Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Looking at the dishes I had prepared on the table, Niu Xinran's Daughter skillfully served herself a bowl of rice from the pot. Niu Xinran, feeling at home, chatted and laughed with Ma Hongkuan. By the time I emerged from the kitchen, the three of them were already seated at the table.
However, I hadn't prepared any food for them. They picked up some dishes and took a bite. The next moment, Niu Xinran's Daughter spat it out. Niu Xinran's face turned pale as she covered her mouth and rushed outside. Ma Hongkuan was momentarily stunned before he hurriedly took a bite of rice, only to spit it out as well.
While rinsing her mouth, Niu Xinran's Daughter complained, "Uncle Ma, is your salt on sale or something? Why is it so salty?"
Ma Hongkuan explained while drinking hot water, "I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't prepare your meal." After saying that, he went to the kitchen and served two bowls of soup—one for Niu Xinran and one for her daughter. "Here, drink some water to calm down."
Niu Xinran took a sip and then started to cry, "Hong Kuan, you don't need to fuss over me."
"I'm fine; we’re comrades after all. How could I blame you?"
"Just know that I won’t bother you anymore." With that, she grabbed her bag and stumbled toward the door.
Ma Hongkuan hurried after her, supporting her arm. "Let me see you off."
The two of them walked away together. It wasn't until their footsteps completely faded that I finally stepped out of the kitchen.
As Ma Hongkuan turned back, I was leisurely finishing the leftovers.
With a sullen expression, he questioned, " Fen, was that on purpose?"
I remained silent, slowly chewing my food.
Seeing that I was ignoring him, Ma Hongkuan softened his tone. "They are orphans and widows; they’re quite pitiful."
"You shouldn’t make such salty dishes in the future."
I set down my chopsticks and looked at him expressionlessly.
He swallowed hard, his earlier bravado dissipating. "Alright, I won’t invite them over for dinner anymore."
The next day, after Ma Hongkuan left, I began to pack my belongings.
Over the years, I had embroidered quite a few things: a quilt cover, two pillowcases, and four sheets.
I packed these into my bundle.
Taking advantage of the early hour, I went to the pawn shop at the end of the street and sold them for a few dozen dollars.
It wasn’t much, but if I saved carefully, it would be enough for my expenses for a month.
I calculated for a moment and picked up a pen to circle some dates on the calendar.
There were only twenty days left until I would leave.
Estimating that Ma Hongkuan would be back soon, I washed my face and hid the bundle in the wardrobe.
Sure enough, just as I finished tidying up, Ma Hongkuan returned.
" Fen, I'm back!"
He rushed up to me excitedly and hugged me tightly.
I caught a faint whiff of his cologne; it was from the brand Niu Xinran used.
Noticing my poor expression, he released me. " Fen, what’s wrong?"
"Are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"
I didn’t respond, and he took my silence as confirmation that I was not feeling well.
" Fen, I had dinner at school today. You don't need to cook anymore."
It turned out he had eaten with Niu Xinran and her daughter. No wonder there was a faint scent of perfume on him.
I pretended to realize something: "Oh, I see."
Ma Hongkuan scratched his head, " Fen, what's wrong? Are you upset?"
"Don't worry, I won't invite them over for dinner again."
I shook my head and turned to start tidying up the room.
For three years of high school, all my books and test papers were neatly arranged on the shelf. I packed them into a cardboard box and tied it securely with twine.
Ma Hongkuan knocked on the open door, " Fen, when do you think would be a good day to get the marriage certificate?"
Comment 0 Comment Count