Hearing the news that she had lost her memory
Liang Chaoluo suddenly felt a chill around him and sneezed.
Guo Zhixi said, “The air-conditioning is too cold. I’ll go ask the manager to turn it up a bit.”
“No need. We should head back too.” Liang Chaoluo glanced at the time, picked up the small bag he carried with him, and went to the front desk to swipe his card.
“I’m sorry, sir. This card can’t be processed,” the front-desk clerk said.
Liang Chaoluo handed over another card. “Try this one.”
The clerk smiled. “This one can’t be processed either.”
He tried several cards in a row, all with the same result.
Liang Chaoluo felt a bit embarrassed because, between his WeChat and Alipay, he only had two hundred yuan left.
All his other money was in his bank cards.
Although there was not much money left in the cards either, it was still enough to cover this bill. How could none of them work?
He thought of something and took out the supplementary card from his father to swipe it.
The clerk said, “Sir… this card has already been closed.”
As expected.
“Please wait a moment.”
Liang Chaoluo took out his phone and contacted a friend, asking him to quickly send some money over.
“What’s going on?” Zhuang Fuyao saw him taking so long to settle the bill and walked over to take a look.
The front-desk clerk said, “This gentleman’s cards can’t be processed.”
Liang Chaoluo coughed lightly, looking a little awkward. “Mom, do you have any money on you?”
This was exactly like what was described in novels. The male lead, because he opposed his family, had his financial freedom restricted.
Zhuang Fuyao could not help but smile. “It’s fine. I’ll pay.”
After the gathering ended, Zhuang Fuyao did not go to Boya Bay but returned to Yannian Garden instead.
Tomorrow evening, Madam Ji and Old Zhuang would be returning to Jiang City. The aunt was still on vacation in her hometown in the Northeast and could not rush back for the time being, so Zhuang Fuyao had to go ahead and air out the bedding and do other preparations.
After sending Madam Zhuang home, Liang Chaoluo called Old Liang, carrying a hint of grievance. “Dad, did you freeze my bank cards…”
“Where are you? Come home right now.” Liang Huaixu cut him off coldly.
That sudden tone startled Liang Chaoluo.
When he hurried back to Boya Bay, he saw Old Liang sitting on the sofa with a stern expression. The television was off, and he was not reading the newspaper either. Only the main light in the living room was on. It was especially quiet all around.
The atmosphere was like interrogating a criminal.
Liang Chaoluo felt uneasy and asked tentatively, “Dad, what’s going on?”
Liang Huaixu glanced calmly past Liang Chaoluo’s shoulder. “Xiao Zhou said he saw you out playing at a bar with your mom, even mixing with some questionable people?”
“That was a quiet bar, not a bar,” Liang Chaoluo thought his luck was terrible. Even this could be seen. Usually, you could not tell that Assistant Zhou was the type to report on people. “And those were all my friends. How are they questionable?”
“Where is your mom?” Thinking of the conversation he had overheard in the restroom, the aura around Liang Huaixu gradually sank.
“She went home.”
Liang Huaixu’s gaze suddenly sharpened. “Tell the truth.”
“How am I not telling the truth? I personally sent her home. Could that be fake?”
“Back to your maternal grandparents’ place?”
“Where else would it be?” Liang Chaoluo looked baffled and lowered his voice slightly. “Oh right, Mom said that Grandma and Grandpa are coming back to the country tomorrow.”
Liang Huaixu withdrew his scrutinizing gaze, and his expression softened somewhat.
Liang Chaoluo, however, was unhappy. He had thought it was something serious. Wasn’t it just that he had taken Madam Zhuang to meet some handsome guys? Even if this were laid out openly, he was not afraid. The one who should be afraid was Old Liang, who was stepping on two boats.
His jaw tightened. “So why did you restrict my cards? It was so embarrassing when I was paying the bill. In the end, Mom paid for me.”
“So you won’t keep mixing with that bunch of good-for-nothing friends,” Liang Huaixu said coldly. “The money in your cards was given by me anyway. I have the right to restrict it.”
He emphasized pointedly, “The money that actually belongs to you is your monthly eight-thousand-yuan salary. It’s in another card.”
“…”
Liang Chaoluo was momentarily at a loss for words. There was nothing wrong with that statement. He was already twenty-two. It really was embarrassing to keep living off his parents.
However, Old Liang had suddenly gone from a generous rich dad to a stingy, penny-pinching old man…
Liang Chaoluo felt that Old Liang was just trying to imitate what they did in TV dramas, using material restrictions to force him into submission. But how could he possibly bow his head over something material?
He shoved his hands into his pockets with a defiant air. “Freeze them if you want. It’s no big deal. I still have to go to work tomorrow. I’m leaving.”
