Yan Mei smiled warmly as she hugged her back. Mrs. Leng pulled away and scrutinized Yan Mei. She furrowed her brows.

”You need to eat more. You’re still skinny.” Mrs. Leng commented, causing Yan Mei to giggle.

”Auntie, I have gained weight because my husband has been spoiling me with food!” Mrs. Leng stiffened as she looked up at Yan Mei.

”Husban-“She was cut off when she noticed Lei Zhao’s presence.

”Who is this?” she smiled kindly.

Yan Mei turned around and stood beside Mrs. Leng.

Lei Zhao was about to introduce himself when Yan Mei cut him off.

”Auntie, this is Lei Zhao. He is my husband.” Mrs. Leng’s smile congealed into shock. Lei Zhao stared at her as her eyes widened in shock, but she immediately composed herself.

A glint passed through his eyes when he saw the woman smiling forcedly at him. Mrs. Leng’s eyes scanned Lei Zhao’s body from head to foot, trying to figure something out.

Yan Mei waved at Lei Zhao, “Lei Zhao, come and greet my aunty.”

Lei Zhao walked towards them and stretched his hands for Mrs. Leng to shake, but the woman brushed it off as she gave in to hug him.

”It’s nice to meet you, dear.” She pulled away and held Lei Zhao’s shoulders, smiling, “You’re very handsome!”

”Thank you, Ma’ ma.”

Mrs. Leng chuckled, “Please, just call me Mrs. Leng.”

Lei Zhao nodded politely.

”Alright, Ma-Mrs. Leng.”

Lei Zhao replied as he transferred his gaze to Yan Mei, who was looking in his direction. He smiled at her, and Yan Mei responded with a grin.

Mrs. Leng watched their interactions, and she looked at her son, who had a crushed look in his eyes. She felt a pang in her chest as she felt bad for her son.

Mrs. Leng knew how much her son had loved Yan Mei all these years, but because she was his best friend’s wife, he couldn’t do anything but just watched the woman he loves in his best friend’s arms.

Then she disappeared five years ago. Her son had searched for her non-stop all these years, and when he finally found her, she was already married to another man. How can fate be this cruel to her son!

Leng Shao felt his mother’s gaze on him. He just shrugged his shoulders and forced a smile to appease his mother.

Mrs. Leng smiled softly at him and turned to look at Yan Mei.

”XiaoMei, let’s go; we have lots of catching up to do!”

——-

Yan Mei and Mrs. Leng sat on a near bench as they talk about general things. Because Mrs. Leng didn’t want to open Yan Mei’s wounds, she didn’t ask what happened five years ago or mention Wang Lu.

Mrs. Leng suddenly became quiet for a moment before turning to look at Lei Zhao, who was standing under a shade with her son.

”So…you really love this guy, huh?” Mrs. Leng whispered.

”Ahh-ye-well, it’s complicated.” Yan Mei said as she also turned to gaze at Lei Zhao.

Lei Zhao had bumped together his brows as he stared at his phone.

”You look happy. I think he is good for you.” Mrs. Leng said openly.

Yan Mei smiled, “Yeah, he is.”

Mrs. Leng held Yan Mei’s hands, “You deserve to be happy, XiaoMei. I don’t know how your new married life is, but I hope it works out. Because even a blind man can see how much that guy loves you.”

Yan Mei felt the blood rushing to her cheeks, “Yeah, he does, and I hope our marriage works out.”

Mrs. Leng chuckled, “So you have told him how you feel about him? I know you’re not very vocal about your feelings.”

Yan Mei avoided Mrs. Leng’s gaze and shook her head.

Mrs. Leng’s forehead creased, “You have never vocally expressed how you feel about him? Not even once?”

Yan Mei nibbled on her bottom lips and fidgeted. She felt like a kid who was about to be schooled by her mother.

Seeing her reaction, Mrs. Leng shook her head helplessly.

”XiaoMei, even though he is a man. He also has feelings and needs security in the relationship. I know it must be difficult for you to believe in love again. But…looking at how that guy looks at you like you are the only thing in his universe. I can bet money on it that he truly loves you!”

A flush crept on Yan Mei’s face.

”You should tell him how you feel about him. The sooner, the better, okay?”

Yan Mei’s eyes met Mrs. Leng’s soft ones gazing at her lovely and nodded.

”Do-I-I need to wait for a special day or time to tell him? You know—so that it will be special.”

Mrs. Leng laughed and flickered Yan Mei’s nose, “Silly child, when you love someone, there is nothing like a special time or place to confess how you feel. Just make sure your confession is from here.” Mrs. Leng said as she pointed at her heart.

——

Lei Zhao looked at the message sent by Ye Xing and furrowed his brows. The task he gave him to investigate the person responsible for his wife’s plight was proving to be a hard task. Whoever did this, Lei Zhao has to admit, is really good. There are no loopholes.

”Is everything okay?” Leng Shao asked, making Lei Zhao looked up at him. Lei Zhao nodded and placed his phone back in his pocket.

”Yeah.” Lei Zhao replied dryly, with no emotion in his eyes.

An awkward silence and tension fell between the two men. After a few seconds, Lei Zhao spoke, breaking the silence.

”I owe you an apology.”

Shock flashed through Leng Shao’s eyes. He knew Lei Zhao wasn’t a man who would normally apologize for something unless he wants to.

”Apologize for…”

Lei Zhao stared at Yan Mei, who was blushing, and his lips twisted into a soft smile.

”For the way, I treated you when we first met. I know you mean a lot to my wife.”

Lei Zhao said as he turned to look at Leng Shao, “My wife’s friends are my friends as her enemies are mine. So sorry…I hope we can put that unpleasant welcome behind us.”

Leng Shao was beyond shock. This man…he is so different from Wang Lu-“

Leng Shao realized he was waiting for him to say something.

He cleared his throat and nodded, “It’s okay. As a man, I understand your behavior. I would have behaved the same way or worse.”

Lei Zhao stared at Leng Shao for a few seconds before speaking, “Why didn’t you tell her how you feel about her years ago.” He has always been curious about this question since he met Leng Shao and realized he likes his wife.

Leng Shao swallowed nervously and looked at Yan Mei. A sad smile formed on his lips.

”Because I knew it was impossible to be with her. And her happiness means everything to me.”

Lei Zhao looked at Leng Shao; he had to admit this man was worthy of his respect.

”Don’t hurt her.” Lei Zhao heard Leng Shao’s plead.

”I don’t plan to.” Lei Zhao told him as he willed himself to hold on to that promise.