In just a few short days, Lin Wan had lost weight significantly. Her father noticed and guessed what was going on, but he knew better than to ask. Instead, he went to the supermarket with his assistant, carefully selecting fresh fish, meat, and vegetables, and took it upon himself to cook every meal for his daughter. In his younger years, Lin Wan's father had studied culinary arts, but after so many years, Lin Wan had long forgotten the taste of his cooking. Looking at the spread of dishes, she couldn't help but feel a bit distracted.
Her father, feeling guilty, kept putting more food onto her plate, explaining the nutritional benefits of each dish. Lin Wan glanced at the food and realized that it matched the pregnancy meal plans she had looked up online. A warm feeling filled her heart, and she sincerely said, "Thank you, Dad."
Her father, somewhat embarrassed, quickly replied, "No, I should be thanking you. You've given me the chance to make up for my mistakes. I didn't want to take this regret to my grave."
Then, a call came in from the woman who had been in touch with her father. She spoke with a soft, southern accent that conveyed warmth and grace, as her father had often described. There was also her younger brother, who kept calling her "sister" and even asked for her QQ number. He asked if she could come visit during the summer holidays. Being called "sister" felt strange and unfamiliar to her, but oddly, it didn't feel as bad as she had imagined.
Having her own child, Lin Wan noticed she had become much more forgiving. When she accidentally saw a photo in her father's wallet, a photo of her at 100 days old—essentially a family portrait of three—she felt a wave of emotion. After a moment of contemplation, she hesitated and gently reminded her father, saying, "This might not be appropriate. If the auntie sees it, she might get hurt."
At the mention of this, her father immediately grew somber. "The only woman I've ever loved is your mother. So when she left so decisively, I couldn't let go for a long time. That's why I have so much resentment."
Lin Wan asked, "Then why did you remarry?"
Her father lowered his head, a touch of shame on his face. "It was for the sake of life."
Indeed, life must continue. Emptiness needs to be filled, and someone has to take on the roles that were left behind.
She replied softly, "Then love them well, don't wait until years later to regret it."
That afternoon, Lin Wan received a call from an unknown number. The voice on the other end was raspy, yet serious. "This is Chen Zui. I'd like to meet with you."
A few minutes later, Lin Wan met Chen Zui at a quiet café nearby, the place he had suggested. He had changed a lot—not just compared to two years ago, but even from the quick glance she had of him a few days ago at the hospital. His appearance was the same, but it seemed like the person inside had changed.
Chen Zui sat down and looked her in the eyes, a stark contrast from the past when he wouldn't dare meet her gaze. He said, "Lin Wan, I know it's too late to apologize now. My simple apology doesn't carry much weight compared to the pain you've suffered, but I still want to say... I'm sorry."
After saying this, he lowered his head deeply. Lin Wan's throat tightened, and she turned her gaze toward the window.
"I just came from the police station."
At those words, Lin Wan immediately turned her eyes back to him, her expression filled with confusion.
Chen Zui gave a bitter smile, lowering his gaze. "You might not believe this, but over the past two years, although I wouldn't say I lived every day in guilt, every time I think about that incident…" He gripped the water glass on the table, furrowing his brow, and his fingers tightened as though he was choosing his words carefully, yet it was clear he was fighting his nerves.
"I feel guilty. It's hard to bear," Chen Zui said, finally letting out a sigh of relief. He ran a hand through his hair, continuing, "But, people have their flaws. Every time, I try to comfort myself, telling myself that what's done is done, and all I can do is be more careful in the future."
He paused, his eyes reddening, and sighed deeply. "I just didn't expect that fate would come so quickly to collect what was due."
Lin Wan didn't respond, sitting stiffly, as if paralyzed. Her gaze remained fixed on the vase at the side of the table.
Chen Zui took a large gulp of water, as if trying to suppress something. He blinked rapidly, pushing back the tears that threatened to fall. He set the glass down and muttered to himself, "This time, no matter what, I won't let him suffer for my mistakes."
After regaining his composure, he looked up at Lin Wan again and said seriously, "Lin Wan, the reason I wanted to meet with you today is for two purposes: one, to apologize, and two, I will bear the consequences of the mistakes I made."
After Chen Zui left, Lin Wan's gaze remained in the same spot. It wasn't until much later that she noticed the blue and purple bouquet of forget-me-nots in the vase. She had always thought that among all the flowers she knew, "forget-me-not" was the most beautiful name.
She recalled what Chen Zui had said at the end: "Lin Wan, I don't expect you to forgive me. I only hope that you don't hold my mistakes against my brother. He... he told me that he loved you."
Her expression finally cracked, and warm liquid slid down her cheek, salty with a hint of bitterness.