"Honestly, I'm actually pretty cold-blooded, you know? I've never been the soft-hearted type. Lawyers aren't usually soft-hearted people. We've seen way too much indifference, too much darkness and the worst sides of human nature. But those clear, bright eyes—they're like a thorn, stuck right in my heart."
I keep telling myself, I can't go soft. They were the ones who abandoned me first, so everything I'm doing now—it's justified! I remind myself, I only have a duty to support my father, not to raise their kid. I tell myself to be cold, to ignore, to ruthlessly cut off all ties.
But when that kid, looking all timid like a little kitten, softly called me "sister," I just couldn't help but go soft.
I honestly want to curse myself. I keep breaking my own rules. Guess I'm not much of a lawyer after all.
Just now, I went to the hospital. I didn't even have the guts to face them, just left a bank card behind. There's three hundred thousand on it—for the kid's surgery. That's all I can do for him. I can't do more. I don't want this twisted relationship to hold me back. I want to go back to being Julia Yu, the Julia who relied on herself for everything.
Julia Yu ran her fingers through her hair and said, "Stephen Song, have you ever felt that way? Knowing you shouldn't do something, but doing it anyway?"
Stephen Song sat there, looking serious. He thought for a while before finally saying, "I didn't expect your past to be so complicated. I really wish I'd met you sooner. If I could go back ten years, I wouldn't let you suffer like that. As for doing something you know you shouldn't—never before, but now I do. Julia, this isn't your fault. You don't need to punish yourself over it. Your heart keeps getting pulled between habit and kindness, so of course it hurts."
"Honestly, try looking at it another way. Don't think of them as your dad, your stepmom, your little brother. Just imagine they're strangers. You happened to run into a poor family who needed help, so you stepped up and donated some money. See? If you think of it like that, doesn't it feel a lot better? You're a lawyer, sure, and you've seen plenty of darkness, but I bet you've seen warmth that others never have too."
Just one word—"sister"—was enough to break down years of defenses. Shows your heart's actually soft. It's just that life's hardships forced you to put on a thick mask. After so long, even you can't tell if the mask is your real self anymore.
Stephen Song spoke gently, "Now that they have the money, the kid can get his surgery. You can relax now."
Julia Yu nodded, "Three hundred thousand, plus what they've saved and the house, yeah, it's enough."
"That's good," Stephen Song replied. "Just think of it as doing a good deed."
Julia Yu gave a bitter smile, "Yeah, I guess so."
Seeing Julia Yu's expression soften a lot, Stephen Song finally smiled and said, "I really admire you. Even in such tough circumstances, you managed to earn a spot as an exchange student abroad. You're truly amazing—better than I ever imagined."
"Not really, can't compare to you," Julia Yu said, looking more relaxed. "Once I finish up this round of work, I want to go overseas for more studies too."
"Got a school in mind? I can help with recommendations," Stephen Song said with a smile.
"Yeah, University of Pennsylvania." Julia Yu clenched her fist. "I have to go there."
Stephen Song looked at her encouragingly, "I can help you."
"Great." Julia Yu didn't stand on ceremony with him. She glanced at the time—it was already midnight. "Wow, it's so late already. Am I keeping you up?"
"Nope, not at all. I'm off tomorrow anyway." Stephen Song decided he'd ask his dad for a day off.
Work can wait, but chasing after a girlfriend? That's not something you can always do.
"How about I treat you to a late-night snack?" Julia Yu sat up straight and grinned. "Newport Night Market is close by, just a ten-minute drive. It stays open until three or four in the morning every night. Since it's tourist season, most places are open all night. There are a bunch of famous spots, and everyone loves to check in there."
"Sounds great!" Stephen Song flashed a bright smile. "But let me treat this time, okay? Every time we eat together, I have to fight for the chance to pay. Honestly, it's exhausting!"
Julia Yu and Stephen Song burst out laughing, and all the tension in the air disappeared.
After leaving the bookstore, they drove together to Newport Night Market.
Even though it was the middle of the night, the place was packed and lively.
Julia Yu and Stephen Song had only met twice, but after tonight's conversation, their relationship clearly took a step forward—they could now call each other close friends.
Both of them were stylishly dressed and carried themselves with confidence.
So as soon as they appeared on the street, they drew plenty of attention.
