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Time passed by in a flash.
The Spring Festival came and left.
It was almost time for Lu Yunshu to go back home.
Her aunt and uncle would meet Jin Hanshuang the evening before she left.
After dinner, Lu Yunshu could go straight home.
They agreed to meet at the most famous restaurant in City A.
Both parties happened to arrive at the parking lot around the same time. This was the first time Lu Yunshu and Jin Hanshuang had seen each other since the New Year.
Jin Hanshuang was dressed elegantly with a gentle charm. This was her first time meeting her girlfriend’s family, so she was determined to take it seriously.
Lu Yunshu spotted Jin Hanshuang across the parking lot right away, her gaze immediately drawn to her partner’s figure.
It had only been a few days, but her girlfriend was still just as beautiful—if not more so from the time apart.
Without hesitation, Lu Yunshu walked up to Jin Hanshuang and took her hand in front of Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu.
She introduced Jin Hanshuang to her family. “Auntie and Uncle, meet my girlfriend—Jin Hanshuang.”
Jin Hanshuang smiled at the perfect moment. She extended her hand to Lu Fangru. “Hello, Director Lu.”
Then she nodded politely to Cheng Shu. “Hello, Mr. Cheng.”
Lu Fangru politely shook Jin Hanshuang’s hand. “Hello, Miss Jin.”
She added, “We’ve met before.”
Jin Hanshuang withdrew her hand, still smiling politely. “Yes, we have.”
They had crossed paths at various events.
They were both well-known figures, so it was inevitable that they would run into each other.
Back then, because other people called her “Mrs. Shen,” Lu Fangru had used the same title.
But today, Lu Fangru hadn’t used that title.
Which was perfect.
Cheng Shu said with a gentle tone, “Hello, Miss Jin. It’s cold outside, so let’s talk indoors. We’ve already booked a private room.”
No one objected, so they headed toward the restaurant.
Lu Yunshu and Jin Hanshuang stepped aside to let Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu take the lead.
They followed behind, speaking in low voices.
Jin Hanshuang asked quietly, “How was your New Year?”
Lu Yunshu replied, “The same as always, nothing different.”
Jin Hanshuang raised an eyebrow. “They weren’t affected by…us?”
She was, in fact, still worried.
She feared that their relationship might have made Lu Fangru unhappy and spoiled her holiday mood, which would have been very unfortunate.
Lu Yunshu gently patted Jin Hanshuang’s hand. “Don’t worry. Auntie wasn’t affected. She didn’t blame me for telling her.”
To be honest, Lu Yunshu had considered waiting until after the New Year to confess.
After all, no one could predict how Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu would react. By telling them later, she could guarantee a peaceful holiday.
But when her aunt had revealed that she possessed a good impression of Jin Hanshuang, Lu Yunshu couldn’t help herself.
She had gotten a little impatient.
Just like in the past, Lu Yunshu couldn’t wait to share her happy news with her aunt—she wanted her aunt to know as soon as possible.
Jin Hanshuang was reassured by Lu Yunshu’s words. She nodded slightly, her voice soft, “That’s good.”
Then she asked, “Have you been resting well these past few days?”
“Mm.”
“And eating a lot?”
“Yes, I’ve eaten so much. Uncle’s cooking is delicious.”
Lu Yunshu intertwined her fingers with Jin Hanshuang’s and whispered in her ear, “Hanshuang, you should come try next time.”
Instinctively, Jin Hanshuang glanced at Lu Fangru’s and Cheng Shu’s back. She turned to her girlfriend, smiling, “So there really will be a next time?”
Lu Yunshu squeezed her hand. “Have hope.”
Jin Hanshuang was touched by her girlfriend’s earnest expression.
Her eyes curved. “Alright~ I believe in my Yunshu.”
“And also…” Lu Yunshu leaned in.
“What is it?” Jin Hanshuang tilted her head toward her.
Lu Yunshu whispered in her ear, “Wife, you look so beautiful today.”
Jin Hanshuang glanced in Lu Fangru’s direction.
Then she withdrew her gaze.
She smiled at her girlfriend and gently tickled the palm of her hand. “Save these words for later—let’s talk about it slowly when we get home.”
Thanks to her little puppy, she wasn’t feeling nearly as nervous as before.
Lu Yunshu smiled. “Alright, we’ll talk very slowly when we get home.”
