Li Niannian frowned and glared at Chen Cheng.
Then she put her arm around Su Yue’s shoulder and said, "He was afraid of delaying your competition, so he didn't tell you in advance. Don't overthink it, he'll be back soon."
"Really?" Su Yue's eyes were already red as she looked at Li Niannian.
She suddenly remembered scenes from police thrillers, often filled with excitement and danger.
Even knowing it was a movie, it would make one fearful and scared.
What would Chen Ziming face?
She dared not think about it.
"Yes, our dads are in this line of work, don't you know?"
Li Niannian only knew that Su Minghua was Su Yue's stepfather, and they had a strained relationship later due to college applications.
But Su Minghua treated Su Yue very well, more responsibly than a biological father, according to her father.
So Li Niannian did not object to Su Minghua.
Su Yue's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't follow up on the conversation.
Before Chen Ziming left, he had specifically instructed Chen Cheng and Li Niannian to take good care of Su Yue.
Seeing her mood worsening, the two quickly tried to comfort and persuade her, managing to lead her away.
"Where do you want to stay? My place or Officer Chen's? I'll stay with you." Li Niannian held Su Yue's hand all along.
How could she dare to go to Chen Ziming's house again? Seeing it would only fill her with anxiety.
So she returned home with Li Niannian.
Su Yue remained preoccupied, constantly checking her phone, even though she knew Chen Ziming wouldn't be back anytime soon.
The pinned conversation box with the remark "Boyfriend" remained without any messages.
On Saturday evening, she suddenly received a call from his mother.
Meng Hualan invited her to a gathering on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"But... isn't Chen Ziming on a business trip?" Su Yue asked cautiously after hearing the invitation.
"Yes, but it's alright. Grandpa and Grandma mainly want to see you, and your Uncle Chen also wants to meet you." Meng Hualan's tone was very relaxed.
Uncle Chen.
Without Chen Ziming by her side, she felt a bit timid again, but remembering his comforting words, she gathered her courage and accepted.
"Okay, Auntie," she said softly.
"That's wonderful," Meng Hualan replied happily, then seemed to realize something and asked,
"Are you worried about him, Yueyue? You sound quite down."
Su Yue's heart sank, and she softly hummed in agreement.
"Don't be afraid! Where are you? Auntie will pick you up for dinner." Meng Hualan laughed heartily.
She paused for a moment, wanting to refuse, but was curious about Meng Hualan's attitude. After some hesitation, she agreed.
However, she didn't ask her to pick her up but arranged a meeting place and took a taxi there.
Meng Hualan sighed helplessly when she saw Su Yue's dispirited appearance and sat beside her with a smile.
"Yueyue, would you like to hear Chen Ziming's story?" she asked gently, holding Su Yue's hand.
Su Yue blinked in surprise and looked at Meng Hualan.
"Then I'll tell you," Meng Hualan said, not waiting for her answer and starting her story.
"From the moment he was born, he was everyone's treasure, growing up with the careful attention and companionship of our large family."
"His maternal grandfather, you know who he is, had always planned for him to take over the majority of Lanshan Group. His paternal grandfather wanted him to serve the country like himself."
"My husband and I didn't deliberately guide him, hoping he could develop according to his own wishes."
"Chen Ziming, on the other hand, was always a bit mischievous from childhood. The children in the family were a bit afraid of him, so when he decided to become a police officer, I wasn't too surprised; it suited his temperament."
"Your grandfather was naturally pleased and wanted to help him from early on, but he completely refused."
"Therefore, his schooling, career, and accolades were all earned by himself. Some people might have given him extra consideration due to his family background, but his abilities are truly undeniable."
"In fact, he didn't need to do an internship or go to the grassroots level and work so hard, but he insisted on it, and we wouldn't stop him."
"It's just that I would also worry, just like you, at first."
As Meng Hualan spoke, her voice clearly carried a hint of melancholy.