Shocking! The Broke Campus Heartthrob Is My Child’s Father - Chapter 16

Jiang Yan’s romantic relationship was known to both Lin Kexing and Mrs. Jiang.

Jiang Yan never concealed it. As soon as he and Jiang Ruoqiao confirmed their relationship, he told his mother. He took this relationship very seriously. Outsiders might not believe it, but he had even thought about the future after graduation. Jiang Ruoqiao was the first person he had ever liked, and because of that, it was easy for him to imagine marriage, children, and a lifetime together.

“Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore,” Mrs. Jiang said gently. “How are things with your girlfriend? You two haven’t argued, have you?”

She acted just like any other mother—open-minded and kind.

At the mention of Jiang Ruoqiao, a faint smile appeared on Jiang Yan’s face. His hands were tucked casually in his pockets, his demeanor seemingly indifferent, yet the warmth in his eyes was unmistakable. “We’re doing well. She treats me very well, and we’re good together.”

They had met at the library.

He was leaving, she was entering.

It had been raining that day. Standing at the library entrance, he saw her walking through the rain, holding a transparent umbrella.

Calling it love at first sight would be an exaggeration, but he had definitely felt something. When she closed her umbrella, raindrops accidentally splashed onto him. She turned her head and gave him an apologetic smile.

The second time, they ran into each other at school again. She was scanning the QR code on a shared bicycle, and he happened to be doing the same.

The third time was off-campus—they took the same subway ride.

By then, there was no need to wait for a fourth encounter. Jiang Yan followed behind her as they exited the subway and walked back to A University. Once they were on campus, he finally mustered the courage to approach her and start a conversation.

Unfortunately, she didn’t seem to remember their previous two encounters.

He had pursued her for quite a while, and to this day, he still remembered the way she blushed when she nodded and agreed to be with him.

Seeing the smile on her son’s face, Mrs. Jiang felt her heart sink slightly, but she didn’t let it show. She had asked around indirectly—this girl wasn’t a local, and judging by appearances, her family’s financial situation wasn’t great either.

But a wise mother knew when to “let go.” The more she objected, the more her son would resist. Throughout history, how many so-called “deep and passionate loves” had been fueled by external opposition? When parents disapproved, young lovers often felt as if the whole world was against them, and they cling to each other even tighter.

“That puts my mind at ease, then,” Mrs. Jiang said gently. “As a man, you should be more accommodating. Even if you argue, take a step back. Being considerate won’t put you at a disadvantage. Treat her well.”

Jiang Yan chuckled. “Don’t worry.”

He was happy. With his mother being so understanding, he was certain that Ruoqiao and her would get along just like mother and daughter.

“Oh, right, Kexing will be starting school soon,” Mrs. Jiang mentioned casually. “She’s simple-hearted and has no scheming nature. I’m not just worried as her aunt—even I’m concerned about how she’ll handle her dormmates. She insists on staying on campus, but she’s not good at dealing with complex social relationships.

“Ah Yan, I watched Kexing grow up. To put it bluntly, she’s almost like my own daughter. Her two brothers have a different mother and are much older than her, so they can’t really talk much. Madam Lin is always busy too. If you have time, check in on Kexing at school. If anything happens, she’ll feel comfortable talking to you.”

Jiang Yan thought for a moment and agreed.

After all, their family owed a lot to the Lin family, and his mother genuinely cared about Kexing.

After taking a stroll together, they headed home. Jiang Yan had things to do and went upstairs first. Mrs. Jiang, remembering something, went to the kitchen to make fresh juice for Lin Kexing.

While she was busy, Madam Lin and Lin Kexing arrived.

“I saw you and Ah Yan coming back earlier. Where is he?” Madam Lin asked.

“He said he had something to do,” Mrs. Jiang replied. “He’s been very busy these past couple of years, even working multiple part-time jobs.”

Madam Lin laughed. “That’s great. It’s good for him to stay busy.”

“Exactly.” Mrs. Jiang glanced at Lin Kexing, who stood quietly beside them, and smiled warmly. “Kexing, I noticed you haven’t been eating many vegetables lately. Are they not to your taste? I’m making you some fresh juice—make sure to finish it, okay?”

Lin Kexing looked at the fruits and vegetables on the counter, then at the busy Mrs. Jiang. Her heart was deeply moved.

Auntie treated her so well—better than her own mother.

It was the little things that others wouldn’t notice, but Auntie always did. She cared for her in every possible way.

“You’re so thoughtful,” Madam Lin praised. “All these years, we’ve been lucky to have you.”

Mrs. Jiang chuckled. “Don’t say that—it’s only right. By the way, Madam Lin, what jewelry brands do young girls like these days? I haven’t really kept up with that.”

The Lin family was a leader in the jewelry industry, and Madam Lin naturally had an eye for it.

After listing a few brands, she curiously asked, “Why the sudden interest? Are you buying something for someone?”

Mrs. Jiang smiled brightly. “Yes, Ah Yan is in a relationship now. I thought that sooner or later, he’ll bring his girlfriend home to meet me. It’s only proper to prepare a gift in advance.”

