Chapter 426 Song Shiwei's Family Photo
Chapter 426 Song Shiwei's Family Photo
"Why are you knocking on the door again? Is it because this cake didn't look good, so you plan to send another one?"
Chen muttered to himself, he thought it was still a hotel waiter.
But after opening the door, the words "Oh my god" almost came out of my mouth.
Song Zuoming and Lu Man stood in front of him, looking exhausted. Song Zuoming's expression was relatively calm, while Professor Lu had a serious face, and his gold-rimmed glasses reflected a sharp light.
Their eyes lingered on Chen Zhe for a moment, and then they saw Song Shiwei inside.
Intact and safe.
It was visibly clear that the couple couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at the same time.
"Uncle Song, Professor Lu..."
When Chen said hello, he was actually a little embarrassed, as if he had been caught seducing someone else's daughter.
Of course, it is not surprising that Professor Lu and his team came to Shanghai.
It's not uncommon to find this hotel.
I was just surprised at how fast this couple was.
If I had walked a little longer just now, we might have met on Huaihai Middle Road.
In response to Chen Zhuo's polite greeting, Song Zuoming nodded slightly, showing no disgust in his attitude.
Lu Man asked sternly, "What are you doing in Weiwei's room?"
Chen Zhe was very smart. He knew what Professor Lu was worried about, so he scratched his head and explained, "My room is next door, 1805. I am here to celebrate Song Shiwei's birthday."
The subtext of this sentence is: Please rest assured, Professor Lu, I am not the kind of pervert who would sneak into your daughter's room to sleep without registering at the front desk.
Although Chen Zhuo had this idea, it just happened that he had no house, but he "saved" his life by accident.
After hearing what Chen said, Lu Man's stern expression eased a little, but he still didn't look happy.
She snorted and walked into the room, looking at Song Shiwei in the room.
The girl's clothes were neat, but her hair was a little messy, and her face was covered with a faint blush as if she had been illuminated by the setting sun.
However, there was no special smell in the room, and the quilt did not look like it had been rolled violently, so he probably was not bullied.
Only then did Professor Lu feel completely relieved.
Song Zuoming followed him into the room and patted Chen Zhuo on the shoulder when he passed by him, as if hoping that he would not care about Professor Lu's attitude.
Of course Chen Zhe didn't care. If Old Song and Professor Lu came a little later, he didn't know if he could control himself from eating Sister Sweet.
The noise at the door interrupted Song Shiwei who was making a wish.
She also didn't expect her parents to arrive so quickly, and she stood there in a daze for a moment.
Professor Lu, with a small handbag slung over her shoulder, slowly approached the round table where Song Shiwei was sitting.
The flat high heels stepped on the carpet, making a muffled sound, "thump thump thump", again and again, as if the body was hit by a bullet.
It sounds a bit depressing.
The originally slender figure seemed to have expanded many times under the candlelight.
It was like a dark cloud in the sky, blocking the starlight on this birthday night.
“It’s really scary…”
Chen thought silently.
Even in these two short steps, he could feel a huge sense of oppression, so thick that the air became thin and even breathing freely became a luxury.
I only dared to breathe lightly, while carefully observing Professor Lu's attitude.
As soon as she frowned, she subconsciously wanted to hold her breath.
Chen Zhuo felt that his life would be short if he could not even be colleagues with such a person, let alone live with him.
I don’t know how School Beauty Song has managed to survive all these years!
Although Mao Xiaoqin also wants her son to be successful, and Chen Zhuo was also instilled with the idea that "without pressure, there is no motivation" when he was in high school, people know their limits.
Compared with Professor Lu, Dr. Mao is as tolerant as a parent who encourages his child to get a tattoo.
"cough~"
Finally, Lu Man stopped at the table, a few dozen centimeters away from his daughter, and stared over with a frown.
Song Shiwei sat on the stool with a calm expression.
The flickering candlelight on the simple cake sways bit by bit on the beautiful face.
His eyes were like two burning flames; every time he blinked, the emotions in his eyes seemed to be revealed by the candlelight.
“Is the birthday cake here delicious?”
After a moment, Professor Lu spoke.
She said in a stern voice, looking down from above, "Do you need to travel thousands of miles to Shanghai to taste it? Do you know how worried your father and I are?"
"here we go again……"
Song Zuoming sighed deeply. His wife was careful not to lose her temper in front of him, but what difference did this kind of sarcasm make?
"OK OK."
Old Song, who felt sorry for his daughter, immediately said, "Shanghai is not bad either. It's the Oriental Pearl Tower, the foreign land, and the Garden on the Sea... It's not a big deal if Weiwei wants to celebrate her birthday in a different city or environment."