Liang Huaixu said, “If you come back to Jiang City just to see those fox-and-hound friends of yours, then don’t come back next time. If you want to sink yourself, don’t drag your mother down with you.”
Liang Chaoluo choked. Sink himself? Drag his mother down??
Angrily, he quickened his steps and left.
*
At nine o’clock the next evening, Zhuang Fuyao went to pick up Ji Lan and Zhuang Shaoping.
Seeing the house empty and the aunt nowhere in sight, Ji Lan asked, “Where’s the aunt?”
Zhuang Fuyao said, “I figured no one was at home anyway, so I gave the aunt a long break. I’ll send her a message and tell her to come back a bit earlier.”
“There’s no rush.” Ji Lan said. “Aunt Xiang has worked hard these past two years. Her grandson is about to turn one, right? Let her stay back home and spend more time with her grandson.”
Zhuang Fuyao smiled. “I think you just want some alone time with my dad.”
“You’re getting cheeky.” Ji Lan shot her a look, then said, “But you haven’t been staying at home these past few days. Where did you go fooling around again?”
“When did I fool around?” Zhuang Fuyao snorted lightly, putting on a pitiful expression. “Your daughter has clearly been running around for work. Look how haggard I am.”
“Let me see where you’re haggard.” Ji Lan suppressed a laugh and walked over, then poked her daughter’s cheek. “You’re glowing. You’ve even gained a bit of weight.”
“Gained weight?!”
Zhuang Fuyao reacted as if facing a major enemy. She knew that her metabolism now was definitely not as good as it had been in her twenties.
Which meant that once she gained weight, it would be very hard to lose it! On top of that, she had no real exercise habits. She had tried going to the gym before, but it was three days of fishing, two days of drying nets, and a little newbie who had to be chased daily by the trainer.
She hurried to step on the scale. One hundred and two jin. It was fine, it was fine!
She let out a short sigh of relief. This weight was still within an acceptable range, even though it was ten jin heavier than when she was in her twenties. But she was one meter sixty-eight tall, so she still looked slim on the outside.
As for those extra ten jin, she glanced down and felt that at least one or two jin had gone to her chest…
After weighing herself, Zhuang Fuyao asked, “What are your plans tomorrow? I’ll accompany you for the day and won’t go to the construction site.”
“I was just thinking of going to the site tomorrow to take a look.” Ji Lan glanced at Zhuang Shaoping. “Your dad has an appointment to play chess with his friends, so I’ll have to pass the time on my own.”
Zhuang Shaoping: “……”
“You two aren’t tired?” Zhuang Fuyao said admiringly. “You’re definitely what people online call high-energy people.”
The next day, after Ji Lan finished “inspecting” the construction site, the mother and daughter went shopping for a while.
As a veteran actress within the industry, Ji Lan was a public figure, but she was not as exaggeratedly recognizable as traffic stars. When she wore a hat, very few people recognized her.
She really enjoyed this kind of ordinary life.
It was a very fulfilling day.
After dinner, Ji Lan suddenly wanted to go take a look at the place Zhuang Fuyao was currently living.
Zhuang Fuyao linked arms with Madam Ji and said with a smile, “Let’s wait a bit. It’s already late today. Dad came back early and is still at home waiting for us.”
“He’s grown enough. Being home alone isn’t a problem.” Ji Lan passed by a flower shop and casually bought some flowers. “Come on, we’ll go back to your place and put these in.”
Zhuang Fuyao slowed her steps, trying every possible way to make Madam Ji change her mind. “It’s really far where I live…”
“It’s fine. We’ll stay at your place tonight.”
No matter what Zhuang Fuyao said, Madam Ji could always find a reason.
Sensing something odd about her daughter, Ji Lan asked, “Fufu, are you hiding something from me?”
Then she added, “You’re not dating someone, are you?”
“No, how could I be?” Zhuang Fuyao’s gaze flickered slightly.
As luck would have it, the phone she was holding lit up. She lowered her eyes and took a glance. It was a message from Qin Zhenglin.
Her expression changed. She quickly turned off the screen.
Seeing how sneaky she looked, Ji Lan beamed with delight. “It’s Xiao Qin, isn’t it? I saw it.”
“……”
Ever since she had rejected Qin Zhenglin last time, he had started sending her messages every few days. Sometimes he even sent things like, “Good morning [rose]. A beautiful morning is the starting point of happiness.”
Even if she did not reply to a single message, it did not stop him from sending messages like clockwork.
Ji Lan said, “I actually think Xiao Qin is a decent person. Most importantly, the older generation has ties…”
Zhuang Fuyao quietly took a breath and hurriedly cut her off. “I only met him once during the blind date. After that, I never replied to any of his messages.”
