Chapter 30: Parents, a Topic

Lu You stood alone on the stage as the piano prelude began. Unlike "Plum Blossoms as Before," which required him to empathize with a fictional character's emotions, "As You Wish" felt more like his own story.

Having heard about Meng Yi’s family situation a few days ago, he could empathize, though their feelings toward their parents were vastly different.

In his past life, Lu You’s parents became incredibly busy once he started elementary school. They were so occupied that their only interaction with him was preparing breakfast; all his transportation was left to others. Even when they were home, they were always tucked away in their study, working.

In the third grade, Lu You displayed a profound interest and exceptional talent for mathematics. His parents were surprised and delighted, which earned him access to the study where he could accompany them as they worked.

His parents would often tell him, "Study hard and serve your country." At that time, it was common for schools to praise how wonderful foreign countries were. Lu You didn't understand why he had to serve his own country; he asked them, "Wouldn't it be better to just go abroad?"

His parents responded gently, "Our country has its flaws. What we should do is try our best to make it better, rather than complain or escape. You will understand in time."

Lu You nodded, only half-understanding.

At fourteen, as he hit puberty and became capable of taking care of himself, his parents had him enroll in competitions while they moved out, rarely returning.

Entering a university filled with adults while still in junior high, Lu You felt a generational gap with everyone around him. He had nothing to say to them and spent most of his time immersed in the world of mathematics.

During those two years of university, Lu You studied under a professor who was a friend of his parents. The family never once gathered together. He could only learn about his parents through the professor—updates on their research progress or where they had encountered setbacks.

At sixteen, when others were in high school, Lu You was already a graduate student under that same professor. His thinking became extreme; the rebellious phase had arrived, and his moral compass began to tilt. Feeling resentful that his parents weren't by his side, he started to wallow in self-pity. The professor, sensing the danger, showed him a few photos of his parents at work.

"One cannot have both home and country. It’s not that they don’t want to be by your side; it’s just that they love their greater family more."

Lu You cried out, "So I’m the one being abandoned? If that’s the case, why did you give birth to me in the first place!"

The professor sighed, "Your parents said you can resent them, but they hope you won't give up on yourself, and you must not resent your country."

Lu You said nothing more, only immersing himself further into his own world. His mathematical ability surged, and he took excellent care of himself. He wouldn't give up on himself just because he hated his parents—that would be too foolish. Only by living better and becoming more outstanding could he mitigate the impact of their absence.

At eighteen, Lu You reached adulthood, earned his master’s degree, and received invitations from prestigious foreign universities for his doctorate. His parents finally returned home, their schedules suddenly clear. They didn't offer any words of concern, only a simple, "Remember to come back after graduation." He left without looking back.

During his years abroad, Lu You truly thought about never returning, but he would subconsciously keep track of news from home. He slowly began to grasp the meaning of what his parents had told him as a child. Despite its many flaws, it was his roots; he remained a part of his country. Thus, a few years after earning his doctorate, he returned.

Upon his return, his parents threw themselves back into national service, while he worked as a university lecturer and continued his research, gradually moving into their field and slowly reconciling with them.

Perhaps his entire thirty-year life had been a pursuit of his parents' shadows—he just hadn't realized it, or perhaps he hadn't wanted to admit it.

Lu You’s distraction on stage lasted only a moment. Recalling his past life, he began to sing with the rhythm of the music.

*You are the distant road,*
*The lamp in the mountain mist.*
*I am but a child,*
*Walking in your gaze.*
*...*

Lu You did not intentionally imitate Faye Wong’s singing style; her voice was peerless. Nor did he use excessive technique, simply embedding his own memories into the song.

*And I will love the world you love,*
*Wish for the smiles you desire.*

Tang Wan felt a tingling sensation throughout her body; an indescribable emotion welled up from her heart. She felt a sudden urge to hug the boy singing on stage.

*...*
*And I will dream the reunion you dream,*
*Wish for the eternity you desire,*
*Walk the long road you walk,*
*Loving you just like this.*

In this moment, Lu You felt completely at peace. He had been chasing his parents' shadows in his past life; there had been twists and turns, but ultimately, he was walking on the path that led toward them.

*I will see the world you haven't seen,*
*Write the poems you haven't written.*
*The moon on the horizon, the thoughts in my heart,*
*You are always by my side.*

*...*

*I promise you a lifetime of clarity,*
*Like your youthful face.*

As the song came to a close, Lu You looked into the distance, lost in thought. His current parents were no longer that couple who had dedicated their lives to the country, but his knowledge and ideals had not changed. He would exert his own light and heat in this new and eerily familiar place.

The song ended to thunderous applause, and Lu You bowed and left the stage. As he passed by, Shao Ling tried to say something, but was ignored completely.

Lu You found Instructor Liu and said, "Instructor, I’d like to go to the restroom."

Instructor Liu looked at him, sensing a shift in his mood, but didn't ask questions. He nodded and said, "Go, be back before the assembly."

Once granted permission, Lu You bought a bottle of mineral water from the shop. He didn't open it, just held it as he sat on a nearby stone bench and looked up at the night sky. His heart was filled with complex emotions, and he needed a quiet environment to clear his mind.

