Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 14

Mrs. Wen was busy in the kitchen, and the soup in the pot was steaming, filling the air with a warm aroma. As she stirred, she couldn’t help but worry about her daughter, Jia Le. Lately, Jia Le seemed distracted, her grades had dropped a little, and something was clearly on her mind. Mrs. Wen decided to find a chance to have a good talk with her daughter.

During dinner, Mrs. Wen placed the steaming dishes on the table. Jia Le sat at the table with her head down, lost in thought. Mrs. Wen gently asked, “Jia Le, I’ve noticed that you seem preoccupied lately. Is there something on your mind that you’d like to talk to me about?”

Jia Le lowered her head further, hesitating for a moment before finally gathering the courage to speak. “Mom, I… I’m in love.”

Mrs. Wen’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly adjusted her emotions, keeping her tone calm. “Oh? Really? Can you tell me who it is?”

Jia Le’s face flushed slightly, and she whispered, “It’s He Xiaoyong, my classmate.”

Mrs. Wen felt a mix of emotions. She knew He Xiaoyong was Jia Le’s classmate—he had good grades and was a responsible student. However, she also knew that academics were the most important thing for Jia Le right now. She put down her chopsticks, gently took Jia Le’s hand, and said earnestly, “Jia Le, I know you’re growing up and have your own feelings. I’m not against you dating, but you need to understand that your studies are your top priority right now. The high school entrance exam is too important—it will determine your future and your dreams.”

Jia Le lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “Mom, I understand, but…”

Mrs. Wen interrupted gently, “I’m not asking you to give up on your feelings, I just hope you can focus more on your studies. You and He Xiaoyong can continue to see each other, but you must encourage each other and improve together. You are still young, and there will be many opportunities in the future. Once you have a strong foundation, then you can think about love.”

Jia Le looked up at her mother and nodded. “Mom, I understand. I’ll work hard and make sure my feelings don’t affect my studies.”

Mrs. Wen sighed in relief and gently squeezed Jia Le’s hand. “I know you’re a sensible girl. As long as you do your best, I will always support you.”

A few days later, Mrs. Wen overheard Jia Le talking to Lin Xi on the phone and suddenly remembered that Lin Xi also had feelings for Jia Le. Her heart sank as she realized the seriousness of the situation. She decided she needed to have a talk with Lin Xi.

Sitting on the living room sofa, Mrs. Wen spoke in a serious tone. “Lin Xi, I asked you to come because I need to have a talk with you.”

Lin Xi sat nervously on the couch, feeling uneasy at the serious look on Mrs. Wen’s face. “Aunt Wen, what’s wrong?”

Mrs. Wen took a deep breath and got straight to the point. “Lin Xi, I know you still have feelings for Jia Le. But I have to tell you, this relationship cannot happen.”

Lin Xi froze, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Auntie, I…”

Mrs. Wen interrupted her, her voice firm. “Lin Xi, I know you like her, but you have to understand that feelings between the three of you will only make things complicated. This will not be good for your studies or your future. Right now, the most important thing for all of you is your education. You can’t let emotions get in the way of your future.”

Tears streamed down Lin Xi’s face as she choked out, “Auntie, I really like her…”

Mrs. Wen gently held Lin Xi’s hand and spoke with deep sincerity. “Lin Xi, I know this is painful, but sometimes, we have to make sacrifices. I hope you can step back from Jia Le and He Xiaoyong’s world and focus on your studies. It’s not that I don’t support you—I just want you to have a better future.”

Lin Xi’s tears fell even harder. Choking back sobs, she whispered, “Auntie, what should I do…?”

Mrs. Wen softly patted her back to comfort her. “Lin Xi, I know this is hard for you, but you have to believe that time will heal everything. You have a long road ahead of you. Don’t let emotions hold you back—focus on your studies.”

Lin Xi was silent for a long time. Finally, she nodded. “Auntie, I understand. I’ll do my best.”

Mrs. Wen let out a small sigh of relief, but her heart ached. She knew Lin Xi was suffering, but for Jia Le’s future, she had no choice. Gently, she pulled Lin Xi into a hug and whispered, “I know you’re a good child. As long as you work hard, your future will be bright.”

Lin Xi cried into Mrs. Wen’s shoulder, soaking her clothes with tears. She agreed to step away from Jia Le and He Xiaoyong’s world, but inside, it felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She knew Aunt Wen meant well, but once you’ve tasted love, how can you just let it go?