143: Chapter 143 Embracing and Weeping

Seeing her son lost in thought, the smile on Lin Wanrou's face suddenly faded. She looked at Liu Zijun, her eyes carrying a hint of inquiry.

"Ji-Jun, I've seen all the news about the dating rumors between you and Sulli. Although Sulli is still young, now that things have reached this point, you should make time. We should meet with her parents, shouldn't we?"

"That girl Sulli is the daughter-in-law I've already decided on. Don't you dare mess this up."

Hearing this, Liu Zijun's expression became somewhat more serious.

In truth, given his parents' influence, finding out about Choi Sulli's family situation would be very simple.

But they hadn't done so, which clearly showed their respect for Choi Sulli and her family.

He thought for a moment and finally spoke.

"Sulli's family situation is a bit complicated. The reason I brought Sulli back this time is also because of her mother.

A few days ago, her mother went to SM Entertainment and caused a scene, forcing Sulli to hand over her salary card. She even made an outrageous demand for 10 billion korean won, saying she wouldn't bother Sulli's life anymore."

He briefly recounted what Cuis Mother had done, including how she had treated Choi Sulli as a cash cow for years, how she had thrown tantrums and hurled insults at the company, and how she had used their mother-daughter relationship as a bargaining chip.

After listening to Liu Zijun's words, Lin Wanrou's eyes instantly reddened. She picked up a tissue and wiped the tears from the corner of her eye.

"No wonder I wondered why you suddenly came back!

That poor child has really suffered.

Entering the entertainment industry so young, working hard to earn money only to give it all to her family, and in the end being treated like this by her own mother... it's truly heartbreaking."

Liu Qingmu's face also darkened, his brows tightly furrowed.

"How can there be a mother like this in the world? She simply doesn't deserve to be a parent. That child Sulli has a gentle nature and values relationships deeply. She must have endured a lot of hardship."

Liu Zijun sighed and said, "It's precisely because of this matter that I brought her back, to let her relax and also to distance her from those awful troubles.

Although 10 billion korean won isn't a big deal, if money can sever those entanglements and let her live peacefully from now on, then it's worth it."

Liu Qingmu suddenly stood up and patted Liu Zijun's shoulder, saying, "From what you're saying, it seems the only person that girl Sulli can rely on now is you. If you dare treat her wrongly, I'll absolutely break your legs! Oh, and the same goes for Yoona!"

Before Liu Zijun could speak, Lin Wanrou immediately added, "Liu Zijun! If you dare bully Sulli, forget your father, I'll personally break your three legs!"

Then Lin Wanrou shifted her tone, her eyes showing a hint of appreciation.

"You did the right thing this time, kid.

Money can be earned again, but a child's heart shouldn't be left with shadows.

We like Sulli more and more—she's kind and sensible. We must cherish her properly from now on and never let her suffer any more grievances."

Liu Qingmu also said, "From now on, she is our child. With us here, no one can bully her again. Once you two are settled, we'll hold the wedding so she can rightfully join our family."

Seeing his parents' attitude, Liu Zijun suddenly put on a shameless face and said, "Thank you, Mom and Dad. That's what I was thinking too. The care and affection Sulli has missed out on will have to be made up by you, Mom. Sorry for the trouble."

Lin Wanrou laughed and scolded, "Do I need you to tell me that?"

Just then, Choi Sulli finished her phone call and returned to the private room. Seeing the tear stains at the corner of Lin Wanrou's eyes, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly asked, "Auntie, why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?"

Lin Wanrou hurriedly wiped away her tears, stood up, walked forward, and pulled Choi Sulli into a tight embrace. Her voice carried a slight choke: "Silly child, you didn't do anything wrong. Auntie just feels sorry for you."

Her embrace was warm and strong, like a mother's hug, carrying a reassuring presence.

Held in her arms, Choi Sulli felt the tenderness and pity being conveyed. As if understanding something, her eyes rapidly reddened, and finally, tears couldn't help but fall.

Choking up, she also tightly wrapped her arms around Lin Wanrou's waist and said with a sob:

"Auntie..."

"Thank you."

Lin Wanrou gently patted her back, her voice so tender it could drip water.

"Silly child, what's there to thank? We're family now!"

"Sulli, from now on, you are my daughter, my own daughter.

You've suffered so much in the past. From now on, with Auntie here, I'll give you all the best things and won't let you suffer any more grievances."

Choi Sulli leaned against Lin Wanrou's chest, crying like a child.

Since she was little, she had always yearned for maternal love, but her birth mother had given her mostly demands and hurt.

Yet this future mother-in-law before her was giving her a tenderness and affection she had never known before. This long-missing maternal love was finally being filled at this moment.

Holding her and patting her back, Lin Wanrou said, "From now on, our Sulli, don't call me 'Auntie' anymore. Call me 'Mom'! It's going to happen sooner or later anyway!"

"Mom..."

Choi Sulli's body trembled slightly. Choking up, she called out this title to Lin Wanrou for the first time.

Hearing this "Mom," Lin Wanrou's tears fell even harder. She held her tightly, crying and laughing, "Yes, my good daughter, and my good daughter-in-law too!"

Liu Zijun and Liu Qingmu stood to the side, watching the two embracing and crying, equally moved.

Liu Qingmu patted Liu Zijun's shoulder again and said softly, "Treat Sulli well. She's a good girl."

Liu Zijun nodded. Looking at the tears on Choi Sulli's face, his heart was full of pity, but he also felt happy for her.

He knew that from this moment on, Choi Sulli was no longer alone. She had a family who truly loved her, a harbor she could rely on.

Given his parents' character, if he ever did something wrong...

Then the one being kicked out of the house would definitely be him, not Choi Sulli.

After crying for a while, Choi Sulli gradually calmed down and lifted her head from Lin Wanrou's embrace.

Tear stains still marked her face, but she showed a bright smile and said, "Mom, thank you. I feel so happy now."

Lin Wanrou wiped the tears from her face and said with a smile, "Silly child, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. Come stay at our home often from now on. I've already prepared a room for you, right next to Ji-Jun's room. You can stay as long as you like."

Choi Sulli nodded vigorously, her heart filled with an unprecedented sense of belonging.

In an instant, the private room became warm and cozy.

Looking at the gentle Liu Zijun beside her and her future parents-in-law who cherished her, she thought to herself: So, happiness can be this simple.

Under the table, Liu Zijun gently took her hand and smiled at her.

The meaning was clear: We will be this happy together from now on.

Choi Sulli looked up at him, her eyes full of attachment and determination.

Compared to what she had before her now, the darkness of the past and the uncertainty of the future no longer seemed important.

So, there really is a very beautiful side to this world.

After finishing dinner, Lin Wanrou kept holding Choi Sulli's hand, not letting go even after they entered the house.

Lying on the bed in Liu Zijun's Beijing home, Choi Sulli suddenly said to herself, "Oppa! Yejin Unnie! Yoona Unnie, I'm sorry! I think I want to do something selfish."