Tang Rui had seen her father angry before—at the dinner table over bad news at work, at unfair contracts, at news reports that made him shake his head. But tonight, as he sat across from Xu Jie in silence, his expression wasn't fury.
It was disappointment. Worse, suspicion.
Xu Jie, ever steady, sat calmly, his hands folded, not defiant, but not apologetic either. The air between them was tight, laced with tension.
"You say you care for my daughter," her father finally said. His voice was quiet but clipped. "But people like you... you know how the world sees you. Son of a factory worker. No family background. You show up out of nowhere, buying houses, dating a girl from a respected home... forgive me if I find it hard to believe."
"Dad," Tang Rui interrupted, her voice trembling. "That's not fair."
"No, Rui. You're young. You don't know how many men talk smooth and disappear once they've had what they wanted. Especially with girls as smart and pretty as you."
Xu Jie looked him in the eye. Not angry. But resolute.
"I understand why you're suspicious, Uncle," he said, voice steady. "But I didn't come here to impress you with words. I came to be honest."
He pulled out his phone, tapping through a few screens, then handed it across the table.
Tang Rui's father stared down at the numbers. Revenue reports. Game downloads. Publisher contracts. Tax forms.
"A game?" he muttered.
"Yes, sir," Xu Jie said. "I started writing code in junior high. Taught myself at first. Then I spent every night in high school refining a single mobile game. It went live six months ago."
"And this—this money is yours?"
"Every yuan."
The silence grew heavier.
Xu Jie leaned forward. "Tang Rui helped me refine the UI design. Gave me feedback. Encouraged me. She didn't just stand by me—she helped me rise. If anything, I owe her."
Tang Rui's father stared at the phone again. The numbers weren't modest. They were the kind that even small-time investors would notice. Enough to buy an apartment. Enough to support a family.
"She and I both got into Central Capital University. Our departments complement each other—design and development. We've made it through the hardest part together. I didn't come here for approval because I'm lacking," Xu Jie said quietly. "I came because I respect you. Because I love your daughter. And I want to build a life with her."
It was quiet for a long moment.
Tang Rui's father sat back in his chair, the hard lines of his expression slowly softening. He wasn't easily swayed, but there was something in Xu Jie's presence—earnest and unwavering—that spoke louder than any flashy title or lineage.
"You're still young," he said slowly.
"I know."
"And life doesn't always go as planned."
"I know that too. But I'll stand by her—whether we succeed or fail. That won't change."
For the first time, the older man's expression cracked just a little. He looked at Tang Rui—her eyes bright, her chin lifted with quiet pride.
He exhaled.
"I still don't like how sudden this is. But… I'll admit, you're not what I expected."
Tang Rui beamed and reached across the table, gripping her father's hand. "Thank you, Dad."
He grumbled under his breath, but didn't let go of her hand.
That weekend, Tang Rui and Xu Jie went together to visit Xu Jie's mother in the new house. When they arrived, she was in the garden, tending to the small potted plants she'd begun growing—lavender, tomatoes, jasmine.
Xu Jie smiled as she looked up and saw them. "Rui, come in, come in. Have you eaten?"
Tang Rui bowed politely. "Auntie, I brought you some rice cakes from the city."
"You shouldn't have!" Xu Jie's mother laughed warmly, but her eyes were studying them both—carefully, kindly.
That night, after dinner, she called Xu Jie aside while Tang Rui helped with dishes.
"She loves you," his mother said quietly. "I can see it. And you love her."
Xu Jie nodded.
His mother rested a hand on his. "Then live honestly, and protect her. Don't let anything—success, pride, fear—come between you two."
"I won't," he said, voice thick. "I promise."
She smiled. "Then I approve. She's a good girl. And you're a good man."
The following week, they packed what few things they needed for their next chapter.
The apartment in Central Capital was high up, with wide windows overlooking the skyline. Xu Jie had signed the deed in full—no loans, no debt. It was his, bought with his game's earnings, the first real gift he'd given to himself.
When they opened the door together for the first time, the sunlight poured in like a blessing.
White walls. Polished wood floors. A blank canvas waiting for memories.
Tang Rui set her bag down and turned in a slow circle. "This… this is ours?"
Xu Jie nodded.
"You really bought a place for us to live… to study?"
"I told you," he said, stepping close and wrapping his arms around her waist, "We'll face the future side by side."
She leaned up and kissed him, soft and certain.
That evening, they unpacked together—books, devices, tiny photo frames. They hung fairy lights along the bedroom window, placed two matching cups on the counter, and laughed over who got more drawer space in the closet.
Night fell over the capital city. Down below, cars weaved through glowing streets. Up in their apartment, two young hearts found peace in the quiet rhythm of belonging.
It wasn't just a new chapter.
It was the beginning of a life.