Afraid that Madam Ji would not believe her, she even showed her the chat history. “I really don’t have that kind of intention toward him. With the way he keeps sending messages, if it weren’t for the fact that our grandparents’ generation knows each other, I would’ve deleted him long ago.”
Although Ji Lan felt it was a bit of a pity, she did not force the issue. Her original intention in arranging blind dates for her daughter had been to help her adjust her mood.
She said irritably, “Then what are you afraid of? I thought you were living together with a boyfriend and didn’t want me to know yet.”
Zhuang Fuyao felt that the matter of her living at Liang Huaixu’s place would sooner or later be known by Madam Ji. Sticking her neck out was a cut; pulling it back was also a cut. The little quail, who had been shrinking her head, suddenly mustered some courage. “Isn’t the construction site pretty far from our home? Going back and forth takes too much time, so I thought about finding a place nearby…”
She laid the groundwork and spoke slowly. “Then I thought about it, and Liang Huaixu’s place is quite close to there. Since his place is big anyway, renting directly from him saves a lot of trouble.”
Ji Lan narrowed her eyes. “Just renting a place? No other thoughts?”
Zhuang Fuyao nodded immediately, then guiltily pressed her lips together.
She just felt that she could not be sure of anything herself either. Telling Madam Ji now would only make her worry for nothing.
Ji Lan nodded and did not press further, looking very easygoing.
It was all an act.
Before going to sleep that night, Ji Lan tossed and turned, completely unable to fall asleep.
Zhuang Shaoping had finally become a bit drowsy, only to have it driven away by her turning over again. After this happened several times, he simply sat up and turned on a small lamp. “Can’t sleep?”
“How could I sleep?” Ji Lan sighed, sat up, and could not help telling Zhuang Shaoping everything.
“My only expectation for Fufu is that she lives happily. Between her and Liang Huaixu, it’s not a matter of right or wrong, but Fufu was unhappy in that marriage. That alone means Liang Huaixu has been crossed off in my book.”
Zhuang Shaoping pondered for a few seconds, then put an arm around her shoulders. “How could I be any different? We only have one daughter. All we want is for her to be safe, healthy, and happy.”
After chatting with Ji Lan for a while, he urged her to sleep. “Go to sleep first. Anything else can wait until tomorrow.”
…
After thinking it over for two days, Ji Lan still decided to have a proper talk with Liang Huaixu. She deliberately had Zhuang Shaoping send their daughter away.
When Liang Huaixu came over, he brought quite a lot of things.
Ji Lan cast him a discreet glance.
This former son-in-law of hers was impeccable in his manners. Even after he and Fufu divorced, as long as she needed help, he would never refuse. During holidays and festivals, he would always call to check in.
For example, not long ago, when she and Old Zhuang were traveling abroad, Liang Huaixu had also called to send his regards and even helped them arrange hotel services and travel plans overseas.
Speaking honestly, Ji Lan greatly admired Liang Huaixu and liked him as well. Many times, she had treated him as half a son. Most of the time, she was gentle and kind toward him.
But today was different. When it involved her daughter, she could not soften her heart.
Ji Lan asked, “I heard that Fufu moved in to live at your place?”
“My place is closer to the restaurant construction site. She rented a room there.”
“Just that?” Ji Lan asked slowly, her tone ambiguous. Having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, when she wanted to put on airs, her presence was formidable.
Liang Huaixu answered truthfully. “She just paid me the rent a few days ago. Fufu is rather picky about her living environment. Not being able to find a suitable place all of a sudden is normal.”
Only then did Ji Lan’s expression ease a little. Having first played the villain, she now played the gentleman and handed him a cup of tea. “Huaixu, don’t blame me for overthinking. When I heard Fufu mention moving in with you, I truly was worried. You’re both good children. It’s just a pity that you had fate but no future.”
Liang Huaixu lowered his gaze. “I understand what you mean.”
Whether he understood or not, since Ji Lan had called him over this time, everything that needed to be said had to be said. “If something like rekindling old feelings were to happen, it wouldn’t be good for you or for her.”
Liang Huaixu was silent for a moment. “Mom, I know.”
Hearing that “Mom,” Ji Lan took a sip of tea.
Although they were divorced, neither side had changed how they addressed each other. Previously, she had not felt there was anything wrong with it.
But now that this matter had arisen, she had no choice but to be more vigilant. She could not allow even the slightest accident to occur.
She smiled gently. “You’re already divorced. Just call me Auntie Ji. I’ve also been helping Fufu look at apartments these past few days. Once we find something suitable, I’ll have Fufu move out. Thank you for the trouble you’ve had during this period.”
Liang Huaixu restrained his expression and listened quietly, voicing no objections from start to finish.
Ji Lan said, “There’s one more thing I think it’s necessary to tell you. Fufu, for some reason, has lost sixteen years of her memory.”
