Chapter 223

Wen Shu hesitated as if wanting to stop him, but Qingqing quickly walked outside and flagged down a taxi, disappearing inside it.

For the next two weeks, Wen Shu didn’t come around. Qingqing couldn’t say he was exactly disappointed, but he did feel it was his own fault. His mood inevitably dipped; he was cheerful with customers but often found himself lost in thought when alone.

Both Hui and Yu, being observant, quickly noticed his change in behavior and connected it to Wen Shu.

At twenty-three, Qingqing was of marriageable age. Due to his special constitution, his parents were especially worried about his finding a partner, fearing it might be difficult or challenging. Wen Shu’s appearance had somewhat eased their concerns.

From their interactions, they believed Wen Shu to be a good person—gentle, responsible, and reliable. He seemed to like Qingqing, so they were hopeful about the two developing a relationship.

But now, with Wen Shu suddenly absent, they wondered if he had found out about Qingqing’s condition and was put off.

Yu couldn’t hold back and chose a moment to talk to Qingqing directly. He wasn’t one to beat around the bush, so he asked outright, “What happened when you and Wen Shu went to the movies? Why hasn’t he come by since then?”

Avoiding his gaze, Qingqing softly replied, “He’s probably busy with work, and he doesn’t need to come by so often.”

Yu touched his face gently, his tone firm, “Tell me the truth, what happened between you two?”

“Mom, there’s nothing between us. We’re just ordinary friends. What could go wrong?” Qingqing forced a bright smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“He likes you, and you like him,” Yu said confidently.

Qingqing was taken aback for a moment before denying it quickly, “No, that’s not true. There are many suitable girls in his office. When his colleagues came for dinner, they were all teasing him. Maybe he’s already dating someone. It has nothing to do with me.”

Yu stared at him. “Wen Shu told me himself that he likes you!”

Qingqing was stunned. “When?”

“Before he asked you to the movies, he sought my advice because he wanted to confess to you.”

Qingqing was flustered, his mind racing. “Why would he inform the parents before confessing?” Having never been in a proper relationship, he couldn’t understand such behavior.

Yu replied, “It shows he’s serious about you and respects you. So what happened that day? Did he reject you because of your condition?”

Feeling the guilt and self-blame, Yu always felt it was his fault for taking unprescribed medicine during pregnancy, causing Qingqing’s abnormal constitution. Despite detecting anomalies during prenatal check-ups, he selfishly decided to give birth to Qingqing, without considering the future challenges Qingqing might face.

Qingqing quickly denied, “No, we didn’t talk about that. It’s my own fault. I’m not good enough for him. Mom, I’m just an ordinary person with low education, no proper job, and he’s the mayor’s secretary with military experience. He can find someone better and more suitable than me.”

Yu felt even sadder. In their small, remote community, marriage was based on mutual affection, without much parental interference. Social status, gender, or age differences weren’t obstacles. But in the big city, it was about matching social and economic status, making Qingqing feel inherently less desirable due to their poverty.

“It’s our fault for not earning more money…”

Qingqing immediately smiled, “It doesn’t matter. I’m still young, right? Maybe I’ll meet someone more suitable in the future.” He was too scared to reveal his past to his parents, despite being able to admit it to Wen Shu.

Yu gently patted his head and nodded softly.

Qingqing thought this was the end with Wen Shu until, on the first day of the third week, as he was closing the store after work, he saw Wen Shu waiting at the door.

Their shop usually closed around 2 AM, and after cleaning, it was close to 3 AM. Qingqing was about to lock up when he noticed Wen Shu standing there.

The man, tall and strong, with muscles evident even under his suit, caught Qingqing’s eye. Wen Shu’s eyes lit up when he saw Qingqing, and he gave a shy, slightly hesitant smile.