Chapter 716: His Redemption

Chapter 716: His Redemption

Since her son is unwilling to acknowledge her in the future, this meal today may be the only chance for them to be alone together.

She composed herself and forced a smile, "I didn't know what kind of food you like to eat now, so I ordered all the restaurant's signature dishes."

Ye Qingbai politely replied, "Thank you. As I just said, I'm not picky about food; I'll eat anything."

“I remember you always liked to eat spinach noodles when you were little. I didn’t know how to make them at first, but I learned from your grandma for a long time before I learned how to make green noodles.”

Ye Qingbai returned a polite smile but did not reply.

She's not someone who can cook.

I even tried to learn to cook just for him.

He asked, "When are you going back to Country Y?"

Zhao Min replied, "I don't know yet. Our company's business has expanded to the domestic market, so we might be traveling between the two countries in the future."

"That's good, the domestic policies have been relaxed now."

Zhao Min didn't mention her private life, and Ye Qingbai also deliberately avoided the topic.

The two would occasionally chat about topics related to domestic development.

Ye Qingbai could tell that his mother was planning to shift her career focus to China in the future.

Moreover, their business is very large.

It's to the point where we can build factories directly in the country.

When they were almost finished eating, he asked, "You're staying at this hotel, right?"

“Yes,” Zhao Min replied.

“It’s nice to stay here, and it’s close to the station.” Ye Qingbai stood up and looked at her, saying, “Military discipline is quite strict, and I’m usually quite busy, so when you leave… I won’t be able to come and see you off.”

After Ye Qingbo finished speaking, he was about to leave.

"Qingbai..." Zhao Min called out to him urgently.

Ye Qingbai stopped in his tracks.

Zhao Min walked up to him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, "Qingbai, will I ever be able to see you again?"

Ye Qingbai chuckled, "I told you, my unit has very strict discipline and I'm very busy. I know you're busy too."

Zhao Min smiled bitterly and said, "I'm not busy. Even if I'm busy, work is not as important as you. I didn't understand these principles before. I always thought about realizing my own value and wanted to go out and make my way in the world. But as I get older, I realize that even if I am very wealthy, I am still very lonely inside. Especially when I think about how much I owe you over the years, I feel even worse."

"Son, please give me another chance, okay? Let me, as your mother, make up for my mistakes."

Zhao Min's tone was almost pleading.

“I said you did not make a mistake, and I understand your choice back then. I hope you can bravely pursue your ideals and not feel guilty.”

Ye Qingbai said sincerely, "Really, I don't blame you. You should let go of your inner shackles and live your life well."

"My child, I can't let go, I really can't let go."

At this moment, Zhao Min had completely lost the elegance she had when she first entered the private room. She cried and said, "Your father has forgiven me, but I still feel terrible. To be honest, I am really sorry to you and your son. I know you are blaming me."

“I said there’s nothing to apologize for. Everyone has the right to make their own choices. My dad and Aunt Lan have been very happy all these years. They are just ordinary people, without any lofty ideals or pursuits. They just want a simple and peaceful life.”

Ye Qingbai said, "We've all let it go, and I hope you can too. Go live your own life. As for my dad, unless absolutely necessary, you should contact each other less. I'm afraid Aunt Lan might misunderstand."

Having said all that, Zhao Min naturally stopped begging for forgiveness. She wiped away her tears, quickly regained her composure, and said with a sorrowful expression, "I understand."

"Take care from now on..."

After Ye Qingbai finished speaking, he walked out of the restaurant with heavy steps.

It was already dark outside. He stood outside the restaurant, looking up at the starry sky.

My feelings were extremely complicated.

He didn't know if what he did today was right or wrong.

Whether it will cause harm to his biological mother, both his second grandfather and Shen Qian said that he should follow his heart to deal with these issues.

So his truest thought was that he could see her, but he wasn't really willing to rekindle their mother-son relationship.

For 20 years, the word "mother" has remained vague in his mind.

It would be quite difficult for him to reunite with his biological mother, rekindle their bond, and maintain their relationship.

Although he spoke from the heart, as he grew older, he came to understand his mother from back then. He no longer resented her departure.

But he really couldn't accept her.

He couldn't get over his own conscience.

He has passed the age where he needs maternal love.

He didn't know how to rebuild that mother-son relationship with her.

It feels very awkward.

Besides, he saw that his mother was dressed in designer brands and had such a successful business, so she must be living a very good life.

She doesn't need him as a son in terms of practical matters, so he probably can't provide her with anything on a spiritual level either.

If one day in the future—and he meant if—his mother's business fails and she needs him, her biological son, to support her in her old age, then he will fulfill his responsibilities as a son within the scope of the law.

He couldn't give her anything else.

Ye Qingbai stood downstairs for a while in the breeze. Just as he was about to return to his unit, he suddenly looked up and saw a familiar figure standing under the streetlights ahead.

He looked at her in surprise, and the girl was smiling back at him.

Then she ran towards him with light steps.

She bumped headfirst into his arms.

And so, she hugged him tightly in the street.

"Why are you here?" Ye Qingbai raised his hand, put his arm around her back, and asked softly.

Shen Qian looked up at him, her eyes sparkling, "I've come to pick you up."

The words "I'm coming to pick you up" sent a shiver down Ye Qingbai's spine, his heart softening to the extreme.

Shen Qian asked, "Are you full? If not, there's a barbecue stall over there, let's go try some."

"Okay, let's go, have something to eat before we go back."

The two walked hand in hand under the streetlights. Ye Qingbai's inner gloom completely dissipated, and he looked at the girl beside him with eyes full of happiness.

"I stayed at Grandpa Ye's for a while, and came over after I figured you had finished eating."

Ye Qingbai held her hand tightly, his voice hoarse, "Xiaoqian, you're so kind."

At that moment, her embrace was a form of salvation for him.

He looked at her and said softly, "Next time I have a vacation, I'll take you to my house to meet my dad, my grandparents, and them, okay?"

“Okay, let’s talk about it during my vacation.” Shen Qian didn’t refuse him like she had the previous times.

She was truly ready to meet her parents.

Ye Qingbai asked, "Then when are you going to call home and introduce me?"

She readily replied, "I'll call my mom this weekend."