Chapter 88: Chapter 88

As the evening lights began to glow, Su Lingzhi entered a music restaurant.

About an hour later, she finally gathered everyone, and Jiang Chenglin’s figure unexpectedly appeared in her sight.

Zhuang Xiaoxi, who was sitting next to her, stood up with her and greeted everyone, "Uncle Su, Aunt Su, Mister Jiang."

Su Lingzhi snapped out of her thoughts and quickly invited them to sit down.

Du Qin was the first to react, surprised, "Zhizhi, your eyesight is back?"

"Yes," Su Lingzhi smiled, her gaze fixed on her mother, "I haven’t seen you in two years, but you look just the same, not a bit different."

Her long, straight black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a pair of silver-rimmed glasses rested on her nose, exuding a mix of rigor and gentleness. The clothes she was wearing, Su Lingzhi remembered personally designing and sewing them two years ago. She hadn’t expected her mother to still keep them, despite their worn-out state.

Du Qin’s smile gathered warmly at the corners of her eyes, "Who says I’m unchanged? I’ve aged a lot, and even started growing gray hair."

Su Lingzhi turned to look at her father and said to them, "Mom, Dad, I went home today and brought back the gifts I prepared for you when I first returned to the country. They’re in the cabinet on the first floor, so remember to take a look when you get back."

Su Yao said, "No gift is more important than your health."

Du Qin agreed, "That’s right. Zhizhi, when did your eyesight return? Did you get a check-up at the hospital?"

"I could see this morning. Before coming here, I already visited the hospital for a vision check-up, and the doctor said there weren’t any major issues."

After some small talk, they then turned their attention to Jiang Chenglin.

Du Qin explained, "When I got off the car, I just happened to meet Chenglin. Seeing that he was alone, I brought him along."

Su Lingzhi stood up, extended her hand to him, and smiled warmly, "Brother Chenglin, long time no see." Newest update provıded by N0v3l.Fiɾe.net

The last time she saw his face was when she returned to the country, even though things were unpleasant between them back then.

But for her eyesight to recover, Brother Chenglin had put in a lot of effort. He was the first person she should thank, so how could she not welcome his sudden arrival?

Jiang Chenglin gazed absentmindedly at her clear, lively eyes. His heart felt inexplicably hollow, as if he were looking at a rare gem, unattainable no matter how longingly he yearned for it.

She ultimately wasn’t his.

Seeing that he hadn’t responded for a while, Su Lingzhi awkwardly withdrew her hand and sat back down.

Jiang Chenglin’s voice followed soon after, "I’m happy for you to have recovered so quickly."

Su Lingzhi glanced at him across from Zhuang Xiaoxi, then said, "I’ve already ordered the dishes. Take a look if there’s anything else you want, and I’ll have them add it."

As she spoke, she handed a menu to her parents and another to Jiang Chenglin, then called the waiter to serve the dishes.

Before long, the dishes covered the entire round table.

The waiter was about to pour champagne into their glasses, but Su Lingzhi stopped him, "We don’t drink alcohol, just orange juice is fine."

After serving, he closed the door for them and stood by the entrance, waiting.

The dining atmosphere was quite warm. Su Lingzhi sat between her mother and Xiaoxi, both of whom unconsciously picked dishes for her.

Perhaps it was due to their previous care, this gesture came naturally to them.

Su Lingzhi smiled silently.

Except for the afternoon visit to the Su Family, her smile barely faded throughout the entire day.

The world suddenly turned bright, bringing indescribable happiness, and her smile lifted the spirits of those around her.

Du Qin then said, "Zhizhi, why don’t you come back to the Su Family with us tonight?"

Su Lingzhi looked at her and replied, "Mom, I won’t go back to the Su Family. I need to pack for the next two days, as I’m preparing to attend my graduation ceremony in England."

Su Yao couldn’t help but exclaim, "Our daughter has grown up, we can’t control her anymore."

Du Qin asked, "What are your plans after graduation? Do you want your dad to arrange a job for you?"

"Mom, you don’t need to worry about me. Although I haven’t decided yet, I want to relax for a while before considering job hunting. Your daughter has already made some achievements in the fashion world; I won’t be unable to support myself."

Du Qin’s eyebrows eased a little, "Alright, but remember, if you encounter any hurdles, talk to us. We’re family."

"Yes," Su Lingzhi nodded, "I will."

After the gathering, Zhuang Xiaoxi held her arm as they saw off the couple together.

At this moment, Jiang Chenglin approached them, "Let me drive you home."

Su Lingzhi politely declined, "There’s no need, Brother Chenglin, we can get home on our own."

As she spoke, she looked at him gratefully, "I really appreciate the care you and Xiaoxi gave me during that time. Without you..."

Jiang Chenglin interrupted, "No need for thanks. I’ve heard it enough."

Su Lingzhi wisely kept silent.

Between them, besides gratitude, there seemed little else to say.

"Since you don’t want to take my car, I’ll head out first."

"Alright, goodbye Brother Chenglin."

Zhuang Xiaoxi also waved to him, watching him leave.

"With your eyesight back, you seem much happier than before."

Su Lingzhi turned her gaze to Zhuang Xiaoxi, "Just now, I didn’t get a chance to ask, when are you returning to England? Your school should be starting soon, right?"

Seeing her expression wasn’t right, Su Lingzhi guessed, "Reluctant to leave Beijing? You had the same look when your family moved away back then."

Zhuang Xiaoxi avoided her gaze, "It’s hard to leave, after all, I’ve lived here for so long."

Su Lingzhi saw through her immediately. Suddenly, she cupped Xiaoxi’s youthful face and looked at her seriously, "I think you’re more reluctant because of someone."

Seeing her treating her like a cat, Zhuang Xiaoxi helplessly removed her hands, "I’m grown up now, stop teasing me like a cat."

"Even grown up, you’re still cute."

With that, Su Lingzhi suddenly became serious, "Xiaoxi, you have only one year left until graduation. Go back to England and finish your studies first."

Zhuang Xiaoxi looked up at her, swallowing back all the playful words in her heart, "Don’t worry, I won’t skip school for a man."

"With you saying that, I’m relieved."

"Seems like it’s true that those involved are confused, while onlookers see clearly. Now it’s your turn to lecture me," Zhuang Xiaoxi said, eyeing the red marks on Su Lingzhi’s neck, clicking her tongue, "Last night must have been intense."

Su Lingzhi quickly covered Xiaoxi’s mouth, blushing with embarrassment.

Zhuang Xiaoxi couldn’t help but laugh, pushing her hand away, "We’re all adults here, nothing to be shy about."

With that, Zhuang Xiaoxi teased her again, "How’s the skill of the bigshot from the Beijing Circle?"