Elsewhere.

Tang Wan watched Lu You leave the stage. Ten minutes passed, then a whole program went by, and the seat in front of her remained empty.

Seeing her distracted, Xu Nian said, "Wanwan, go buy me a bottle of water."

"Oh, I'll go right now." Tang Wan stood up and left the formation.

She scanned the training grounds but didn't see anyone, so she headed to the shop. Just as she reached the storefront, she spotted that familiar figure, looking up at the sky in a daze.

Lu You’s emotions slowly settled. As he regained his senses, he realized someone was beside him, carrying a faint, clean fragrance.

"What are you doing here? Watching the stars?" Tang Wan mimicked his posture, looking up at the night sky. Unfortunately, the clouds were thick, and it was pitch black.

"There are no stars tonight." Lu You looked at Tang Wan’s profile, thinking to himself: *Flawless.*

"If there are no stars, why have you been looking for so long?" Tang Wan turned her head, and their eyes met.

Lu You’s eyes reflected Tang Wan’s image, a warm brilliance shining within them.

"I was thinking about the past. Another past."

Tang Wan was somewhat mesmerized, asking softly, "What kind of past?"

"A past that didn't exist." With that, Lu You placed the mineral water in her hand. "Come back to reality. If you look at me like that, I might start overthinking."

Tang Wan was startled and abruptly turned away, unconsciously gripping the water bottle.

"N-no... sorry, I lost my composure." Her voice trembled slightly.

"It's fine. Are you in a rush to go back?"

Tang Wan squeezed the bottle, composed herself, and replied, "I could be, or I could not be."

"Then sit here and keep me company for a while."

"Do you want to talk about something?"

"No need." *Just having you by my side is enough.*

Lu You didn't say the last part out loud.

...

It wasn't until the final performance was nearly over that the two returned to their seats. The girls around them saw that Tang Wan had gone out alone and returned with Lu You after such a long time; their expressions changed instantly.

Li Yu saw him sit down and asked, "Where did you go?" The surrounding people pricked up their ears simultaneously.

"The shop."

"What did you do?"

"Bought water and watched the stars."

"Where's the water?"

"Drank it."

"Where are the stars?"

"The clouds were too thick to see them."

Li Yu was speechless. "If you couldn't see them, why didn't you come back sooner?"

"I ended up watching the clouds instead."

"It's pitch black at night, what could you see?"

"Nothing at all."

"Then why did you come back so late?"

"I don't know. By the time I came to my senses, it was almost over."

Lu You spoke with a calm tone throughout, without a hint of ripple.

"Fine. By the way, what was that guy's name? The flamboyant one, right?"

Lu You paused for a moment. "That’s Shao Ling."

"Oh, oh, right, that’s him. He sang okay, but he’s not as handsome as you, and he didn't sing as well as you."

"Is that so?"

...

The girls were a bit disappointed, having hoped to hear some gossip, but there was nothing. They could only turn their attention to Tang Wan, hoping for something juicy.

Tang Wan wasn't as seasoned as Lu You; she couldn't hide her emotions well. She still wore a faint smile, looking radiant.

*Something's going on!*

The girls exchanged glances, deciding the topic for their dorm room that night.

Seeing Tang Wan still giggling like a fool, Xu Nian could only mourn for her in her heart.

*Poor Wanwan, you’ll have to suffer tonight.*

...

The evening party concluded successfully.

Lu You and his roommates returned to the dorm carrying several large bottles of drinks and bags of snacks. As soon as they entered, several shirtless boys cheered.

"Woohoo! Tonight is a sleepless night!"

"Let's party!"

It was the last night, and the instructors weren't unreasonable. Although they would still turn off the lights on time, the enforcement had relaxed significantly. Instructor Liu had told them that as long as they didn't go too far, no one would bother them.

Lu You smiled and said, "Don't rush, let's start after everyone gets settled." He then placed the items under Meng Yi's bed.

A boy leaned over, curious and excited. "Monitor, what did you buy?"

"I bought everything you wanted—sunflower seeds, peanuts, spicy gluten strips, braised duck necks, all of it."

A while later, the whole dorm gathered by the window, some sitting on the beds, others pulling up stools. It was a good spot; even after the lights were turned off, the light from the outdoor floodlights would be enough for them to keep playing.

Lu You handed everyone a disposable plastic cup and said, "We have orange juice, cola, Sprite, and herbal tea. Pour whatever you want." He then poured himself a cup of herbal tea.

The conversation opened up quickly, with everyone sharing funny stories or complaining about certain things. Lu You mostly listened quietly while drinking and munching on duck neck. His own past was quite dull; being a listener suited him fine.

"I liked this girl in junior high. After I asked her to a comic convention, we didn't really talk much anymore," a boy said wistfully.

Another boy laughed at him, "Serves you right! Who the hell asks someone to a comic convention? If you don't have an interest in that, it's like sitting in prison."

"You're right. I think I was an idiot too. Should've just asked her to a movie." The boy downed a cup of soda and poured himself another.

Meng Yi seemed to have an idea. During a lull in the conversation, he asked, "Hey, seatmate. If it were you, where would you ask a girl out?"