Meeting Mei Lin's Parents
Zhìxué and Mei Lin finally arrived at a cozy area near the seats, where Mei Lin's parents were waiting. Mei Lin's father was an older man with a gentle face, and her mother, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and kind eyes, looked just as welcoming.
Mei Lin beamed with pride, taking Zhìxué's hand as she introduced him. "Mom, Dad, this is Li Zhìxué, the one I've been telling you about. He's not only incredibly smart but also kind and caring."
Zhìxué greeted them respectfully, offering a polite bow. "Mr. and Mrs. Mei, it's an honor to finally meet you. Mei Lin has told me so much about both of you. I'm truly grateful for everything, and I'm glad to be here with you on such an important day."
Her parents exchanged a warm look, and her mother smiled with approval as she whispered to Mei Lin, "Your eye for people is spot-on. He's as handsome as you said, and with such manners! You've picked well."
They all laughed, and Mei Lin's father patted Zhìxué on the shoulder. "So, Zhìxué, tell us about yourself. I hear you're the top student and quite the innovator. We're eager to know more about what you do."
Zhìxué nodded, smiling humbly. "Yes, I've been focused on technology and AI development, something my father inspired in me. I'm passionate about creating tools that can help make life easier for others. Mei Lin… she's been a big motivation for me. I feel lucky to have her support."
The family's smiles grew, and Mei Lin's mother chuckled. "Well, you're already part of the family as far as we're concerned. Let's take some photos to remember this day together."
They lined up, exchanging laughs and light-hearted poses as the camera clicked. Each picture captured their joy, with Mei Lin's parents making Zhìxué feel like one of them. With each photo, Zhìxué felt an overwhelming sense of both happiness and nostalgia. The warmth reminded him of the family he had lost, but in this moment, he felt connected, accepted.
Mei Lin and Zhìxué's Special Photo
Finally, it was time for a photo of just Mei Lin and Zhìxué. She slipped her arms around him, her eyes full of affection. The others watched as Mei Lin pulled him close and whispered, "Zhìxué, wǒ ài nǐ (I love you)." Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips, the warmth and sweetness of the moment captured in the camera's flash. Zhìxué's cheeks flushed, but he couldn't hide his own smile as he held her close.
Mei Lin's parents, watching this, exchanged a look, her mother chuckling with amusement. "Our daughter doesn't waste any time, does she?" she joked, nudging her husband. "Looks like we'll be planning a wedding sooner than we thought!"
Her husband laughed, shaking his head. "Seems like Mei Lin knows exactly what she wants." He turned to Mei Lin with a mock-serious look. "Now don't go giving your mother too many ideas, young lady. But… I think we're more than lucky to have someone like Zhìxué in the family."
The family's laughter filled the space, a warm and joyful sound, and for the first time in a long time, Zhìxué felt like he truly belonged. The final photo was a perfect capture of happiness, love, and the beginning of something new.
As Zhìxué and Mei Lin finished taking their photos, their friends—Chen Wei, Xiao Yu, and Jia Li—joined them with bright smiles. They laughed and teased each other, reminiscing about shared memories, from late-night study sessions to last-minute project deadlines. The five friends posed together, making funny faces and trying different poses as their parents looked on with proud smiles, capturing the moments on their own cameras.
After the last photo, the group exchanged heartfelt hugs, promising to keep in touch. "Don't forget to add everyone on social!" Chen Wei called out, giving Zhìxué a firm handshake and a grin. "This isn't goodbye. Just the beginning of something bigger."
With promises to meet up soon, the group slowly dispersed, leaving only Mei Lin, Zhìxué, and her parents.
Mei Lin's parents stepped forward, smiling warmly at Zhìxué. Her father spoke first, his tone full of sincerity. "Zhìxué, we'd be delighted if you could join us for dinner at our home tonight. We'd love the chance to get to know you better."
Mei Lin's face lit up with excitement, and she squeezed Zhìxué's arm. "This is perfect! Please say yes," she urged, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Zhìxué nodded, genuinely touched by the invitation. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mei. I would be honored."
As they spoke, a sleek, luxurious car pulled up in front of them, the driver stepping out to greet Mei Lin's parents. The car, polished to perfection, exuded an air of wealth and prestige.
Zhìxué's smile faded as his gaze fell on the car. Memories flooded back—flashes of that dark, rainy night in his mind—the spinning, the crash, his parents' faces in the shadows of that car. His breath quickened, his chest tightening, and his body began to shake. The edges of his vision blurred, and he struggled to steady himself.
Mei Lin's parents noticed his sudden discomfort, worry crossing their faces. Mei Lin, recognizing his reaction, quickly stepped in, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Zhìxué, are you alright?" Mei Lin's mother asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
Sensing his distress, Mei Lin turned to her parents, speaking softly but firmly. "Mom, Dad, would you mind going ahead? We'll join you in a bit. I think Zhìxué and I could use a moment."
Her parents exchanged a glance, then nodded with understanding. "Of course, dear," her father replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Zhìxué. "Take all the time you need. We'll be waiting at home."
With a reassuring smile, they entered the car and drove off, leaving Zhìxué and Mei Lin standing in the quiet.
Zhìxué took a deep breath, steadying himself as he looked into Mei Lin's eyes, gratitude and apology evident in his expression. "Mei Lin… I'm so sorry," he said quietly, his voice sincere. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble or make things awkward for you and your parents."
He hesitated, then continued, "I know this probably seemed… strange, and I'm sure they're worried. I don't want them to feel that way, and I don't want you to either. I'll explain everything tonight at dinner—I owe you and them that much."
He managed a small smile. "Thank you for understanding. It means a lot that you didn't push or question me… I just need a bit of time."
