Ming Yutong repeatedly reminded Fu Yinxiu of his past mistakes in front of Jiang Lulian, a clear indication that she was protecting Jiang Lulian.
Fu Yinxiu didn't mind being reminded of his past wrongs.
The more he was reminded, the better he could correct himself.
However, he was deeply unsettled by Ming Yutong's attitude of defending Jiang Lulian.
Did she care about him that much?
Ming Yutong turned to Jiang Lulian with a slight smile and said, "It seems this dinner is ruined."
Jiang Lulian understood immediately.
Even if they moved to another place, Fu Yinxiu would likely follow. How could they enjoy the meal under these circumstances?
"I'm sorry. I wanted to have a good chat with you," Jiang Lulian said. "We'll have to find another time. Let me drive you home."
Ming Yutong nodded and glanced at Fu Yinxiu. "I'm going home now. Are you still going to follow me?"
Fu Yinxiu pressed his lips together and stepped aside slightly.
He wanted to offer to drive Ming Yutong home, but he knew she wouldn't agree.
He was reluctant to embarrass himself further in front of Jiang Lulian.
Each instance of humiliation seemed to reduce his chances with Ming Yutong.
Ming Yutong walked past him without a glance, and Fu Yinxiu's eyes followed her closely.
He saw Jiang Lulian attentively open the restaurant door for Ming Yutong, escorting her out.
Fu Yinxiu was fuming, feeling as though Jiang Lulian was overly obsequious, almost like a court eunuch.
Even while mentally ridiculing Jiang Lulian, Fu Yinxiu trailed behind them, following Ming Yutong and Jiang Lulian back to her apartment complex.
Since Ming Yutong was in Jiang Lulian's car, the security at the gate didn't stop them. Fu Yinxiu, however, was left at the edge of the road.
Jiang Lulian parked the car downstairs at Ming Yutong's place, but Ming Yutong didn't rush to get out.
She unfastened her seatbelt, turned slightly, and looked at Jiang Lulian.
"Lulian, I've thought carefully about what you said before. I'm sorry, but no matter if it's two years, three years, or five years, I can't reciprocate your feelings. I don't want you to waste any more of your time."
"Yutong—" Jiang Lulian started to speak, but Ming Yutong interrupted him.
"Let me finish. I understand your feelings very clearly," Ming Yutong continued. "But it's really not possible. You might think this is just my current decision and that I might change my mind in the future, but I've actually thought about this for seven years."
"I haven't changed my mind in seven years, and I don't think I will."
She looked at Jiang Lulian with gratitude. "I appreciate your sincerity, but I can't continue to delay you. It wouldn't be fair to you if I can't reciprocate your feelings and efforts equally."
"It's okay. I can wait," Jiang Lulian said urgently, afraid that Ming Yutong might reject him outright.
Ming Yutong shook her head. "But this isn't something that time can resolve."
She took a deep breath, then looked up with a determined expression. "I want to be honest with you because you have been sincere with me."
She paused, then continued, "I need to tell you something. I hope you won't share it with anyone. I trust you and don't want to deceive you, which is why I'm revealing the truth."
Jiang Lulian was taken aback. What could be so serious that it required this level of solemnity?
"Okay," Jiang Lulian said, nodding earnestly. "I won't betray your trust."
Ming Yutong smiled faintly and said, "I have a son."
Jiang Lulian was genuinely stunned.
He was shocked and looked dazed, his mind racing. For some reason, he immediately thought of Fu Yinxiu, suspecting that the child might be his.
It didn't make sense to him, but Fu Yinxiu was the first person who came to mind. Ming Yutong had never been involved in any scandal or excessive contact with other men.
In all these years, the only person who had been a significant part of her life was Fu Yinxiu.
From their interactions, it was clear that their past was complicated and profound.
Earlier in the restaurant, despite Ming Yutong's jabs at Fu Yinxiu, Jiang Lulian had felt like an outsider, unable to penetrate the deep connection between them. He felt as though he was an extra, unable to fully enter their dynamic.
The depth of their past relationship was evident, and Ming Yutong's ongoing issues with Fu Yinxiu suggested that their past had a lasting impact on her.
Her reluctance to engage in a new relationship seemed to stem from her experience with Fu Yinxiu.
Jiang Lulian had once been confident that his sincerity could win her over and heal her wounds, but the more he got to know her, the more he realized how deeply her past with Fu Yinxiu affected her.
Even though she appeared to be rejecting him, her feelings for Fu Yinxiu were still present.
"Is the child... with Fu Yinxiu?" Jiang Lulian asked.
Ming Yutong didn't respond directly, but she added, "I've kept this a secret not to protect myself, but to protect my child. I don't want his life to be disrupted."
"I understand," Jiang Lulian said. "You have my word that I won't share this with anyone."
Ming Yutong expressed her gratitude. "Thank you."
She then sighed, "Just recently, I was reunited with him. I'm afraid I won't be able to give him a complete family in this lifetime."