Hidden truth, intricate love

The next morning, Lin Yue sat on the balcony, a cup of coffee in hand, reflecting on Li Hao's story from the previous night. She had thought she knew Li Hao's past well enough, but she hadn't expected his life story to be so complicated. She felt a surge of distress and unease. The family responsibilities and pressures Li Hao bore were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Soon, Li Hao came over and saw that she was thinking about something. He smiled slightly and said, "What are you thinking about?"

Lin Yue put down her coffee, looked up at him, and asked softly, "Li Hao, are you really okay? Do you feel any regret for choosing to leave the family?"

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, his eyes firm. "Lin Yue, everyone has their own path. My family has indeed given me many opportunities, but it also brought many constraints. After leaving the family business, I feel relieved. Because I can live according to my own wishes."

Lin Yue felt a little relieved, but still couldn't help but be curious: "What about your family? Do they really have no objection to your choice of independent development?"

Li Hao's expression changed slightly. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Actually, my mother never quite understood my choice. She values ​​the family business very much and believes that every family member has the responsibility to maintain and expand it. So, when I decided to leave, she was very disappointed."

Lin Yue felt a pang of pain at this. She understood that Li Hao's mother might not be acting out of pure personal will, but rather was deeply bound by tradition and family obligations, finding it difficult to accept her son's "rebellion." She gently held Li Hao's hand, her eyes full of support. "Li Hao, you made the right choice. Everyone has the right to pursue happiness and freedom. I believe your mother will understand."

Li Hao smiled slightly and patted her hand gently: "Thank you, Lin Yue. With you by my side, I feel that my choice is more determined."

Lin Yue nodded and secretly made up her mind that no matter how difficult the future would be, she would stay with Li Hao and support his every decision.

Just as the two were about to enjoy a relaxing breakfast, Li Hao's phone rang. He glanced down at the screen, frowning slightly, and then answered the call.

"Hao'er," a gentle yet dignified female voice came from the other end of the line. It was Li Hao's mother. "How have you been recently? I haven't heard from you for a while."

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then replied, "I'm fine, mother, you don't have to worry."

Mother Li sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in her tone: "This weekend is your father's birthday, and the family will hold a small party at the old house. I hope you can come back and bring your friends so that we can get to know each other."

Li Hao was silent for a few seconds, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. Seeing his complex expression, Lin Yue gently patted his hand and gave him an encouraging look. Li Hao felt a surge of warmth and slowly agreed, "Okay, Mother. I'll be back."

After hanging up the phone, Li Hao sighed deeply and looked at Lin Yue with mixed emotions in his eyes: "Lin Yue, I'm sorry. I didn't want you to get involved in these family affairs. But mother wants us to go back together, and I don't want you to feel alienated."

Lin Yue smiled slightly and said softly, "It's okay, Li Hao. Since it's a family gathering, I'm happy to accompany you. Even if there may be some difficulties, I want to understand your world and face it with you."

Li Hao looked at her gratefully, his heart filled with emotion: "Thank you, Lin Yue. You don't know how much this means to me."

A few days later, Lin Yue and Li Hao drove to the Li family's old house. Along the way, Li Hao seemed somewhat silent, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. Lin Yue felt vaguely uneasy, but she maintained a smile and continued to comfort Li Hao.

"Li Hao, don't worry. No matter what happens, I will be by your side." Lin Yue said softly, her tone full of determination.

Li Hao turned around, gently held her hand, and said softly, "Having you by my side really makes me feel a lot more at ease. My family isn't bad, they just have more traditional ideas and concepts. Especially my mother. She has too high expectations of me, which has only made us grow further apart."

Lin Yue nodded in understanding. She knew Li Hao's mother might simply be overly concerned with the family legacy, not deliberately trying to embarrass him. She secretly resolved that no matter what happened, she would be sincere in her approach to Li Hao's family and earn their trust.

After several hours' drive, they finally arrived at the Li family's old residence. Nestled at the foot of a mountain, the residence boasted beautiful scenery, classical and solemn architecture, and an air of majesty permeated every corner. Lin Yue couldn't help but feel a touch nervous; after all, she had never experienced such a solemn environment before.

Li Hao noticed her emotions and smiled comfortingly: "Don't be nervous, this is just a home. For me, having you around is the real peace of mind."

Lin Yue nodded slightly, took a deep breath, adjusted her mood, held Li Hao's hand tightly, and walked towards the old house.

Entering the hall, Lin Yue's gaze was immediately drawn to a dignified and elegant middle-aged woman. She was dressed in a well-fitting gown, exuding a noble demeanor and a touch of dignity. A faint smile clung to her face, but a subtle scrutiny shone through her eyes, as if she were carefully examining Lin Yue.

Li Hao said softly, "Mother, this is the Lin Yue I mentioned to you."

Mother Li nodded, a look of calm inquiry in her eyes, and nodded gently: "Ms. Lin Yue, welcome to the Li family. I've heard Li Hao mention you many times, and today I finally have the opportunity to meet you."

Lin Yue smiled and replied, "Hello, Auntie, thank you for inviting me. I am honored to meet you and Li Hao's family."

Mother Li smiled faintly, her eyes still scrutinizing her. She said calmly, "Ms. Lin Yue, I can see that you are very polite and excellent. But I hope you can understand that the Li family is different from ordinary families. There are many rules here, and Li Hao's future does not belong to him alone."

Lin Yue's heart sank when she heard this, but she wasn't intimidated by the pressure. Instead, she maintained a calm smile and slowly replied, "Auntie, I understand your concerns. Li Hao is also very important to me. I will respect all the rules of the Li family and do my best to reassure you."

Mother Li nodded slightly, but there was still a hint of caution in her eyes, as if she was considering every word Lin Yue said. Li Hao, standing nearby, noticed his mother's attitude, frowned slightly, and said in a deep voice, "Mother, Lin Yue is the partner I have chosen. I hope she can gain your respect and support."

Mother Li's expression changed slightly, a hint of displeasure in her eyes. She sighed softly, "Li Hao, I understand you have your own choice, but you also have to understand that as a member of the Li family, your choice will affect the entire family. The responsibility you bear is far heavier than you imagine."

Li Hao looked at his mother firmly, his tone steady and resolute: "Mom, I will assume my due responsibilities, but Lin Yue is my true choice in my heart. I hope she can be a part of my life."

Lin Yue listened to Li Hao's words, feeling moved and resolute. She knew that Li Hao's family had a profound influence on him, but Li Hao still chose to protect her, which made her feel extremely relieved and happy.