Some Friends (1)

Hearing the little boy call her mommy, Lu AnLing felt her heart soar but she didn't want to cry of happiness in front of her parents so, before letting the boy leave, Lu AnLing kissed Kang Mingyu's chubby cheeks and said, "You're such a good boy. You really love your sister don't you?"

Hearing this, Kang Mingyu began to blush slightly and then he said, "She's a bit awkward sometimes and she's my best friend but I know that she's a bit lonely... it would be good to make friends with someone else..."

Kang Jun and Lu AnLing watched as the boy explained to them his thoughts. The boy was never much of a talker but little by little he began to open up. And the more he did, the more Lu AnLing realized that Kang Mingyu was more extraverted than he seemed. He liked to talk to people, but because of his upbringing with Qiao Lan, he had been forced to keep his true self hidden. This thought made Lu AnLing's heart hurt.

Patting his head, Kang Jun gave the boy a soft expression and then he said, "Don't just think of your sister, you also need some friends."

Lu AnLing agreed with her husband.

Hearing such a thing, Kang Mingyu smiled at his mother and father and then he nodded before heading over to the two girls who stood a bit awkwardly in the corner of the room.

The kids were left playing at the side of the room under Rong Lihua's watchful gaze, while this left the adults time to talk amongst themselves.

Looking at her mother, Lu AnLing didn't stop herself from being frank.

Lu AnLing: "So you're giving me custody of Yuxi, right?"

Hearing this, Lu Xiaoling nodded. "She's your daughter. I wouldn't keep her from you. But I think a slow integration would be best."

Kang Jun nodded. "We understand that. But we want our family to be whole sooner rather than later."

Listening to this, Lu Duyi was confused, but it was Lu Shuya who spoke first.

"Our family?" Lu Shuya asked simply.

Hearing this, Lu AnLing nodded. "Biologically, Lu Yuxi and Kang Mei Xue are my children with Kang Jun."

Lu Shuya's eyes widened. She was about to ask how that was possible but then Lu AnLing said, "Before you say anything, let me just say it was a drunken one night stand. Neither of us knew what we were getting into. But all in all, it worked out. I guess it was fate for us to meet."

As she said this, Lu AnLing leaned into her husband lovingly.

Meanwhile, these words caused Lu Shuya to shut up but now it was Lu Duyi's turn to be confused.

"What in the heck is going on?!" Lu Duyi almost screamed.

Hearing this, Lu AnLing smiled and explained the situation simply to her brother.

Lu Duyi's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you..."

Lu AnLing shook her head. "It's not your job to be there for me, but your sentiments are enough for me."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Lu Duyi asked questioningly yet hesitatingly.

Hearing this, Lu AnLing left Kang Jun's side to sit by Lu Duyi.

"It's because I didn't want to worry you." Lu AnLing said and then she touched her brother's hair, "You were still a child... more of a child than you are now! What kind of older sister would I be if I put all my problems on you?"

Lu Duyi understood Lu AnLing but he still felt a bit bad. She was his sister and he wanted to be there for her. Always.

However Lu Duyi wasn't the only one feeling guilty... Seeing this, and hearing what had happened to her, even Xu Shen felt like that. He didn't know many of the details but now, hearing everything that had to be said, Xu Shen felt as if he could have done much more for the girl as a father figure but then, his gaze fell on Kang Jun.

Xu Shen then said, "AnLing, I'm glad that you found your happiness. You deserve it. I don't know if I said this to you before but congratulations on your marriage. I hope you only get happier from this day forward."

Hearing Xu Shen's words, Lu AnLing felt as if she was about to cry.

This felt like her own father was giving her away and so it made Lu AnLing's heart tighten.

"Thanks, dad..." She said simply.

Lu AnLing had never called Xu Shen dad before. It was always 'Uncle' but now, hearing her say this, Xu Shen began to cry.

Seeing this, all three of his children were alarmed but Lu Xiaoling just sighed.

It was true that she had never loved Xu Shen. Their marriage was one of convenience but she was lucky to have the man. Because of him, each one of her children, without discrimination, had received something she could never give to them; boundless unconditional love.

Uncomfortable seeing her father cry, Lu Shuya averted her eyes and then she looked towards the three children.

Lu Shuya didn't want to go to Lu AnLing and Kang Jun's place at first. Lu AnLing was her sister but Lu Shuya acknowledged that she had treated Lu AnLing wrong and so, she thought that it was best to leave Lu AnLing to live her life in bliss.

And besides, Lu Shuya did not want to be a reason why Lu AnLing remembered part of her painful past.

Actually, she had planned to spend her day trying to find another job but as she was getting ready to go out, she received a call from her father but the one who answered was not Xu Shen.

"Auntie, I'm going to meet mommy and daddy today!" Lu Yuxi said on the phone as she ran around her room.

"That's good XiXi, have fun!" Lu Shuya said in her sweetest voice.

"Yes! Actually, that's why I asked Grandpa to borrow his phone..." Lu Yuxi said and then she suddenly paused. "I want you to come with me!"

"I can't..." Lu Shuya didn't hesitate to say.

Hearing this, Lu Yuxi frowned and then she said, "Auntie... to tell you the truth... I'm a bit scared to meet mommy and daddy... what if they don't like me..."

Hearing such words, Lu Shuya felt her heartbreak. "Don't say that darling, they'll love you. AnLing is... very loving and kind and as for Kang Jun... he carried you last time right? You said he was careful with you?"

Lu Yuxi: "Yes... but that doesn't mean they'll love me... if Auntie is there, I'll have more courage that they'll love me!"

Lu Yuxi's logic was extremely flawed but even if it didn't make much sense, Lu Shuya was weak against her niece and so, she had no choice but to accompany them.

Now, looking between her bawling father and at how Lu Yuxi enjoyed herself with Kang Mei Xue and Kang Mingyu, at that moment, Lu Shuya smiled.

She was glad she had come.