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墨書 Inktalez
I unlocked the door and glanced into the living room, not seeing my mom. As I walked toward the kitchen, I happened to see a hunched figure sitting on a small stool, seemingly picking vegetables.
I approached and softly called out, "Mom."
My mom looked puzzled, turning her head to look at me. Her eyes held a mix of surprise and something strange, which was ultimately overshadowed by excitement.
"You're back?"
I nodded and quietly replied, "Mm," feeling a wave of grievance rise in my heart. Growing up, I had been bullied just enough that my parents always stepped in to defend me. Now that they were getting older, I felt like I was causing them more trouble with my messes. My weakness was just adding to their burdens.
"Come on, let's go buy some vegetables. There isn't much for lunch; let's get some of your favorites." My mom stood up from the stool, taking my hand and leading me outside, her joy evident on her face. She mentioned wanting to change into another outfit and asked me to wait.
It had been a while since I last visited, so I went to my room and found it just as I left it—neat and tidy thanks to my mom. On the bedside table were the artistic photos of Wang Xu and me from our wedding.
The smiles we wore in those pictures seemed painfully bright now. Just when I had decided to completely let go and move on, seeing such an image made me feel quite uncomfortable.
My mom came back into the room wearing a new outfit and I forced a smile before following her out.
At the market, my mom picked out a lot of vegetables. I wanted to stop her, saying we wouldn’t finish them all, but then thought it would be good to have extra in the fridge for my parents to eat later. They had always been frugal, so I let it slide this time.
Little did I know that my mom wasn’t buying enough for three people. When Wang Xu walked in with my dad after we got home, I was left speechless in shock.
How did he come here?!
Wang Xu looked at me with deep regret and affection as he took a few steps closer, holding my hand and hesitantly calling out, "Wife."
My dad was still at the door changing his shoes. Upon hearing Wang Xu's call, he let out a heavy sigh. Wang Xu, sensing the tension, hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, wife, I..."
"Alright, alright, let's eat first. You've made such a spread; it smells great! It must be my daughter who cooked," my dad said with a smile as he walked toward the dining table, praising the dishes but refusing to look at me or address the awkwardness between Wang Xu and me.
He must know something.
Before long, my mom came out of the kitchen. She glanced at me and Wang Xu, then at my dad, before saying she would check if the soup was ready and turning back into the kitchen.
Their tacit understanding made me feel even worse. What exactly had Wang Xu told my parents? How much did they know? The questions in my mind felt like an endless abyss.
Wang Xu held my hand tightly, his face smiling while being sensitive to my parents' every move. Whenever my dad spoke, Wang Xu would slightly rise to listen attentively and then slowly sit back down once my dad finished.
He was so obedient, and my hand felt like his lifeline that he wouldn’t let go of.
The meal was tasteless to me. My mom's cooking wasn't as bad as my dad claimed; in fact, it made me nostalgic, especially her Braised Pork Knuckle, which was fragrant and tender. Wang Xu knew I loved it and picked one up with his chopsticks, placing it in my bowl while smiling at me. "Wife, try it; Mom made it."
His left hand still held mine in a somewhat awkward position as he leaned slightly toward me to serve the food. However, I had no appetite at all. Coupled with the fatigue from not sleeping all night, I felt irritable.
Overall, I just felt terrible and wanted to drag someone down with me.
I pushed my bowl away weakly and said, "I'm not eating."
My parents put down their chopsticks and exchanged a glance. Wang Xu's face turned red as he lowered his voice, trying not to alarm them. "You should eat something. You've lost weight, and you don't look well. Did you not sleep well last night?"
Wang Xu looked at me with concern, but his actions made me feel nauseous. The reason I wasn't eating well, had lost weight, wasn't sleeping properly, and lacked energy was obvious—did Wang Xu really not know?!
"If you really don't want to eat, just leave it there. Or you could go back to your room and get some rest. I've changed your bedding recently; it's very soft," my mom said anxiously.
My dad's expression was indifferent, as if he silently approved.
I nodded sullenly. Regardless of Wang Xu still holding my hand, I stood up and walked toward my room. Wang Xu followed me inside, and when I closed the door, he seemed even more anxious than I was.
"Zhuang Jun, considering Mom and Dad are here, let's not make a scene, okay? They're getting older and will worry!"
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