Chapter Sixty-Eight: Meeting the Parents

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Before Qin Anyi was released from the detention center, Wei Dong had already called his family to inform them. Over these six days, if anyone had been worried sick about Qin Anyi to the point of losing their appetite, it could only be his three closest relatives.

Both Wang Yiran and Wei Dong had some understanding of Qin Anyi’s abilities, so they weren’t overly concerned. They simply hoped to extricate Qin Anyi from this incident as soon as possible. But Qin Anyi’s parents and younger brother were not aware of his capabilities. Now that he had been sent to a place like a detention center, it would have been impossible for them not to let their imaginations run wild.

Qin Anyi’s father, Qin Lianshan, and his mother, Zhou Xueqin, were ordinary, honest people all their lives. To them, places like state-run institutions and prisons were naturally intimidating. So, for these six days, the ones who suffered most were Qin Lianshan and Zhou Xueqin. Even with Wei Dong assuring them that Qin Anyi would be all right, they simply couldn’t help but worry.

Today, when they suddenly received a call from Wei Dong saying that Qin Anyi would be home soon, both Qin Lianshan and Zhou Xueqin finally felt a weight lift off their hearts. After a sigh of relief, they both hurried into the kitchen to get busy.

By the time Qin Anyi brought Wang Yiran home, knocking on the door, steaming hot dishes were already set out on the coffee table. But when Zhou Xueqin opened the door and saw Wang Yiran, she was stunned for a moment, unable to react right away.

“Auntie, hello. My name is Wang Yiran, I’m Anyi’s classmate. I came to pick him up today. I didn’t want to trouble you, but Anyi insisted on bringing me, so I thickened my skin and came along.”

Wang Yiran spoke with poise, her hands folded in front of her, looking very well-behaved.

“Ah? A classmate? Ah… Oh my, you’re not troubling us at all! Come in, come in, don’t stand outside.” Zhou Xueqin finally came to her senses and hurriedly ushered Wang Yiran inside, ignoring her son for the moment. Qin Anyi could only protest loudly, “Mom, you haven’t seen me for six days, can’t you at least say hello?”

“What are you shouting about? Go do what you’re supposed to do,” Zhou Xueqin glared at him with feigned annoyance, then smiled warmly at Wang Yiran. “No need to take your shoes off, it’s not a wooden floor, just come in and sit. Anle, what are you doing! Pour some water! Oh, this rented place is simple, but the new house should be ready next year. It won’t be like this then. Old Qin! What are you doing in the kitchen? Come out, Anyi’s classmate is here!”

While she led Wang Yiran inside, Zhou Xueqin issued instructions in a loud voice.

Sitting in his wheelchair, Qin Anle, meeting such a beautiful and elegant girl for the first time, was momentarily stunned. Only when his mother called did he snap out of it and hurried to pour water.

“Auntie, there’s really no need to fuss. I came in such a hurry and brought nothing with me; if you treat me so well, I’ll feel embarrassed to stay any longer.” Wang Yiran, acting coy, took Zhou Xueqin’s hand and shook it gently.

Qin Anyi was amazed—women truly are born actresses.

“Don’t be silly, no need to bring anything. We don’t stand on ceremony here. Sit, sit.” Zhou Xueqin smiled and led Wang Yiran to the sofa, studying her carefully. Since they were renting, all the necessities were present but none were of great quality. Zhou Xueqin worried that such a beautiful girl would find their home lacking. But seeing that Wang Yiran’s expression never betrayed any dissatisfaction, she finally relaxed and grew even fonder of her.

After all, the more beautiful the girl, the higher her standards often were—especially in these times. It was rare to find someone not swayed by wealth or status.

“Hello, Uncle. Anyi often talks about you. He says you and Auntie work so hard for the family, and he always wants to help share your burdens,” Wang Yiran said politely, standing up and greeting Qin Lianshan.

Qin Lianshan was immediately flustered, not knowing where to put his hands. Wang Yiran’s aura was so striking that, in his whole life, he had never spoken to a girl like her—let alone his son’s… girlfriend? The thought made him nervous, afraid that their family’s condition would make the girl look down on them, which would break his son’s heart.

Both Qin Lianshan and Zhou Xueqin had the same worry: when the possibility that Wang Yiran might be Qin Anyi’s girlfriend crossed their minds, their first concern wasn’t about young love, but that their family’s circumstances might hold their son back.

This was because Qin Anyi had been helping with the family’s finances since he was young. Both parents had long treated him as an adult. Qin Anyi never gave them cause for worry, always handling things well on his own. So, subconsciously, they didn’t even think of him as being at an age for puppy love.

“Uncle, why don’t you sit down? Anyi and I will get the bowls and chopsticks. The dishes are ready, so we must be about to eat, right?” Wang Yiran walked out from behind the coffee table, gently taking Qin Lianshan’s hand and leading him to the sofa with a cheerful smile.

“Oh, how can I let you do that? Please, sit, sit. I’ll get the bowls and chopsticks. Anyi, why aren’t you keeping your classmate company?” Qin Lianshan waved his hands nervously and turned to scold Qin Anyi.

Qin Anyi felt as if he might cry. Usually, his parents cherished him like the apple of their eye. But now that Wang Yiran had just arrived, his status seemed to be plummeting rapidly.

“Dad, you sit. Yiran and I can do it. It’s nothing hard.”

“Yes, Uncle. I’m just here for a free meal. If I don’t help at all, I won’t be able to eat,” Wang Yiran joked with a bright smile.

“Did Auntie make this braised dish? It’s delicious!” Wang Yiran naturally accepted the food Qin Anyi served her, ate a few bites, and immediately praised it.

“Of course! My mom’s cooking is first-rate,” Qin Anyi replied proudly, growing even more attentive in serving Wang Yiran.

“Anle, is the computer set up? Is the internet working? Now, when you’re bored at home, go online. Don’t just sit around all day; your mind will go dull,” Qin Anyi said to his younger brother as he continued serving food.

Qin Anle had always respected his older brother. Since their parents were seldom at home, the eldest was like a father to him. Qin Anyi had always looked after him, so he nodded obediently, “The computer arrived a week ago, but I don’t know how to set up the internet. Mom and Dad don’t understand it either. We were waiting for you to come home.”

“How long have you and Anyi known each other?” Zhou Xueqin asked with a smile.

“Over two years now, Auntie. Anyi and I have been classmates since the start of high school. He’s always helped me a lot with my studies,” Wang Yiran replied, glancing softly at Qin Anyi, playing the part of a girl deeply in love to perfection.

Qin Anyi noticed his parents’ eyes carried a hint of worry, but since they were still eating, he didn’t ask further.

The meal was delightful. Qin Anyi also realized that Wang Yiran wasn’t just putting on an act; she genuinely enjoyed this kind of warm, simple environment. This made him see her in a new light.

“I’ll walk you home; it’s getting late,” Qin Anyi said when it was time to leave. Zhou Xueqin absolutely refused to let Wang Yiran wash any dishes, and seeing the time, Qin Anyi spoke up.

“That’s fine. I’ll have time to study a bit when I get back,” Wang Yiran replied with a smile.

“So early? Oh, but it’s better for girls to go home sooner. Anyi, is it far? If it is, take a taxi. It’s not safe to take the bus too late,” Qin Lianshan reminded him anxiously.

“I know, Dad.”

“We’ll be going now. Goodbye, Uncle, Auntie, and little brother,” Wang Yiran said with a beaming smile as she waved goodbye.