Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 201 The Right Decision

After finishing his summer job, Chen Yu dragged his tired but expectant body back to Jiang Man's house.

As soon as he entered the house, a familiar and warm atmosphere greeted him. He saw Shi Ning and Xin Yao playing in the living room, Xin Yao's clear laughter echoing like silver bells.

Shi Ning noticed Chen Yu's return and immediately got up to greet him, her eyes filled with surprise and joy. "Chen Yu, you're finally back! Was your summer job tiring?"

Chen Yu smiled and shook his head, "I'm not tired, I just miss everyone a little."

His gaze lingered on Shi Ning's face for a moment, and in that instant, he caught a fleeting glimpse of complex emotions in Shi Ning's eyes.

Over the next two days, Chen Yu increasingly sensed Shi Ning's inner turmoil.

She often looked lost in thought, and occasionally drifted off when talking to Chen Yu.

Chen Yu understood that Shi Ning was struggling in the whirlpool of emotions, and that he and the class monitor were at the center of this whirlpool.

That night, the moonlight, as clear as water, bathed the quiet neighborhood.

Looking at Shi Ning, who was enjoying the cool air in the courtyard, Chen Yu felt a surge of emotion. He walked over and asked softly, "Shi Ning, shall we go for a walk together?"

Shi Ning looked up at Chen Yu, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded.

The two walked side by side on the path in the residential area, the moonlight casting long shadows of them.

The two remained silent throughout the journey, with only a gentle breeze bringing a touch of coolness.

Chen Yu took a deep breath and broke the silence: "Shi Ning, I know you've been struggling lately."

Shi Ning paused, lowered her head, and remained silent.

Chen Yu continued, "These past two days, I've been able to see the struggle you've been going through. I also know that the class monitor is very good to you; he's an outstanding person."

At this point, Chen Yu's voice trembled slightly, but he still tried his best to remain calm. "But, Shi Ning, I like you. This is my own business and has nothing to do with you. I've liked you for a long time, and this liking won't change because of anyone."

Shi Ning stopped, looked up, tears welling in her eyes. "Chen Yu, I... I really don't know what to do. You and the class monitor have both been so good to me, I don't want to hurt either of you."

Chen Yu looked at Shi Ning, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination. "Shi Ning, you don't need to feel burdened. It's your freedom to like whomever you want, and I won't force you to make any decisions. I just want to tell you that no matter who you choose in the end, I will respect your decision, and I will always wait for you."

Tears welled up in Shi Ning's eyes. She never expected that Chen Yu would say such honest things.

In her heart, Chen Yu has always been the one who silently accompanies her. She has seen and remembered all his care and concern.

The class monitor's enthusiasm and romance stirred something within her.

These two completely different feelings plunged her into a deep dilemma.

"Chen Yu, why are you so good to me?"

Shi Ning asked, her voice choked with emotion.

Chen Yu gently wiped away her tears, "Because you deserve it. From the first time we met, you were like a ray of light shining into my life. After my parents passed away, it was you and your family who gave me warmth and a home. From that moment on, I decided to dedicate my life to protecting you."

Shi Ning's heart was filled with emotion. She suddenly realized that her feelings for Chen Yu were far deeper than she had imagined.

She had always thought that her feelings for Chen Yu were just those of a friend, but when Chen Yu expressed his love so directly, she realized that Chen Yu had unknowingly entered her heart.

"Chen Yu, thank you."

Shi Ning said softly, "I never thought you would like me this much. I need time to think about our relationship."

Chen Yu nodded. "I know, I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I am willing to wait."

The two continued walking, the moonlight still gently bathing them. Chen Yu's words brought a glimmer of hope to Shi Ning's heart.

She knew she could no longer run away from this feeling; she had to bravely face her own heart.

After returning home, Shi Ning lay on the bed, recalling every word Chen Yu had said.

She recalled all the moments she had spent with Chen Yu, those ordinary yet heartwarming instants, which now seemed incredibly precious.

She also had different feelings for the class monitor.

The class monitor's appearance brought her a whole new sense of romance and passion.

Shi Ning fell into deep thought, unsure how to choose between these two relationships.

Just as she was feeling lost, Jiang Man gently knocked on the door and came in.

Seeing Shi Ning's conflicted expression, Jiang Man already understood a few things.

"Ning'er, are you still awake?"

Jiang Man sat down beside Shi Ning's bed and asked gently. Shi Ning sat up and leaned against the headboard. "Mom, I can't sleep. My mind is so confused, I don't know what to do."

Jiang Man held Shi Ning's hand. "Mom knows you're troubled by matters of the heart. Actually, matters of the heart are very simple. Just follow your heart. You have to believe that your heart will tell you the right answer."

Shi Ning looked at Jiang Man, her eyes full of trust, "Mom, can I really trust my own heart?"

Jiang Man smiled and nodded, "Of course. You're a smart child, you know what you want. Whatever decision you make, Mom will support you."

With Jiang Man's comforting words, Shi Ning gradually calmed down.

She knew she couldn't hesitate any longer; she had to make a decision.

That night, Shi Ning tossed and turned, her mind filled with images of Chen Yu and the class monitor.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Shi Ning's face.

Shi Ning slowly opened her eyes, a hint of determination in them.

She knew she had made her decision.

She must bravely face her feelings and pursue her own happiness.

After Shi Ning got up, she saw Chen Yu watering the flowers in the yard.

She took a deep breath and walked towards Chen Yu. Chen Yu's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw Shi Ning. "Shi Ning, good morning!"

Shi Ning walked to Chen Yu's side, looked directly into his eyes, and said, "Chen Yu, I've made up my mind."

Chen Yu's heart suddenly raced. He looked at Shi Ning nervously, waiting for her answer.

"Chen Yu, I've realized that I've always liked you. I just didn't realize it myself."

Although Shi Ning's voice was gentle, it was full of determination: "Thank you for your companionship and waiting all this time. I don't want to miss you again."

Tears welled up in Chen Yu's eyes as he pulled Shi Ning into a tight embrace. "Shi Ning, I'm so happy! I knew you would make the right decision."

Shi Ning leaned against Chen Yu's chest, a happy smile on her face.

At this moment, she finally found her own happiness.