Chapter 15 The Last Visit
I almost laughed out of anger.
"Mr. Lu, let's get this straight. The law and morality only apply to marriage."
I met his gaze, my voice icy.
"You could pursue your First Love while still married. I only had a normal gathering with friends after the divorce. What gives you the right to say something so offensive?"
Lu Shijin's eyes went past me to the people inside setting dishes on the table.
His face went white, and regret flashed in his eyes.
"Wen Ruotang... I'm sorry. I spoke without thinking..."
"There's no need for apologies. I don't accept them."
I kept a cold face and started to send them away.
"Mr. Lu, I thought I was clear enough last time in the ancient town. You went through all this trouble to find my home. What do you want?"
His throat moved as he spoke hoarsely.
"I... I just wanted to congratulate you in person. Your exhibition was impressive."
Lu Mingyu handed me a small gift box, speaking shyly.
"Mom, Dad and I picked this congratulatory gift after a long time."
"Meow!"
A low growl sounded from nearby.
Sang Biao, the tabby cat I had bought, rushed out from the hallway.
Sensing my annoyance, Sang Biao arched its back, fur puffed up, and hissed aggressively.
Lu Mingyu screamed and hid behind Lu Shijin, his voice tearful.
"A stray cat! Mom, get it away! I'm scared!"
I bent down and picked Sang Biao up into my arms with ease.
"First, Sang Biao isn't a stray. It's family. Second,"
I looked calmly at the two of them.
"This isn't your home. Please stop coming here to bother me."
I stepped back to close the door.
"Mom!"
Lu Mingyu's cry rose sharply, full of panic and hurt.
"Don't you want us anymore?"
Lu Shijin's body shook. When he looked at me, his eyes were red.
I didn't react and closed the door.
Before it shut completely, his choked voice came through.
It sounded like he was answering the child, or perhaps talking to himself.
"She really doesn't want us anymore..."
Silence fell inside for a moment. Sang Biao meowed unhappily.
I looked down at the cat struggling in my arms and narrowed my eyes.
"You've abandoned me three times in just one week. I'm taking you to get neutered tomorrow."
"Meow——!"
The little one seemed to understand and kicked me before darting under the sofa.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Qin Xiao smiled brightly from the table.
"We've been waiting for you. No matter how big the world is, eating comes first. Don't let the past ruin your meal."
"Coming."
I sat down amid the rising steam. Sang Biao peeked out from under the sofa and settled at my feet.
Teacher Chen piled meat onto my plate. My fellow students raised their glasses to congratulate me sincerely.
Looking at the lively scene, warmth filled my heart.
The past was over.
Steam rose from the dishes as we ate.