Chapter Twenty-Four: Meeting the Parents

Lu Changzheng had learned of the situation between Li Jie and Geng Geng through some unknown channel. He had called Li Jie a few days prior, expressing a wish to meet with the two of them in the near future. Li Jie had long intended to formally introduce Geng Geng to his family and was planning to bring up his thoughts at an appropriate time.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Li Jie knew Geng Geng had returned. He set aside his work and stepped out of the study.

"You're back. Did you have a good time with Beta today?"

As she changed her shoes, Geng Geng replied casually, "It had been a long time since I last saw Beta, so we had a great time. It seems a boy has been pursuing her lately, and she’s been quite distressed about whether or not to accept his advances. Beta hasn't quite moved on from her last relationship, so she’s a bit hesitant this time."

"Oh? And what did you tell her?"

"I just suggested that she give it a try. Isn't there a saying that the best way to get over an old relationship is to start a new one? Hehe!"

"By the way, I have something to discuss with you," Li Jie said, sounding slightly hesitant.

"What is it? You look like you have something on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about?" Geng Geng looked at him suspiciously; Li Jie rarely acted this way, as he was usually straightforward and decisive in handling matters.

"Well, here it is: Old Lu wants to meet with us. What do you think?" Li Jie braced himself as he spoke. Once the words were out, he felt a sense of relief; he realized that once the first step is taken, things often feel less daunting.

"Ah? You... you want to meet?" Geng Geng stammered. It felt sudden, and she was anxious, unsure if Lu Xinghe's family would accept her.

"If you feel uncomfortable, we can skip it and talk about it another time," Li Jie said, observing her hesitant expression.

"No... no, it's fine. You decide! I'm okay with whatever you choose."

Once Geng Geng agreed, Li Jie let out a slow breath. They discussed meeting Old Lu during the winter break. Geng Geng clearly took the upcoming meeting to heart; in the following days, she frequently asked Li Jie what she should prepare and inquired about Old Lu's specific preferences, planning to bring a gift. Geng Geng had been picking up some freelance work in her spare time, providing her with a modest income, which was enough to afford a modest gift.

For his third novel, Li Jie had bypassed the serialization route and went straight to publication. After finishing the final edits, he handed the manuscript to Liang Yuan for printing. The book became an instant hit, and the initial print run of one million copies sold out within a few weeks. Following feedback from major bookstores and websites, they began an emergency second printing. Benefiting from the rapid growth of the internet, the new book was also available for online purchase, though given the digital landscape of 2009, online sales volume remained relatively modest.

Having been in this world for six years, Li Jie reflected on his journey. After starting university, he had used his foresight to advise Old Lu on future investment directions. Following the turn of the millennium, the internet boom had arrived with unstoppable force. Old Lu’s primary business remained in manufacturing and the liquor industry; while they were leaders in the field, future profit growth was inevitably slowing. With ample cash flow, Li Jie had suggested that Old Lu invest in emerging enterprises.

Three years had passed in a flash. Of the companies Li Jie had recommended, some had gone bankrupt after the founders grew arrogant upon receiving funding, while others, despite working diligently, lacked the foundation to survive and were eventually eliminated by competitors. Most, however, were developing quietly and steadily; although they remained obscure for now, investors remained optimistic about their prospects.

Two companies had expanded rapidly within those three years, their market values ballooning like inflated balloons, positioning them as industry leaders. One was Baidu, which started as a search engine. With the founder’s extensive industry experience, sharp market insight, and powerful technical barriers, it had become unstoppable since 2007 and was now publicly listed, leaving Old Lu, who had followed the investment throughout, extremely wealthy.

Another company, which started as a web portal and later pivoted to social media software, White Wave, was also flourishing. Thanks to Li Jie’s keen business sense, Old Lu had become even more confident in having Li Jie take over the family business soon. Before bringing up the meeting with Geng Geng, he had thoroughly investigated their relationship and, upon doing so, had given his preliminary approval; this meeting was merely to become better acquainted.

In the blink of an eye, winter break arrived. Li Jie and Geng Geng packed their bags to head home. As the time approached, Geng Geng became increasingly nervous, constantly worrying about what might happen if she failed to make a good impression and Li Jie's family refused to accept her.

Seeing her state, Li Jie said, "Don't worry. Old Lu wouldn't have suggested this meeting if he hadn't already accepted you. If he didn't approve of you as his daughter-in-law, he wouldn't have asked to meet. Just relax."

"Who... who is your daughter-in-law? Hmph! Don't be so conceited."

"Hey, you've missed the point. The point is that Old Lu only wants to meet you because he accepts you. Besides, if you aren't my wife, who would be?" Li Jie thought to himself, *she really is muddled and always misses the point.*

"Oh! Is that so? Then I can stop worrying."

During the journey back, Geng Geng let go of her anxieties. The two chatted and laughed all the way until they reached Harbin.

The next day, they arrived early at the private room of the hotel they had booked, waiting for the meeting.

Lu Changzheng walked up to the door and, upon hearing the topic they were discussing inside, paused and did not enter, listening quietly from the doorway.

"Lu Xinghe, do you think there's some misunderstanding between you and your father? I notice you’re often troubled—could it be because of things between you two? You should communicate with him more, just like I do with my father. Only through communication can feelings flow freely."

"It's nothing. Old Lu and I get along just fine. Don't overthink it." Seeing Geng Geng bring up the old topic, Li Jie tried to reassure her. He would never share his deepest secrets with anyone; even if he did, no one would believe him. After all, the nature of a system mission was truly unbelievable, and even if spoken aloud, others would think him delusional or even question his mental health.

"If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. But no matter what happens, I will face it with you." Hearing her firm commitment, Li Jie felt a warmth in his heart. He was no longer so afraid of the future. Regardless of the final outcome once the system mission was completed, it was enough that he had once possessed all this. Everything he had experienced so far was beyond anything he could have imagined before. He was grateful to the system for this novel experience, and no matter the result, he would have few regrets.

Hearing their conversation, Lu Changzheng’s impression of Geng Geng improved even further. He pushed the door open and stepped into the room. The atmosphere during the meal was harmonious. Lu Changzheng was very satisfied with the daughter-in-law Li Jie had chosen, and he ended the meeting in high spirits.

After Lu Changzheng left, Geng Geng felt relieved by the praise he had given her. Li Jie was also very satisfied with the meeting; he intended to propose to Geng Geng after graduation. Though he did not know how much longer he could stay in this world, he simply wanted to leave no regrets.