CHAPTER 859: CHAPTER 861: ALREADY USED TO IT

"We stopped communicating, we were never close to begin with, just tied by that bloodline rope. Before I was an adult, they still sent money to me every year. After I became an adult, they didn’t give me a single penny."

"Actually, not communicating is also good. They’re not lacking me as a son. If we keep in touch, there will be a lot of troublesome things coming up, and I’d have to find time to visit them, which is very inconvenient. Besides, I know they’re doing pretty well now—my dad’s in business and he’s making quite a lot of money."

"As for my mom’s side, even though they’re just average folks, the whole family is pretty happy, so there’s no need for me to join in. I have that sense of self-awareness."

"I’m sorry for bringing up something so sad. I didn’t mean to ask." Tang Rong felt a bit regretful for asking him such questions earlier, proving that curiosity killed the cat!

"There’s nothing for you to feel guilty about. I know you’re just concerned about me. Besides, these things happened years ago, and I’ve long gotten used to it."

"That’s why I’ve never really thought about getting married. It’s not because I don’t want to marry you; it’s just that I’m a bit scared of it. What if I end up like my dad? If I have kids, would I treat them the same way my dad treated me, ignoring them?"

"That’s what I’m afraid of. Marriage itself is not a big deal; it’s the responsibility after marriage that matters. Can I take it on like a man should? I studied medicine and had researched genetic inheritance thoroughly. If I fully inherit my parents’ genes, wouldn’t I end up like them?"

Tang Rong hugged Xiao Yifei, suddenly realizing she hadn’t truly understood him at all. What she saw in Xiao Yifei was the good things he chose to show her—his gentleness, his excellent medical skill, his graceful demeanor.

For the first time, she saw into Xiao Yifei’s inner self. The individuals we envy all have troubles similar to ours; it’s just that we can’t see their pain.

Previously, she really envied Xiao Yifei; he was born into a family of physicians, received a good education, and after working, his career in the hospital seemed smooth-sailing, like he earned money just by showing up. To Tang Rong, Xiao Yifei always appeared like this, making money seemed easy for him.

It turns out everything we have comes at a cost. When we gain something new, we inevitably lose something old. Perhaps this is life.

Tang Rong said to Xiao Yifei, "The more I spend time with you, the more I feel there’s something about you that’s very familiar to me. Now I finally know what that sense of familiarity is."

"But I think you’re really lucky to have such a good grandfather. Without him, you couldn’t have achieved what you have today. I’m so fortunate to know you."

"So, at our core, we’re the same kind of people. We’ve both gone through unpleasant experiences. Although my parents didn’t divorce, I’ve almost been through the same things as you. So let’s promise each other not to hurt each other by touching on painful subjects, okay?"

"Okay."

A fairly happy weekend turned a bit sad due to this conversation between the two. Tang Rong was feeling a bit guilty.

"Alright, alright, let’s not talk about such sad topics. What’s past is past; the present is what’s most important. Having each other now is the happiest thing."

So, they got into a car and headed home.

Once home, Tang Rong saw the tea on the table and remembered what Xiao Yifei had said to her mother previously.

"Xiao Yifei, didn’t you say you love drinking tea? But I’ve never seen you drink it, yet you said it so nicely in front of my mom." Tang Rong remarked.

"I had to make a good impression, right? That’s my future mother-in-law. What if I make a tiny mistake and she doesn’t let you be with me?" Xiao Yifei replied.

"You can be completely reassured. I think my mom favors you much more than me. This morning when she came over and saw I hadn’t gotten up, she started saying I was lazy, completely dissatisfied with me, but then she saw you and started praising you for sleeping in."

"That’s preferential treatment, don’t you see? I’m almost wondering if she’s really my mom. She’s eager for us to be together, even saying this morning that if I don’t take you soon, you’ll be snatched away by another woman."

"Since the first time she saw you, she’s been exceptionally pleased with you, no idea what she’s fancied about you." Tang Rong comments, though her tone betrays a trace of discontent.

"Then tell me, what caught your attention! After all, Auntie has quite a discerning eye. Nowadays, guys like me who are handsome, wealthy, and treat their girlfriends well aren’t that common. You should be glad you have good luck with timing, location, and harmony." Xiao Yifei boasted proudly.

"Mr. Xiao Yifei, I never realized you rated yourself so highly. I never noticed you being handsome. Besides my charitable heart giving you a chance, who else would notice you?"

On Sunday, Xiao Yifei and Tang Rong had planned to look at cars together. Xiao Yifei had wanted to buy a car for a long time, and today he finally had the opportunity to get a car he liked, feeling excited from early morning.

He got up early and sat in the living room, waiting for Tang Rong to wake up.

But even by after nine, Tang Rong’s bedroom remained quietly closed. He didn’t dare to call Tang Rong up, worrying that she’d be unhappy all day if she hadn’t gotten enough sleep. So, he continued to wait in the living room, scrolling on his phone and letting an hour pass by.

After ten, Tang Rong finally emerged from her bedroom, surprised to see Xiao Yifei up so early. She asked, "Did the sun rise from the west today? Why are you up earlier than me?"

Xiao Yifei knew from Tang Rong’s look that she had forgotten about today’s outing. So he said, "Aren’t we going to buy a car today? I’m a bit excited, so I got up a bit earlier."

Only then did Tang Rong remember the day’s plans. Xiao Yifei had casually mentioned it yesterday, yet she had somehow forgotten. She worried Xiao Yifei might be upset, "Oh dear, Brother Xiao, I really forgot. Give me twenty minutes and I’ll get ready to go out with you."

Instead, Xiao Yifei calmly and coolly replied, "No worries, take your time to get ready. I’ve waited so long already, a little longer is fine."

Tang Rong couldn’t hear any mood from Xiao Yifei’s voice, but this made her even more worried—what if he was already angry? So she cautiously asked, "You aren’t mad, right? I really forgot about it. Why didn’t you wake me up this morning?"

"Oh, I’m really not mad. You get ready slowly; I just found an interesting video to watch. I wouldn’t dare to be mad at you; I can’t pamper you enough!" Xiao Yifei tried his best to smile.