Married in a Daze - Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Qin Zhenzhen sat in the private dining room, her head lowered. The thought of embarrassing herself twice in a row made it impossible for her to look up. Lu Ruyun, however, smiled and comforted her, "It's fine, Zhenzhen. My aunt won't mind."

How could she not mind?

The first time, she had called 'Mom' over the phone. The second time, she had ended up sitting directly on Lu Ruyun's lap. The more she thought about it, the more she felt she had completely lost her composure. Would Lu Ruyun's aunt think she was terribly ill-mannered?

Qin Zhenzhen fidgeted uneasily, feeling as if she had needles in her seat, pricking her uncomfortably.

"I'm going to the restroom," Qin Zhenzhen said, squirming on her chair for a few seconds before finally getting up. Before Lu Ruyun could even nod, voices came from the doorway. Both looked over to see Lu Sheng standing at the entrance, being led over by a server.

Lu Sheng looked even younger than she had in the video call. Her features bore some resemblance to Lu Ruyun's. Perhaps due to her frequent smiling, fine lines were visible at the corners of her eyes. Her expression wasn't as stern as Qin Zhenzhen had imagined; she wore a gentle smile as she nodded to the server and walked into the room.

Lu Ruyun stood up and called out, "Aunt."

Qin Zhenzhen opened her mouth, and after a moment, followed suit, "Aunt."

Her voice was somewhat low, but still audible. Lu Sheng wore a smile as she approached. "You really came back. I thought you were pulling my leg."

Her voice was somewhat low, but still audible. Lu Sheng wore a smile as she approached and extended her hand. "Zhenzhen, hello."

Qin Zhenzhen hurriedly shook her hand, her expression reverent. Seeing this, Lu Sheng smiled, pressing her lips together. "Zhenzhen, you don't need to be nervous."

"Okay," Qin Zhenzhen relaxed her expression slightly. Lu Sheng let go of her hand and took a box from her bag. "Ruyun only called me this morning, so it was a rush. I didn't prepare a gift in advance. I just picked this one out. See if you like it?"

Qin Zhenzhen watched as Lu Sheng handed her the box. She was momentarily stunned, quickly looking at Lu Ruyun with a questioning blink of her eyes. Lu Ruyun smiled. "Zhenzhen, accept it. It's a New Year's gift from Aunt."

New Year's in Country J had long since passed, but they had just arrived from City A, so Qin Zhenzhen didn't decline. She accepted the box, opened it, and found a pair of jade pieces tied with red silk thread. Qin Zhenzhen glanced at their small, exquisite, and adorably carved forms. She smiled at Lu Sheng. "Thank you, Aunt. I really like them."

Lu Sheng nodded. "I'm glad you like them."

"Sit down."

As she spoke, she took the lead to sit at the dining table. Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun exchanged a look and sat down as well. The room was quiet. Lu Sheng looked at Lu Ruyun, then at Qin Zhenzhen, and smiled. "Why are you both so reserved? Did I disturb you?"

"No," Qin Zhenzhen quickly replied.

Lu Ruyun stood up, poured Lu Sheng a cup of tea, and handed her the menu. "Aunt, we can order now."

Lu Sheng passed the menu to Qin Zhenzhen. "Zhenzhen, you order. I don't know what you two like to eat."

Qin Zhenzhen took the menu, glancing at Lu Ruyun out of the corner of her eye, her fingers pinching the menu. Lu Ruyun leaned closer. "Zhenzhen, Aunt's taste is similar to mine."

"Okay." Hearing this, Qin Zhenzhen checked off a few dishes and finally pressed the table bell. The server came in and took the order. Lu Sheng watched Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun discreetly, sipped her tea, and a look of relief appeared in her eyes.

When Lu Ruyun first mentioned being with Qin Zhenzhen and even getting married, she had been worried. She had searched for a lot of information about Qin Zhenzhen, most of which was related to scandals. She hadn't been optimistic about their relationship at first. But this was the first time in so many years that Lu Ruyun had told her she was in love. Regardless of anything else, she was willing to offer her blessings.

