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墨書 Inktalez
"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."
Junxi pulled away from Zhou Xuanyu and stood up.
Although Zhou Xuanyu's reaction left her feeling uneasy, she understood that everyone has their own boundaries. If Lin Jingming was Zhou Xuanyu's wound, then she could hold back and not touch it.
Zhou Xuanyu sat on the sofa for a while, still not saying anything.
The atmosphere became somewhat oppressive.
"Are you thirsty?" Junxi changed the subject and turned to head toward the kitchen.
"Junxi." Zhou Xuanyu raised his hand and grasped her wrist.
Junxi turned back to look at him.
"No matter what anyone says to you, just remember that Jingming... she won't be a barrier between us."
Though Zhou Xuanyu's head was slightly bowed, Junxi could see the seriousness in his profile.
"Okay." She promised softly, "I'll remember."
The days spent with Zhou Xuanyu were fulfilling and flew by quickly; before long, winter had arrived, and the New Year was approaching.
Many employees at the company left early for the holiday, and Junxi had bought two train tickets, planning to go home with Jun Xuan to spend the New Year with their grandmother.
With so much to do at the end of the year, Zhou Xuanyu couldn't join them on their trip back. Junxi didn’t insist on his company; after all, their grandmother still didn’t know that she and Zhou Xuanyu were together. Bringing someone home suddenly might startle her.
On the day they were set to leave, Zhou Xuanyu took some time in the morning to see them off at the station.
As they were about to board the train, Junxi repeatedly reminded him to eat well and not to neglect his own health amidst his busy schedule.
Zhou Xuanyu nodded earnestly. He didn’t give her many instructions; he simply turned and patted Jun Xuan on the shoulder, saying, “Take good care of your sister.”
Jun Xuan understood immediately and then grabbed Junxi’s arm.
“I’ll take her on board first so she doesn’t keep nagging you.”
“I nag him for his own good,” Junxi quickly defended herself.
Zhou Xuanyu patted her head gently. “Remember to call me when you arrive.”
Junxi wrapped her arms around his and pouted, “I’ll miss you.”
Zhou Xuanyu was taken aback for a moment.
Jun Xuan pulled Junxi closer. “Alright, alright, it’s just a few days. Can’t you be done with this already? Isn’t it a bit excessive?”
With that, Junxi was dragged onto the bus by her brother.
Her seat was at the front. As she turned around after boarding, she saw Zhou Xuanyu still standing there. Through the glass window of the bus, she waved at him repeatedly.
"Sis, I'm starting to doubt how you've managed these past five years," Jun Xuan said, watching Junxi and Zhou Xuanyu bid farewell with a calm expression.
He truly didn't understand the adult world.
His sister, so strong and independent, had spent five years on her own, yet after being with Zhou Xuanyu, she seemed to revert back to that little girl.
She was so dependent on him.
Junxi also wondered if she could endure another five years without Zhou Xuanyu.
Having loved someone might just make a person weak.
The bus slowly started moving, but Zhou Xuanyu still hadn't left.
The figure in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller as Junxi kept turning back until the bus turned a corner and he could see nothing at all.
Although it was the peak travel season, the journey was relatively smooth.
The old lady knew that the siblings were coming back and had been waiting at the door for them.
"Grandma!"
Upon seeing the old lady, Jun Xuan shouted excitedly, completely shedding his usual demeanor as a big boy. He dashed forward and hugged his grandmother tightly.
"Oh my little monkey!"
The old lady looked at her grandson with a cheerful smile, starting to ask him if the road was congested and if he was tired.
Jun Xuan had already grown taller than his grandmother, and she had to look up to see him. The scene of their embrace was beautiful, and Junxi stood still, engraving this moment in his heart.
"Junxi!" The old lady released Jun Xuan and waved at her from a distance.
"Grandma, we’re back," Junxi said as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the old lady's shoulders.
The old lady repeated the questions she had just asked Jun Xuan, one by one.
Junxi patiently answered, then led her brother and grandmother into the house.
