Hidden truth, intricate love

Chapter 182 Li Hao in the Past

Lin Yue stood in front of the makeup mirror, carefully applying a touch of light makeup. A smile played across her face. Tonight, she and Li Hao were attending a gathering of college friends. Although she didn't know many of Li Hao's classmates, she was still excited to see some of his past. This was her first time attending such a gathering as Li Hao's girlfriend, and she felt a mixture of trepidation and anticipation.

Li Hao walked into the room, saw her, and smiled, "Are you ready? Don't be too nervous today. Everyone is very easygoing."

Lin Yue smiled slightly and tucked her hair behind her ears. "I'm not nervous, I'm just... a little curious. What impression do your college classmates have of you?"

Li Hao couldn't help but laugh and patted her shoulder gently: "I wasn't much different when I was in college, except a little more nerdy. Don't worry, they will like you."

Lin Yue nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. She had always known Li Hao to be a calm and steady man, but he had always studiously avoided discussing his family and upbringing. She only knew he came from a large family with a strong business background. At tonight's gathering, she vaguely hoped to learn more about Li Hao's past, even if it was just a glimpse through the memories of her friends.

The gathering took place in a cozy restaurant with simple yet warm decor, reminiscent of a campus gathering. As soon as Li Hao and Lin Yue entered the restaurant, several friends stood up to greet them. Li Hao's classmates were very enthusiastic. Upon seeing Lin Yue, they greeted her in a friendly manner and jokingly teased Li Hao, "We didn't expect that Li Hao had finally settled down and found such a charming girlfriend. It really opened our eyes!"

Lin Yue greeted everyone with a smile. Li Hao's friends were clearly impressed by her, and they all invited her to chat about interesting things in college and shared the times they had spent together. In this relaxed and happy atmosphere, Lin Yue gradually integrated into Li Hao's circle of friends, feeling that she was gradually entering his past.

Just as everyone was chatting enthusiastically, a male classmate said, "Lin Yue, you may not know this, but Li Hao was a very famous figure in our department back then. Not only was he a good student, but he was also very steady and always set the benchmark for the department!"

Another friend laughed and continued, "Yeah, back then we used to joke that he was the 'gentleman' of our class. But Li Hao wasn't without his worries. His family had arranged a lot for him back then!"

Hearing this, Lin Yue couldn't help but ask curiously, "Oh? What are you planning?"

The friend was slightly taken aback when he heard this, as if realizing he'd said too much. He quickly added, "It's just that his family wanted him to inherit some of the business, and they even had a plan for his future life planned out for him. Although he was very disgusted with this arrangement at the time, he was also torn between the two."

Li Hao sat aside, listening to everyone's jokes, with a faint smile on his face. But Lin Yue noticed that his eyes were a little erratic, and he seemed reluctant to talk about this topic.

The friend continued, "So, we were worried about Li Hao back then. I heard his family wanted to arrange a marriage for him, and he was really annoyed. Li Hao, now that you've found Lin Yue, your family shouldn't object anymore, right?"

Lin Yue was slightly startled when she heard this. She had never heard Li Hao mention a family-arranged marriage, nor did she know he had gone to such lengths to resist it. She turned to look at Li Hao, her eyes filled with concern and curiosity.

Li Hao smiled slightly, gently held Lin Yue's hand, and said, "It's the past. My family did have their expectations, but in the end, I chose my own path."

The gathering continued in a warm atmosphere, but Lin Yue's heart lingered. While she admired Li Hao's resolve, she also had more questions: What was his family like? Why had he chosen to leave it and pursue his own career? These questions lingered in her mind, and she decided to have a good talk with Li Hao after the gathering.

After the party, Li Hao drove Lin Yue home. The atmosphere in the car was slightly different from usual. Lin Yue carefully considered her words and finally mustered the courage to ask, "Li Hao, your friend mentioned today that your family seems to have some... arrangements?"

Li Hao's expression changed slightly when he heard this, and he was silent for a moment, as if he was thinking about how to start. After a long while, he slowly said, "Actually, there are some things I haven't told you because I don't want to put pressure on you. But now that my friends have mentioned it today, I don't want to hide it from you anymore."

Lin Yue looked at him quietly and said softly: "No matter what it is, I am willing to listen to you and understand you."

Li Hao nodded and continued, "I was born into a large family and received a strict education. My family has high expectations of me, hoping that I can inherit the family business and take on some responsibilities that I am unwilling to take on."

Lin Yue felt her heart tighten, and she gently held Li Hao's hand, encouraging him to continue.

Li Hao sighed, a hint of fatigue in his eyes. "They not only planned my career, but even my marriage. I know they were considering the family's interests, but I couldn't accept a loveless marriage. So after graduating from university, I decided to leave the family business and strike out on my own. That's why I haven't mentioned my family to you."

Lin Yue listened to his story, her heart filled with pity. She had never imagined that Li Hao carried such heavy family expectations, nor had she imagined that he had sacrificed so much to pursue his inner freedom. She whispered, "Li Hao, I understand your choice. You have always been so principled, unwilling to give up yourself for worldly arrangements."

Li Hao's eyes were filled with emotion. He smiled and held Lin Yue's hand, his tone gentle: "Lin Yue, do you know? Ever since I met you, I truly feel that my choice is right. Because you made me experience true love, and also made me understand how worthwhile it is to choose the life you want."

Lin Yue's eyes moistened slightly, and she leaned gently on his shoulder: "Thank you for telling me this. No matter how complicated your family is, I will always be by your side. You are working hard to choose yourself, and I will also take on everything for you and face it with you."

Li Hao held her hand tighter, his eyes filled with determination. "Lin Yue, thank you. With you by my side, I feel like I'm not alone on this road. I will do my best to protect you, and I hope we can walk through every moment together."

In the night, Lin Yue and Li Hao's car drove along the city streets, the lights inside soft and warm. They stopped talking, but they read a silent promise in each other's eyes. They knew that this relationship would not only be about love, but also about facing the battle of family and reality together.

Lin Yue silently made up her mind that no matter what the future held, she would not back down. She wanted to prove to Li Hao's family that she was not only the lover he had chosen, but also the one who could truly accompany him and understand him.

That night, the two seemed even closer. Lin Yue delved deeper into Li Hao's world, understanding his inner struggles and perseverance. And thanks to Lin Yue's support, Li Hao felt even more confident that his original choice was the right one. They knew the road ahead might be full of twists and turns, but they were willing to face every challenge in life together.