Chapter 174: Healing Bonds at Home

A little after 10 AM, Fang Meng headed to the bedroom again to check on Lin Xiao Li, asking how she was feeling and gently wiping her face while giving her a massage.

Lin Xiao Li started to feel embarrassed by all the attention.

Soon after, Fang Meng went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

She planned to make a nourishing soup with corn, carrots, and ribs, going through the motions but not quite smoothly as she peeled and chopped.

Lin Zheng Ran followed her into the kitchen, puzzled. “Why are you starting lunch so early? And this soon?”

Fang Meng glanced at Lin Zheng Ran:

“If I start now, it’ll be ready by 11, which is perfect. And after thinking it over, I realize you’re right—fretting here won’t help. Since I want to make things right,

I need to talk it out with Qian Qian. Whatever happens after, whether we’re still friends or not, I’ll accept it.”

Lin Zheng Ran let out a sigh of relief. “It’s great you’ve figured that out so quickly. And don’t be too pessimistic—I think she wants to patch things up too.”

That was exactly what Fang Meng wanted to hear: “Do you really think so?”

Lin Zheng Ran nodded. “Of course. To you two, it’s a big deal, but to everyone else, it’s just best friends having a spat. I bet you’ll both be back to normal by next week.”

Fang Meng locked eyes with Lin Zheng Ran for a long moment before turning back to chopping vegetables, saying casually:

“I get it now—why so many girls like you. Even Qian Qian and the Eldest Miss are drawn to you. Lin Zheng Ran, you’ve got this unique charm that makes girls’ hearts skip a beat.”

Lin Zheng Ran barely reacted to that. “Is that so?”

“Yeah,” Fang Meng admitted honestly. “Even I’m starting to feel a bit drawn to you—nothing more than that, though. Not quite to the point of liking you yet.”

Lin Zheng Ran blinked:

“So… is that why you’re sticking around to make lunch instead of leaving? Planning to stay here all day?”

“Don’t you want me here?”

“It’s not about wanting or not—I’m just not sure why you’re staying. I mean, what girl spends the whole day looking after another guy’s mom, especially with me and my dad around?”

“Hmm, you’re right.” She lit the stove to simmer the soup:

“But I have my reasons. Like I said, overthinking won’t change anything, but I’m still building up the courage to talk to Qian Qian straight. I want to wait until your uncle gets back, then you can come with me to sing and have a drink—give me a boost.”

Lin Zheng Ran paused. “You’re still on about that? Can I say no?”

Fang Meng stirred the soup with a spoon as the pot bubbled, then added the ribs:

“You could, but you won’t. I know your soft spot now—if I treat you and your aunt well, you’ll help me out. It’s not a huge ask anyway.”

“You really see that as my weak point?” He watched Fang Meng carefully tending the nutritious rib soup. “Even if it is, telling me straight kills the effect. Now it’s too obvious—how can I agree?”

“We’ll see, won’t we? I’ve been observing you for over a year and a half, Lin Zheng Ran. There are still things I haven’t figured out, but I know you almost as well as I know Qian Qian.”

“You’ve been paying close attention.”

“Not really. It’s just that you’re the kind of guy who sparks interest—handsome like no other I’ve seen among boys. Girls can’t help but notice.”

Lin Zheng Ran noted her steady tone: “I never picked up on that.”

Fang Meng said no more and focused on simmering the soup. Once it was done, she carried it to Lin Xiao Li.

She helped Lin Xiao Li sit up in bed:

“Auntie, here’s some soup. I made it just for you.”

Lin Xiao Li was overwhelmed by Fang Meng’s thorough care.

Feeling flustered, she said: “Xiao Meng, I’m just dealing with a cold, and your uncle will be back soon. You don’t need to go to all this trouble.”

Fang Meng sat by the bed, holding the soup.

Lin Zheng Ran entered the parents’ bedroom too, feeling like he was in the way.

Fang Meng scooped a spoonful of soup and blew on it gently:

“How could I not? If we were in ancient times with arranged marriages, I’d have been born into the Lin family as your daughter-in-law, Lin Zheng Ran’s future wife. Taking care of my future mother-in-law is only natural.”

She brought the spoon to Lin Xiao Li’s mouth: “Ah~ Open up, Auntie.”

Both Lin Xiao Li and Lin Zheng Ran were stunned.

What on earth was she saying?

Lin Xiao Li blushed in panic: “Daughter-in-law?”

“I know I might not end up with Lin Zheng Ran, but I’m doing my best to chase that chance.” Her voice slowed: “Please, have some.”

Lin Xiao Li sipped the soup, wondering if Xiao Meng really liked Ran that much.

She’d suspected it before—after all, Xiao Meng had visited often over the past year—but hearing it so openly was a first.

Fang Meng voiced her thoughts directly: “Auntie, when your husband gets back, could you ask Lin Zheng Ran to come with me to sing for a bit? Today’s really important to me. I just need him there, even for a short while—please put in a word for me.”

“Ah? Is today that significant for you?”

“Yes, though I can’t explain exactly why, it truly is.”

Lin Xiao Li knew her son had a way with attracting admirers and didn’t want to interfere: “Well, I can’t decide that, but…”

She glanced at Lin Zheng Ran, who was standing there dumbfounded.

“Ran, what do you think?”

Lin Zheng Ran felt sweat on his forehead.

Looking at his mom, who seemed genuinely concerned for Fang Meng, and Fang Meng herself, looking so vulnerable,

Fang Meng said earnestly:

“Lin Zheng Ran, I know it’s unfair to use taking care of Auntie to get you to come, but you understand how much today means to me. I just need a little encouragement.” Tears welled up in her eyes: “Please help me. As thanks, I’ll do anything for you.”

Lin Xiao Li comforted Fang Meng, then turned to Lin Zheng Ran: “Ran…”

Lin Zheng Ran thought women could turn on the charm when they wanted—Fang Meng was no exception.

Especially since her words felt so sincere.

Oh well, it was just a small favor. He’d already started helping, might as well see it through.

Lin Zheng Ran nodded slowly: “Alright, I’ll go with you this morning.”

Fang Meng’s eyes glistened with tears, but she broke into a happy smile: “Thank you, Lin Zheng Ran! Really, thank you!”

Not long after, Lin Ying Jun returned.

Lin Zheng Ran went downstairs with Fang Meng.

Once downstairs, Lin Zheng Ran was about to ask which KTV they were going to, but Fang Meng suddenly bowed deeply to him:

“I’m sorry for tricking you into this with such a sneaky move. I know it only worked because you’re a good person, not because I found some weakness.

From now on, if I take care of Auntie again, I won’t pull anything like this—it’s the last time! And as payment, I can do one thing for you. Anything except sleeping with you—I mean it, whatever you want.”

Lin Zheng Ran looked at Fang Meng bowing at a perfect ninety degrees, completely serious:

“You sure know how to talk. I’ll keep that offer in mind and use it someday. You said anything except that, so deal.”

Fang Meng straightened up slowly, studying Lin Zheng Ran with a smile at the corners of her mouth: “Good. Thank you, Lin Zheng Ran—you’re the handsomest guy I’ve ever met.”

“That last bit sounds fake, so skip it.”

Fang Meng didn’t respond.

Deep down, she meant it and was starting to understand why Qian Qian cared so much about Lin Zheng Ran’s future plans.

A guy like Lin Zheng Ran—strong yet gentle—Qian Qian probably just wanted the best for him too.”