Chapter 264 Will You Stay With Me Until We Grow Old?
Chapter 264 Will You Stay With Me Until We Grow Old?
Su Yingxue leaned against Tan Zhengchu's chest, unable to fall asleep.
Her thoughts had already drifted to the window, her mind like strings of a harp gently plucked by the night breeze, constantly recalling the love story of her father-in-law and mother-in-law in their youth. It was a legend, a moving legend.
“Mother-in-law…” Su Yingxue murmured softly, her eyes unfocused. “I always thought she was a very ordinary person, and even that she was casual about relationships. But after listening to my father-in-law tell their story today, I realized… that appearances don’t necessarily reflect the heart.” Her words were tinged with emotion, as if she were getting to know her mother-in-law all over again.
Hearing her voice, Tan Zhengchu suddenly woke up from his deep sleep. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, asking softly, "What's wrong? Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Su Yingxue was slightly taken aback, looked up at him, and a hint of shyness flashed in her eyes: "I was thinking about the story of my father-in-law and mother-in-law..." She paused, then added, "I'm worried that my father-in-law will leave my mother-in-law again, and she will be very sad."
Tan Zhengchu smiled slightly and gently patted her back: "With me here, your father-in-law won't leave." His voice was deep and powerful, as if it could soothe all unease.
Hearing this, Su Yingxue felt a warm current surge in her heart. She looked up at him, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes: "Did you scheme against your father-in-law? Why did he suddenly change his mind?"
Tan Zhengchu raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips: "Want to know the answer?"
Su Yingxue was taken aback for a moment, then revealed a sly smile: "Of course I want to!"
Tan Zhengchu looked at her, then suddenly reached out and gently pinched her chin: "Then... kiss me, and I'll tell you."
Although Su Yingxue knew Tan Zhengchu had a request, out of curiosity, she couldn't help but gently kiss his lips. Tan Zhengchu's lips were warm and soft, and his breath carried a faint minty scent. This kiss seemed to open a floodgate of emotions, making Su Yingxue's heart race.
Taking the opportunity, Tan Zhengchu whispered, "Actually..." His voice was deep and magnetic, making Su Yingxue's heart pound even faster, "I didn't scheme against my father-in-law, I just let him see how deep the feelings between you two are..."
As Su Yingxue listened to his words, her expression gradually became complicated. She knew what Tan Zhengchu was talking about and understood why he was doing this. But at this moment, a strange sense of emotion welled up in her heart.
"Thank you..." she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Tan Zhengchu smiled slightly and put his arm around her shoulder: "Don't thank me, I just don't want to see you worry about your mother-in-law."
Su Yingxue leaned against him, closed her eyes, and felt the comfort that his embrace brought her.
……
The morning sunlight shone through the gaps in the curtains and fell on Tan Xiangchen's face.
He slowly opened his eyes, and before him was an absolutely beautiful face.
Li Yuzhu nestled beside him, still sleepy, a faint smile on her face.
A complex mix of emotions welled up in Tan Xiangchen's heart, confirming that the intimate moments they had shared yesterday were not a dream. He looked at Li Yuzhu, his heart filled with endless longing and regret.
"Yu Zhu..." Tan Xiangchen called softly, his voice trembling slightly.
Li Yuzhu slightly opened her eyes, saw Tan Xiangchen, and a surprised smile appeared on her face: "Xiangchen, you're awake?"
Tan Xiangchen remained silent for a moment, a deep sense of self-reproach welling up inside him. He regretted not rejecting Li Yuzhu yesterday, and even more so, he regretted that the two of them should never see each other again in this life. He blamed himself for not being able to remain calm and composed, feeling that he was not good enough for Li Yuzhu, especially now that he had a scar on his face.
“Yu Zhu, we…” Tan Xiangchen hesitated, his voice low and hoarse.
Li Yuzhu noticed his emotions and gently stroked his cheek: "Xiang Chen, the scars on your face don't matter. I only care about your heart."
When she saw Tan Xiangchen, she smiled in amazement, hugged him tightly, and expressed her dependence on him: "Xiangchen, I feel at ease when you are by my side."
Tan Xiangchen's expression was indifferent, but he was actually looking for a reason to make Li Yuzhu leave.
However, Li Yuzhu spoke first: "Xiang Chen, the scar on your face was left by my own hands. For the past twenty years, I have always hoped to make up for this hurt one day."
Tan Xiangchen touched his scarred face and felt scared and heartbroken.
He stood up and turned his back to Li Yuzhu, unwilling to let her see his shameful state.
Li Yuzhu hugged him tightly, not letting him leave, and whispered about her twenty years of loneliness and her deep love for him.
"Xiang Chen, you are my only support. Will you stay with me?"
Tan Xiangchen finally spoke, his voice tinged with sadness: "Yuzhu, I... I just want to be alone in peace. I can't drag you down with me."
Li Yuzhu insisted, "Yesterday was the happiest night of my life in twenty years. As long as you are by my side, I feel content."
Tan Xiangchen was deeply moved by Li Yuzhu's words. He thought of how she had borne him two children and never married, and felt he owed her so much. He struggled internally, realizing that he had ruined Li Yuzhu's life, and his heart ached.
"Yu Zhu, I...I..." Tan Xiangchen wanted to speak, but ultimately remained silent. He felt he was no longer qualified to say anything.
Tan Xiangchen wanted to speak, but ultimately remained silent. He knew that Li Yuzhu had sacrificed too much for him, and he would never be able to repay this debt of love for the rest of his life. He could only sit quietly by the bed, looking into Li Yuzhu's expectant eyes, his heart filled with guilt and helplessness.
"Yu Zhu..." Tan Xiangchen finally spoke, his voice low and weak.
Li Yuzhu gently held his hand: "Xiang Chen, whatever you decide, please let me stay by your side."
Tan Xiangchen closed his eyes, tears blurring his vision. He knew that no matter which path he chose, he owed her too much…
Seeing that Tan Xiangchen was no longer saying those heartless words, Li Yuzhu's smile deepened. She gently held his hand and said softly, "Xiangchen, do you know? Dr. Lin Quan is an incredibly skilled person. He can not only heal your face, but also restore you to your original state. Don't feel inferior anymore, because everyone has their own unique qualities."
Upon hearing this, Tan Xiangchen's eyes flashed with surprise. He asked incredulously, "Really? My face can be cured?" His voice trembled slightly, as if he had found hope at this moment.
Li Yuzhu nodded, revealing a girlish smile: "Of course! Just like my son Tan Zhengchu, who contracted the virus but was eventually cured by Lin Quan. I believe you can too."
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