Chapter 342: Chapter 342 - 337: Always Alone

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Li called Shi Su, saying that Mr. Jing wanted to meet her and arranged a place for a meeting.

Considering the weather, Shi Su chose a classical Chinese-style restaurant with a serene and elegant ambiance near the old Jing Family residence. However, she didn’t order any food, nor did Mr. Jing. They only asked for two glasses of water and a private room suitable for a conversation.

Mr. Jing got straight to the point and asked her, "Is there anything you’d like to say to me, girl?"

Shi Su knew that Mr. Jing always caught wind of matters quickly. Although he was an elder who took things in stride, he would also stand up for her when noticing Mrs. Jing’s unkind attitude, and even defend her, not minding her background or past.

Such a lovable old man was now meeting her with seriousness.

Regardless of whether the photos and news online were told to him by Jing Sixue, or if he found out through other channels, today, Shi Su noticed the seriousness and displeasure in this lovable old man’s eyes.

Mr. Jing could still call her "girl."

That was enough to show his goodwill. He wasn’t there to outright reprimand her, but genuinely wanted to have a chat.

Mr. Jing said only three sentences.

"Shi Su, my girl, I really like you. In this world, no matter the profession or environment, one should live freely and unrestrainedly. You don’t need to create a persona; authenticity is the rarest trait."

"You are smart, with a blend of softness and resilience. Not considering the complex relations of your Shi Family, just seeing you as an individual, in my eyes, you are a wise and good girl. Jihan likes you, and I, as an old man, will lovingly accept all of you."

"But it does not include the fact that you have a child. You must know, the Jing Family, after all, is the Jing Family."

Shi Su did not interrupt as Mr. Jing spoke those three sentences. She listened silently, and by the end, she looked down at the glass of water in front of her and said, "I understand."

The Jing Family is, after all, the Jing Family.

In those few words, much was encapsulated.

No need for unnecessary rambling.

Those who understand, will naturally understand.

A truly wise person, even when facing juniors, would not carelessly offend.

Mr. Jing’s grace and authority, though not injuring Shi Su in the slightest, made her realize the stark disparity between herself and Jing Jihan.

If Jing Jihan could personally erase this disparity, the old man could choose to turn a blind eye.

But the existence of a child whose origins are unclear is a barrier the Jing Family could never accept.

Mr. Jing saw that she didn’t bother to explain beyond what was necessary, nor did she plea for clemency or utter a useless word.

He placed a card on the table, "Although this might seem disrespectful, I have truly cared for you. It’s not easy for a woman to raise a child alone, and this is a token of my concern for you and the child. Whether you stay domestically in the entertainment industry or relocate elsewhere for work, this should be enough for you both to live well. This isn’t an insult; you can see it as my apology."

The scenario Shi Su once imagined unfolded before her eyes, and she suddenly started laughing.

But it was just a brief laugh. She pushed the card back towards the old man, gratefully saying, "No, thank you, Mr. Jing. I’ll raise my own daughter. These years we’ve never faced severe hardship, and now I have a better working environment and capacity. You don’t need to apologize to me. Knowing you, and having such a beautiful journey for a few months, has been my privilege."

Mr. Jing nodded, said no more, stood up, and took the cane handed by Mr. Li. Then, looking back at her, the warmth in his eyes replaced by the authority and sternness of the Jing Family elder, he asked, "Do you know what you should do?"

Shi Su met his cold gaze, "I know, I will sever all the back routes between him and me. Rest assured."

The old man gave her one more deep look, then turned and left with Mr. Li’s help.

In the living room of the old house, having been unoccupied for a long time with no one called to clean it either, even though blankets covered the sofas and furniture, there was still a smell of dust in the air.

Shi Su cleaned the children’s room in the afternoon, let Mianmian take a nap there, and brought out her old toys for her to play with.