The dining table was filled with delicious food. Junxi glanced over it and guessed that if it were just her grandmother alone, she would never have been able to cook so many dishes.
But now that they were back, everything seemed different.
Having not eaten anything on the way, Junxi and Jun Xuan were indeed a bit hungry.
Their ravenous eating made the old lady very happy. After working hard for most of the day, all she wanted to see was that Junxi and Jun Xuan enjoyed their meal.
"Grandma Wen!" A sharp female voice suddenly came from outside the door.
Following that call, a middle-aged woman in a floral dress walked in.
"It's A Xiu," the old lady smiled at the newcomer.
Junxi didn’t recognize this woman but guessed she must be a neighbor from the area. She offered a slight smile to the woman whom her grandmother called "A Xiu."
"Ah, no wonder you've been busy all day; it turns out you have guests at home."
"They're not guests," the old lady waved her hand and introduced, "This is my granddaughter, Junxi, and that is my grandson, Jun Xuan. Kids, say hello to A Xiu. She takes good care of me."
The old lady gave a knowing glance to Junxi and Jun Xuan.
"Aunt A Xiu."
"Aunt A Xiu."
Junxi and Jun Xuan spoke in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized as if rehearsed.
A Xiu laughed heartily, her laughter sharp and piercing.
Junxi couldn't help but frown.
It wasn't that she judged by appearances; it was just that the woman's crude posture and unabashed scrutiny since entering made her doubt the authenticity of her grandmother's claim about being well cared for.
The old lady was kind-hearted. Even when the Wen Family was still a prominent household, she treated people with warmth. After the family's decline, her kindness took on a hint of humility, making her seem even more vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
"What lovely children," A Xiu casually praised.
"Indeed, they are good kids. They worry that I might feel lonely by myself, so they came over to celebrate the New Year with me," the old lady said, affectionately stroking Junxi's long hair.
"Yes, yes. But if they didn't come, it would indeed be quite lonely for you; your son and daughter-in-law aren't here..."
Junxi glanced at A Xiu.
Perhaps realizing that her topic was not well-received, A Xiu wisely fell silent.
"A Xiu, what brings you here?" the old lady asked.
"Oh, nothing much. I just saw your home was lively, so I thought I'd come in and sit for a while."
"Ah, speaking of sitting, you've been here for quite some time, and I haven't even invited you to take a seat!" The old lady immediately pulled over a stool and placed it in front of A Xiu.
A Xiu walked around and sat down without hesitation. Her gaze remained fixed on Junxi.
That slightly scrutinizing look made Junxi feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Young lady, how old are you?"
"I'll be 24 after the New Year."
"Oh, such a beautiful age! Do you have a boyfriend?"
"No, not yet. I haven't even graduated from university; I've just started my internship. Where would I find a boyfriend?" The old lady answered on Junxi's behalf before she could respond.
Jun Xuan smirked and secretly winked at Junxi.
Junxi shot her brother a glare.
Upon hearing the old lady's response, A Xiu clapped her thigh excitedly. "How can such a fair-skinned girl not have a boyfriend? If you were to take my last name, A Xiu, I'd introduce you to someone. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Junxi was taken aback.
"A Xiu, do you have a suitable candidate?" the old lady asked.
"Yes, yes, yes." A Xiu turned to the old lady and raised an eyebrow. "Grandma Wen, don't you know how many couples I've matched in Yilan?"
The old lady nodded. "Now that you mention it, I do remember."
In Yilan, successfully arranging a marriage could yield a gift of money equivalent to a month’s salary for an urban white-collar worker.
As a result, many middle-aged women who were not engaged in proper work spent their days playing mahjong while scouting for young men and women. They operated on the principle of pairing anyone they could, regardless of compatibility, as long as the gifts were substantial.
A Xiu was one of the best among them.
"Madam Wen, what do you think about the son of County Chief Bai from West Street? The Bai family is quite wealthy here. Just look at the Son of County Magistrate Bai; he’s always chauffeured in a BMW and has a nanny. If your Junxi could marry into their family, that would truly be a blessing."