The two of them looked at each other and smiled.
Before stepping into the elevator, Lu Fangru glanced back and saw this scene:
Their fingers laced together, their smiles full of happiness.
Their expressions pure and genuine, without any calculation.
Their happiness was real. Their joy was real.
Their love for each other was undeniable.
Without any visible reaction, Lu Fangru withdrew her gaze and stepped into the elevator with her husband.
The dinner itself was nothing special.
Acting as the family elders, Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu asked Jin Hanshuang a few simple questions and exchanged small talk.
Jin Hanshuang answered with neither arrogance nor servility, leaving a favorable impression on the elders.
They also noticed how Jin Hanshuang served food for Lu Yunshu. She always served the dishes Lu Yunshu liked and removed the ones she didn’t.
She remained calm as always, as if she had performed this action countless times in the past.
As for Lu Yunshu?
She was peeling shrimp for Jin Hanshuang.
She didn’t forget to peel shrimp for her aunt and uncle either.
She was equally skilled at taking care of others.
Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu could easily imagine how Lu Yunshu and Jin Hanshuang treated each other in daily life.
From every angle…it wasn’t bad.
After a while, Jin Hanshuang stood up and gave everyone an apologetic smile. “I need to use the restroom.”
Hearing this, Lu Fangru also rose to her feet. “Perfect timing. I need to go too. Let’s go together.”
Jin Hanshuang said, “Alright.”
Lu Yunshu looked at her aunt, then at her girlfriend.
Then she caught Cheng Shu’s gaze.
He shook his head slightly, signaling for her to stay calm and not to worry.
His expression was just as warm and kind as always.
Seeing this, Lu Yunshu remained seated.
In the hallway, Jin Hanshuang and Lu Fangru walked side by side.
The atmosphere was quiet.
Both of them were very natural.
Jin Hanshuang was the first to break the silence. “Director Lu, it seems you have something you want to ask me.”
“Mm.”
Lu Fangru was straightforward. “It’s just that there are too many questions. I don’t know which one to start with.”
After a moment’s thought, she decided: “Never mind, let’s take them one by one.”
Jin Hanshuang looked at her.
Their eyes met for a moment—one pair scrutinizing, the other fearless.
Lu Fangru asked, “What do you like about my Yunshu?”
Jin Hanshuang replied, “I like how cute and forthright she is.”
Lu Fangru neither agreed nor disagreed with the answer.
She crossed her arms and asked, “But you should also know that your status is unusual. Have you ever considered that we might disapprove of your relationship?”
Jin Hanshuang answered with a gentle smile, “I have—which is why I’m trying very hard right now to make you both like me more.”
“And if it doesn’t work?”
“Then I’ll keep trying,” Jin Hanshuang said. “My feelings for Lu Yunshu already exist inside of me. I don’t want to avoid them anymore or give up on Yunshu.”
She met Lu Fangru’s eyes. “I understand that no parent would want their child to be with someone who would easily abandon them. So, if you don’t like me, I’ll keep trying until you do.
She smiled faintly. “I believe that, one day, you’ll accept us together.”
Lu Fangru raised her eyebrows. “Miss Jin is quite confident.
Jin Hanshuang continued smiling. “Of course. I could only become Yunshu’s girlfriend if I was confident.”
Lu Fangru laughed softly.
Jin Hanshuang couldn’t tell whether Lu Fangru laughed out of mockery or acceptance.
Then Lu Fangru said, “Miss Jin, have you ever thought about…disregarding our opinion?”
As in, not caring about their existence or brushing aside their disapproval.
After all, Lu Yunshu was already an adult. Even if she went so far as to abandon everyone else in her life for love, no one could stop her.
If it came to that, Lu Fangru and her husband’s approval meant nothing.
But then Jin Hanshuang’s character would be in question.
Jin Hanshuang shook her head.
She said, “No, I haven’t.”
She explained clearly, “Wenxin is a very important person to me. For my sake, Yunshu worked hard to balance the relationship between us so that I wouldn’t have to feel torn between love and family.
“Now it’s my turn to do the same for her.” Jin Hanshuang spoke with genuine emotion, openly meeting Lu Fangru’s gaze and letting her scrutinize her.
She was worthy of the love Lu Yunshu had given her—which was why she could stand here today, facing Lu Yunshu’s family head on.