In later chats with Ruyun, she had deliberately or inadvertently brought up Qin Zhenzhen. Although Ruyun never said it explicitly, her voice would always soften unconsciously, letting her know that Ruyun truly liked her.

She began to let go of her previously prejudiced view and get to know Qin Zhenzhen anew. The more she learned, the more she felt this girl was very lovely. She seemed to possess a certain magic, making people like her instinctively.

While waiting for the food, Lu Sheng asked, "So, where are you two staying?"

Lu Ruyun poured a cup of tea. "At a hotel nearby."

"A hotel?"

Lu Sheng frowned. "Is that convenient? I have another apartment nearby. You two could..."

Lu Ruyun took a sip of tea. "It's very convenient."

Hearing this, Lu Sheng gave up on the idea of them staying at her place and asked, "How long are you staying this time? I have a couple of days off. I could show you around?"

Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen exchanged a look and smiled. She replied, "Aunt, we're only staying two days. Zhenzhen is here for a shoot. We're leaving early the day after tomorrow."

"So soon?"

Lu Sheng looked hesitant. "Then... would you like to take Zhenzhen home for a meal? Your grandfather and the others still don't know you're married."

Lu Ruyun's expression darkened slightly, her voice turning cool. "No need."

Lu Sheng looked at her face, falling silent for a few seconds. Lu Ruyun stood up. "Aunt, Zhenzhen, I'm going to the restroom."

Qin Zhenzhen looked up, a hint of concern in her eyes. "I'll go with you."

Lu Ruyun patted the back of her hand. "I'm fine. Stay here and keep Aunt company."

"Okay," Qin Zhenzhen agreed obediently.

Only after Lu Ruyun left did Lu Sheng sigh, a note of dejection in her voice. "Sorry, Zhenzhen. I spoke out of turn just now."

Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. "Ruyun just needs a bit more time. She just got back."

"Hmm," Lu Sheng acknowledged. "I was too impatient."

She took a sip of tea, composing herself, the redness around her eyes receding. When she spoke again, her expression had returned to normal. "Zhenzhen, how long have you known Ruyun?"

Qin Zhenzhen thought about it. "About a year."

Surprise flickered in Lu Sheng's eyes. She had thought they must have known each other for a long time. After all, she knew Ruyun's personality—slow to warm up, not one to trust others easily. For Zhenzhen to have known her for only a year, yet to already be married and have such a good relationship, truly surprised her.

Her astonishment was too great to conceal the look in her eyes immediately. Qin Zhenzhen caught it perfectly, lowering her gaze and looking down. "Is it too short?"

Hearing this, Lu Sheng reined in her surprise and smiled, pressing her lips together. "No. I just think it's quite incredible. You probably know Ruyun's personality."

Qin Zhenzhen thought of Lu Ruyun's old-fashioned nature. Before they were together, she had inwardly complained about it several times. Remembering this, she nodded with a smile. "I know."

After saying this, she looked up at Lu Sheng. It was as if they had just finished gossiping about Lu Ruyun, and they shared a knowing smile.

When Lu Ruyun returned, she saw them smiling at each other. She walked in and sat beside Qin Zhenzhen. "What are you laughing about?"

Qin Zhenzhen raised her lips. "I'm telling Aunt all your little secrets."

Lu Ruyun glanced at her, then looked at Lu Sheng, who nodded with a light smile. Lu Ruyun pressed her lips together and averted her gaze.

Soon, the food started arriving. The dishes Qin Zhenzhen had ordered were all Lu Ruyun's favorites—the same ones Lu Sheng often used to eat with Lu Ruyun in the past. Watching dish after dish being served, Lu Sheng's gaze towards Qin Zhenzhen held even more appreciation.

The three of them chatted intermittently as they ate. Lu Sheng had ordered red wine, but Qin Zhenzhen had a shoot the next day and couldn't drink. She urged Lu Ruyun to have a few glasses with Lu Sheng while she kept her head down, focusing on the food.

The atmosphere at the table was warm. Lu Sheng was a good conversationalist. Although Lu Ruyun didn't say much, only chiming in occasionally, it didn't hinder their conversation. Qin Zhenzhen listened to them talk about things from the past, never finding it tedious. In fact, she wanted to hear more.

