Addicted: Book One - The Inquietude of Youth

Chapter 47: The War of Words between Xiao Bai and Lao Gu

A person opened the door for Bai Luo Yin, his appearance respectful and submissive.

Bai Luo Yin, without any hint of nervousness, directly entered the car, allowing the two officers to bring him to a teahouse.

Gu Wei Ting wore a neat military uniform, he was sitting in a private room, waiting for Bai Luo Yin.

"Reporting to senior officer, he is already brought here safely."

"You can go out."

The smell of tea wafted faintly all over the room, Bai Luo Yin silently watched Gu Wei Ting, no change of feelings could be seen from the inside of his eyes.

"Come and sit, son."

It was very rare that Gu Wei Ting's manner of speaking could be this gentle and soft.

Bai Luo Yin confidently sat in front of Gu Wei Ting, he still kept his mouth shut.

Gu Wei Ting casually scrutinized Bai Luo Yin, for once he was quite amazed. Generally speaking, a 16-17 year old child would have been struck with terror if they saw a person like him. However, Bai Luo Yin doesn't show the slightest amount of fear. His clothing is plain and simple, yet there is no hint of submissiveness in his posture. A flash of resilience could be seen in the center of his eyes, Gu Wei Ting couldn't help but to appreciate and admire him.

If you were to ask Bai Luo Yin, what was his first impression of Gu Wei Ting, there's only one.

Why is it the longer he looked at this old man, the more he looked familiar?

"You have probably guessed what I am doing, looking for you. I am your mother's current husband and your stepfather as well. Previously, your mother had tried to find you, requested you to move in and live together with us. However, you refused. I've also predicted that it would come to this, therefore the reason I looked for you today is not to interfere with your present life, but simply to act as an elder and give you some suggestions in life and education."

Bai Luo Yin didn't sense any hint of suggestion at all, every word is an undisguised order. The way Gu Wei Ting feigned gentleness and kindness, is a completely condescending attitude In Bai Luo Yin's eyes.

"Thank you."

Two brief words.

Gu Wei Ting didn't take any offence that Bai Luo Yin was cold and indifferent to him, he simply continued to impart the principles that everyone acknowledged.

"A young man ought to have a share of stubbornness and the spirit not to admit defeat, at this point, you and my son are very similar. To tell you the truth, both of you are about the same age, he is also stubborn and rarely take my words seriously. However, if it is related to the gain and loss of his own major issues, he's able to judge calmly. We are all men, it's impossible to live solely for the love between man and woman. Even if it's for your father's sake, you shouldn't restrict yourself in this kind of environment. While you consider this as a devotion and responsibility towards your dearest people, it is actually a type of self-abandonment in disguise."

Bai Luo Yin slowly held the teacup and drank a mouthful, from its rich fragrance, it was a high-quality tea indeed.

"I believe I can give you a better living environment, this is our obligation. You may refuse to live together with us, but you should not refuse a good opportunity. If you are a clever person, you should not regard your mother as an enemy, you ought to deprive her whole possession, she tried as much as possible to make up for her shortcomings these past few years. This is not a type of gift or a pity, this is your right. If you don't value it, then it indicates that you are not mature enough, it cannot prove your integrity."

"I think, you have misunderstood."

"Oh?" Gu Wei Ting's eyes revealed his disbelief, "What have I misunderstood?"

"I have never felt that I have to demand anything from Jiang Yuan, as I have never considered her as my mother at all."

Gu Wei Ting was speechless.

Bai Luo Yin stood up, and used his eyes to hint at Gu Wei Ting politely, "If there is nothing left to be discussed, I'll return to my class."

"Only you yourself know, whether or not you consider her as your mother."

Gu Wei Ting's voice loomed faintly from Bai Luo Yin's back, his tone was not heavy yet each of his words was sharp and piercing.

"If one day you succeed, the one who obtain the benefit is definitely not me or your mother. You must think this over carefully."

"Thank you very much." Bai Luo Yin smiled evenly, "I believe I am a talented person, even if I don't take any shortcuts, I can also succeed."

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[1] 'Hate iron for not becoming steel' is a Chinese idiom, meaning to be resentful towards somebody for failing to meet expectations and feel impatient to see their improvement.