329—Father And Son Talk

*****

The cafeteria at Anping First Middle School was usually a hub of activity, especially during lunch. The students usually felt more relaxed during mealtimes, so it was their time for conversations, sometimes hushed, but most times noisy.

Outside mealtimes however, it was very quiet. Only the occasional calls from birds and the voices of the staff as they worked could be heard.

Today, it was tranquil as usual, only that it wasn't empty. In the vast hall, Han Yichen sat face-to-face with a tall man that looked very similar to him.

They had been sitting like this in silence for more than ten minutes, just staring at each other.

Han Leifeng's eyes were slightly red. Being able to sit down with his only son like this, made him feel emotional. He wanted to hold him and give him a hug, but Han Yichen's steadiness made him hold back. He didn't want to make a fool of himself.

For his part, Han Yichen was in deep contemplation.

When he was asked to go to Principal Shen's office, he didn't know what to expect. But it was certainly not to see his dead father.

When the older man called him "Xiao Chen" in a slightly trembling voice, Han Yichen stood still in shock. Unsure of how to handle the situation, he backed away when Han Leifeng stood up to hug him, causing an awkward situation.

Principal Shen had coughed to break the ice and kindly told them to go to the cafeteria, where it would be quiet enough for them to talk alone.

As they walked, Han Leifeng tried talking to him, but he didn't respond. He was preoccupied with his rapidly shifting emotions. From shock to confusion, then anger and finally to eventual calm, he processed his various emotions in the time it took to walk to the cafeteria, his face never losing its stoic expression even once.

Han Leifeng walked beside him sadly. If his son wasn't even willing to talk to him, would he ever forgive him? Was Pei Yueran right to say he would be shocked badly? He briefly regretted his decision, but the deed had been done already, so he could only make the best of it.

It was just that Han Yichen's silence was making him apprehensive.

When they got to the cafeteria, Han Yichen led the way to the table at the furthermost end from the door, and Han Leifeng followed. They sat down and continued staring at each other, thus the current situation.

Han Leifeng tried to start a conversation, but apart from not knowing what to say, Han Yichen's expressionless face discouraged all kinds of small talk.

Just when Han Leifeng was determined to initiate conversation, Han Yichen suddenly opened his mouth.

"Does Mom know?"

Han Leifeng wasn't sure what he was asking about, but he decided to nod. Anyway, Pei Yueran knew he was alive, and he had also told her that he would go look for his son.

"That you're here?"

Han Leifeng hesitated before shaking his head.

Without saying anything else, Han Yichen picked up his phone and made a phone call. Pei Yueran, who was in the office at that moment still paused her work and picked his call.

"What's up Xiao Chen? How are you doing?"

"He's here."

"He? Who?" Pei Yueran was confused at first, then at Han Yichen's prolonged silence, she began to suspect, "You mean your—"

Han Yichen cut her off midsentence, his face almost like Li Chuanmo's in coldness, "Just the same family name."

Han Leifeng didn't quite understand, but his heart still sank.

Pei Yueran's heart tightened for a split second at his indifference before she exploded in anger, "What?! I'm coming over right now."

"Take your time. Drive safe." Han Yichen said.

Once he ended the call, he turned brown eyes back on the man across him.

"Xiao Chen, I just wanted us father and son to talk. You didn't have to call your mother." Han Leifeng said gently, but it only earned Han Yichen's sneer.

"Oh, but she should be here. She shouldn't miss the spectacle of a dead man coming back to life." Han Yichen spoke without missing a beat.

His voice was still cold, but a trace of anger slipped out.

"Xiao Chen, it's not like that, I can explain."

"Save it. I'm sure you explained to Mom and she didn't buy it. What makes you think I would?" Han Yichen was not interested.

"Your mother was just being emotional at the time. She would come around once she has time to think about it." Han Leifeng tried to appease him, but Han Yichen wasn't buying it.

"Dream on." What a joke. Whatever "coming around" meant, he was sure his mother was never going to do that for the man in front of him.

Han Leifeng started losing his cool, "Xiao Chen! How can you talk like that?!"

"Don't call my name!" Han Yichen raised his voice with equal vehemence. "How dare you come here and start making demands on me? Who do you think you are?"

Han Leifeng couldn't believe his ears, "Xiao Chen, no matter what, I'm your father!"

Han Yichen sneered, "Don't joke around Mr. Han. My father died when I was three, and my stepfather is amazing enough."

The implication was that he didn't need any unrelated stranger to claim parental rights over him and tell him what to do.

"Xiao Chen," Han Leifeng calmed down and looked sad. "I have explained to your mother. It was really the best thing I could do at the time. I didn't want to put the both of you in danger, that's why. Forgive me please."

"You didn't offend me, so there's nothing to forgive. I grew up without a father. When I needed a father, you weren't there. I don't really need one now. You should ask my mother.

"She's the one who cried herself to stupor too many times to count, the one who used to have problems sleeping, and when she eventually slept, would have nightmares often." His voice shook.

"She was the one who cared about you a lot and made sure I never forgot you, though I now wonder why she did so much. A real waste of her affections. Mom is great in every area, but unfortunately, she's just too kind. Even ingrates are treated like treasures."

When Han Yichen wanted to be scathing, he had a natural talent. However, his eyes were red, showing how affected he was. Han Leifeng took one look at him and his anger evaporated. He sighed and spoke.

"Xiao Chen. I know I shocked you and your mother badly, and I'm very sorry. I plan to spend the rest of my life making it up to the both of you. Please give me a chance."

Han Yichen only said, "Mom should be here any moment."

In other words, talk to her, I'll follow her decisions.