"Smack!"
The usually amiable old lady suddenly slammed her palm on the table.
"A Xiu, what do you mean by that!"
The old lady was inexplicably angry, pointing at A Xiu with her body trembling in rage.
"Oh come on, Grandma Wen! Why are you slamming the table and pointing at me? Do you really think that with County Chief Bai's prestige, his son is unworthy of your girl?"
"You... you..." The old lady was so furious she couldn't find her words.
Junxi quickly stepped forward to support her grandmother.
The old lady leaned on Junxi for support and took a deep breath. "A Xiu, how can you be like this! Don't you know that County Chief Bai's son... that son is he stupid?"
"So what if he's stupid? He has a car, a house, money, and power. What makes him unworthy of you?" A Xiu replied, looking quite self-righteous.
Junxi restrained the anger boiling inside her; she didn't want to argue with this domineering woman, not even bothering to look at her again.
"This auntie, you should leave. My grandmother doesn't know that my sister actually already has a boyfriend," Jun Xuan suddenly spoke up from the side, where he had been quietly eating.
He had listened for so long and could no longer tolerate it.
A Xiu glanced at Jun Xuan, clearly not believing his words.
"To be honest, my brother-in-law is the president of a big company. Not only does he have a house, a car, money, and power, but he also has looks and intelligence. So save your breath; if you really think that fool is good, maybe you should consider yourself. I think your IQ matches quite well!"
"You! How dare you speak like that, you little brat!" A Xiu fumed, nearly falling off her chair in anger.
"How I speak is exactly how I speak," Jun Xuan said leisurely as he took another bite of food, as if dealing with this woman required no effort at all.
Having been bested by this young boy, A Xiu seemed to lose her composure.
"Forget it!" She turned to leave, muttering as she walked out the door. "I don't believe any of the nonsense you’re spouting. Who doesn’t know that your family has a major embezzler? With such a dark background, do you really think you can find a good family? It's lucky if anyone wants him!"
"Bitch! What did you just say?" Jun Xuan shouted as he grabbed a nearby bowl and hurled it in A Xiu's direction.
"Ah! This is going to kill someone!"
A Xiu shouted, drawing the attention of many people outside. Those idling on the street rushed over to see the commotion.
"Say that again if you dare!" Jun Xuan charged forward, glaring down at A Xiu.
A Xiu was momentarily intimidated by Jun Xuan and turned to the onlookers with an innocent expression, lamenting, "Oh, I was just trying to play matchmaker for them. If they don't appreciate it, that's fine, but why are they shouting about killing me? Is there no conscience left in this world?"
"You think you have a point?" Jun Xuan lunged at her.
Junxi quickly ran over and grabbed her brother.
"Jun Xuan, let it go."
There were so many witnesses. If her brother acted impulsively, he would be the one to suffer.
"I think you're just a brainless woman with too much time on your hands!"
"And what's wrong with being idle? I spend my own money; what about you? You're spending money that was embezzled from others. You boast about marrying a rich man, but I doubt you'll even get a chance in your next life because your family has committed too many sins in this one!"
"You..." Jun Xuan could no longer hold back his anger.
Junxi maintained her calm facade, but inside she felt hurt. Over the past five years, there had been countless whispers behind their backs, but hearing such direct and hurtful words in front of everyone was truly a first.
Their grandmother was so furious that she nearly fainted while holding onto the table. Jun Xuan's eyes were almost bloodshot; if she let go now, her brother's fury would surely lead him to attack.
"Aunt A Xiu. I call you aunt because my grandmother does, but as an elder, you speak so maliciously without any reason. It's simply unreasonable. Since you have no manners, we need not be polite either. The Wen Family may be down on their luck, but even if a tiger falls to the plains, it doesn't give a rabid dog like you the right to bark at us."
"You... who are you cursing at! Do you believe I will call the police to arrest you?"
