Chapter 64: Family

That weekend Su Ning spent some time away from Lin JinYan to visit her parents and Grandma Gu. It had been a few months since she had visited and had been mainly keeping in contact via video chat. 

So, for two days Su Ning became a 'sticky rice cake' to this original body's mother, Qin Lan. Mother Qin felt her heart warm at her daughter acting spoiled and sweet. Whilst watching a local variety TV show, the young girl had put her head on her mother's lap and asked to be hand fed with fruits. Then for dinner, Su Ning specially requested her favorite dishes and dessert. The lovely girl even badgered Mother Qin to accompany her to the mall. Since Su Ning's successful heart surgery, she had become so mature that Qin Lan had actually missed the childish and coquettish side of her.

Su Ning also convinced her 'father' to download Gu YuChen's 2nd game, Rose Wars. "Pa, remember to click on those to collect resources for my character okay?" Su Ning sweetly asked Su Kun. Faced with such high key 'shalala effect' from his daughter, Su Kun could only be overcome with the cuteness and work as a designated 'resource miner' in support of his daughter's gaming hobby. 

Sunday dinner was spent with Grandma Gu at her estate. As usual they had a delicious spread of dishes causing Su Ning to eat a second serving of rice. Old Madam Gu was still healthy, spritely, and shrewd as usual. And the two casually chatted about Su Ning's school life. Grandma Gu asked if Su Ning still intended to apply to uni in C Country which the latter confirmed. "Xiao Ning, if you ever change your mind, let this old grandma know alright?" Grandma Gu kindly reminded the young girl. She did not mention that she had already worked with her grandson to prepare the scholarship for Su Ning.

"En. I will," Su Ning sweetly replied.

.........….

By the time Su Ning returned to the apartment near M Academy, it was already half past 9 in the evening. Opening the door of the apartment, she saw that the living room was pitch black so she assumed Lin JinYan must not be home.

Imagine her surprise to find Lin JinYan awake laying on the L shaped sofa when she turned on the lights. 

"Wo de ma ya! JinYan-ge! What are you doing there?!"

Author's Note: Wo de ma ya means oh my God! 

"I was waiting for NingNing," he answered smiling as he sat up on the sofa.

"Ah?! But I told you I was going back to see my parents this weekend," said Su Ning who busily began to put containers of food in the fridge.

"I know," Lin JinYan said quietly.

"Then...you could've waited in your room," Su Ning finally responded as she walked back to the living room where the young man waited.

"But I wanted to see you when you came in," he said with a gentle smile.

"Ah..Next time at least turn on the lights alright?" Su Ning said worriedly.

"Mmm," Lin JinYan gave a soft humm in response and he laid his head back.

"Did you have dinner?" Su Ning asked, taking the spot beside him.

"Not yet." (Lin JinYan)

"I got some dishes from Grandma Gu let me heat some for you, okay?" (Su Ning)

"Alright." (Lin JinYan)

After heating the dishes in the microwave, she stayed with Lin JinYan at the dining table as he ate a late supper. 

"JinYan-ge, did you go home this weekend?" Su Ning asked and her friend immediately shook his head in response.

"You don't need to see your family?" she prodded.

"I just need to see them once a month. Family dinner," Lin JinYan said after swallowing a bite of the beef stew with rice.

"Ah…"

Su Ning couldn't help but sigh in her heart; somehow she felt that Lin JinYan was too pitiful. In her past life, she had also yearned for a family. But it was something she only received after her death and in another body to boot. 

In all honesty, she was hesitant to outwardly sympathize with Lin JinYan. She worried that her actions may be mistaken for pity and being raised in such a prestigious household, her friend must have a very strong sense of pride. She didn't want to hurt him so all she can do is stay by his side. 

Su Ning was unaware that she was already enough.

"JinYan-ge, do you feel lonely without your family?" Su Ning asked with furrowed brows. 

"No. NingNing is my family."