Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"Bai Cuifen" called out that dinner was ready, and "Simple" led the charge into the kitchen. The others followed, like a happy family, some carrying dishes while others grabbed bowls. There were no guests; it felt as if everyone was the host. The usually quiet house suddenly resembled a spring morning, filled with the chirping of birds awakening in the trees outside, as if the sunlight from outside had poured into the room.
There was no need for "Bai Cuifen" to lift a finger; the bowls, chopsticks, and soup were already laid out on the table.
Looking at the lively scene before her and the smiling, youthful faces, "Bai Cuifen" felt a wave of emotion wash over her, and she found herself standing aside with slightly reddened eyes.
She couldn't help but think of "An Shaojie," who had not returned home for the New Year, and a pang of sadness surged within her.
How was this stubborn boy spending the New Year all alone in Beijing? By doing this, he not only placed himself in solitude but also left his worried "Mother" and "Sister" feeling lonely and desolate. Didn't he consider them? He used to care for and protect his "Sister." Had his heart changed? Was "Liu Family Village" no longer worth returning to?
Fortunately, there were these kids; wherever they went, they brought joy, liveliness, and warmth.
After dinner, "Jian Ming" took "Qing Shusheng" to meet his parents. Meanwhile, "Simple" stayed at "An Shaomin's" house; she didn't want to face such a tricky and awkward situation by going home with "Jian Ming."
She had visited "Liu Family Village" several times; it had become a familiar and cherished memory for her. Having spent time in one place and left behind happy traces inevitably created an emotional bond with that location. Moreover, she was now considered an acquaintance of "Liu Family Village." Therefore, she dreaded encountering anyone from there who might come to her home and face her mother's scornful and cold demeanor.
She had witnessed her mother's stubbornness and indifference regarding "Jian Ming" and "An Shaomin."
After "Jian Ming" and "Qing Shusheng" left, "Simple," "Shaw Min," and "Qinglan," along with "Bai Cuifen," anxiously waited at home without mentioning the matter. Especially "Simple," who was extremely worried that when she saw "Qing Shusheng" again, she would be met with anger. She believed in her mother's ability to infuriate others without remorse.
"Simple" and "Qinglan" gathered in "Shaw Min's" room to play. On the surface, they seemed happy; soft laughter occasionally floated from the room. However, everyone could sense that despite their smiles and laughter, there was an air of caution in their words.
At eight o'clock in the evening, a dog barked loudly, shattering the quiet night of "Liu Family Village."
"Qinglan," "Bai Cuifen," and the other three women rushed out of their rooms almost simultaneously.
In the darkness, "Qing Shusheng" and "Jian Ming" were crossing a bridge as they walked toward "Bai Cuifen's" house.
After sipping a cup of hot tea, Qing Shusheng recounted the situation of negotiating with Jian Ming's parents at their home.
When he first arrived at Jian Ming's house, Jian Ming's parents, especially his mother, did not warmly welcome Qing Shusheng due to his rough attire typical of someone from the mountains.
When discussing Shaw Min and Jian Ming, they displayed a disinterested attitude, as if they couldn't care less. They felt that while they wanted to manage the impulsive actions of the young kids, it was difficult to do so. After all, the children were students who deserved the freedom to fall in love. However, once the initial excitement faded, today's youth could easily break up over trivial matters. Who could guarantee the outcome? As parents, they felt they couldn't interfere too much; otherwise, it would lead to arranged marriages. Today's young people have their own thoughts.
Jian Ming's mother spoke with an air of impatience and disdain, her eyes blinking slowly as she looked down on him.
Qing Shusheng calmly watched her finish her speech.
Finally, he asked, "Are you done speaking?"
Jian Ming's mother paused for a moment before nodding, "Yes."
He replied, "That's great; now it's my turn."
Jian Ming's mother gestured for him to continue.
Qing Shusheng nodded and then turned to Jian Ming, asking, "Are you willing to get a marriage certificate with Shaw Min now?"
Jian Ming did not fully understand Qing Shusheng's question, perhaps because he was caught off guard. Both he and his mother stared at Qing Shusheng with wide eyes.
"Because your mother just implied that you can make your own decisions regarding your relationship with Shaw Min," Qing Shusheng emphasized again. "So I'm giving you a choice now: do you want to marry Shaw Min?"
Although Jian Ming felt somewhat passive and thought that Qing Shusheng's sudden request for him to make this decision was unexpected, he believed there must be a reason behind it since Qing Shusheng was usually very composed. So he nodded and said, "Yes."
"Good," Qing Shusheng replied. "I didn't expect your parents to be so open-minded. This trip has turned out to be unnecessary. Tomorrow you can go with Shaw Min to our place to get the certificate and then come back here together to obtain yours. You two can go get married tomorrow."
Jian Ming still did not understand why Qing Shusheng suddenly made such a decision, but he obediently nodded, "But, will Shaw Min...?"
"Shaw Min won't," Qing Shusheng interrupted Jian Ming, "Shaw Min respects her elders. She will listen to my decision."
Jian Ming nodded again, "Okay."
Qing Shusheng then turned and walked towards the door, saying to Jian Ming, "Let's go."
"Oh, okay." Clearly, Jian Ming was still processing everything, but he picked up his backpack and followed Qing Shusheng out.
Suddenly, there was a loud "bang."
The teacups on the coffee table rattled, and tea spilled everywhere.
"Jian Ming, who is that person? Who do you think you are? Open your eyes and see clearly who your parents are. Who raised you? Who do you listen to?" Jian Ming's Mother stood up, glaring angrily at the two standing by the door.
"You raised me; you're my mother, so of course I listen to you," Jian Ming replied calmly.
"Then if you dare to step out that door today, don't come back," Jian Ming's Mother said furiously.
"Why?" Jian Ming asked with a calm expression. "Don't you listen to that person? Just go with him!" Jian Ming's Mother pointed at Qing Shusheng. "How can I listen to him? I clearly listen to you." Jian Ming continued, "Don't you believe in love freedom? Don't you oppose arranged marriages? I originally planned to come back and seek your opinion. Since you've given me the freedom regarding my love and marriage, I’m happy to make my own decisions. I've been wanting to marry Shaw Min immediately, regardless of her status or identity. But I have been considering your requirements and feelings. I initially planned for Shaw Min to study another year at our school and retake the college entrance exam so she could meet your expectations before discussing marriage with her. Now that you've made it clear that I can decide for myself, of course I will follow my heart and get married right away. I'm worried that if I wait too long, Shaw Min might run off with someone else; she's so outstanding, and there are too many people who like her."
Comment 0 Comment Count