Lu Man was very dissatisfied with her husband's support every time she educated (Pua) her daughter.
She even felt that her daughter's current "rebelliousness" was largely due to Chen, but it was also largely related to her husband's long-term indulgence.
She turned around and glared at Song Zuomin: "I ordered a birthday cake for her in Guangzhou and bought birthday gifts in advance. Isn't it better than this crappy... small cake?"
After saying that, Professor Lu took out an exquisite Dior gift box from his bag and placed it on the table with a "bang".
Professor Lu must be really angry, his movements were quite big.
Because it was Song Shiwei's birthday over the years, Lu Man would always prepare some gifts, but her daughter would just respond with a bland response.
But the moment she pushed the door open just now, she found that her daughter's expression of surprise also had a faint smile that she had not had time to restrain, which meant that she was very happy the moment before.
Lu Man felt very uncomfortable. How could it be that everything she had prepared with so much effort was not as good as such a simple and shabby cake?
However, Sister Sweet's reaction this time was still the same as usual.
She didn't even take a second look at the Dior gift box.
Instead, he looked at the small candle on the cake with some worry, as it was almost blown out by the airflow caused by his mother's violent movements.
fortunately!
Although the candle flame was weak, it finally stabilized.
Song Shiwei's clear eyes finally returned to tranquility.
"Tsk tsk!"
Chen Zhuo took it all in, feeling deeply moved.
In fact, Professor Lu had no idea what Sister Sweet wanted. She seemed to just buy gifts based on the idea of "I think you'd like it", without considering the other person's thoughts at all.
To give an inappropriate example, Sister Sweet is like a "toy".
Of course, in Professor Lu’s heart, this toy must be more important than her own life.
However, every movement of this toy, every beautiful piece of clothing, and every word must be carried out according to Professor Lu's wishes.
Having such elders at home is actually very frustrating.
They seem to be striving for perfection and reject any mistakes and imperfections, but in fact their underlying logic is that they hope every family member will listen to them.
Because they can make mistakes, but others can't.
After driving their family members to the point of collapse, they then use the name of "love" or "I'm doing this for your own good" to stand on the moral high ground and accuse others.
But this problem is really difficult to solve, because they are basically elders who are direct blood relatives, and they subjectively think that "it's for your own good."
Just like the problem between Professor Lu and school beauty Song, Chen Zhe can’t solve it at the moment.
Unless something major happens, Lu Man will repent.
But given their family conditions, there is basically no problem of any major changes.
“Guangzhou cakes have one flavor, and Shanghai cakes have another flavor.”
Fortunately, Old Song was at home. He helped his daughter again and said, "It won't be a waste if you order it. You can eat it when Weiwei comes back."
Mr. Song is like a "patcher" at home. Whenever there is a problem, he will rush to smooth things over or make amends.
Although I cannot completely stop my wife's terrifying desire for domination, I can at least create some space for my daughter to have a chance to breathe.
"When will you go back?"
Professor Lu said aggressively: "Buy tickets now?"
Lu Man really didn't want her daughter to stay in Shanghai. It wasn't because Shanghai was a bad place, but she didn't want her to stay with Chen Zhe.
Song Zuomin glanced at the indifferent Song Shiwei, raised his watch, and said with a smile: "What time is it? How can there be a plane?"
"If there are no planes or trains, you can ask the driver from the Shanghai branch to take you there!"
Lu Man said stiffly: "We'll pay for the round-trip gas."
"This is not good and does not comply with the group's regulations."
Song Zuoming found an excuse to refuse.
In fact, he is one of the leaders of the group, and the so-called "turtle order" does not apply to him. He just doesn't want his wife to go back overnight.
"How about this!"
Lu Man obviously saw through her husband's perfunctory attitude and said coldly, "Lend me a car and I will drive my daughter back to Guangzhou."
"Nonsense!"
How could Song Zuoming agree to drive 1000 kilometers in the middle of the night? How dangerous it is!
Even though he knew that Lu Man might be speaking in anger, Song Zuoming still felt tired and had difficulty communicating.
This was not the first time he had this feeling. Many years ago, during an argument, Song Zuoming suddenly had this thought.
In the days that followed, this feeling of fatigue often occurred.
In real life, if a tailor feels tired, he can choose to take a break.
If the tailor in marriage is tired, there is only one way.
"Can you lend it to me?" Professor Lu continued to press: "If you don't want to, then I will borrow a car from my friends in Shanghai."
"Can't it be tomorrow?"
Song Zuomin suppressed his inner irritation and said in a slow and gentle voice, "Let's go back tomorrow. Besides, there are still things to do at the company that Weiwei invested in. We have to wait until she finishes her work."
In the past, when family disputes reached this point, Professor Lu felt that he had "won" and would usually call it a day.
