Chapter 154 A Date

Chapter 154: Date

Shen Linyue’s eyes narrowed instantly.

Shen Qingye looked up at her with an obedient, ingratiating smile.

Shen Linyue gritted her teeth, unable to hold back any longer, and poked her daughter’s forehead. "Honestly!"

Shen Qingye covered her forehead and chuckled sheepishly.

Shen Linyue took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly. Though she had anticipated this, now that it was actually happening, she couldn’t help feeling displeased. Her tone turned dry. "You’re a big girl now. If you want to date, then go ahead. It’s not like I’d stop you."

Shen Qingye pouted and leaned in closer, all but glued to her. "But I had to tell you, didn’t I? You should know."

Shen Linyue crossed her arms and grumbled, glancing at her sideways. "How nice of you to think of me."

Shen Qingye hugged her arm, her voice sweet and coaxing. "Listen to you! You’re my mom. Of course I’d tell you. And if you have any objections, I’d listen to you, wouldn’t I?"

"Smooth talker!" Shen Linyue chided, though a smile finally appeared on her face. Shen Qingye teased her a while longer until she grew impatient and finally stepped back.

Shen Linyue gazed at her beautiful, grown-up daughter, her emotions complicated. She cleared her throat and said seriously, "You’ve always been sensible. Since you’re dating now, do it right. I won’t nag you too much, but remember one thing—protect yourself."

Her eyes flicked to Shen Qingye’s stomach. "Before marriage, don’t you dare get pregnant."

Shen Qingye froze, taking a moment to process the implication, then turned bright red. "Mom!"

She stammered, flustered. "What are you saying? How could I—"

Shen Linyue gave her a steady gaze. "Just a reminder. I hope it doesn’t happen."

She paused, then added, "Not that I’m forbidding you from being intimate. There’s no shame in it. If the feelings are there, it’s natural. But you must take precautions. You’re a girl—if something happens, you’re the one who’ll suffer..."

Shen Qingye hastily covered her mouth, blurting out, "I know, I know, I know! Don’t worry..."

Shen Qingye had never thought sex was something to be ashamed of. She’d even discussed it with peers before. But talking about it with friends was one thing—with her mother, it was entirely different.

"Let’s eat, let’s eat! Aunt Chen must have dinner ready—I can smell it!"

She hurriedly pulled her mother up, rushing toward the dining table. Shen Linyue chuckled at her reddened ears but thankfully dropped it.

Dinner was mostly quiet. Aunt Chen eyed them curiously, wondering if the mother and daughter had argued.

Unaware of Aunt Chen’s thoughts, Shen Qingye kept her head down and ate. Across from her, Shen Linyue, who never ate much, put down her chopsticks after eating just enough. She took in her daughter’s quiet mood and suddenly remarked, "Your father isn’t here anymore."

The words made not only Shen Qingye but also Aunt Chen pause. In all her years working for the family, she had rarely heard them mention Shen Qingye’s father.

Shen Qingye looked up. "Mom?"

Shen Linyue grumbled, still sounding displeased. "If your father were still here, given how he doted on you, that boy wouldn’t have had it so easy."

Shen Qingye was silent for a moment. Seeing that her mother’s mood wasn’t too affected, she gave a small smile. "You’re right."

"If Dad were still here, Yue Lingchuan would’ve had a harder time."

She grinned. "So, you’ll have to step into his shoes and put him through his paces."

Shen Linyue gave her a look. "Easy for you to say. You’d probably take his side when the time comes."

Shen Qingye said nonchalantly, "What’s there to feel bad about? What future son-in-law skips meeting his mother-in-law?"

Shen Linyue snorted, "Really?"

Shen Qingye straightened her expression, "Would I lie to you?"

Shen Linyue nodded faintly, "In that case, let’s have dinner with your Uncle Gao tomorrow. Should I bring this up with Aunt Bai and the rest?"

Shen Qingye immediately clammed up.

"Well... there’s no rush for that."

Shen Linyue laughed, "Still playing tough, huh?"

Shen Qingye rubbed her nose and offered a sheepish grin.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to say it, but if Uncle Gao really found out about her relationship with Yue Lingchuan... he’d probably give him the stink eye.

And they were at the same workplace, with him being the superior leader...

Better to wait a little longer. There was no hurry anyway.

...

The next day was Saturday, a rare day off for everyone.

Recently, Gao Ruiyang’s exam results had come out, and as expected, he had performed quite well. Based on previous years’ admission scores, he was practically guaranteed a spot in the Forensic Medicine Department of Huaiyang University.

Both families were delighted by the news, but they had been too busy the past few days to celebrate. Now that they finally had time, they decided to get together for a meal.

During dinner, Gao Ruiyang was buzzing with excitement, excitedly sharing that Gao Zhengming had approved his internship at the Municipal Bureau’s Forensic Team. Starting Monday, he’d be working alongside Shen Qingye. Naturally, Shen Qingye gave him an encouraging pep talk and filled him in on the team’s basics, including the temperament of their leader, Qin Yilang. The meal passed in a cheerful atmosphere.

Early the next morning, before Shen Qingye had even fully woken up, she received a call from a certain someone.

"Hello?"

Her voice was slightly hoarse, still sleep-heavy. Yue Lingchuan paused, then chuckled softly, "Did I wake you?"

Shen Qingye grunted sleepily through her nose, eyes still closed, and mumbled, "Why are you up so early?"

Yue Lingchuan glanced at the time—it was already past eight. He had woken up at six but waited until now to call, not wanting to disturb her. Yet he still ended up waking her.

"Missed you," he said bluntly. "Wanted to see you sooner."

Shen Qingye opened her eyes, feeling a warm glow, and couldn’t help hugging the phone while rolling over. She managed weakly, "Oh."

Yue Lingchuan laughed on the other end, "Still sleepy? Want to rest a bit more?"

Shen Qingye lay facedown on the bed, feet absently kicking at the air, her voice muffled, "Not sleepy anymore."

Yue Lingchuan was silent for a moment. "Then... should I come pick you up soon?"

Shen Qingye turned onto her back, staring at the ceiling, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Sure."

·

Downstairs, Shen Linyue was having a rare lazy morning, skipping work to read the newspaper. Suddenly, she heard rapid footsteps thudding down the stairs. Turning her head, she saw Shen Qingye bolting to the dining table, wolfing down two steamed buns before throwing a pleading smile at Shen Linyue and dashing for the door.

"Mom—" She yelled from the foyer, "I’m heading out! Won’t be back for lunch!"

Shen Linyue couldn’t deal with her nonsense and rolled her eyes. "Shoo, get going already."

Shen Qingye grinned, yanked on her shoes, shot out the door, and piled into her boyfriend’s car.

Watching her daughter’s disappearing back, Shen Linyue shook her head helplessly.

"That girl."