The Heart of Parents

"Parents always have more to consider, especially since this is our Nanzhi's first relationship. I hope you understand."

Ji Shulan spoke sincerely, and after seeing Shen Yi nod, she continued,

"I came here today because I missed my daughter and plan to stay with Nanzhi for a while."

"I’m not optimistic about your relationship, but I won’t stand in your way either. I just hope you can take some time apart for now."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Rather than forcefully breaking them apart, Ji Shulan chose to create a cooling-off period. The thought of them being inseparable all the time made her uneasy.

Fu Yuanyu was right—the more you try to tear them apart, the more they’ll resist.

If, over time, their love proves to be as strong as gold, then Ji Shulan would be more than happy to support them.

"I understand your concerns," Shen Yi said, taking in every word Ji Shulan had said. Her visit and her words were clearly meant to make him back off on his own.

Even if Shen Yi wasn’t willing to step back, at the very least, he could move out to give both of them some space to think.

Ji Shulan’s worries as a parent were completely normal, and Shen Yi took it in stride without any resentment.

Although his relationship with Fu Nanzhi had already transcended material concerns, that was a private understanding between the two of them, and others wouldn’t know.

Besides, her attitude was quite mild—she was just overly concerned.

Shen Yi had half-expected her to pull out the cliché move of offering him money to leave her daughter.

Though he had already decided to leave, he still felt the need to express his stance.

After some thought, Shen Yi said to Ji Shulan,

"Auntie, I respect your concerns, but I have my own convictions. I won’t give up on Nanzhi."

"Although I haven’t achieved much yet, I’m confident that I can make Nanzhi happy, both emotionally and materially."

Shen Yi spoke with great confidence. In his simulations, even without the system, he had managed to build a successful career. There was no reason he couldn’t do the same—or better—with the system.

Originally, Shen Yi had planned to take it easy and enjoy life, thinking that having enough material comforts would suffice. But now, it seemed that wasn’t going to cut it.

It wasn’t enough for just Fu Nanzhi to accept him; he needed her parents’ approval as well.

Hearing Shen Yi’s words, Ji Shulan felt a slight sense of relief and finally showed a genuine smile. She had been worried that Shen Yi might pretend to agree but secretly manipulate Fu Nanzhi’s feelings.

"I’m glad to hear you have such determination. Nanzhi would be happy to know that too," she said, then let out a barely audible sigh.

If possible, Ji Shulan didn’t want to be the villain. She knew that no matter the outcome, Fu Nanzhi would likely be upset with her when she returned.

But Ji Shulan believed that Fu Nanzhi wasn’t thinking clearly at the moment—she was simply swept away by the sudden rush of love.

Love is essential in a relationship or marriage, but love alone isn’t enough.

Only after stepping back from the infatuation would Fu Nanzhi realize who truly cared for her the most.

With that, Shen Yi had nothing more to say. He stood up and began packing his things.

Since Shen Yi was leaving, Ji Shulan felt it was only polite to see him off.

As they reached the door, she hesitated for a moment before speaking,

"Xiao Shen, I’m not completely cutting off your contact. You’re welcome to come over for meals in the future."

"Of course, I will. You don’t need to see me out," Shen Yi replied politely before leaving.

Sitting in his car, Shen Yi shook his head. His future mother-in-law was quite reasonable. Anyone else might have kicked him out on the spot.

Pushing his suitcase, Shen Yi returned to his small rented apartment.

It hadn’t even been three days since he’d left, and he was back. Thankfully, he hadn’t canceled the lease, or he’d have to find a new place to live.

Shen Yi chuckled to himself, feeling a bit self-deprecating.

After putting everything back in its place, Shen Yi finally had some peace and quiet.

He lay back on his recliner and once again focused on the flickering screen in front of him.

The tone of his life had suddenly shifted from *"Dating Simulator: I Just Want to Relax with My System"* to *"The Fu Family Son-in-Law: My Ruthless Mother-in-Law Forced Me to Rise?"*

Shen Yi smirked at his own thoughts.

Well, since he wasn’t allowed to enjoy the easy life anymore, it was time to fire up the simulator.

"Simulator, activate!"

…

As soon as work ended, Fu Nanzhi hurriedly packed up and rushed home.

It had been a full day and night since she’d last seen Shen Yi—practically an eternity in her mind.

She drove home as fast as she could, pushed open the door, and called out,

"Honey~ I’m home!"

Fu Nanzhi sniffed the air, catching the scent of food, and headed straight for the kitchen.

"What are you cooking, my lo—Mom?!"

The word "honey" got stuck in her throat as she saw Ji Shulan standing there, wearing an apron.

"Mom? What are you doing here? Where’s Shen Yi?"

Ji Shulan, holding a spatula, was so exasperated she could’ve smacked Fu Nanzhi on the head.

"Have you no shame? It’s only been three days, and you’re calling him ‘honey’?"

That term of endearment left Ji Shulan dumbfounded, her temples throbbing with anger.

She could hardly believe that her sweet, well-behaved daughter was calling someone "honey" in such a sugary tone. It completely shattered her long-held image of Fu Nanzhi.

"Fu Nanzhi! I never would’ve guessed you’d turn out like this. Are you even my daughter?"

But Fu Nanzhi ignored all that and kept pressing,

"Where’s Shen Yi? Is he upstairs?"

"You come home and don’t even ask how I’m doing. It’s all ‘Shen Yi this, Shen Yi that.’ How should I know?"

Ji Shulan, feeling a pang of jealousy, deliberately avoided answering.

Fu Nanzhi’s heart sank with a bad premonition. She couldn’t wait any longer and ran upstairs, calling out,

"Shen Yi! Shen Yi! Honey!"

Moments later, she came back downstairs, her face cold as she confronted Ji Shulan,

"All his things are gone. Did you kick him out?"

Fu Nanzhi’s attitude made Ji Shulan feel like her little girl had not only grown distant but had also turned against her. It left her heart cold.

‘What kind of spell has that Shen Yi cast on her? It’s only been three days, and she’s this devoted?’

Though she thought this, Ji Shulan didn’t back down, frowning and saying,

"Who said I kicked him out? Maybe he left on his own."

Fu Nanzhi was already convinced otherwise and sneered,

"If you hadn’t come, he wouldn’t have left."

Ji Shulan was infuriated by Fu Nanzhi’s words and retorted,

"What do you mean, ‘If I hadn’t come’? I can come whenever I want. This is my home!"

Her words essentially confirmed that she had driven Shen Yi away. Fu Nanzhi exploded, her eyes red as she fought back tears and snapped,

"Fine, fine, it’s your home. Then I’m just an outsider, right? Don’t worry, I won’t wait for you to kick me out. I’ll leave on my own!"

Fu Nanzhi blinked hard to keep her tears at bay, then turned and stormed out without looking back.

Ji Shulan stood there, feeling deeply wronged and not understanding what she had done wrong.

‘I’m your mother, and now you’re angry with me over some man?’

As the door slammed shut, Ji Shulan finally panicked. Without even taking off her apron, she rushed out after Fu Nanzhi.

"Nanzhi?! Nanzhi?!"