Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 22

Unexpected events always come without warning, and waiting really becomes just waiting. Mrs. Wen had always been a meticulous person, caring for her daughter, Jia Le, with great attention. That day, as usual, she was cleaning Jia Le’s room. While organizing the clutter on the desk, a delicate diary caught her eye. Out of respect for her daughter’s privacy, she initially did not want to open it, but an inexplicable impulse drove her to gently flip it open.

The moment she opened the diary, Mrs. Wen was deeply moved. Jia Le had written many entries about her feelings for Lin Xi, filling the pages with warmth and affection. She described Lin Xi’s smile as bright and warm like the spring sun, bringing light into her life. She recalled their time together, turning seemingly ordinary moments into something magical with her words. The more Mrs. Wen read, the more shocked she became. She had thought that by limiting Lin Xi’s interactions with Jia Le, she could prevent this from happening. She never imagined that her beloved daughter would develop feelings for Lin Xi, this unpredictable variable.

In the diary, Jia Le mentioned that Lin Xi was an orphan who grew up in a welfare home and now supported herself through part-time jobs while studying. Jia Le felt sorry for Lin Xi’s hardships and admired her perseverance and effort. She often expressed her care for Lin Xi in her diary, hoping to be someone Lin Xi could rely on and give her a warm home.

Mrs. Wen’s emotions were complicated. She loved Jia Le and wanted her to have the best of everything, including a wonderful love life. But Lin Xi’s background and gender worried her. She feared that this relationship would bring unnecessary trouble and pain to Jia Le. She knew how harsh society could be and was concerned that Jia Le might face difficulties because of this relationship.

On the weekend, Mrs. Wen arrived early at the café where Lin Xi worked. The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Lin Xi was busy moving between tables, serving coffee and desserts to customers. Her movements were skillful and graceful, and she always wore a kind smile. Sitting in a quiet corner, Mrs. Wen observed her and couldn’t help but feel a bit of appreciation.

Finally, Lin Xi noticed Mrs. Wen sitting in the corner. She paused her work and, with some hesitation, walked over. Mrs. Wen stood up, smiled, and extended her hand. “Lin Xi, would you have time to talk?”

Lin Xi was slightly stunned but quickly regained her composure. She responded politely, “Mrs. Wen, of course. Please, have a seat.” She gestured toward a window-side table and then sat across from her.

Looking at Lin Xi, Mrs. Wen saw clarity and determination in her eyes, evoking a sense of trust. Taking a deep breath, she began, “Lin Xi, I must be honest. I’ve discovered that Jia Le’s feelings for you seem to go beyond just friendship. This surprised me and also made me very concerned. I think we need to have a serious conversation.”

Lin Xi’s expression changed slightly, but she quickly composed herself and nodded, signaling for Mrs. Wen to continue.

“Jia Le is a wonderful girl. She is kind and gentle, always giving her best to her friends. I truly appreciate how happy you’ve made her.” Mrs. Wen paused before continuing, “But I am uneasy. Lin Xi, my concern is not just about your relationship but about the impact it may have on Jia Le. She is still young, with a long future ahead. I fear that this relationship will complicate her life. She needs stability, someone who can bring her happiness. And you…”

Lin Xi interrupted her. “Mrs. Wen, I understand your concerns about Jia Le. But I truly love her. I will do my best to protect her and take care of her. I will make her happy.”

Mrs. Wen shook her head. “Lin Xi, I know you are a good person. But have you thought about the challenges you will face? Social pressure, family opposition—these will all become obstacles. I don’t want Jia Le to struggle because of this.”

Pain flashed in Lin Xi’s eyes, but she quickly lifted her head and looked at Mrs. Wen with determination. “Mrs. Wen, I know these challenges exist, but I am willing to face them with Jia Le. I believe that as long as we are strong enough, nothing can stop us.”

Mrs. Wen looked at Lin Xi, her eyes filled with helplessness. She recognized Lin Xi’s resolve and knew that once she made a decision, she wouldn’t easily give up. But she also knew that Jia Le was gentle and kind. If she fell too deeply into this relationship, she would struggle to pull herself out. Mrs. Wen didn’t want Jia Le to get hurt, but she didn’t know how to convince Lin Xi otherwise.

After a moment of silence, Mrs. Wen finally spoke. “Lin Xi, I understand your feelings, but I want you to consider Jia Le’s future. I can support your education, even sponsor you to study abroad, so you can have a better future.”

Lin Xi was stunned. She hadn’t expected Mrs. Wen to offer such a proposal. She lowered her head, remaining silent for a long time. Mrs. Wen watched her, eyes filled with expectation.

“Mrs. Wen, I appreciate your kindness. But love is not something that can be measured by money. I love Jia Le not because of what she can give me, but because she is my everything. I won’t give up on her for these offers.” Lin Xi lifted her head, her eyes shining with unwavering resolve. “I will work hard to improve myself and bring happiness to Jia Le. Please trust me.”

Mrs. Wen sat in the café’s corner; her gaze filled with conflict. She looked at Lin Xi and struggled internally. She knew Lin Xi’s love for Jia Le was genuine, but as a mother, she was more worried about Jia Le’s future. Taking a deep breath, she spoke again, her tone carrying a hint of pleading. “Lin Xi, I really hope you can let Jia Le go. She is still young, and the pressure of senior year is intense. She needs to focus on her studies, not be troubled by relationship matters. I know you are a good child, and I trust your feelings for Jia Le, but please, consider her future.”

Lin Xi lowered her head, tracing patterns on the table with her fingers. Her heart felt like it was being pierced by countless needles, the pain making it hard to breathe. She knew Mrs. Wen’s words came from a place of love for Jia Le, but the thought of leaving Jia Le made her tremble. She lifted her head, her expression stubborn yet helpless. “Mrs. Wen, I…”

“Lin Xi, I beg you,” Mrs. Wen interrupted, her voice carrying a slight tremor. “Jia Le is my daughter. I just want her to have a happy life. I know you love her, but what can you offer her now? Can you provide her with a stable home? A worry-free future?”

Tears welled up in Lin Xi’s eyes. She bit her lip, trying to appear strong. She knew Mrs. Wen was right—she was just an orphan with no family background or financial security. Even her future was uncertain. And Jia Le—so kind, so pure—shouldn’t be dragged into a complicated emotional entanglement.

“Mrs. Wen, I promise you.” Lin Xi’s voice was soft but firm. “I will leave Jia Le so she can focus on her studies. But I will not accept your sponsorship. I have my own dignity and my own future.”

Mrs. Wen was stunned. She hadn’t expected Lin Xi to agree so decisively. Looking at Lin Xi, a complicated emotion flashed through her eyes. “Lin Xi, you…”

“Mrs. Wen, thank you for your kindness, but I really can’t accept it.” Lin Xi stood up, her voice carrying a hint of finality. “I will work hard to become better, but not because of your help.”

Mrs. Wen watched Lin Xi walk away, her heart filled with guilt and helplessness. She knew Lin Xi was a strong-willed child who wouldn’t be swayed by such offers. But she also knew Lin Xi’s love for Jia Le was real. This farewell—who knew when they would meet again?