Chapter 10: Mother's Sudden Push for Marriage

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Lu Chengfeng, who had taken his pajamas to the bathroom for a shower, found his mind completely occupied by Shu Yan. This was the first time in his life he had been so deeply concerned about a woman. He truly felt heartache for Shu Yan bearing so much on her own. What kind of inner strength must one have to endure all that? He wished he could be like the director and the chief, becoming a pillar of support for Shu Yan—not just at work, but also in her daily life. Yet Lu Chengfeng knew it would not be easy to open Shu Yan’s heart and gain her acceptance. He couldn’t simply get her to drink a few glasses of wine whenever he wanted. Speaking of which, he owed thanks to Shi Wei. If Shi Wei knew what had happened between him and Shu Yan last night, he would surely be astonished. But Lu Chengfeng did not want Shi Wei’s big mouth to find out, fearing he might let it slip and harm Shu Yan’s reputation. Resolute in his heart, he vowed to be more careful in the future and avoid causing trouble for Shu Yan. As for their relationship, he would let things take their natural course.

That night, Lu Chengfeng suffered from insomnia. Shu Yan, however, slept soundly, likely exhausted from the previous day.

At seven o’clock the next morning, Shu Yan got up, took a shower, and changed into her going-out clothes. She grabbed a white canvas bag, packed her wallet, phone, and some essential documents, slipped on a comfortable pair of sneakers, and headed out. First, she stopped by a supermarket to buy some snacks and fruits her mother liked. Then she took a bus to a convalescent home in the southern suburbs. The place was quite remote, and the bus ride took an hour and a half.

Once on the bus, Shu Yan put on her earphones and selected a book by forensic expert Qin Ming on her audiobook app—her idol. Shu Yan had enjoyed writing during her school days and hoped that, when she had time, she’d follow Qin Ming’s example and write a few books herself.

By the time she arrived at the convalescent home, it was already ten in the morning.

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Shu Yan registered at the reception desk. After waiting two minutes, a staff member came to escort her to her mother, Zhou Yu’s, room. The fees for this convalescent home were not cheap; Shu Yan would never manage to afford them on her own. It was Zhao Jianguo who had helped apply to the bureau for special assistance, so the bureau covered all the expenses.

Zhou Yu was in fairly good condition today. As soon as Shu Yan entered, her mother asked proactively, “Yan Yan, why aren’t you at work?”

Seeing her mother in good spirits, Shu Yan stayed to spend some time alone with her. She set the snacks and fruits on the table and smiled, “Mom, I’m off today.”

Zhou Yu, of course, knew Shu Yan only had time to visit on her days off, but she still wanted to ask. Shu Yan took out a box of chocolates, tearing open the packaging as she said, “Mom, I bought your favorite chocolates.” She handed a piece to Zhou Yu, who opened her mouth and accepted it.

After chewing for a bit, Zhou Yu suddenly asked, “Yan Yan, don’t you have a boyfriend yet? Is it because none are good enough or because they don’t like your job? You’re already thirty. If you don’t have children soon, it will be difficult to conceive.”

This was the first time Zhou Yu had brought up marriage.

Shu Yan looked at her mother in surprise, trying to figure out if her mother’s state was normal or abnormal.

Swallowing the chocolate, Zhou Yu said, “Why are you staring at me? Am I wrong? Aren’t you thirty now?”

Shu Yan answered quietly, “Yes, I’m thirty.”

Zhou Yu continued, “I was twenty-six when I had you. The doctors said that was already late. The best age to have children is in your early twenties. You, because of work…”

“...delayed your personal life. But you’re now a deputy director; it’s time to think about settling down. Keep an eye out, and if you meet someone honest and upright, bring him over. I’ll have a look.”

Shu Yan sighed but agreed, “Okay, Mom, if I find someone suitable, I’ll bring him for you to meet.”

Zhou Yu fell silent for a few seconds, then suddenly changed the subject. “By the way, did your father have to work late again today?”

Shu Yan was taken aback, her throat tightening. After a moment of silence, she replied softly, “Yes, Dad worked late today.”

Zhou Yu nodded, “Don’t blame your father for not being with you. His work is a contribution to the country and the people. As police family members, we must fully support his work so he can work without worries.”

Shu Yan sniffled, struggling to hold back tears. “I know, Mom. I’m proud of Dad.”

Zhou Yu was pleased. “I’m proud of him too. He’s the best man in the world. Although we’ll never be wealthy, your father has never once raised his voice at me.”

“Do you know how your sisters’ husbands treat them? When they lose their temper, it’s either yelling or hitting. And those scoundrels even cheat behind their wives’ backs.”

“Remember, no matter how much money such a man offers, never accept it. You have to find a man like your father—someone who truly cherishes you, keeps you in his heart, and respects you.”

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“Okay, Mom, I’ve got it,” Shu Yan replied obediently.

Zhou Yu rambled on, sometimes lucid, sometimes confused. Shu Yan carefully accompanied her for an hour.

As it approached lunchtime at the convalescent home, she had to say goodbye and leave. Before she left, Zhou Yu brought up marriage once more. “Yan Yan, if you find someone suitable, next time you come, remember to bring him along for me to approve, okay?”

Shu Yan felt a pang of sadness. “Okay, Mom, I understand. You should go eat now—have a good meal. I’m heading back.”

Zhou Yu nodded. “Alright. Be safe on the way. If a stranger tries to talk to you, don’t engage. If they persist, call the police.”

Shu Yan couldn’t help but smile wryly, wanting to say, “Mom, I am the police.”

“All right, Mom, I’ll remember. Don’t worry,” she replied.

After leaving her mother’s room, Shu Yan visited the director’s office and chatted briefly before departing. The director told her that Zhou Yu’s recent condition was stable, indicating the new medication was effective. The suggestion was to continue the medication and observe.

Shu Yan also felt that her mother was much better today—no crying or delirium. She agreed to continue the current treatment.

Stepping out of the convalescent home, Shu Yan looked back at the beautiful building behind her and silently prayed for her mother’s recovery, hoping she could return home soon.

Half an hour into the bus ride, her phone suddenly rang from inside her bag. She pulled it out and saw it was Liu Xun calling. Fearing something had happened, Shu Yan quickly answered, “Captain Liu.”

Liu Xun’s urgent voice came through. “Director Shu, where are you now? Can you come to the bureau? Zhang Ruilin’s parents have arrived; they want to see the forensic specialist handling the case.”

Shu Yan’s right eyelid twitched involuntarily. She rubbed it and replied, “I understand, but I’m in the southern part of the city now. It will take at least an hour to get back. I’ll try to get there as soon as possible.”

Liu Xun said, “Okay, I’ll tell them. They’re willing to wait. See you soon.”

After hanging up, the bus arrived at a stop. Shu Yan changed her mind, quickly stood up, got off the bus, and hailed a taxi. Once inside, she told the driver, “Please take me to the Municipal Public Security Bureau—the newly relocated one in the eastern suburbs.”