These were all stories from Lu Ruyun's past. She wanted to know all of them.

Lu Ruyun listened to Lu Sheng recount old stories with a calm expression. She would only occasionally tilt her head to look at Qin Zhenzhen, putting food in her bowl, and chimed in, "Aunt, they're all just old stories. Better not mention them."

Lu Sheng looked at her deeply. "Ruyun, the only things I can remember now are these old stories."

After all, they hadn't been in contact for thirteen years. The last time they met in City A, Lu Ruyun was having an episode, in the hospital, not letting anyone near. The attending doctor had advised them it was best not to appear before Lu Ruyun, fearing it might trigger her. Lu Sheng usually didn't even dare to call frequently.

It was only in the last two years that their contact had become slightly more frequent.

Hearing this, Lu Ruyun's hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly.

Qin Zhenzhen covered the back of her hand and smiled at Lu Sheng. "That's not true, Aunt. We'll come back often in the future, and you can also come to City A to visit us. Ruyun is right. Let's not dwell on those old stories. We'll have new stories in the future."

Her clear, light voice struck Lu Ruyun's eardrums like a spring. A stream of warmth surged in Lu Ruyun's heart. She looked up at Lu Sheng. "Aunt, Zhenzhen is right. You can come to City A to visit us often in the future."

Lu Sheng looked at Lu Ruyun, who was extending an invitation to her for the first time, and was stunned for a long moment before saying, "Ruyun, you're completely different from before."

Lu Ruyun smiled, pressing her lips together. She turned to look at Qin Zhenzhen, tenderness overflowing in her eyes, her voice soft. "Zhenzhen taught me. One should look forward in life."

Lu Sheng raised her glass towards Qin Zhenzhen. "Thank you, Zhenzhen."

There was a drink in the glass in front of Qin Zhenzhen. Facing Lu Sheng's solemn gesture, she quickly swapped glasses with Lu Ruyun. The red wine in the glass swayed, hitting the sides, releasing a faint aroma.

After the meal, Lu Sheng went to the restroom. Qin Zhenzhen sat on her chair and said to Lu Ruyun, "Your aunt is so easygoing."

Lu Ruyun nodded with a smile. "Hmm, she's always been like that."

Qin Zhenzhen chuckled. "That's really good."

Earlier, she had been too embarrassed to speak because of the two awkward incidents, but Lu Sheng had always found topics to chat with her about, never putting pressure on her or making her feel uncomfortable. Qin Zhenzhen's worries completely vanished, and in the end, she was laughing and chatting with Lu Sheng.

Lu Ruyun glanced sideways at Qin Zhenzhen's relaxed smile, her heart swaying slightly. She had drunk quite a bit of wine; her mind wasn't entirely clear. Before her eyes was Qin Zhenzhen's flower-like smiling face and slightly parted red lips. They were sitting close; with just a tilt of her head, she could smell the familiar fragrance.

Qin Zhenzhen sensed her gaze fixed on her face. She turned her head and smiled. "Ruyun..."

Just as she turned, Lu Ruyun kissed her slightly parted red lips. It was just a light touch, quickly parting. Lu Ruyun's cheeks were flushed, waves of autumn rippling in her eyes—clearly tipsy.

Seeing her like this, Qin Zhenzhen smiled softly. She cupped Lu Ruyun's face and gave her a firm kiss. The movement was too vigorous, knocking the fork off the table. It fell to the floor with a clear, crisp sound. Qin Zhenzhen frowned, let go of Lu Ruyun, and was about to bend down to pick it up when, unexpectedly, Lu Ruyun also bent over.

"Ruyun, did you find it?"

"No."

"Move over a bit. Let me look."

"No need. I'll find it in a second."

The door to the private room suddenly opened. Lu Sheng saw no one at the table; voices were coming from underneath it.

"Ruyun, hurry up."

"Okay, I feel it."

"Hey, that's my leg. Stop touching around."

Lu Sheng stopped in her tracks at the doorway, quickly retreated from the room, and closed the door.

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