Lu Fangru assessed Jin Hanshuang.
The younger woman’s eyes were clear and bright, her tone steady and composed, as if she had already made up her mind to leave a good impression on Lu Fangru for Yunshu’s sake.
This was not the demeanor of someone telling a lie.
Lu Fangru looked away and headed for the bathroom.
Seeing this, Jin Hanshuang’s eyes lit up slightly.
Did this mean she was implicitly agreeing to their relationship?
“Great.” She smiled and followed Lu Fangru.
Lu Fangru glanced back at her once, then looked away. “Don’t be happy too soon. If you treat Yunshu poorly, we’ll make sure she breaks up with you.”
A familiar phrase.
Shen Wenxin had said something similar to Lu Yunshu.
Jin Hanshuang’s eyes curved into a smile. “Director Lu is welcome to keep watch.”
The meeting went smoothly, and dinner came to an end.
Lu Fangru and Cheng Shu were prepared to leave.
Lu Yunshu went over to say her goodbyes.
Cheng Shu wrapped a scarf around her and reminded her to stay warm, then went to get the car for his wife.
Lu Fangru looked at her niece, then at Jin Hanshuang waiting a short distance away.
She raised her hand and patted Lu Yunshu on the head. “Go home and rest early. Be careful on the road.”
Lu Yunshu nodded. “You too. Message me when you get home.”
Lu Fangru agreed.
Then she reached out and hugged Lu Yunshu, just like she had the morning after Lu Yunshu came out to her.
“Yunshu, Auntie still believes in what she said—as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
As long as her niece was happy, the rest didn’t matter.
Lu Yunshu’s eyelashes fluttered.
Her aunt’s warmth seeped into her heart, filling it whole.
She smiled without thinking and hugged the aunt who loved her most in the world.
“Thank you, Auntie.”
Right now, she was very happy—so very, very happy.
When Lu Fangru saw Cheng Shu drive up, she patted her niece’s hand. “Alright, I need to get going. Next time you come back to have dinner with us, you can bring the new friend you made peace with too.”
Lu Yunshu caught on, her eyes curving into a smile. “Alright, we’ll definitely be there.”
Lu Fangru said, “As for your family hierarchy…”
Lu Yunshu looked at her.
Lu Fangru waved a hand. “It’s too complicated. Let’s consider them individually.”
Lu Yunshu’s eyes curved again. “Alright.”
With that, Lu Fangru and her husband left.
Lu Yunshu watched them go, then turned and walked toward her girlfriend.
Jin Hanshuang reached out to take her hand.
Their fingers intertwined.
“What did you and Auntie talk about?”
“Auntie invited us to come over for a meal next time.”
“?”
“She also said Wenxin could come too.”
Jin Hanshuang blinked, then her face lit up with joy.
She hugged Lu Yunshu. “That’s wonderful~”
Lu Yunshu thought so too.
She curved her lips into a gentle smile. “It is.”
“Next time, I’ll introduce you to my little cousin,” Lu Yunshu said.
“Alright,” Jin Hanshuang replied with a smile.
“And also You You and Jia Jia[1].”
“Alright~”
“Wait a second—your aunt inviting me for dinner…it’s not because she overheard what we said earlier, is it?”
“Maybe?”
“Did she hear me asking you to save your words for later?”
“Probably not, because I whispered,” Lu Yunshu answered, leaning close to Jin Hanshuang’s ear and breathing warm air against it. “Like this…”
Jin Hanshuang’s ear was tickled by Lu Yunshu’s breath. “You’re being naughty again—”
She couldn’t help but laugh.
The mischievous little puppy relentlessly teased her jiejie, then wrapped her in a hug.
Snow began to fall around them, pale and flawless.
They stood together, watching the snow fall.
Their bodies swayed slowly, almost childishly.
Today, they were so happy.
The New Year had passed, but their joy lingered.
When the moment passed, they brushed the snow off each other’s shoulders.
They held hands and walked toward the parking lot.
Auntie and Uncle had gone home.
Now, they were heading home too.
The translator (AmEricaNo) has something to say:
Apologies for the slight delay, y’all.
The author (热到昏厥) has something to say:
These two are in bliss again.
[1] Lu Yunshu’s friends from the group chat.
I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.