By the time they got back home, both of them had a new and deeper understanding of each other. Li Chuanmo was in a particularly good mood. Li Yuchen even caught him grinning later that night.
On the other hand, an anticipation was steadily building in her that Pei Yueran could not deny.
She was ready for love to bloom and blossom.
Getting back to her room, she changed her clothes and got ready for bed. She then took her phone and video-called her son.
Han Yichen picked on the third ring, his face expressionless as usual. Only the soft light in his eyes and the way he waved hinted at how happy he was to talk to his mother.
"Hi Mom. How are you?"
"I'm fine Xiao Chen, thank you. How are you?"
"Fine. Wound?"
"Almost healed already."
"Criminal?"
"They've been arrested and imprisoned." She was yet to tell her family the outcome of the case.
"Good. Still in your friend's house?"
"Yes. He has been taking good care of me. He's actually my boss." Pei Yueran paused for a few moments, then continued "And you've even met his son."
At Han Yichen's raised brow, she said, "Remember Li Yuchen, the boy you met at the park?"
"Yes, we still talk."
"Great. That's his son."
"Really? Thought his dad was unemployed."
"Ah?"
"He sent me his dad's CV, so thought he was looking for a job. Wanted to send it to you but forgot. Nevermind."
"Well he's my boss, so he's definitely not unemployed. Maybe it was a mistake?"
"No. He said that I should evaluate it objectively, and that his dad was handsome, suave and hardworking."
Pei Yueran smiled before she could stop herself. Li Chuanmo was all that and more actually.
Seeing that broad smile, Han Yichen's lips turned up in a small smile of his own as he threw out one word.
"Explain."
"What?"
"What's going on?"
"Oh." After agonizing about what to say internally, Pei Yueran eventually decided to have a heart to heart talk with her son.
"Actually Xiao Chen, I think I like him. Not just because he's so kind, attentive and seems to genuinely want to get to know me, though we haven't spoken of feelings between us.
I'm not saying anything concrete is going on, but if we eventually get to that stage, I would like to give it a try, to give us a chance. But your opinion matters a lot to me of course, I'll factor it into any decision I make."
"I see."
"So what do you think?" Pei Yueran pressed.
Han Yichen frowned, and Pei Yueran's heart clenched. She would be very distressed if Han Yichen did not like the idea of her dating again.
"Is there a need to ask? I trust your judgement, and to me, your happiness is most important. If he makes you happy, give it a shot. You deserve to be happy."
Pei Yueran was almost tearing up. Her son sounded so loving and mature. She hadn't known what he would say, but she was glad that she had his full support.
He continued, "If he's too slow, then confess first."
"Xiao Chen!"
"What Mom? It's nothing to be shy about. We're in the twenty first century. You can be more proactive."
"Alright, alright my relationship Coach." Pei Yueran teased him. Looking at his expressionless face, no one would think him capable of talking about relationships.
Life was so unpredictable. Who knew she would be getting relationship advice from her son one day?
They continued talking about other things. One of the reasons she wanted to talk to him was his school. She had made further enquiries about Anping First Middle School, and she felt it was an excellent choice.
Extracurricular activities had a solid position in their curriculum and she liked that because she wanted Han Yichen to be able to explore to his heart's content. They also did not emphasize on grades too much, but on the overall development of the student.
Not that she was worried about Han Yichen's grades, but she wanted him to grow into an adult that did not judge others or view his self worth based on grades.
Han Yichen liked the school as well, so it was settled. Pei Yueran was going to apply to the school on his behalf and fill the application form. The school also required an interview and the results of his final examinations, but those could be done during the holidays, so he didn't need to rush over.
Mother and son spent some time talking with each other and catching up. They ended the call after Pei Yueran sent her regards to Director Zhou.
Coincidentally, Director Zhou came upstairs to give Han Yichen a plate of fruits. He relayed the message.
Director Zhou smiled. She then tried to ask as naturally as possible, "By the way Chen'er, remember we once talked about your mother dating again. If she has found someone, would you support her?"
Han Yichen looked at her and said firmly, "Of course."
Director Zhou was very happy. She gave him a big hug while muttering, "Thank you. Thank you very much Chen'er."
*****
Under the pretext of "visiting for a few days", the Li couple had been staying in Li Chuanmo's house for more than two weeks. The main reason why Li Chuanmo had not found a way to chase them away was that they had continued to persuade Pei Yueran to stay in the house to "keep them company".
If not for them, Pei Yueran would have left. Due to their advice as well, she had not resumed for work yet. Li Chuanmo had extended her sick leave for another two weeks.
She continued living with them, but she firmly insisted on working from home. So their typical routine looked like this:
Every morning, Li Chuanmo will come to Pei Yueran's door with a bouquet of flowers to "pick her up to work". Work was conducted in Li Chuanmo's main study where they corresponded with their PAs and secretaries, discussed current projects and gave appropriate instructions.
They would take lunch breaks per usual, just as they would if they were at the company. They would spend some time talking about ordinary, everyday things, and generally enjoy each other's company.
The employees they worked with noticed the fact that they were together, despite Special Assistant Pei was said to be on sick leave, but the wisely said nothing.
Their secretary —Min Shiyi— was especially excited. She was right all along. She knew it! The next thing was when wedding bells would ring. Maybe she would even get a raise as part of the "wedding candy"!
At the end of the workday, Li Chuanmo would escort Pei Yueran "home" to her room, and they would spend more time before dinner.