"Go ahead, but before that, please leave."
Junxi pointed at the door, issuing an eviction order.
"Fine, I'll go! Who wants to stand on your doorstep? It's filthy!" A Xiu said, turning to leave.
Junxi hadn't faced someone like this in a long time. After this verbal sparring, she felt exhausted—physically and emotionally drained.
"Grandma!"
Jun Xuan turned back and saw their grandmother had collapsed onto the ground. He rushed over to help her up.
"Grandma, are you okay?" Junxi hurried to the other side to support the elderly woman.
The old lady shook her head, and as she did, tears began to flow.
"My children, your father is useless, making you suffer along with him!"
The choked voice of their grandmother made Junxi want to cry as well.
But she blinked and held back her tears.
"Grandma, it's alright." Junxi gently pressed on the old lady's shoulder, soothing her with a steady rhythm: "It's almost New Year; crying isn't auspicious. You used to tell me that all the time."
"That's right, Grandma. Why bother with people like that?" Jun Xuan chimed in, trying to comfort her but feeling somewhat clumsy in his words. He could only echo Junxi's sentiments.
"Wen Junxuan!" Junxi glanced at her younger brother and suddenly called out his full name in a stern voice. "And you!"
"What is it?"
"Who told you to throw the bowl around carelessly? Do bowls grow on trees?"
Jun Xuan raised his chin defiantly.
"What do you know? The New Year is coming, and we need to wish for peace and safety!"
The playful banter between the siblings finally made the old lady chuckle.
"Alright, Grandma. It's nothing serious."
Junxi smiled as she watched her grandmother, who looked like a child, break into laughter.
"By the way, what Jun Xuan said about you having a boyfriend— is that true?" The old lady's eyes sparkled at the mention of a potential grandson-in-law.
"Of course it's true. Would I lie about something like that?"
Jun Xuan ran off to grab a broom, turning back to affirm his statement.
The old lady's curious gaze turned toward Junxi herself. Not wanting to hide anything from her grandmother, Junxi nodded.
"Who is it?" the old lady asked, suddenly recalling someone. "Is it Zhou Ziyan?"
Junxi knew that Zhou Ziyan had always been favored by the old lady, receiving affection that rivaled what she and Jun Xuan received.
If she could get together with Zhou Ziyan, it would indeed be a wonderful thing for the old lady.
"Not Zhou Ziyan."
"Not Zhou Ziyan, huh?"
The old lady felt a bit disappointed. As someone who had weathered many storms and experienced the world, she could see at a glance that Zhou Ziyan had feelings for Junxi.
If he didn't have feelings for Junxi, why would he travel such a long distance just to visit this old lady?
Everyone understands the principle of loving what one loves.
After a few seconds of silence, the old lady accepted this fact.
As long as Junxi was happy, it didn't matter who it was.
"If you have the chance, bring him to see me. He doesn't need to be as good as Jun Xuan; as long as he treats you well, I'll be at ease."
"Yes, Grandma."
That evening, when Junxi called Zhou Xuanyu, he didn't mention what had happened during the day. It seemed that Zhou Xuanyu was still quite busy in the evening. Junxi chatted with him for a bit before hanging up and going to bed.
The events of the day were vivid in his mind; it was impossible for him to say he wasn't affected.
The bed was a hard wooden one, uncomfortable and jarring.
Junxi had never been picky about sleeping surfaces, but ever since she had slept on the bed that Zhou Xuanyu bought, her body had become more discerning. She tossed and turned all night, her mind racing with thoughts, and she hadn't slept well at all.
A restless night meant a late morning.
Fortunately, she didn't have to work, so she slept in until the sun was high in the sky.
Jun Xuan was already up. He was in the yard talking to their grandmother, laughter ringing out from time to time. Among those sounds, there seemed to be a voice she recognized.
It was Zhou Xuanyu's voice...
Junxi thought to herself that she must be missing him too much to be imagining things like this.
“Grandma, is Xuan Yu Uncle even better than I described?”