"Wow! My mom always asks me what 'a perfect couple' looks like, and I think I just saw it for real." A young girl whispered to her friends, "Look, aren't they just perfect together?"
"Yeah, totally! They have such great vibes. They're a perfect match!"
"I agree! But did you notice the way that guy looks at the girl? So doting! Do you think he likes her?"
"He definitely does! My brother always says, guys only act super gentle in front of someone they like. That's why he always bullies me—I'm totally telling my future sister-in-law!"
"Wow, they're lining up for food too! Let's go—maybe we'll get lucky!"
A group of girls giggled and joined the line, following after them.
It was Stephen Song's first time eating at a place like this. He felt a bit out of place at first, but quickly got used to it.
Mostly because Julia Yu was so good at taking care of people.
She subtly kept others from crowding Stephen Song, making sure he never felt uncomfortable.
She always rushed to pay, but sometimes she'd let Stephen Song do it on purpose, so he wouldn't feel embarrassed.
Whenever she noticed something Stephen Song liked, she'd quietly buy another serving and hand it to him just as he finished.
Stephen Song felt so comfortable around Julia Yu.
No wonder everyone always had such praise for her.
Maybe all those years of struggling taught her these survival skills.
Thinking about it made Stephen Song feel a little sad for her.
They ordered a bowl of beef offal and a bowl of spicy duck blood, then wandered along the street, eating as they walked and enjoying the sights.
Some people were filming videos, some were singing on the sidewalk, some were selling handmade plush toys, and others were roller skating.
Even though it was late, the bustling atmosphere kept everyone energized.
The street was long, and there was no way they could walk the whole thing.
Once they’d gone far enough, they decided to head back.
Back at the parking lot, Stephen Song smiled at Julia Yu. "That was the most unique late-night snack I've ever had. Next time, I'll treat you to something different."
"Sure!" Julia Yu got in the car, buckled her seatbelt, and was just about to say goodbye.
Stephen Song spoke first, "I'll drive you home. It's too late, not safe. I know you're strong and confident, but as a guy, if I don't personally see my date home, my mom might threaten to break my legs when I get back. So, Miss Julia Yu, for the sake of my hard work tonight, please don't let my mom go after me!"
Julia Yu couldn't help but laugh, "Mrs. Song isn't that scary, is she?"
"She's only scary to me," Stephen Song said, getting into his car. "I'll follow you home."
"Alright," Julia Yu didn't refuse, and drove off.
Stephen Song followed behind her, escorting Julia Yu home.
When they reached her building, Stephen Song watched reluctantly as Julia Yu drove inside.
Back home, Stephen Song thought his parents would be asleep.
Turns out, his dad was asleep, but his mom was still waiting up for him.
Stephen Song was startled, "Mom? It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"
"I was waiting for you," Mrs. Song took off her glasses and looked at her son. "It's so late—where did you go?"
"I went out for a late-night snack with a friend," Stephen Song said, his eyes darting. "Just at Newport Night Market. I didn't expect it to be so crowded. Mom, I'm done talking, I'm going to bed!"
"Wait a minute," Mrs. Song stopped him. "Who did you eat with tonight?"
"Mom..." Stephen Song looked at her helplessly. "I'm thirty-five this year."
"Even if you were eighty-five, you'd still be my child. Can't I ask? Just tell me, was it a man or a woman?" Mrs. Song pressed.
"It was... a woman." Stephen Song hesitated, then admitted, "Mom, don't overthink it. I know what I'm doing. I'm going to wash up now."
With that, Stephen Song happily went upstairs.
Mrs. Song got the answer she wanted and went back to her room, satisfied.
How wonderful.
Her son had finally come to his senses.
Maybe she'd have a daughter-in-law soon?
Oh dear, the house is a bit old now—they'll need to renovate.
Forget it, might as well buy a new house.
Once her son got married, he definitely couldn't live with her. Young people have their own habits.
Where would be a good place to buy a house?
It should be close to work, and ideally a school district house—makes things easier when the kids go to school.
Best if it's in a top school district. Her grandkids should go to the best schools.
Hmm, is it better to choose a public or private school?
The romance isn't even official yet, but Mrs. Song's imagination was running wild—she'd already started planning where her future grandkids would go to school.
If Stephen Song ever found out, he'd probably be speechless.