Lin Mei and Feng Feng listened to Lan Lan’s description and began to offer her advice. Both of them were in complete agreement, believing that Lan Lan should be upfront with Liang Yufeng about the matter. They felt that concealing it would only lead to more misunderstandings. Lan Lan had also thought the same way; if Jiang Wan’s physical condition hadn't been so precarious, she would have told Liang Yufeng without hesitation.
Lan Lan said, "He and his mother have relied on each other for so many years. If they really fall out because of me, I can't bear it."
Lin Mei asked, "So, are you planning to keep it a secret and break up with him?"
Feng Feng was even more direct, "Are you afraid he'll regret it and blame you later?"
The two of them truly understood her, always hitting the nail on the head with their questions. Lan Lan had always been decisive, especially in matters of the heart, usually offering guidance to others. Today, however, the roles were reversed.
She was indeed in a mess. Firstly, she hadn't figured out what the future held for her and Liang Yufeng. Secondly, she had no confidence in Liang Yufeng, or rather, in herself. She subconsciously assumed that Liang Yufeng wouldn't like her for long and would eventually regret it. To think that she would one day feel so insecure.
Lan Lan talked at length with Lin Mei and Feng Feng, which opened up her thinking considerably, but she still couldn't make a final decision.
In reality, there were only two options. One was to completely separate from Liang Yufeng. Now that he had been suspended by Hetai, he had lost his former power and influence. Even if she forced a separation, Liang Yufeng wouldn't be able to interfere with her work. Or, even if he could still interfere, she wouldn't care; she could just find another job. She had admitted earlier that she was threatened by Liang Yufeng because she was still interested in him.
The other path was to marry Liang Yufeng and truly become "family." Jiang Wan and Xu Zhengxi both believed she was with Liang Yufeng for money and power. Now that Liang Yufeng was at a low point in his life, marrying him would dispel such speculation.
Xu Zhengxi, perhaps having lived in her own bubble for too long, believed that everyone who approached the Xu family was after money. She admitted to liking money, but she wasn't materialistic. While her past boyfriends were indeed wealthy, it was because she was outstanding and only encountered men of that caliber.
Of course, if she found someone compatible, she wouldn't mind keeping a kept man who would do her laundry and cook for her at home.
However, the word "marriage" still felt too heavy for her; it wasn't a decision that could be made on impulse. Lan Lan decided to think it over carefully for a few more days, and only then would she meet with Liang Yufeng.
Before going to bed that night, Liang Yufeng suddenly received a WeChat message from Lin Mei. She asked, "Are you busy?"
Liang Yufeng replied, "No, is there something you need?"
Liang Yufeng usually met Lin Mei often, but they didn't contact each other much privately, usually only chatting when there was something to discuss. Lin Mei must have had a reason for contacting him this time.
Indeed, after a few minutes, Lin Mei sent a long message. Liang Yufeng read it carefully, his expression gradually becoming serious.
It turned out that Lan Lan had told him she was working late yesterday and couldn't come because Xu Zhengxi's people had found her and even arranged for her to meet Jiang Wan.
Jiang Wan knew the truth, and there was no need for Lin Mei to elaborate on why she approached Lan Lan. Liang Yufeng had a general idea, but Lan Lan hadn't mentioned it to him. What did she plan to do?
Listen to Jiang Wan and break up with him, never to see each other again?
Thinking of this, Liang Yufeng couldn't help but clench his phone, but he didn't forget to thank Lin Mei, "Thank you for telling me this."
Lin Mei said, "It's okay. After thinking it over, I still felt I should tell you. There can't be any more misunderstandings between you two."
Lin Mei had made this decision after careful consideration and consultation with Xing Zheng. Over the years, there had been enough misunderstandings between Liang Yufeng and Lan Lan. Even if Lan Lan ultimately decided to separate from Liang Yufeng, he had the right to know the truth. But Lan Lan's proud nature meant she would never speak of it herself.
Therefore, Lin Mei decided to give her a nudge.
After receiving the news, Liang Yufeng barely slept that night. He didn't know what decision Lan Lan would make. If she really decided to leave, could he keep her?
Tossing and turning all night, Liang Yufeng got out of bed at five o'clock. He took a shower, made breakfast downstairs, and took Mai Xuanfeng to Lan Lan's apartment.
Lan Lan had also been lost in thought all night and hadn't slept well. It wasn't until four in the morning that she finally felt sleepy from exhaustion. She slept so soundly that she didn't hear Liang Yufeng opening the door and entering the apartment.
It wasn't until eight o'clock, when Lan Lan got up to use the restroom, that she heard the dog barking outside.
She opened her bedroom door and saw Mai Xuanfeng running towards her. Mai Xuanfeng, having not seen her for days, was overjoyed and leaped towards her. Lan Lan accepted her enthusiastic greeting, holding her front paws, and then saw Liang Yufeng emerge from the kitchen.
Seeing him in this situation, Lan Lan felt a bit complicated. "Why did you come over?"
"I made wontons, do you want some?" Liang Yufeng replied, avoiding the question.
Hearing him say that, Lan Lan actually felt hungry and followed him into the kitchen. They sat down at the table, and Mai Xuanfeng also sat quietly by the dining table.
Lan Lan hadn't slept much and couldn't help but yawn. Liang Yufeng noticed and asked, "What time did you finish working overtime yesterday?"
He didn't expose the truth, and Lan Lan continued to lie, "Around two or three in the morning."
Liang Yufeng said, "Oh, you have so much work lately."
Lan Lan replied, "I'm just a worker; whatever the boss says, goes."
The conversation was mundane, and Lan Lan's tone was similar to her usual demeanor. Judging by her attitude, she didn't seem inclined to explain what happened last night. Liang Yufeng fell silent.
After they finished breakfast together, while clearing the table, Liang Yufeng asked Lan Lan, "What do you want to eat for lunch? I'll go buy groceries."
Lan Lan was momentarily unsure how to respond. Although she had thought about having Liang Yufeng do her laundry and cooking at home yesterday, she hadn't expected this "wish" to come true so quickly.
"What's wrong?" Liang Yufeng looked a bit confused. "Is it inconvenient for you?"
"No," Lan Lan listed a few dishes, playfully saying, "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. How could I possibly deserve for Mr. Liang to personally come to my place to cook for me?"
"Go back and sleep. I'll go buy groceries." With that, he left.
Lan Lan, however, couldn't sleep. She sat on the sofa, lost in thought again. Seeing that she wasn't paying attention, Mai Xuanfeng also jumped onto the sofa and rested her head on Lan Lan's lap. Lan Lan stroked her head and muttered to herself, "What do you think I should do?"
Mai Xuanfeng didn't understand but whined, pretending to chat with her.
Lan Lan smiled, "You're truly my good daughter."
Liang Yufeng made lunch and dinner at Lan Lan's apartment. After dinner, without Lan Lan having to say anything, he自觉地 took Mai Xuanfeng and left.