Chapter 127 - 127 The Nearer The Hometown, The Scarier It Is, Ai Tingya Is Upset
127 The Nearer The Hometown, The Scarier It Is, Ai Tingya Is Upset
Ai Tingya’s golden lock was customized by Ai Zhaojiang’s old friend.
In the past, when he chatted with his neighbors, he would always see others carrying children around. Ai Zhaojiang was very envious, but his son did not seem interested in marriage, so Ai Zhaojiang made a golden lock to tactfully urge him to get married.
Every time he suffered a critical hit from his neighbor, he would take out the golden lock and play with it in front of his son.
However, Ai Zhaojiang found out that it was not that his son was not interested in marriage, but that his son had a girlfriend he was secretly dating later on. However, his girlfriend’s status was special. He knew that Ai Zhaojiang would definitely look down on her, so he had never publicized it.
Later on, the father and son fell out and Ai Tingya’s father ran away from home.
After so many years, Ai Zhaojiang thought that the golden lock had long been lost. He didn’t expect his son to take it away.
“I see, I see.” Ai Zhaojiang raised his hand to wipe the corners of his eyes.
He had imagined the scene of them reuniting countless times, but he did not expect his plan to be disrupted by a calligraphy painting.
“Do you think Tingya will be angry with me?” Ai Zhaojiang asked Luo Feng carefully.
“Tingya has always yearned to reunite with her family. You shouldn’t have hidden it from her,” Luo Feng said.
“Then what should I do now?” Ai Zhaojiang was at a loss. The learned professor revealed a child-like confusion, not knowing where to start.
He thought of Professor Jing’s words and said to Luo Feng, “Help me tell Tingya. I didn’t do it on purpose. I’m just afraid that she won’t be able to accept it.”
Luo Feng could not bear to reject an old man. He nodded and stood up to leave.
Ai Tingya stood under the osmanthus tree with her back facing them.
When Luo Feng walked closer, he saw that her face was already covered in tears. He gently held Ai Tingya’s head and let her slowly lean on his shoulder. Ai Tingya did not refuse and hugged Luo Feng obediently.
“Don’t cry. You should be happy.” Luo Feng comforted her softly.
“Boohoo… I’ve always, always wanted a family.” Ai Tingya cried softly. “But if I really have one, I’m a little afraid. I’m worried that they won’t like me…”
Luo Feng gently wiped Ai Tingya’s tears. “Doesn’t Professor Ai like you a lot? Just like my mother, he’s worried that you would be hungry.”
Ai Tingya looked up. “Then why didn’t he tell me?”
“Because I’m afraid too,” Ai Zhaojiang said.
He had walked out at some point and looked at Ai Tingya uneasily.
“I’m worried that you’ll blame me for not looking for you. I’m also worried that you won’t want to accept me as your grandfather.” Ai Zhaojiang lowered his head.
Every time he thought of how he was the instigator of the tragedy, he was afraid that Ai Tingya would hate him.
Ai Tingya did not say anything and just kept sobbing. Luo Feng stroked her back, his eyes filled with heartache. Unfortunately, he could not help with this matter. Only Ai Tingya could adjust it herself.
After Ai Zhaojiang finished speaking, neither of them spoke again. Both of them were in a heavy mood and were not as happy as they had imagined.
“If… If you’re unwilling, let’s get along like before?” Ai Zhaojiang no longer expected Ai Tingya to call his Grandpa. He only wanted to take a few more glances at her.
“Professor… Professor Ai, I’m a little confused. Let me go back and think about it.” Ai Tingya hid in Luo Feng’s arms, not knowing how to face Ai Zhaojiang.
It felt like she was angry, but also not.
Ai Zhaojiang did not know and could only ask Luo Feng for help.
Luo Feng shook his head gently. With his understanding of Ai Tingya, she would not be angry.
“Professor Ai, we’d better go back first.” Luo Feng hugged Ai Tingya and said, “Thank you for your hospitality today.”
With that, he mouthed, “I’ll persuade her.”
Normally, Ai Zhaojiang would definitely roar in her heart and ask Luo Feng to let go! But now, she was extremely glad that Luo Feng was a good person and could help her say a few words to Ai Tingya.
Only then did Ai Zhaojiang relax again. “Alright, alright. Take care on your way back.”
The two of them left the courtyard house. Luo Feng did not hire a car. He held Ai Tingya’s hand and walked slowly along the street. The two of them passed through the fallen leaves on the sidewalk and walked past the lively and bustling commercial street. It was as if they had returned to high school.
Luo Feng did not say anything and led Ai Tingya forward.
After walking for a while, Ai Tingya stopped. “Why don’t you ask me what I think?”
Luo Feng stroked her head and said, “My Tingya is a big child. I won’t interfere in your decision, but I want to tell you that no matter what you want to do, I will always support you.”
He coaxed Ai Tingya like he was coaxing a child, but Ai Tingya enjoyed it very much.
She pouted and said, “Of course I’m happy to have a relative. Come with me to see him next time, but you might have to adapt for a long time.”
“Of course. I’ll accompany you wherever you go,” Luo Feng said gently.
He really hoped that Ai Zhaojiang was in front of him. He wanted him to hear Ai Tingya’s words personally. Luo Feng wanted to tell Ai Zhaojiang that Ai Tingya was a soft-hearted person and did not have to worry that she would be so angry that she would ignore him.
Even though Ai Tingya was still at a loss. She had been alone for more than ten years and suddenly had a grandfather in front of her. Anyone would feel uneasy. Ai Tingya did not resist her family, but she suddenly got what she wanted.
The surreal feeling of her long-cherished wish being fulfilled, the fear that it was just a dream, could only be slowly healed by time.
…
A week later.
Luo Feng and Ai Tingya were in different classes. They would be in the same classroom during big classes. The time for class would usually be different. Moreover, Ai Tingya had also taken a few elective psychology classes. Sometimes, Luo Feng would pick her up when he had no classes.
On this day, Luo Feng held a bouquet of roses and waited at the entrance of the school building with a flushed face.
Many students who came out were looking at him, instantly becoming the most eye-catching scenery in front of the building.
Ai Tingya and a girl walked out holding hands with books. The girl’s name was Ye Piao. She was Ai Tingya’s roommate and let go immediately when she saw Luo Feng.
“Tingya, someone is here to pick you up.” The girl smiled and took the books from Ai Tingya. “I’ll help you bring it back to the dormitory.”
“Thank you, Piaopiao,” Ai Tingya said shyly.
Ye Piao covered her mouth and smiled. “I really envy you guys. You’re in love at any time. Go quickly. Your boyfriend will be anxious.”
After saying goodbye to her roommate, Ai Tingya skipped to Luo Feng.
Luo Feng handed over the flowers with both hands and said, “Congratulations, Ai Tingya. The renovation of the new house is over today. Shall we go over and take a look?”
Actually, it was not only the renovation that ended. Not only had Luo Feng gotten someone to clean it up, the furniture that the two of them had bought in advance had also been placed in the house. He had not gone to take a look and only waited to go with Ai Tingya.
Moreover, it was Friday today. Luo Feng could stay with Ai Tingya for two days.
Ai Tingya took the flowers and looked troubled. “I’m sorry, I might not be able to do it this weekend. I promised Professor Ai to go to his place. He said he wanted to show me Dad’s photo.”