But when she recalled that her husband had actually mentioned the word "divorce" a few hours ago, Professor Lu felt that it was difficult to calm down because of the anger in her heart.
"What's the point of that company?"
Therefore, Lu Man coldly retorted to her husband: "It's a sheer waste of time. It's better to memorize a few more words, pass the TOEFL earlier, and go abroad earlier!"
In fact, Professor Lu does not object to his daughter's early exposure to the financial market. Since the conditions are met, real capital operations can accelerate her understanding of the knowledge she has learned.
I just know that Chen Zhuo also has investment in this Shanghai company, so I don’t want my daughter to continue to participate in it.
Chen Zhe looked at Song Shiwei and thought, "You want to go abroad?"
Song Shiwei seemed to understand her boyfriend's question. She didn't say anything but just blinked her clear eyes.
Chen lowered his head and chuckled twice. After "awakening", the school beauty Song might not obediently go abroad.
"Are you looking for a car?"
The two young people were exchanging glances in tacit understanding. On the other side, Professor Lu was still questioning her husband.
She even took out her cell phone and said threateningly, "If you don't find it, I'll call my friend..."
At this moment, the smile that Song Zuoming had tried so hard to put on gradually froze.
He had already given in several times, but his wife was still so arrogant. If she hadn't insisted on changing her daughter's birthday plans, why would Weiwei have fled Guangzhou?
Although Song Zuoming is the leader of a central enterprise, he is also a middle-aged married man. He endured it again and again this time.
Finally, his emotions were like waves that broke through a dam, and he shouted back without control, "No! You are not allowed to drive back at night!"
Lu Man was stunned for a moment, then became even more angry.
How dare you, a person who never goes out to play and yet dares to mention "divorce", have the qualifications to yell at me?
Lu Man's face darkened, and he was about to resume the unfinished quarrel in Guangzhou in Shanghai.
Suddenly a voice came from the side: "Uncle Song, Professor Lu..."
"Chenzhe?"
Song Zuoming was puzzled. What was he going to say now?
Are you trying to stop the fight?
With this kid's emotional intelligence, shouldn't he know that given his status, it's not appropriate for him to offer advice?
Because in his wife's heart, he is most likely the "culprit" who caused her daughter to run away from home.
As expected, Lu Man was already questioning: "Why are you still here? Why don't you go back to your room?"
If it were any other time, with Chen's self-awareness of "keeping himself safe", he would have pretended to be invisible and quietly left.
But now, there is one thing he wants to do before he leaves, which should be one of the deep regrets in Sister Sweet's heart.
"I saw..."
Chen Zhuo gave Song Shiwei a reassuring look, indicating that he was not trying to show off, and then pointed at the cake on the round table and said, "The candles are about to go out."
"what?"
Song Zuoming and Lu Man didn't understand at first.
What if the candles are out? Isn't there still a chandelier in the room?
Until Chen explained again: "There is only one chance to blow out birthday candles like this in a year. If you miss it, you will have to wait until next year."
Song Zuoming and Lu Man then realized that Chen Zhuo was suggesting that Weiwei blow out the candles first and finish celebrating her birthday.
They both looked at their daughter at the same time. Maybe it was because of the poor lighting, but there was an inexplicable sadness on the side of Song Shiwei's face.
Although her expression was still cold and indifferent, she listened to her parents' quarrel with indifference.
A look of regret flashed across Song Zuoming's face.
Today is March 3, Weiwei’s birthday. Why did I choose this day to argue with my wife about who will win?
"Apologize and let this matter go as soon as possible."
Song Zuoming was filled with guilt.
It's like we cursed someone on New Year's Day and then realized that we can't swear today.
Although Professor Lu did not express his remorse as obviously as Song Zuoming, he no longer insisted on finding a car to return to Guangzhou tonight. Instead, he turned around and looked out the window, silently stopping talking.
After all, it was my daughter's 19th birthday, and I shouldn't be so harsh on her.
The room suddenly became quiet for a moment. The swaying candlelight covered the whole room with a hazy veil, and gradually there was a hint of warmth.
But to everyone's surprise, Chen Zhuo actually called Song Zuomin again: "Uncle Song, do you want to blow out the candles together?"
"I?"
Song Zuoming was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, he sat down at the table.
Feeling the burning sensation of the candle flame on his face, Song Zuomin sighed and said, "It was when Weiwei was very young, and I was worried that she couldn't blow out all the candles, so I went over to help. I haven't done that since Weiwei turned ten."
Chen smiled. He had heard about these things when he was walking in Xiafei Lane.
So, he naturally said to Lu Man: "Professor Lu, come over too."
Lu Man turned around in surprise and stared at Chen with scrutiny.