Xuan Yu Uncle... Jun Xuan had just mentioned that name; she hadn't misheard.
Junxi rolled over in bed and casually lifted the curtain to take a peek outside.
What she saw made her gasp in surprise.
Indeed, Zhou Xuanyu was standing there in the yard.
He wore a black coat, and just his silhouette was enough to leave one feeling dizzy.
Their grandmother looked at Zhou Xuanyu with a loving smile, and the scene made Junxi feel both bittersweet and warm inside.
The man who had only spoken to her over the phone last night was now standing right in front of her, as if by magic, making it hard to believe.
Junxi rubbed her sleepy eyes, wanting to take a closer look at him.
Zhou Xuanyu suddenly seemed to sense her gaze and turned around.
Like a peeping Tom, Junxi quickly dropped the curtain.
"Xuan Yu Uncle, what's wrong?" Jun Xuan asked.
"It seems your sister has woken up."
"That pig? She won't wake up that quickly. When she does wake up and sees you here, she'll probably faint again."
Jun Xuan's triumphant laughter echoed in the room. It was likely that Zhou Xuanyu had come at his request.
Seeing him so soon was something Junxi had never imagined.
She covered herself with the blanket and couldn't help but laugh.
"What are you laughing at?" Suddenly, her bedroom door was pushed open.
Junxi looked up, and Zhou Xuanyu had already walked in from the doorway.
It was cold outside, and he closed the door behind him as he entered.
"What are you doing here?" Junxi sat up, hugging the blanket.
"Jun Xuan said that if I didn't come, my girlfriend would be taken away by that big fool from West Street. How could I not come?" Zhou Xuanyu said seriously.
"What about work?"
"Can work be my girlfriend?" Zhou Xuanyu mimicked Jun Xuan's tone.
Looking at Zhou Xuanyu's perfect imitation, Junxi could almost picture her brother's expression when he spoke. This little rascal was getting more and more meddlesome.
Junxi couldn't help but laugh at Zhou Xuanyu's antics. As she laughed, she opened her arms toward him.
"Hold me!" Junxi said playfully, blinking her eyes.
Without a second thought, Zhou Xuanyu walked over and wrapped her in his embrace.
His coat still carried the coldness from outside, but she couldn't bear to let go.
Zhou Xuanyu held her tightly; she was warm, and he wished he could hold her forever.
"You've been through so much; why didn't you tell me?" Zhou Xuanyu asked as he sat on the edge of her bed, running his fingers through her long hair.
"Why would I need to tell you? Didn't you already plant a little spy beside me?" Junxi pouted.
Jun Xuan was like a surveillance device planted next to her; what could Zhou Xuanyu possibly not know? She really had raised this brother for nothing.
"Jun Xuan is not a spy."
Zhou Xuanyu wished he could win over Jun Xuan. However, Jun Xuan was too clever for that. He wouldn’t say a word to Zhou Xuanyu that he shouldn’t. As for the phone call yesterday, it was merely because he felt sorry for Junxi.
He felt sorry for his sister, who, despite being wronged, still opened her arms to protect them.
“What did he call you here for?”
“It wasn’t him who called me.”
In fact, even without Jun Xuan's phone call, Zhou Xuanyu had planned to come today. The words she had unintentionally spoken at the station, “I can’t bear to part with you,” echoed in his ears like a spell after she left, making it impossible for him to focus on anything else; all he wanted was to see her as soon as possible.
Staying at the company was of no use to him. Rather than wasting time there, it was better to come and keep her company. Jun Xuan's call had solidified his decision.
So Zhou Xuanyu arranged his work overnight and rushed over early in the morning.
“Why didn’t you tell me when you called last night?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
Zhou Xuanyu gently caressed Junxi’s cheek.
“So you can’t bear to part with me too,” Junxi said with a cheerful smile as she looked up at Zhou Xuanyu.
Zhou Xuanyu leaned down and pecked her lips.
“Yes, I can’t bear to part with you either.”
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