He gets home to Ling Wei; she was munching on chips, playfully offering to feed him. He sits down beside her on the couch.
"I know you went to Heavenly Pavilion today," he said, his head lowered.
Noticing that his expression was serious, she dropped the chips on the table beside her.
"Your mum met up with me," she said.
"She told me to leave you, that we're not of the same class," Ling Wei continued, her voice steady.
"But I refused. I told her I won't be intimidated or leave you because of her status or threats."
Ling Wei's eyes locked onto Jiang Jian's.
"I made it clear that my relationship with you has nothing to do with your family or social standing."
Jiang Jian's expression turned complicated, mixing anger, concern, and relief.
He hugged her tightly.
"Promise you'll never leave me, Wei."
His voice cracked.
Ling Wei's arms wrapped around him.
"I promise."
Her vow soothed his frayed nerves.
Jiang Jian pulled back, eyes searching.
"Did she scare you?"
Ling Wei shook her head.
"I won't let anyone come between us."
Jiang Jian's face softened.
He kissed her forehead.
"Thank you, Wei."
In that moment, Ling Wei knew.
Jiang Jian's love was hers to keep.
And she would fight for it.