Chapter 160: Leave Everything to Me

Ni’s mother turned her head and secretly wiped away the tear clinging to the corner of her eye. In a soft voice, she called to Xiaoxiao, “Sweetheart…”

Xiaoxiao quieted her sobs. Ni’s mother held out her hand, and Xiaoxiao placed her palm in it. Taking her daughter’s hand, Ni’s mother slowly turned toward Lin Shuo and, with solemn gravity, entrusted Xiaoxiao’s hand to him.

“Her father has cherished and loved her all these years. From now on, I’m counting on you.”

It was as though a formal transfer of guardianship had been completed. Ni’s mother had entrusted Xiaoxiao’s entire future to Lin Shuo. With complete concentration, he slipped the ring onto her slender finger, concealing the old scar beneath it. Everything seemed perfect.

He rose and gently reached toward Xiaoxiao’s cheek. At last, she had found someone who would wipe away her tears. That alone filled her with immeasurable happiness.

After leaving the hospital, Lin Shuo drove while Xiaoxiao sat in the passenger seat, with her deeply gratified mother in the back. Though no one spoke a word, no one found the silence awkward or dull. Green trees towered overhead, and sunlight poured across the road. Every so often, Lin Shuo and Xiaoxiao exchanged knowing smiles, their warmth and sweetness resembling a scene from a car commercial.

Through Lin Shuo’s arrangements, Xiaoxiao’s father would receive consultations from a team of specialists. Xiaoxiao, whose worries had previously been difficult to set aside, agreed as well. Perhaps Lin Shuo had changed her outlook on life; she, too, wanted to give it everything she had.

Ni’s mother took an instant liking to this first-time son-in-law and insisted that Lin Shuo stay for dinner. When Xiaoxiao offered to help, her mother sent her off to keep Lin Shuo company. She knew that he would enjoy looking through Xiaoxiao’s childhood photographs with her, and he was delighted by the playful little girl staring back from the pictures.

Suddenly, Ni’s mother poked her head out of the kitchen.

“I really am getting old. I don’t even have all the ingredients ready. Xiaoxiao, hurry and pick some roses.”

When Xiaoxiao had first met Lin Shuo, she had imagined walking hand in hand with him through an endless sea of flowers. Now, at last, her dream had come true.

Lin Shuo bent over to examine the gorgeous, dew-laden roses. He gestured this way and that, but still could not bring himself to pick even one.

Snip!

With a crisp cut, Xiaoxiao severed a stem and placed the rose in the bamboo basket, laughing at Lin Shuo for being so clumsy.

Lin Shuo smiled. “I was only afraid that my hands were too strong and I’d make it fall apart with a single touch.”

“They’re not that delicate!” Xiaoxiao lifted the flower proudly. “See? Escaping without getting pricked is already quite an achievement.”

She pondered for a moment.

“How should I put it? It’s like a person’s instinct for self-preservation. You can admire something purely from a distance, but if you want to possess it, you have to give more in return. At the very least, you need the determination to cut through every thorn. Don’t be afraid of her pain, but make it clear to her that no one but you will do.”

Lin Shuo raised an eyebrow and nodded repeatedly. “That’s quite a lot to take in, but I’ve learned my lesson.”

He took the bamboo basket from her, freeing one hand to take hers.

“You’ve known pain, and I’m here for everything else. It’s time to lower your guard and be happy with all your heart.”