Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 65

Han Ning and Shen Xi sat for a while before leaving. Chen Rong walked them to the door and warmly invited them to come over for dinner again next time. The two happily agreed and waved goodbye.

Sitting in the car, Shen Xi let out a long sigh. “Finally, I can put this worry to rest…”

Han Ning started the car and smiled. “See? I told you, Sister Chen is a reasonable person.

It wasn’t such a big deal, nothing that couldn’t be solved. Sometimes, you just need to take quick action, you know?”

“Right, right~” Shen Xi nodded repeatedly, looking like an obedient student.

A few days later, everyone around them learned about what had happened between Shen Xi and Han Ning. Zhou He, Liang Xun, Coco, and the others all applauded and admired their courage, saying they were both brave and smart!

Shen Xi also felt that she couldn’t let her mother worry for too long, so she gave her a call. However, Shen Fengmei’s awareness of phone scams had never been stronger. She insisted that Shen Xi’s voice was fake and refused to believe it was really her.

With no other choice, Shen Xi packed up some gifts and went with Han Ning to visit her mother in their hometown.

Shen Xi knocked on the old green iron gate, which was peeling with age. “Mom? Are you home?”

Shen Fengmei, who was doing laundry, thought she was hearing things. She stopped for a few seconds, then Shen Xi called again, “Mom? Are you home? Open the door, Han Ning and I came to see you.”

Han Ning added, “Yes, Auntie, we came to see you! We even brought roast duck and the latest book on Feng Shui for you…”

Before she could finish, Shen Fengmei yanked open the iron gate. Seeing her daughter standing outside, she teared up instantly. She reached out and pulled Shen Xi into a tight embrace.

“Xiao Xi… is it really you? I thought that Nie guy… I thought something bad had happened to you… Wuwuwu…” Shen Fengmei was so emotional that her words were incoherent.

No matter how much tension there had been before, in the end, a mother and daughter’s bond was unbreakable. Shen Fengmei’s uncontrollable sobbing and her almost suffocating hug were enough to dissolve any past conflicts.

“Mom… I know you’re really emotional, but… cough, cough… can you let go first…” Shen Xi was turning red. Seeing this, Han Ning quickly tucked the Feng Shui book under her arm and started prying Shen Fengmei’s fingers off.

If she didn’t let go soon, Han Ning was about to start tickling her!

Realizing she was nearly choking her own daughter, Shen Fengmei quickly released her grip and opened the door to let them in.

Following behind, Han Ning muttered to Shen Xi, “Auntie is like a zombie… once she grabs hold, she won’t let go…”

“Stop talking nonsense, or I’ll flick your forehead,” Shen Xi whispered back, giving her a light smack. Han Ning pouted and trailed behind them into the house.

“Sorry, Ning, the house is such a mess—I didn’t even have time to clean up,” Shen Fengmei said apologetically with a smile.

“It’s fine, Auntie. I actually think a bit of mess makes a home feel lived in. Otherwise, it would just look like a showroom—too perfect, no warmth. You should sit down and relax, don’t worry about tidying up. We’re not outsiders,” Han Ning said cheerfully as she got up to give Shen Fengmei a seat, then found a small stool to sit beside them.

“I think Auntie has improved a lot. I mean, you didn’t even believe it when Xi Xi called you,” Han Ning said while biting into an apple.

“Sigh… I’ve been scammed too many times. I’ve always heard that woman was heartless and cruel. I was convinced that as long as Xiao Xi stayed by her side, she would suffer and face endless misfortune. It’s my fault too… I let them use my weakness against me, and you both suffered because of it.” Tears streamed down Shen Fengmei’s face again. Shen Xi pulled a few tissues and handed them to her.

Seeing her mother cry like this, Shen Xi felt terrible. She happened to notice that her mother’s hair had more white strands than before. With a sigh, she thought to herself, Let’s leave the past behind. I don’t want any more turmoil.

“Mom, I’m doing just fine. You always cry, and that’s not good…” Shen Xi’s eyes turned red as well. She gently wiped her mother’s tears with a tissue and softly said, “It’s almost mealtime. Go wash your face and put on something nice. Han Ning and I will take you out to eat, okay?”

Han Ning nodded. “Yes, yes! Let’s take you out for a fun day!”

“Then… I’ll go wash my face.” Shen Fengmei got up, washed up, and changed into a fresh outfit before heading out with them.

Half an hour later, the three of them sat around a square table in the county’s most popular roast duck restaurant.

After ordering, Shen Fengmei handed the menu to the waiter. The waiter smiled and said, “Alright, please wait a moment.”

“Is this enough food, Mom?” Shen Xi asked.

“It’s plenty! You even brought me two whole ducks. Eating too much will be greasy…” Shen Fengmei nodded enthusiastically.

She looked at Han Ning, then at Shen Xi, and after a long pause, she finally asked, “So… you two are actually dating? I thought you were just close friends…”

Shen Xi and Han Ning exchanged glances. After a brief hesitation, Shen Xi spoke firmly, “Mom, true love isn’t about gender. Han Ning is an amazing person, and I know you can see that too. She has done so much for me, even at the cost of her own public image. I understand that this might be hard for people to accept, but let me make this clear—no one will stop me from being with Han Ning!”

Feeling a bad premonition, Shen Xi braced herself for her mother’s reaction, expecting tears, drama, or even a complete breakdown. She believed it was necessary to show her determination upfront.

“…I didn’t even say anything yet,” Shen Fengmei blinked, stunned.

“Yeah… Auntie didn’t say anything yet. Xi Xi, calm down a little,” Han Ning added.

“Tsk!” Shen Xi shot Han Ning a sharp look. Han Ning quickly turned her gaze toward the restaurant’s entrance.

“I never said I disapprove of you two being together,” Shen Fengmei explained. “I’m not one of those old-fashioned ladies. What’s so great about men, anyway? Haven’t I suffered enough because of them?” She rolled a piece of duck into a pancake and stuffed it into her mouth, mumbling, “As long as you two get along and love each other, why wouldn’t I support you?”

Both Shen Xi and Han Ning were caught off guard. Shen Xi thought, What kind of unexpected plot twist is this?

After dinner, as they were leaving, Shen Fengmei grabbed Shen Xi’s arm and said seriously, “Daughter, I’ve read all your novels. Why haven’t you updated your latest one? You better finish it soon!”

Shen Xi never expected her own mother to pressure her to update her novel. She forced a laugh. “Okay… I’ll write tonight…”

“Auntie, you even read yuri novels?” Han Ning was shocked. No wonder she’s okay with me and Shen Xi.

“Of course! I find them quite interesting—way more fun than playing cards,” Shen Fengmei said excitedly. “I don’t know why I never discovered this hobby before…”

“Auntie, let Xi Xi recommend more books for you! She’s an expert,” Han Ning said, linking arms with Shen Fengmei. She then turned back and called out, “Xi Xi, hurry up and pay the bill! We’re taking Auntie shopping!”

Still in a daze, Shen Xi numbly paid before following them to the shopping district.

That night, just as they were resting at home, the doorbell rang. Neither wanted to move.

“You answer it,” Shen Xi said.

“This is your house,” Han Ning replied, still cuddling the cat.

“Isn’t it your house too?” Shen Xi shot back.

Ignoring her, Han Ning continued petting the cat.

Shen Xi finally opened the door. Two police officers stood outside.

“Hello, we are from the local police station. We need to speak with Miss Han about Tian He.”

“Tian He… Ah Tian?” Shen Xi asked. “What happened to him?”

Han Ning walked over. “I’m Han Ning. What happened?”

“He was murdered,” the officer said.