Chen faced each other calmly.
"Humph!"
Lu Man seemed to understand Chen Zhuo's intention. Only by calling everyone over to blow out the birthday candles would he have a reason to join in.
"His brain is still as sharp as ever, one of the characteristics of a Phoenix man."
Lu Man thought to himself.
However, she did not expose Chen Zhuo's actions, she just blew out the candles, hoping that he would not think too much about it.
When Lu Man sat down, he even thought:
Do you want to give this scheming young man a word of advice?
However, the development of things was completely beyond Lu Man's expectations.
After Song Shiwei and his family of three were seated firmly, Chen Zhe actually retreated step by step to the back.
"Chenzhe?"
Song Zuomin probably misunderstood: "Aren't you coming with us?"
"No, Uncle Song."
Chen Zhuo took out his cell phone and said, "I'll take a picture of your family as a souvenir."
"Just ask the hotel waiter for help."
Song Zuomin called out, "You can come too."
"I just heard from Uncle Song that you haven't blown out birthday candles for Song Shiwei for a long time."
Chen Zhuo still refused and turned on the camera on his phone: "I won't participate in this kind of family memorial day. The candles are almost burned out. You guys should start now."
The candles provided by the hotel were very short to begin with and were almost burned to the last bit. Even if we went to find the waiter, we might not be able to catch up.
Seeing that Chen Zhuo insisted on not sitting down, Song Zuomin had no choice but to glance at his wife, then said to Song Shiwei: "Then I wish my daughter a happy birthday, may your youth bloom like a flower, and may you bravely pursue your dreams!"
The corners of Lu Man's mouth twitched. Perhaps it was Chen Zhuo's behavior that made her very confused.
Or maybe it was because of the argument she had just had with her husband, and she was embarrassed to say any pretentious blessings to his face.
Finally, Lu Man sighed and said, "I hope my daughter will always be happy."
Chen Zhuo was holding his phone not far away. He could feel that this was Professor Lu's sincere words, but he didn't know if there was a prerequisite -
As long as she listens to me, my daughter will be happy forever.
"1, 2, 3... get ready to blow out the candles!"
Chen was like a professional photographer, shouting the prepared slogans and asking Sweet sister and her family to pose for photos.
In the camera with a low resolution, Song Zuoming was the most active. Song Shiwei would sometimes look at Chen Zhao gently, while Lu Man was a little unfamiliar.
Song Zuoming hadn't blown out the candles on his daughter's birthday for a long time, and the same was true for Professor Lu.
However, when she, her husband and daughter pouted their lips, the faint candlelight seemed to pull back memories, and events from many years ago suddenly came to mind.
At that time, on every birthday of my daughter, the whole family would celebrate by singing songs and then blow out the candles together.
At that time, home was still a place where people could talk properly.
Now, how come it has become an emotional black hole that will start a quarrel as soon as it opens its mouth?
For some reason, Professor Lu felt a little sour in his nose.
There was a brief moment of darkness in the room before the candles were blown out and the lights turned on.
With the moonlight from the 18th floor, Lu Man could vaguely make out the outlines of her husband and daughter, as well as Chen Zhuo who walked over in the dark to turn on the light.
I don’t know if it’s because the moonlight has the effect of cleansing the soul. Lu Man suddenly thought that if Chen Zhuo’s status was not suitable for her daughter, he would also be a very good 985 university student.
This is the first time that Professor Lu has evaluated the name "Chenzhe" from a slightly positive perspective since he learned about it.
As the light was turned on with a "click", Professor Lu returned to his usual disdainful expression.
"Uncle Song."
Chen Zhuo handed the phone to Song Zuomin: "I think it's pretty good. Everyone's expressions are very natural."
"Let me see."
Song Zuoming looked at the photo of a family of three with their heads put together blowing out candles.
After just a moment of staring at her, Song Zuomin's face was filled with emotion, nostalgia, sighing, sadness... all kinds of emotions crossed each other. He took the initiative to say to his wife: "This photo of you looks a bit like what you looked like ten years ago."
"is it?"
Professor Lu also felt a little warm in his heart. This seemed to be the only photo of the whole family in recent years.
She wanted to take the photo, but she was too embarrassed to ask for it, and was about to give up.
Suddenly I heard Chen Zhuo say, "Professor Lu, I don't have your contact information, so I sent the photo to Uncle Song."
"Oh."
Lu Man responded expressionlessly.
Perhaps it was Chen Zhuo's suggestion that allowed him to relive the most beautiful moments in his memory.
Or maybe she realized that Chen Zhuo was not as materialistic as she thought, although she still couldn't accept that he was in love with her daughter.
But my impression of Chen Zhuo suddenly improved a bit.
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(End of this chapter)