Mei Lin smiled back, her gaze warm with understanding. "Zhìxué, there's no need to apologize. I'm here for you, and so are they. Just take it at your own pace. Let's go get something to drink and breathe a bit before dinner," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
As they walked together, Zhìxué felt his heart lighten, grateful not only for her support but for the sense of family she was helping him find.
As Mei Lin's parents settled into the backseat, her mother couldn't shake the worry that filled her voice. "Why did Zhìxué look so unsteady when the car arrived?" she asked, looking back at the school as they drove away. "He seemed like he was about to fall. Something is clearly troubling him. Should we go back? He may need medical help, and Mei Lin… she's so young. Can she handle something like this?"
Her husband placed a comforting hand on her arm, though his brow furrowed in concern as well. "This young man isn't someone who loses his composure easily. Maybe something happened, something we don't know yet. Let's not jump to conclusions," he replied thoughtfully, though his eyes mirrored her worry. "We'll see what he has to say at dinner. He may need more than we realize."
His wife nodded, still glancing back, her mind swirling with concern for both Zhìxué and her daughter.
Outside, Mei Lin walked slowly beside Zhìxué, giving him time to breathe and steady himself. She looked up at him, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Zhìxué, I just want you to know… no matter what's on your mind, I'm here. You don't have to carry everything alone."
Zhìxué met her eyes, touched by her sincerity, and nodded. "Thank you, Mei Lin. I… I appreciate this, more than you know," he said, his voice soft. Her words gave him a sense of calm, the weight on his chest feeling just a little lighter.
When they reached his scooter, Zhìxué lifted his hand, his ring glinting in the sunlight. With a silent command to his AI, he watched as his scooter transformed in a blink, reshaping itself with smooth, precise movements into a larger, bicycle-like frame.
Mei Lin's eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly. "Zhìxué! That's amazing! You… you never told me it could do that!" she exclaimed, laughing in surprise.
Zhìxué grinned and gestured to the back seat. "Hop on! We can take one last ride around campus. It's my way of saying goodbye."
Excitedly, Mei Lin took her place on the back seat, relaxing into the ride as he pedaled forward. The two rode slowly, taking in the familiar paths, the old classrooms, and the campus that held so many memories. Mei Lin leaned her head against his back, closing her eyes and savoring the moment.
"This is perfect," she whispered, a gentle smile on her face. "Thank you, Zhìxué."
As they left campus, Mei Lin's eyes sparkled with excitement when she spotted a stylish clothing boutique. She tugged gently on Zhìxué's sleeve, her smile playful. "Hey, let's go in! I want to get something nice for tonight," she said. "And you need a new outfit, too. Let's make tonight memorable!"
Zhìxué laughed, nodding as they entered the store together. Mei Lin immediately dove into browsing, holding up dresses with excitement and disappearing into the fitting room. She tried on several outfits, each one prettier than the last, twirling in front of him with a playful grin. "Well, what do you think? Which one suits me best?"
Zhìxué watched her, a warm smile on his face. "Every dress looks beautiful on you, Mei Lin," he replied, his voice sincere. He pointed to a soft pink dress that seemed to light up her face. "But I think that one really brings out the warmth in your smile."
Her cheeks flushed a little as she looked away, her heart fluttering. After a final twirl, she disappeared back into the dressing room, glancing over her shoulder with a soft smile.
When it was Zhìxué's turn, he browsed through the men's section, finally selecting a dark blue suit. After adjusting the jacket, he took a breath and stepped out with quiet confidence. The effect was immediate; heads turned, whispers spread, and admiring eyes followed him.
A couple of young sales staff exchanged excited glances, one murmuring, "Is he… a model? He looks amazing in that suit!"
A group of girls shopping nearby paused, their eyes fixed on Zhìxué as they whispered, "He's so handsome! I'd go on a date with him in a heartbeat."
Mei Lin's eyes widened as she noticed the attention he was getting. A pang of jealousy rose in her chest, and she crossed her arms with a slight frown. Without a second thought, she walked over and linked her arm possessively through his, raising her chin as if to announce to everyone around them that he was with her.
Zhìxué smiled, noticing her reaction. "So… how does it look?" he asked, his voice light but teasing.
Mei Lin huffed slightly, her lips pressed together. "You look… you look too good!" she admitted, narrowing her eyes. "This is the first time you're wearing this suit, and I'm only letting you wear it one more time after this. Then it's going in the back of your closet."
Zhìxué chuckled, tilting his head in amusement. "Only one more time?" he asked, feigning innocence. "Why the limit? Is it because you're… jealous?" He grinned, watching her face carefully.
Her cheeks flushed, and she tried to brush it off. "I am not jealous!" she retorted, though her tone gave her away. "It's just that… the next time you wear it… it'll be for our wed—"
She stopped herself mid-word, realizing what she was about to say. Her cheeks turned bright red, and she quickly looked away, covering her mouth in embarrassment as her mind raced. Did I really almost say 'our wedding'?
Zhìxué's eyes sparkled, and he leaned in with a warm smile, his voice soft. "Our… what, Mei Lin?" he teased gently, unable to hold back his grin.
She laughed nervously, brushing her hair back in an attempt to regain composure. "I didn't say anything!" she insisted, though her face betrayed her flustered feelings.
Zhìxué chuckled, watching her fondly. "You know," he said, lowering his voice, "I think I understand perfectly."
With a final glance at the admiring crowd, Mei Lin took his hand firmly and pulled him toward the counter. "Let's go before anyone else stares. You're mine, after all," she murmured, still blushing.
Zhìxué let himself be led, his heart light, realizing that the future he'd only dreamed of might not be so far out of reach after all.