After staring at it for a few seconds, Shen Xi Fan finally responded, “Yep, that’s Dai Heng. But he goes by Yan Heng now.”
Her father frowned. “Fan Fan, are you still… I mean, do you two still keep in touch?”
She smiled faintly. “Dad, he’s staying at our hotel right now.”
Her father pulled over a chair and sat down. “I’ve rarely concerned myself with your relationships. I’ve always believed that the person my daughter chooses wouldn’t be a bad one, so I’ve never interfered. But three years ago, with what happened… I’ve been worried ever since.”
Lowering her head, she replied softly, “Dad, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. I’ve run into Dai Heng—no, Yan Heng—a few times recently. He even asked me if we still had a chance.”
Her father froze, then burst into laughter. “See? My daughter’s never going to be left on the shelf! Your mom worries too much. So, have you made up your mind?”
“I don’t know,” she said, propping her head on her hand. After some thought, she added, “Ever since I found out he was staying at our hotel, I’ve been avoiding him. If he doesn’t come looking for me, I won’t go looking for him. Honestly, I just want things to stay this way—I don’t want to think about it.”
Her father chuckled knowingly. “You’re so much like me. Let me tell you a secret: back in the day, your mom pursued me. I kept dodging her, thinking the same thing—you know, not wanting to think about it. But in the end, I still had to face it. Back then, I thought highly of Dai Heng. But after your breakup, I started to dislike him. A man with no sense of responsibility doesn’t deserve my precious daughter. Now that he wants to reconcile, I won’t interfere with your decision. Just remember two things: first, be honest with yourself about your feelings for him. Second, consider his current status and weigh your options carefully.”
After a long pause, Shen Xi Fan looked up. “Dad, you don’t usually get a say in family matters, but when you do, it’s pure wisdom—sharp and straight to the point. No wonder you work in political education.”
Her father puffed out his chest proudly. “Of course! Your dad’s speeches at meetings are always concise and exemplary.”
“Dad…” Shen Xi Fan hesitated, then added shyly, “Honestly, I don’t even want to get married. Staying with you and Mom forever would be perfect.”
Her father sighed. “If you get married, I’ll miss you terribly.”
“Then I just won’t get married!”
“What?! You dare not get married?” her mother’s booming voice echoed from the living room. “What are you two plotting in there? A rebellion? Lao Shen, don’t you dare fill our daughter’s head with nonsense!”
Her father’s face immediately darkened. Shen Xi Fan, clutching her blanket, laughed quietly to herself. She felt an overwhelming warmth and happiness—her family was her sanctuary. Her father offered timely wisdom, and her mother, though seemingly nagging, cared for her deeply.
As for Yan Heng, Shen Xi Fan finally resolved to face the situation.
* * *
The next day, Shen Xi Fan returned to the hotel, puzzled by the line of luxury cars outside. She stopped Lin Yi Shen, who was standing nearby, and asked, “Senior Brother, what’s going on? Are they filming a drama here?”
Lin Yi Shen tapped her forehead with his notebook. “Been off work for a few days and forgot how Earth works? Go back to Mars before things get dangerous!”
Xu Xiang Ya laughed. “Zhong Yu is holding a product launch. Look—they’re big now, and people are pouring in!”
A secretary approached them. “General Manager Cheng wants Managers Shen and Lin at the venue.”
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