Liang Huaixu suddenly looked up. “What did you say?”
…
Half an hour later, Liang Huaixu walked downstairs to the parking garage in a daze.
Not far away, Qin Zhenglin had just opened his car door. When he saw Liang Huaixu, he was momentarily surprised.
Ever since they had run into each other at the restaurant last time, they had occasionally exchanged a few words at the university afterward. In Qin Zhenglin’s view, he and Liang Huaixu could be considered to have a bit of acquaintance.
He greeted him warmly, “Professor Liang.”
Liang Huaixu did not respond at all, nor did he react in any way. After walking more than ten meters, he got into his car.
Qin Zhenglin frowned in confusion.
Could he have mistaken him for someone else?
He shook his head and headed straight upstairs.
During this period, he had gone to look at materials from Zhuang Fuyao’s art exhibitions. After learning more about her work in the art field, his fondness for her had gradually deepened. Someone engaged in academia and someone engaged in art being together was practically a match made in heaven.
Having finally encountered someone suitable whom he also liked, he became proactive. Friends had given him advice, saying, “Even the fiercest woman fears a persistent man.”
The wording was crude, but the reasoning was sound. So he took the initiative for a while. Even if she did not respond, he was not discouraged. With blind dates, sometimes winning over the woman’s family was more important than winning over the woman herself.
So when he heard that Uncle Zhuang and Auntie Ji had returned to the country, he immediately came over.
After calling Auntie Ji to confirm the unit number again, he carried two bottles of wine upstairs.
Uncle Zhuang was not at home. His main conversation was with Auntie Ji.
Ji Lan treated him as a guest in the home and chatted politely and thoughtfully. She understood her daughter’s intentions, so she handled the boundaries well, deliberately avoiding topics related to marriage. A few times when Qin Zhenglin steered the conversation there, she smoothly redirected it.
“Yes… that’s right, Auntie.” Qin Zhenglin nodded in agreement on various topics.
In fact, Ji Lan had already been hinting quite tactfully.
But Qin Zhenglin was immersed in an academic environment. His way of speaking and doing things was fairly straightforward. Not only did he fail to read Ji Lan’s subtext, but he even asked about Zhuang Fuyao’s ex-husband. “Auntie, may I ask about Fuyao’s ex-husband?”
He spoke sincerely. “Fuyao is so outstanding, so I’m also curious what kind of person the other party was.”
Ji Lan was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “Come to think of it, you might even know each other. He also teaches at Jiang University.”
In Qin Zhenglin’s mind, the image of Liang Huaixu he had run into in the parking garage flashed by. But the thought was immediately dismissed.
How could it possibly be such a coincidence?
Moreover, when he had gone on a blind date with Zhuang Fuyao last time, they had also run into Professor Liang. The two of them did not look like they knew each other at all.
He found his own idea ridiculous and smiled. “Then which department is he in?”
“The School of Architecture,” Ji Lan said. “Liang Huaixu. Do you know him?”
At that instant, the smile on Qin Zhenglin’s face froze. He concealed the shock in his eyes and replied awkwardly, “…I don’t know him.”
Ji Lan did not think much of it. “There are so many teachers at Jiang University. It’s normal not to know each other.”
Qin Zhenglin forced an awkward smile. After staying at the Zhuang home for a while, he left.
That night, he did not sleep at all.
He had never been someone who easily admitted defeat, but the fact that Zhuang Fuyao’s ex-husband was Liang Huaixu truly dealt him a blow.
Recently, the university had launched a new project and had specially built a particularly beautiful and imposing building for it, with the Chinese national flag and the British flag hanging outside.
The person who had facilitated this project was Liang Huaixu.
When the building was completed and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, the person in charge from the United Kingdom came over. He was a noble with royal lineage and chatted amicably with Liang Huaixu, seemingly an old acquaintance. These two rightfully occupied the main positions, while even the university president stood off to the side as a supporting presence.
As for Qin Zhenglin, he was an inconspicuous member of the surrounding crowd, unable even to understand their conversation.
Although he very much did not want to admit it, the gap between him and Liang Huaixu was indeed a vast chasm, and one he did not have the courage to overcome.
His heart felt like a deflated balloon.
…
At Boya Bay, Liang Huaixu was also suffering from insomnia. He stared blankly at the ceiling, thinking about what had happened that day.
Ji Lan had said that experts both domestically and abroad had diagnosed it, and that Zhuang Fuyao’s amnesia did not cause physical harm.
But this kind of amnesia with no clear cause was what truly frightened Liang Huaixu. He was deeply worried about her. He even wondered whether her memory loss might be related to him.
Aside from that, there was also a sense of disorientation.
Her many abnormalities now had an explanation. The Zhuang Fuyao of this period was actually living with the memories she had at the age of twenty-two…