Chapter 79: A Vow of Determination

That night, the two of them fell asleep in each other’s arms.

It was already December. As soon as Monday arrived, the two were drawn back into their busy work routines.

Wen Jiu chose to stay at home for a while, to spend time with her family.

On Tuesday evening, Wen Jiu and her mother sat together in Wen Jiu’s room, chatting like old friends.

Wen Jiu decided to confess to her mother that she was in a relationship.

“Mom, actually... I’m seeing someone.”

Her mother only nodded, not looking the least bit surprised—she had, in fact, already guessed as much.

Seeing her mother’s calm reaction, Wen Jiu understood she must have suspected it for some time.

Her mother simply asked a few basic questions: “Jiu Jiu, what is he like? Does he treat you well?”

Thinking of Gu Zehuai, Wen Jiu nodded sweetly. “Mom, he’s wonderful, and he’s very good to me. You know him too—it’s Gu Zehuai.”

Gu Zehuai? Her mother thought for a moment, then realized she did remember him.

She could recall his appearance, and knew who he was.

Precisely because she was aware of Gu Zehuai’s prominent background, Wen Jiu’s mother felt a trace of concern.

“Jiu Jiu, your father and I only wish for your health and happiness. We worry that if there’s too much of a gap between our families, you might get hurt.”

Wen Jiu nodded, understanding her parents’ well-intentioned concerns. Still, she spoke sincerely to her mother: “Mom, I know. I’m with him simply because we like each other. His family is very good to me as well.”

She went on to explain the circumstances under which she had met Gu Zehuai’s family.

Her mother, reassured, nodded and told Wen Jiu to bring Gu Zehuai home for dinner sometime.

Seeing that it was getting late, her mother got up to return to her own room.

Before leaving, her mother said gently, “Jiu Jiu, it’s perfectly normal for you to be in a relationship now, but remember to take good care of yourself.”

Wen Jiu caught her mother’s meaning immediately, blushed bright red, and nodded. “I understand, Mom.”

They wished each other good night, and only then did her mother return to her own room.

Lying in bed, Wen Jiu waited until the heat had faded from her cheeks before picking up her phone and video calling Gu Zehuai.

He answered instantly.

Wen Jiu noticed the background behind him wasn’t his apartment, and guessed he was at his family home.

“Zehuai, I just told my mom about us.”

At that, Gu Zehuai raised his eyebrows, waiting for Wen Jiu to continue.

“She also said we should find a time for you to come over for dinner.”

Gu Zehuai’s reaction was much like Wen Jiu’s had been—he looked a little nervous.

Seeing this, Wen Jiu couldn’t help but want to laugh, and reassured him, “We’ll wait until you’re ready, and then we can go to my place for dinner together.”

Gu Zehuai nodded and explained, “I’m ready anytime; I just don’t know how tough your parents’ test for me will be,” he joked.

Wen Jiu laughed at his mention of “future in-laws,” teasing him for thinking so far ahead.

Gu Zehuai, earnest, expressed his resolve: “Jiu Jiu, our relationship might still be new, but I’ll do my best to learn how to be a good boyfriend. As for marriage, that’s certainly something I hope for, but if you’re not ready, I’ll respect your wishes completely.”

Wen Jiu was moved by his words and wished she could fly to him that very moment.

Her own thoughts on marriage were to let things take their natural course.

She had no aversion to marriage; having witnessed the love between her parents and the way they cared for her, and having seen how Mr. and Mrs. Gu cherished each other, she had grown up in a loving family atmosphere. She yearned for marriage, and believed Gu Zehuai would be an even better husband than her own father or Mr. Gu. She was confident.

Wen Jiu shared her views on marriage with Gu Zehuai, who smiled and said, “Jiu Jiu, it seems we’re perfectly in sync.”

They continued their video call for a while longer before wishing each other good night.

On Wednesday afternoon, a plane landed slowly on the tarmac. In the arrival hall, Xu Xinying was waiting for someone to emerge.