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墨書 Inktalez
When we arrived at the old house, Song Wan was already there, chatting and laughing with Shi An's parents. She wore a long red dress that accentuated her snow-white skin, making her look radiant and captivating. The Shi family's servants moved in and out, carrying tea and snacks, all wearing respectful smiles.
The courtyard of the old house was filled with various flowers and plants, currently in bloom, filling the air with a light fragrance. Lanterns with an ancient design scattered throughout the yard emitted a soft glow, illuminating the entire courtyard as if it were daytime.
I stood at the entrance, quietly observing this scene. My heart felt like it had been turned upside down, a mix of emotions surging within me, almost leaving me breathless. Shi An's mother, my mother-in-law, had never been so kind to me before. Even when I tried my best to please her, she had never shown me a friendly face. She believed in Buddhism and thought that my young age and the death of my mother made me an ill-omened person.
Though she had never made things difficult for me outright, the mental torment was even more painful. If Buddha knew that she was such a sweet-faced yet bitter-hearted devotee, would he accept her worship? My hands tightly gripped the hem of my dress, my knuckles turning white as my nails nearly dug into my flesh. The folds of the skirt twisted under my grasp.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly walked inside. "Dad, Mom," I greeted softly, trying to make my voice sound calm and natural. Shi An's parents paused their conversation and looked toward us as we entered hand in hand. Mother Shi's delighted gaze fell on Shi An; she immediately stood up and took his hand, leading him into the hall while ignoring me standing aside.
I discreetly walked over to the sofa and sat down at the farthest position from them, slightly nodding in response to the scrutinizing glances directed my way. Song Wan gently set down her exquisite teacup, its bottom clinking against the coffee table with a clear sound. "Jing Shu, long time no see. You don't look too well; you should take care of yourself."
Her tone was filled with concern, yet the corners of her mouth curled into a barely noticeable smile.
"Song Wan's concerned tone sent a chill through me, and I forced a smile as I replied, 'Thank you for your concern, Miss Song. The weather has been changing a lot lately, and I just have a slight cold.'"
I discreetly hid my hand in my sleeve; the coldness of my fingertips made her slightly uncomfortable.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the setting sun cast its golden rays over the garden, giving the blooming roses a gilded edge.
"Jing Shu, don't be so formal; just call me Wan'er," Song Wan's gentle voice rang out again as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, exuding an air of elegance with every gesture.
"I've been thinking about my friends back home while living abroad for so many years, especially you and Shi Ann."
She paused, her gaze shifting to Shi Ann, her eyes carrying a hint of unnoticeable tenderness.
Shi Ann's mother, hearing this, warmly invited Song Wan to sit beside her and affectionately patted the back of her hand. "Wan'er, now that you're back, don't leave again. No matter how good it is abroad, it's never as comfortable as home."
She turned to Shi Ann on the other side and said, "Xiao An, since Wan'er is back, you need to take good care of her, understand?"
As she spoke, she held Shi Ann's hand and placed it over Song Wan's hand.
Song Wan did not pull away; the shyness on her face couldn't hide the smugness in her eyes.
They appeared harmonious as if they were a family of three, completely ignoring my presence.
I suppressed my anger, trying to hold onto the last shred of rationality.
However, at that moment, Mother Shi turned her attention toward me.
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