Nervous and Tense

Even after arriving at the hospital, Tai Leng Han still couldn't completely calm down. He carried the potted plant with both hands, carefully following Zhao Wan Ru step by step. Tai Leng Han's physique was originally tall and robust, yet he appeared somewhat timid before a small, delicate potted plant, creating a contrast that was both amusing and endearing. Zhao Wan Ru walked beside Tai Leng Han, hearing all sorts of internal monologues as he reminded himself: be careful, protect the plant, make Mother happy, try to behave so as not to embarrass his wife… it had to be this way, and then that way. Tai Leng Han was so self-confused and agitated that Zhao Wan Ru felt both annoyed and sympathetic. She boldly reached out and fully clasped Tai Leng Han's hand, which finally made his internal monologue temporarily cease.

When they reached the door of Lin Qing Lian's hospital room, Zhao Wan Ru's soft hand finally released Tai Leng Han's rough, calloused one. Seeing Tai Leng Han's cold, stiff face still devoid of emotion, Zhao Wan Ru somehow understood that Tai Leng Han was about to overthink and feel self-conscious again. Therefore, Zhao Wan Ru quickly stopped and softly reminded Tai Leng Han:
"We're here. Try to smile a little; don't scare Dad and Mom."
Tai Leng Han took a deep breath, trying hard to pull up the corners of his mouth, but even he felt his entire face stiffen. This wasn't good. Tai Leng Han was too nervous, too tense. His chaotic internal monologue flared up again:
[Oh no, what should I do? I'm not used to smiling in front of others at all. Calm down, Tai Leng Han, these are Wan Ru's parents, not "others." They're your parents too. Just treat them like family. But… do I have family? If I treat Mom and Dad like *them*, Wan Ru will probably hate me for the rest of my life. What should I do now?]
[Or… should I treat them like business partners and negotiate? No, that won't work either. Tai Leng Han, you know how unpleasant your face is when discussing business with partners. So many people have cursed you both to your face and behind your back; do you dare to show that hateful, contemptible face to Mom and Dad?]
[So… what should I do now? Damn it! Tai Leng Han, calm down a bit! Inhale deeply, exhale gently. Inhale deeply, exhale gently. Inhale deeply, exhale gently…]
Listening to Tai Leng Han's murmuring sounds as he reminded himself to "regulate his breathing," Zhao Wan Ru once again felt both amused and heartbroken. Meeting his wife's parents made Tai Leng Han even more nervous than meeting his most difficult business partner. In fact, from Tai Leng Han's internal thoughts and Zhao Wan Ru's understanding of this cold-faced CEO in her previous life, she understood Tai Leng Han's dilemma. If the people he was about to meet were just business partners, he could retaliate or engage in superficial pleasantries; but if they were his in-laws, the people who had given birth to and raised Zhao Wan Ru, Tai Leng Han probably couldn't do those things. He didn't dare to retaliate, nor did he want to be fake with them. And if he were to treat the people he was about to meet as family members, Tai Leng Han would be even more awkward, because he had never been loved or valued by his own family.

Zhao Wan Ru quickly glanced at Tai Leng Han's tense face, pressing her lips together both to suppress a smile and to hide her emotion. Indeed, Tai Leng Han paid great attention to and cared about her parents. Because the CEO beside her could be very harsh, very cold, very arrogant with others, but when he was about to meet her parents, he was so worried, fearful, and nervous, proving that in his heart, they held a very important position. Because, if one didn't love and cherish that person, no one would be nervous or tense when about to face them, especially Tai Leng Han, who was seasoned in the business world and had experienced much in life.

Zhao Wan Ru smiled faintly and knocked on the door. The person who opened the door was Mr. Zhao Zhi Hai. Seeing his beloved daughter enter with Tai Leng Han, Mr. Zhao Zhi Hai was both delighted and surprised:
"Wan Ru? Why are you here?"
"I came to visit Mom," Zhao Wan Ru replied. "Why didn't you tell me Mom was sick?"
"Your mother just has her old illness; there's nothing to worry about. Your mother didn't want me to tell you, fearing it would cause you unnecessary worry."