After Sun Yue and Lu Huai left, the crowd naturally dispersed as well. Although there were still a few people who stayed behind to mock Pei Xin, they eventually left after realizing she wasn't giving them the reaction they wanted.
Pei Xin was too engrossed in her own thoughts wondering if everything they said were true. What if Ling Lin's father was really Sun Yue?
With Lu Nan's personality, she was sure that Lu Nan would not treat Ling Lin well. Moreover, she remembered the fight Ling Lin had with Sun Che. They had already gone off the wrong foot!
Thinking of this, Pei Xin could not help but quicken her pace to get home. She was afraid that Lu Nan would immediately send people to harm Ling Lin while she wasn't around.
When Pei Xin returned home, Ling Jin had already returned and was cooking. Meanwhile, Ling Lin was sitting at the table with a notebook and learning the new words that his uncle had just taught him.
Pei Xin's heart broke when she saw Ling Lin studying earnestly. Ling Lin was already at the age where he should be in kindergarten. He should be experiencing a happy childhood, but now he could only study at this shabby dining table.
Ling Jin carried the stir-fried vegetables into the room. When he saw Pei Xin looking at her, he sighed.
"How did it go? Any results?"
Pei Xin looked at him for a long time before shaking her head.
Ling Jin raised his hand and patted her shoulder to comfort her. "Take your time. There's no rush."
Pei Xin forced a smile and nodded.
"Let's eat. Ling Lin, go pack up then wash your hands. It's time to eat!" Ling Jin placed the dishes on the table and set the table.
"Okay, but after this! I'm almost done writing it!"
Today's meal looked particularly dull. Other than Ling Lin, who didn't know what trouble was, the other two people were all preoccupied with personal struggles.
"Mommy, are you going to go out tomorrow as well?"
Ling Lin took a bite of his rice and asked in a muffled voice.
"Nope. I've decided to stay with you at home."
After what happened today, Pei Xin did not dare to leave Ling Lin alone at home. It would be fine if Sun Yue wasn't actually his father, but if it was true… Pei Xin didn't dare to think about the implications.
"That's great. Uncle has been too busy recently, and the words I'm learning from him are starting to get boring. Mommy, maybe you can teach me how to write tomorrow instead!" Ling Lin's eyes gleamed with joy.
Those bright and spirited eyes made Pei Xin's heart soften. "Of course, that won't be an issue. I'll teach you how to write. Maybe I'll even teach you math and grammar!"
"That sounds amazing!!"
Pei Xin picked up a piece of egg and placed it in Ling Jin's bowl. "It's also because he's been working twice as hard at his job to provide for us two. We should appreciate the things around us."
She was aware of what her son had just said. She also knew that because there were two more mouths to feed, she was certain that Ling Jin had taken on some odd jobs after work to get by.
Every morning, she kept all the change that Ling Jin left for her. Even when given the freedom to spend on whatever she wanted, she didn't have the courage to spend a single cent.
The originally gloomy atmosphere was slowly improving. Just as the family was enjoying themselves, the voice that Pei Xin did not want to hear came from outside.
"Pei Xin! Come out!"
Lu Li had planned to go in and find them, but he did not want to enter the shabby-looking place.
"I'll do it." Ling Jin stood up. As the man of the household, he felt like he had to be the one standing at the front lines!
He still blamed himself for not protecting his sister the last time they were in this situation. This time, he vowed to never let Lu Li bully her again.
"It's okay, I'll go. He won't do anything to me. Just stay at home and look after Ling Lin for me." Pei Xin grabbed Ling Jin's hand. "There are some things that I need to face on my own."
Pei Xin knew that no matter how angry Lu Li was, he would not kill her. However, Ling Jin was different. She was afraid that Lu Li would do something out of line if pushed to the edge.
She didn't dare take that chance. Lu Li had the protection of the Lu Family. However, if something happened to the only person she could rely on…
Ling Jin carefully studied Pei Xin's face, but Pei Xin's gaze was firm and it looked like she did not have the intention of backing down or changing her mind. He could only sit down helplessly. "Fine. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you." Pei Xin gave him a reassuring smile and left the room.
Based on Lu Li's pale face, Pei Xin guessed that Lu Nan had gone home to spread the fire. Lu Nan must have told Lu Li everything that had happened this afternoon, including the gossip.
There were many times when Pei Xin couldn't understand why the whole event escalated. She didn't do anything wrong, but even if she did, what did it have to do with Lu Li? She was no longer his fiance. They were just strangers now, weren't they? Why did he come all the way here to make such a big fuss?
Compared to Lu Li's huffing and puffing, Pei Xin looked much calmer. Although her fingertips were trembling, she regained her composure and asked, "What's the matter?"