Madam Lin sighed. “The children have all grown up.. Ah Yan’s already in a relationship. But you don’t have to be so nervous. People say ‘an ugly daughter-in-law still has to meet her in-laws,’ but honestly, it’s the bride who should be nervous. Ah Yan’s girlfriend is lucky—anyone would be happy to have a mother-in-law like you.”

Mrs. Jiang replied, “That’s not necessarily true. A girl is cherished in her own home. If fate brings us together, I’ll treat her like my own daughter. My only concern is whether she’ll think our family isn’t good enough. Ah Yan’s father is gone, and we don’t really have a proper home. That’s what troubles me…”

Bringing up Jiang Yan’s girlfriend was intentional on her part.

She didn’t want Madam Lin to grow suspicious. After all, Ah Yan and Kexing were only two years apart. If she wasn’t careful, Madam Lin might start guarding against Ah Yan. His relationship with another girl worked both ways—it had advantages and disadvantages. At the very least, for now, it kept Madam Lin from thinking too much.

Initially happy, Lin Kexing gradually lowered her head, clenching her fists without realizing it.

Forcing a smile, she said, “Mom, Auntie, I promised Peipei and the others I’d chat with them. I’ll head upstairs now and let you two talk.”

Madam Lin smiled. “Go ahead.”

With that, the two women continued discussing in-laws and family matters.

Though Madam Lin wasn’t a mother-in-law yet, that didn’t stop her from being interested in the topic.

Mrs. Jiang seemed focused on the conversation, but her gaze quietly followed Lin Kexing as she walked away.

Jiang Ruoqiao also had many miscellaneous matters to attend to these past few days. After figuring out who the “sister” was, she lost interest in thinking about Jiang Yan’s affairs.

Tomorrow, the DNA test results would be out. She had mentally prepared herself and tried her best to accept that Lu Siyan was her child, but now that the moment was near, she couldn’t help feeling nervous.

She wasn’t sure whether she wanted the result to be true or not.

After much thought, she still needed to have a good talk with Lu Yicheng tomorrow, regardless of the result.

The most pressing matter was that it was now mid-August. Once school started, she and Lu Yicheng wouldn’t have much time to care for a child. The boy couldn’t be confined at home all day; he needed to go to school. But what about his household registration? And once that was settled, they had to think about kindergarten…

Just thinking about it gave her a headache. Whether it was Jiang Yan or Sun Yan, they could only wait patiently for her to free up time to deal with them.

With that in mind, Jiang Ruoqiao texted Lu Yicheng: 「The results come out tomorrow. We need to talk.」

They were originally supposed to meet tomorrow, but the meeting time was too short, so she still wanted to arrange a time with him in advance.

Lu Yicheng replied ten minutes later: 「Okay. I’m only free after 3:30 PM.」

Jiang Ruoqiao: 「Got it. Let’s find a quiet place to talk.」

Lu Yicheng:「Alright.」

He knew what she wanted to discuss.

He had already prepared for it.

When it came to their child, he wanted to solve most of the problems himself, leaving only a small portion for her to decide. At the core of it all, he wanted to keep her close.

Children needed both parents. He was willing to bear most of the responsibility and all the mundane troubles—so long as she stayed in their child’s life.

He didn’t want to scare her off. That wouldn’t do him any good.

All he wanted was for her to be there, as a mother.

He would make sure she could be the most carefree mother possible—so long as she stayed.

Lu Yicheng wasn’t a saint, nor was he soft-hearted. He had lost both parents at a young age, and life had forced him to be strong.

When faced with problems, his first reaction was not to run but to solve them. Because if he didn’t, no one else would. No one would shield him.

*

After washing up, Jiang Ruoqiao was ready for bed.

While many students stayed up late during vacation, she maintained the habit of sleeping early and waking up early.

However, tonight wasn’t particularly peaceful. Maybe it was because she had too much on her mind, but she actually had a dream.

In the dream, she was reading a novel. As an outsider, she watched the entire story unfold.

It was a love story about a one-sided crush that eventually came true.

After a tragic family incident, the male lead and his mother moved into the female lead’s house.

The female lead had liked him since she was a teenager. But she was timid and never dared to show it—so she kept her feelings hidden.

The male lead was outstanding. He got into A University and started a new life. The female lead stayed by his side.

But that year, he fell in love with the second female lead.

The female lead was kind and selfless. Even though she was heartbroken, she still silently gave them her blessing.

Later, the male lead brought his girlfriend home to meet his mother.

The second female lead was furious and broke up with him.

It turned out she never really loved him. She had only been with him because she thought he was a rich second-generation heir.

When she found out the truth, she couldn’t accept it.

The male lead begged her to stay, but she never looked back.

After such a devastating breakup, the male lead changed completely.

He became dark and ruthless, doing everything in his power to climb to the top.

Fortunately, the kind-hearted female lead never left his side.

She healed him and saved him from losing himself.

*

In the end, the male lead found both success and love.

And the scheming second female lead who had abandoned him met a miserable fate.

The unfortunate thing was—this second female lead was none other than her, Jiang Ruoqiao.

🙂