fan Li. Holding the cup, he approached and handed it over, asking, “Auntie, what brings you here?” 

The fact that Lu Yiyao’s mother had come to see him was something Gu Jie couldn’t fathom even if he used 100% of his brain. 

“Sit down.” Fan Li didn’t answer his question but instead asked him to sit. 

Gu Jie took a seat on the sofa across from Fan Li, facing her at a conversational angle yet maintaining a certain distance, feeling somehow safer this way. 

Once Gu Jie was settled, Fan Li slowly began. “You probably know why I am here today.” 

Gu Jie swallowed nervously. Did he really know? 

“I know it’s sudden for me to come like this, but I really had no other choice,” Fan Li said, her voice growing sadder. 

“What exactly happened?” Gu Jie asked worriedly.  

Fan Li shook her head, her eyes brimming with helplessness—half for Gu Jie to see and half genuine. “He’s my only son, and I was hoping he’d marry and have children. Now he tells me he likes men; what am I supposed to do?” 

Gu Jie’s mouth dropped open in astonishment, wondering if he was still dreaming. 

Teacher Lu is gay?! 

No, this must be a dream. It has to be— 

“I don’t want to be a bad person, and I want to be an open-minded mother, but I hope you can understand a mother’s distress,” Fan Li said, becoming emotional and her hand trembling as she grasped Gu Jie’s. 

The dream was so vivid that Gu Jie could clearly feel the sadness of Lu Yiyao’s mother. He really wanted to comfort her and tell her to be more open-minded. While loving men might be hard for the older generation to accept, it didn’t stop Lu Yiyao from continuing to be filial and a good son. At most, he might not be able to give her grandchildren, but life is always full of regrets, isn’t it? 

However, it didn’t seem appropriate to say all this now. What if it only upset Mother Lu more and her health suffered? 

“Don’t be upset, Auntie.” Gu Jie held Fan Li’s hand back, thinking carefully about what to say next. “I can understand you. I know every mother has high hopes for her son, hoping that he will be healthy and happy and have a harmonious family…” 

Fan Li didn’t expect Gu Jie to be so considerate, and his expression seemed genuinely sincere. Surprised and feeling a bit guilty, her initial intention of playing the sympathy card turned into earnestness. “Lu Yiyao wasn’t always like this. He’s just confused for the moment. Even if he has told you something now, he might change later…” 

“He hasn’t talked to me about these things, really.” Gu Jie finally started to grasp the situation, realizing that Lu Yiyao’s mother thought he was in on it and was coming to confront him. 

Fan Li then asked, “Now that you know, can you help me persuade him?” 

“This…” Gu Jie was in a difficult position and could only equivocate, “I can try to help you, but I can’t guarantee it will be effective.” 

“I know it’s a lot to ask, and I’m asking too much of you,” Fan Li continued, looking at Gu Jie earnestly. “But I’m really out of options. Even if you can’t persuade him, can you at least break up with him?” 

“……” Gu Jie was stunned, his mind a tangled mess, unable to find the end of the thread. Fan Li waited patiently, sensing his hesitation. 

They locked eyes, a silent struggle ensuing. 

Finally, Gu Jie spoke, but his question was unrelated to the previous turmoil. He just wanted to know one thing— 

“Auntie, who exactly is Lu Yiyao involved with?” 

Fan Li was taken aback, showing the same bafflement Gu Jie had minutes ago. “Isn’t it you?” 

Gu Jie was shocked by the answer and retorted, “Me?!” 

Fan Li’s voice rose unconsciously. “Isn’t it?!”

Gu Jie replied somewhat sheepishly, “It shouldn’t be…” 

---

Kinky Thoughts: 

LMAO. Poor Gu Jie, the straightest man in this novel…

---

<<< || Table of Contents || >>>