Old Madam Lu sat regally in an emerald green knitted shawl, her silver hair combed back into a neat low bun. She observed the table with a calm, dignified gaze, her lined face showing rare softness when she looked towards Ruyi.
Old Master Lu, sitting at the head of the table in his light brown traditional silk shirt, let out a hearty chuckle, "Zhi Hao, you are spoiling her far too much these days, flower picking, secret kisses in the garden… do you think we old people don't see anything?"
Ruyi's face flushed instantly, her eyes widening. "Father…"
Lu Ting Cheng gave a small, amused snort, setting down his chopsticks, "They were out there acting like honeymooners all afternoon. If you are going to kiss so boldly, at least hide behind the camellia bushes next time, make it more fun and wild!"
Wan Ruyi buried her heated face into her hands, mumbling in mortification, while Lu Zhi Hao only chuckled lowly, unbothered, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her knee under the table, "She deserves to be spoiled, she is the only girl in our home. I intend to keep spoiling her for a very long time, so it's up to you to turn a blind eye!"
Old Madam Lu let out a quiet hum of approval, "Spoil her well, Zhi Hao. A gentle woman's heart is a delicate thing… Cherish it before it's too late. It ain't always you would get such kind of opportunities..."
At this, Lu Ting Zhou's chopsticks paused midair, his fingers trembling slightly before he resumed eating silently, his head still bowed so no one could see his tightened expression.
Zi Zhen watched the small exchange, his eyes flickering with quiet observation before he resumed eating, leaning slightly closer to Ruyi to murmur teasingly under his breath, "You really have him wrapped around your finger, Mom, but he is a good man Momma! You deserve all the happiness!"
Wan Ruyi could only smile softly, her heart feeling impossibly full as she squeezed his hand lightly under the table, "And I hope you find someone who loves you just as deeply one day. You deserve it too."
This was a son she had solely brought up and was dear to her.
Lu Zi Zhen warmly eyed her, deep down he knew, if the woman was like his mother, why not? But was it that easy to find such a loving woman like his mother?
Dinner continued with warm conversation flowing easily between Old Master Lu, Old Madam Lu, Lu Ting Cheng, and Lu Zhi Hao, while Lu Ting Zhou remained silent, lost in his thoughts, and Zi Zhen occasionally interjected with dry teenage humour that sent Ruyi into soft giggles.
In that peaceful golden evening, it almost felt like they were just an ordinary, loving family, their shadows of sorrow forgotten for a fleeting, precious moment.
After a while, Old Master Lu cleared his throat, setting down his chopsticks as he surveyed his family with solemn dignity. "Have you all packed your things already?"
Lu Ting Cheng nodded faintly, "Yes, grandfather. Everything is already arranged. The plane departs tomorrow morning without delays!"
"Mn," Old Master Lu grunted in approval, his gaze shifting to Lu Zhi Hao, "And you? All ready?"
Lu Zhi Hao spooned some tofu into Wan Ruyi's bowl before replying calmly, "Everything's done. Just finalising some Zi Zhen's legal documentation, and by tomorrow morning, I will have the documents."
Zi Zhen had been brought abroad illegally, and they needed to make all the paperwork legal, they didn't want to start any legal battles when they returned...
"Okay....."
Lu Zhi Hao's gaze softened as he reached under the table to squeeze Wan Ruyi's hand lightly. Their eyes met, sharing a quiet conversation without words.