2217: Conversation between Mother and Daughter
Song Lan’s words left Ji Qingyan at a loss for words.
She had never considered this question before.
“Come on, speak up. Why are you silent all of a sudden?”
“I don’t want to.”
“Then why do you keep forcing him? Let him do what he likes, give each other some freedom. The tighter you hold on, the faster he’ll run.”
“But I’m doing it for his own good.”
“What do you mean ‘for his own good’?” Song Lan lectured,
“That’s moral coercion. You say you’re acting in his best interests when, in reality, you’re just trying to make yourself happy.”
By now, the seaweed egg drop soup in the pot was ready, and Song Lan served it.
“Think about it, has Lin Yi ever restricted you? I’ve heard quite a bit about the two of you from Tao Yuan and Gao. Lin Yi has not only refrained from restricting you but has always been very supportive, hasn’t he? Many times, if it weren’t for him, helping you clean up the mess, would your Chaoyang Group have developed to where it is today?”
Ji Qingyan didn’t speak because she didn’t know what to say.
On reflection, it seemed to be true.
Without Lin Yi’s push, Chaoyang Group could not have reached today’s heights and would definitely have struggled in the industry.
She wouldn’t have the freedom to acquire land in Zhong Hai, Yuhang, and Yang City like she did now.
All that was brought to her by Lin Yi.
He indeed never restricted her and gave her the greatest freedom.
Whatever she wanted to do, he would support her fully.
“By the way, he was wearing the same clothes last New Year as he is now, and that was a year ago. Haven’t you bought him any new clothes?”
“He’s an adult; I can’t buy everything for him, can I?”
Song Lan threw a strange look at Ji Qingyan, but she didn’t say anything.
“What are you looking at me with that expression for?”
“If I were Lin Yi, I definitely wouldn’t date you.”
“Hmm?”
Ji Qingyan was not willing to listen to this. “What’s wrong with me, why wouldn’t someone be willing to date me?”
“You’re always so willful, and there’s always so much going on with you. What would he gain from being with you?” Song Lan said,
“You’re beautiful, isn’t Lin Yi good-looking? Are you richer than him? Are your connections stronger than his? What does he gain from being with you? Honestly, I think he’s exhausted.”
Ji Qingyan fell silent and stopped speaking.
“Moreover, think about it. He’s managed to achieve so much in just a few years, surpassing our family’s decades of hard work. Isn’t it all due to his own abilities?” Song Lan said,
“Think about it, if he was just an ordinary policeman, could he have accomplished so much? Some things can’t just be taken at face value. Every event in the world has a cause, a single wrong step could lead to a completely different outcome.”
With that said, Song Lan brought over the steamed buns and rice porridge, adding,
“Anyway, I’ve thought it through. If I were Lin Yi, I’d definitely keep my distance from you. I’d be worn out.”
Ji Qingyan stood still, unable to speak for quite some time.
Her emotions were in turmoil.
“Don’t just stand there, bring the rest of the things up. Let’s start eating.”
Sigh~~~
Ji Qingyan took a deep breath and then brought the rest of the food to the table.
“Lin Yi, breakfast is ready. Come down when you’re finished.”
“Got it, Auntie,” Lin Yi called back from upstairs.
At that moment, Ji Antai came out from the bathroom downstairs, looked at the sumptuous breakfast spread, and said cheerfully,
“You’ve prepared such a big table this early morning. My son-in-law is really honored.”
“His parents aren’t here; if I don’t look after him a bit, who’s going to? Your daughter?” Song Lan replied,
“I went to the hospital a few days ago, and the doctors emphasized how crucial breakfast is among the three meals of the day; otherwise, illness is likely to follow.”
Ji Qingyan listened with mixed feelings in her heart, her expression complex.
Soon, Lin Yi came downstairs, and the family began to eat.
Song Lan was as warm and welcoming as ever, treating Lin Yi like her own son.
After eating, Lin Yi and Ji Qingyan went to work together, as usual, dropping her off at her company.
“If you’re busy tonight, you don’t need to come pick me up. I can drive back on my own.”
Lin Yi thought for a moment, “I’ll see how busy the precinct is. If it’s not too busy, I’ll come over.”
“Work comes first.”