Meeting the parents was Nan Yan's idea; he felt it was a necessary ritual. Especially since the little elf had no parents, he wanted her to have more connections in this world.
Even carefree little elves can feel lonely sometimes.
So the plan to meet the parents was set. However, Jiang Yan was, after all, undocumented, with no family background to speak of. If pressed, the only family she could claim was the little grass she had nurtured for years.
Nan Yan gave his parents a heads up, telling them not to ask too many questions that day.
Nan's mother had long been dissatisfied with Nan Yan's attitude, but she held her tongue for the sake of her future daughter-in-law.
...
Nan Yan could have quietly retired from the entertainment industry, holding a press conference or having the company announce the termination of his contract. Fans would have calmed down eventually. But no, he wanted to leave with a bang, in the spotlight.
This resulted in the buzz he created being too intense and long-lasting. On their way back with Jiang Yan, they had to hide and sneak around, afraid of being spotted by sharp-eyed passersby.
Fortunately, the journey was fraught but uneventful, although Nan Yan, bundled up in the height of summer, endured many stares from passersby who thought he looked ridiculous.
As soon as the car pulled into the driveway of the Nan family villa, Nan's Father and Nan's Mother came out to greet them.
Nan's Mother's bright red cheongsam was enough to prove how delighted she was. Nan's Father was more restrained, only handing Jiang Yan the keys to a new Lamborghini as soon as they met. Perhaps it was Nan's Father's air of authority, but as soon as he extended his hand, Jiang Yan instinctively accepted the keys.
Nan's Mother affectionately linked arms with Jiang Yan and led her into the house, while Nan's Father leisurely followed behind with his hands clasped behind his back. This left Nan Yan, still in the car and ignored by everyone, feeling utterly bemused.
Nan's Mother chatted warmly with Jiang Yan, saying, "The food is ready. Yan Yan, you try it later and see if it suits your taste. If you want anything specific, just tell auntie. We've left a few dishes for you to add..."
Having been with Nan Yan, Jiang Yan had been eating either his simple meals or takeout. Suddenly tasting such a delicious feast, she was almost moved to tears. After a few bites, she lightly remarked to Nan Yan, "It's so delicious. I didn't know food could taste this good."
Nan Yan, who preferred semi-prepared foods due to laziness, couldn't help but tilt his head, mumbling with his right fist clenched, "I got it, I'll learn when we get back."
Having such an irritating son, Nan's Mother loved to stir up trouble and make him suffer. She immediately got into character: "Oh, my poor Yan Yan, you must have suffered a lot with this rascal, not even able to eat a proper meal..."
Nan Yan glanced at his father, as if to say, "Look at your wife..."
But Jiang Yan didn't let up either, her eyes welling with tears: "Auntie, in all my life, this is the first time I've eaten such delicious food..."
Nan's Father leisurely sipped his tea, returning his son's look.
However, due to Nan Yan's earlier warning, Nan's Mother thought Jiang Yan's family situation wasn't good. Combined with Jiang Yan's incredibly innocent appearance, which was highly deceptive, Nan's Mother took it seriously. She immediately felt heartbroken and berated Nan Yan for not even being able to take care of his own wife properly!
All in all, the meal ended successfully. After dinner, Jiang Yan even received a high-quality jade bracelet from Nan's Mother.
Nan's Father and Nan's Mother saw them off as they drove away, calling out, "Come over to play anytime, make yourselves at home."
Nan Yan snorted, turning the steering wheel, "Don't believe them. If you really come, you'll be playing by yourself. They're all very busy people." His tone betrayed lingering resentment from his younger years.
Jiang Yan lazily hugged her doll in the passenger seat, saying, "Then I can go to their company to find them."
The car returned to their villa but didn't stop. Instead, they loaded their luggage and set off again, heading towards the vast blue summer sky. They were embarking on a world tour by car!
On the road, Nan Yan drove while Jiang Yan slept, read comics, or snacked in the passenger seat. At first, Nan Yan tried to endure it, but he quickly gave in and hired a driver to take over. Then he and Jiang Yan moved to the back seat, eating and drinking together.
They lingered wherever they stopped. They climbed mountains, finally seeing the temple at the top while drenched in sweat, but only stayed for a vegetarian meal before leaving. Nan Yan said he had already gotten what he wanted most, while Jiang Yan would reach out for what she wanted herself. They hiked together, feeling the mountain breeze and watching waterfalls. They also experienced the joy of selling flowers to earn money in a small, enclosed town...
They left behind the hustle and bustle of prosperous cities. On their journey, even the wind along the way whispered of free love.
