My Angel, My Guardian (GL) - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The story continues as the film draws to a close. Before they know it, the lights in the cinema flicker on, and Ying Jia’en walks out side-by-side with Xiao Zetong.

“It’s still early. Shall we grab dinner and go shopping?” Ying Jia’en asks as she opens the car door for Xiao Zetong.

“Just take me straight home. I still have some documents to handle.” It wasn’t that Xiao Zetong didn’t want to spend time with her, but work at Nitian truly left her with no spare time. Between the new international partnership and the fact that she had secretly taken over two-thirds of the workload originally assigned to Jia’en, her schedule was overflowing.

“Alright, I’ll take you home.” Jia’en doesn’t push it; she knows Zetong has always prioritized the company. She drives her home and waits until the lights in Zetong’s apartment turn on before heading back to her own place.

As soon as she walks through the door, her phone rings. It’s her mother, Yun Han.

A Surprise Return

“Mom? Is something wrong?” Jia’en asks, pouring herself some fresh juice.

“Ai’ai, are you home?” Yun Han’s gentle voice comes through the line. “Your Mama and I changed our flight. We’re at the airport now and will arrive tomorrow at 8:00 AM. Remember to pick us up.”

“Sure! But why the early return?” Jia’en sits at her laptop to start on some business tasks.

“Your Mama says she wants to get back early to prepare for your Great-Grandmother’s birthday banquet. By the way, how are things going between you and Lele (Zetong)?” Yun Han worries about Jia’en’s love life; the two girls have been in a state of “ambiguity” since they were fifteen, yet there’s still no official result.

“Same as always. Mom, I know what you’re worried about, and I know why she won’t accept my pursuit yet. But I believe she will one day. We’ll talk when you get back; I have work to finish.”

The Reunion

The next morning, Jia’en arrives at the airport, leaning against a pillar and yawning. She’s so tired she doesn’t even notice Ying Yu and Yun Han until Ying Yu taps her on the shoulder.

“What are you thinking about, kiddo?”

Jia’en snaps out of it and hugs both of her mothers tightly. “Mom, Mama, you’re finally back!”

Yun Han notices the dark circles under her daughter’s eyes immediately. “Did you sleep late? Your dark circles are so heavy.”

“No, I slept early. I’ve just been busy lately,” Jia’en lies, not wanting them to worry. She leads them to the car and suggests getting breakfast at their “old spot.”

At the breakfast shop, Ying Yu and Yun Han watch Jia’en from their table.

“She’s really grown up over these last six months,” Ying Yu remarks with a hint of pride.

“Yes, she’s much more mature,” Yun Han sighs. “But seeing her like this makes my heart ache. She’s only twenty—an age where she should be enjoying university, yet she’s carrying the weight of Nitian on her shoulders.”

Motherly Intuition

Jia’en returns with a tray. She gives her mothers bowls of porridge and plates of buns, but she only takes a bowl of porridge and a small side of pickles for herself.

“Is that enough to fill you up?” Ying Yu asks, noticing how little she’s eating compared to her usual appetite.

“I’m full,” Jia’en says quietly. She doesn’t mention that a doctor has forbidden her from eating greasy or spicy foods.

Sensing something is off, Ying Yu excuses herself to the restroom and calls Xiao Zetong. “Lele, it’s Auntie Ying Yu. Tell me the truth—is something wrong with Ai’ai’s stomach?”

Zetong hesitates but eventually confesses. “Yes. Because of some recent events, we were working day and night. Ai’ai’s stomach had some issues, but the doctor says she’ll be fine with proper care.”

Hanging up, Ying Yu feels a pang of guilt, questioning if it was right to let Jia’en take over the company so young. However, she hides her emotions and returns to the table as if nothing happened.

Back at home, the atmosphere lightens. Jia’en retreats into her childhood role, clinging to Yun Han.

“Mommy, did you bring me a gift?”

“Of course—the latest phone.” Yun Han pulls out a limited-edition model Jia’en has been eyeing for months.

“Awesome! Thank you, Mommy!” Jia’en’s eyes light up as she begins playing with her new gadget. Ying Yu watches and smiles—only in moments like these does Jia’en still seem like a child.