Chapter 410: Don't take it for granted

“Why did Nana agree to come back?”

Jinhai said, “I begged her to come back.”

“You begged the last time too.” Liu Hai shot back. “This time, it should have been even more difficult.”

“You are overthinking, Dad. She is still mad at me. I said that I would do anything in exchange for her coming back, so she put a condition that we would live in separate rooms. She will stay with the twins, and I will be in another room. As long as she comes back, I didn’t mind.”

“Which she could have said the first time too. But she didn’t. Why not?”

“Maybe…I wasn’t sincere enough.”

Liu Hai stared hard at him and sighed. “Jinhai, I know that you love her but don’t do anything that will push her farther and farther away from you. She also loves you, and I can see the pain and sadness in her eyes that she is forced to resent you. I know she must be feeling lonely without you as much as you are. But don’t take her feelings for granted and stretch it too far. Don’t think that she wouldn’t hate you just because she loves you.”

Jinhai stiffened.

“You are actually quite patient. But when it comes to Nana, you decide things in haste. You become impatient, and that can stretch the thread to a breaking point. She is back now. I don’t know how. But from now on, tread very carefully. Don’t push her limits. Please give her time and space to breathe. Don’t hover around her like a freaking bee all the time.”

Jinhai’s mouth twitched. “I do not hover like a bee.”

Liu Hai snorted. “Of course, you do.”

“I do not. I just feel…insecure sometimes.”

“That is exactly where you go wrong.” Liu Hai helplessly shook his head. “You don’t have to feel insecure. Nana really loves you. She is disappointed with you, but it’s not like she will fall in love with another man, or she would truly stop loving you. If she really hated you from the bottom of her heart, then she would have already asked for divorce long back.”

Jinhai pursed his lips.

“But she didn’t take this extreme step, so that means she cannot bear to part with you too. Nana is yours. She would always have you in her heart. But as I said just now, don’t take it for granted either and think you can do whatever you want. You can still make things right. You just have to think about how and without forcing things. Understand?”

Jinhai slowly nodded.

Liu Hai patted his shoulder hard and grinned. “Alright, young man! This handsome father of yours is done giving you some love advice. Now that has taken a heavy toll on my stomach, and I am damn hungry now. Today, your sexy and beautiful mother has prepared the meal, and I have to run before that idiot second son of mine hogs all of the sumptuous food. Adieu.” And he dashed away with lightning speed.

Jinhai sighed. He gazed at Nana, who was smiling as she was talking to all.

He exhaled a deep breath.

Dad is right. Patience. I will win you back once again, Nana.

—

Chen villa.

Chen Liling cooked a delicious meal as well, just as Liu Chunhua did in Liu villa. Most of the things she prepared were for Serena that included all healthy foods to help her body recover faster.

“Did you like it, dear?”

Serena smiled. “Y-yes. The meal is delicious.”

She nodded, satisfied.

Serena was actually freaking out from inside. This was the first time she was having dinner with Chen Liling and Chen Guiren. She had never quite formally met them, so she suddenly became too conscious of herself and her actions, which made her fumble with her chopsticks like a hundred times by now already.

Chen Guiren noticed it and gently asked, “Are you okay, child?”

“H-huh?” Serena sweated. “I am fine, Un- Mr. Chen.”

Uncle would sound like I am acting too arrogant and close to him, she thought. Mr. Chen is perfect.

Chen Guiren frowned, contrary to her expectations.

Fuck! Did I something wrong?

Chen Guiren’s gaze dimmed, and he looked sullen.

Jianyu sighed and whispered to her. “Address him as Uncle.”

Serena was startled. “That would be too a-arrogant.”

“No, it’s fine. Trust me. Call him, Uncle.”

Serena nervously fiddled with her chopsticks. “I mean, I am fine, Un-Uncle Chen.”

Now, is he happy?

But Chen Guiren seemed even more lonely now. His gaze further dimmed, and he slowly went back to eating in silence. Serena could even see imaginary dog ears on his head that were drooping down in sadness.

Serena felt as if a knife stabbed her heart hard.

What is this guilt I am feeling? What treacherous sin have I committed!

His sad expression was just too lethal for her heart. She felt an urge to cry.

Jianyu whispered again. “Ughh…I was wrong. Address him as Dad.”

“But-“

“Quickly before Mom comes back from the kitchen, or she would kill us for making her husband sad!” Jianyu’s tone was urgent and desperate. “She is coming! Quick!”

Serena finally said in a panic. “I am fine, Dad!”

The gloomy atmosphere finally disappeared as Chen Guiren smiled, feeling a lot satisfied with her. His smile was as warm as the morning sunshine.

“En. That is good.” He nodded.

Serena felt as if she just won a war.

Why does this feel like Déjà vu, though?

Oh yes! He sounded disappointed that time, too, on my birthday when I was hesitating to go to the Chen Corps for that client meeting.

Serena sneaked a glance at him.

Does he feel so bad so quickly?

But her heart fluttered with warmth.

So he actually wanted me to call him Dad.

“Ah, Guiren seems really happy.” Chen Liling came back.

“En.” He nodded. “She called me Dad.”

Chen Liling beamed. “Oh, is it?” She turned to look at her. “Call me, Mom!”

Serena was shocked by her declaration. “Ugghh…”

“You cannot call me, Mom?” She sadly lowered her gaze.

Ugh…

“It isn’t like that…Mom.”

Chen Liling beamed and nodded. “Good, good.” Then she glared at Jianyu. “You are still not done eating? Finish it quickly and show Serena your room!”

Serena choked on the water she drank.

Jianyu’s room? A-are we living in the same room?