Return of the Celestial King

But Qin Tuo never would have imagined Han Zilin would go so far as to move away just to escape her feelings for him.

Qin Tuo was now keenly aware that, barring any surprises, the chances of seeing Han Zilin again were slim to none.

A great sense of loss washed over him, and he felt a sudden urge to search the entire world for Han Zilin right then and there.

However, since Han Zilin hadn’t specified her new address in the letter, her message was perfectly clear.

She didn’t want Qin Tuo to come looking for her.

”You silly girl, why did you have to do it this way?”

Qin Tuo couldn’t help but mutter to himself.

Nearby, seeing their son looking so down, Qin Hongguo and his wife stepped forward to console him.

”Son, don’t dwell on it. That girl Zilin and her mother have already moved away. You need to look forward!”

Luo Xianglan said slowly, patting Qin Tuo on the shoulder.

Qin Tuo gave a bitter smile and said,

”Mom, weren’t you always the one who wanted Zilin and me to get together?”

However, Luo Xianglan shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of guilt.

”Son, this is actually all our fault. We were too rash back then, thinking you two were a perfect match, so we did everything we could to push you together. Looking at it now, the emotional turmoil Zilin went through is also connected to our blind meddling.”

Hearing this, Qin Tuo fell silent.

Perhaps this was another reason for Han Zilin’s departure.

But he wouldn’t blame his parents. After all, their intentions were good; they just hoped he would settle down early, find a suitable girl, and spend the rest of his life with her.

Beside him, Qin Hongguo also sighed and said,

”Son, Zilin explained things to us before she left. Chen Man Ni is a good girl. She never looked down on our family because of our status. In fact, she even kept secretly helping us after we moved out of Half Moon Bay.”

As he spoke, a flicker of regret showed in Qin Hongguo’s eyes.

They had misunderstood Chen Man Ni before, thinking the Chen Family was responsible for them being forced out of Half Moon Bay.

Qin Tuo nodded and couldn’t help but say,

”Mom, Dad, actually, the person who forced you out of Half Moon Bay last time was just one of Chen Man Ni’s admirers, someone she can’t even stand.”

They both nodded, the realization dawning on them. So that was what happened.

”If you hadn’t told us, son, we would’ve been completely in the dark.”

Luo Xianglan said, shaking her head.

Qin Tuo then added slowly,

”Actually, because of this, Manni has been afraid to meet you. She was worried you’d misunderstand her even more and things would become irreconcilable.”

Luo Xianglan smiled warmly and said sincerely,

”That child thinks too much. She’s helped us so much, we’re nothing but grateful!”

At his side, Qin Hongguo also sighed.

”Sigh, this is all our fault for being so ignorant and presumptuous!”

Seeing their remorseful expressions, Qin Tuo smiled and comforted them,

”Mom, Dad, you don’t need to blame yourselves so much. Manni has actually been wanting to patch things up with you, too.”

Qin Hongguo nodded repeatedly and said at once,

”How about this, son? Ask Manni to come over for dinner tonight. We’ll give her a proper apology then.”

Qin Tuo quickly waved his hand and said,

”Manni didn’t take it to heart at all. An apology isn’t necessary.”

Beside him, Luo Xianglan smiled gently and said,

”Son, either way, just bring Manni over, alright? You silly boy!”

Seeing the smile in Luo Xianglan’s eyes, Qin Tuo instantly understood their real meaning and nodded.

”Alright, I’ll call her right now.”

Qin Tuo immediately picked up his phone and called Chen Man Ni.

The call connected, and Chen Man Ni immediately asked with concern,

”Qin Tuo, are you hiding something from me?”

Qin Tuo paused for a second, then remembered how frantic he had sounded when he called her earlier.

”No, not at all, Manni. Hey, why don’t you come to my place for dinner tonight!”

Chen Man Ni was stunned for a moment, then said with some hesitation,

”Qin Tuo, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your parents’ misunderstanding of me will probably just get worse. It’ll make things even more awkward for us!”

Qin Tuo laughed breezily.

”Manni, what are you worrying about? Are my parents really that kind of people? It’s settled. You’re coming for dinner tonight. See you then!”

With that, Qin Tuo hung up the phone.

On the other end of the line, a conflicted and hesitant look appeared in Chen Man Ni’s eyes.

A moment later, she stomped her foot and pouted.

’Fine, I’ll go! If it comes to it, I’ll just take the scolding!’

And so, with a nervous heart, Chen Man Ni first went to a mall and bought a huge pile of gifts.

Then she got in her car and slowly drove to the neighborhood where Qin Tuo lived.

Arriving at the door, Chen Man Ni took a deep breath and knocked softly.

The door opened to reveal Luo Xianglan, wearing a kind and friendly smile.

”Manni, you’re here! Come on in, quick!”

Chen Man Ni looked a bit nervous. Seeing Luo Xianglan’s attitude toward her, she was clearly a little surprised.

’Oh, Qin Tuo’s mom isn’t angry?’

Chen Man Ni thought to herself.

She had thought she would be met with a harsh scolding the moment she walked in.

After all, the incident that caused Qin Tuo’s parents to move out of Half Moon Bay had left her feeling extremely guilty.

The moment Qin Hongguo saw Chen Man Ni, he also greeted her warmly.

”Manni, you’re here! Go on, sit down and watch some TV for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon!”

Chen Man Ni forced a smile.

”I’m alright, thank you. You’ve gone to so much trouble!”

As she spoke, she placed the many bags of gifts she was carrying on the coffee table.

Seeing the huge pile of gifts Chen Man Ni had brought, Luo Xianglan quickly feigned a stern expression.

”Manni, you shouldn’t have! Just coming over is enough. Why buy so many things?”

But despite what she said, she was actually very pleased with Chen Man Ni.

Just then, Qin Tuo also walked out from one of the inner rooms.

The moment she saw Qin Tuo, Chen Man Ni couldn’t help but shoot him a look.

The look seemed to ask, ’What is going on?’

Qin Tuo sat down beside her and whispered,

”I’ve already explained everything to them. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

Nearby, Luo Xianglan asked curiously,

”Son, what secrets are you whispering to Manni?”

”It’s nothing...”

Chen Man Ni immediately blushed.

Soon, Qin Hongguo had a large table covered with delicious dishes.

The group ate and chatted very happily.

Chen Man Ni and Qin Tuo’s parents were laughing and talking, and their relationship quickly warmed.

After dinner, Chen Man Ni took the initiative to say,

”Why don’t you both move back to Half Moon Bay?”

However, Qin Hongguo refused.

”No, Manni. That would be too much trouble for you.”

But Chen Man Ni insisted enthusiastically,

”It’s no trouble at all, really! It’s settled, then!”

Seeing Chen Man Ni so insistent, Qin Hongguo and his wife could only smile wryly and nod in agreement.