Chapter 24: Yes or No

“That’s how it is.”

Chen Lie sat upright before his parents, recounting everything in chronological order. “If there’s anything you want to know, just ask.”

Father and Mother Chen hadn’t interrupted him once, waiting until he finished before falling into silence.

After a long pause, Father Chen finally spoke. “Is there any chance you leaked confidential information at work?”

Now that it was the 1980s, all sorts of crimes were cropping up like mushrooms after the rain—espionage among them.

If…

Father Chen looked at his upright, steady son and said slowly, “If there’s even a possibility, I won’t cover for you. I hope you understand.”

Peace in this country had come at a high price. He would not allow anyone to undermine the sacrifices of his fallen comrades.

“Dad.” A hint of helplessness flashed in Chen Lie’s eyes. “You’ve taught me to be vigilant since I was a child. I’ve never forgotten that.”

“That’s good.” Father Chen nodded, visibly relieved. “I have nothing more to ask.”

As long as his son wasn’t breaking the law, or helping others break the law, whatever he chose to do was his own business.

He lifted his chin and nodded at his wife, signaling that she could ask her questions now.

Mother Chen hesitated for a long time before carefully asking, “Do you like her now?”

The moment she spoke, she grew anxious.

She couldn’t help it—after all, back then things had been so—

Chen Lie lowered his eyes in thought, then looked up after a moment. “We only met on the day we registered our marriage, so I don’t have a strong impression of her. After coming back, I found that she…”

He sat up straighter, choosing his words. “Sometimes she’s…unexpected.”

Yes, unexpected.

Sometimes, Chen Lie felt Su Qinghu was about to blush, but the next second, she’d come out with some over-the-top compliment that made him want to blush instead…

He knew her words were exaggerated, but for some reason, they still felt good to hear.

Chen Lie couldn’t think of a better way to describe it, so he just tried to get as close as possible.

After asking her question, Mother Chen kept a close eye on her son’s reaction. Seeing a hint of a smile in his eyes, she relaxed—only to tense up again.

It was good if he liked her, but what if…?

These days, everyone wanted to go abroad. For a visa, people were willing to do almost anything.

Such a pretty, interesting girl with excellent grades—could she get swept up in the wave of people leaving the country?

If that happened, would her son be able to stay as calm and collected as he had during this divorce…?

“Will she be able to settle down and live a good life with us?” The girl sounded so outstanding.

Chen Lie smiled but said nothing.

Mother Chen was about to press further when a knock came at the door, followed by the voices of Da Dan and Er Dan calling, “Grandpa! Grandma!”

Father Chen stood up. “I’ll get the door. You two keep talking.”

Mother Chen stood up, then sat back down, glancing at her son’s expression. Seeing nothing unusual, she smiled and looked toward the door.

“Grandma!” Er Dan rushed over and hugged Mother Chen. “Are you feeling better?”

Mother Chen patted his head, a little worried. “What am I going to do with you? Why aren’t you growing taller?”

Er Dan immediately wilted.

“Grandma,” Da Dan called, but his eyes were already searching for Chen Lie. Spotting him sitting upright, he hurried over. “Dad, there are too many coal briquettes at home. We can’t move them all.”

At the mention of coal, Chen Lie understood. The coal had already been moved and stacked that morning. Now, with Da Dan winking as he spoke, it was clear he was hinting at something.

The kid must have something to say.

“Coal? Didn’t we just finish that this morning? My hands are still black from moving it.” Er Dan poked his head out from Mother Chen’s arms. “Brother, it’s only been a few hours.”

Big brother sure is forgetful, isn’t he?

Because of Er Dan’s comment, an awkward silence fell over the living room.

Da Dan hung his head.

“Go on,” Chen Lie said, ruffling his hair. “Don’t be afraid.”

Even if he said something wrong, Chen Lie would help him smooth it over.

“…”

Da Dan didn’t want to speak anymore.

Reporting something like this was one thing in private, but in front of everyone, it was entirely different.

“If he doesn’t want to say it in front of everyone, don’t force him. Take him to the study and talk, just the two of you,” Father Chen waved them off, urging them to go.

Once they’d gone into the study, Mother Chen asked, “What’s going on?”

Er Dan was still confused. “What do you mean, what’s going on?”

His brother hadn’t told him why they were looking for Dad.

“What do you think of your new mom? Is she good to you?” Mother Chen, seeing her husband had no objections, asked directly. “And…to your dad?”

“She’s good to me and my brother,” Er Dan scratched his head. “She’s good to Dad too. She cares if he’s eaten, if he’s full, if he wants more.”

Someone who cares if you’ve eaten and even buys you food—Er Dan thought that was as good as it got.

“She bought food for me and my brother at the deli—beef, lamb, everything!”

Thinking about it, Er Dan looked dreamy.

When would they get to eat meat again?

Father and Mother Chen exchanged glances. This girl sounded pretty nice.

Meanwhile, in the study, Da Dan was laying out the facts for Chen Lie.

“Dad, with someone like her, no amount of money will ever be enough.”

“I tried to talk to her, but she just laughed—she’s not serious at all!”

The more he thought about her attitude, the more annoyed Da Dan got. “And she dodges the question!”

Chen Lie listened with interest. Seeing how worked up Da Dan was, he reached out and patted his head, comforting him. “Providing for the family is an adult’s job. Don’t worry about it.”

“Dad!” Da Dan suddenly looked at Chen Lie. “She’s used to a comfortable life. What if, one day, you can’t give her money to spend as she likes, and she just leaves you for someone else?”

The logic wasn’t wrong, but it didn’t take character into account.

Chen Lie placed a large hand on his shoulder. “Da Dan, it’s good to think ahead, but don’t always assume the worst.”

Da Dan stayed silent.

“Do you know the saying, ‘A blessing in disguise’?” Chen Lie asked.

Da Dan nodded reluctantly. “…Yeah.”

He’d known it for a long time.

He and his brother spent half their pocket money on books and learning, even if it wasn’t much…

“As long as you know, think it through. You’re right to consider it, but to make the best judgment, you have to take a lot of other things into account.”

Chen Lie led him out of the study, a smile tugging at his lips. “She spends money quickly, but it’s mostly for your benefit.”

Da Dan: …But I don’t really want that much benefit…

“She probably…” Chen Lie mused, “was moved by you two.”

“Huh?” Da Dan was puzzled. “Moved by what?”

“The hospital,” Chen Lie prompted, leading him back to the living room.

In the living room, Father and Mother Chen and Er Dan had finished talking and fallen silent. When the two came out, the room came back to life.

“Chen Lie!”

“Chen Lie!”

“Dad!”

Chen Lie paused. “What’s going on with you all?”

The scene was oddly festive, everyone sitting in the same stiff posture.

“It’s nothing. Er Dan was just telling us how nice your new mom is—buying them meat, letting them drink soda…” Mother Chen smiled. “She really cares about the kids.”"