〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉23

Chapter 22 – The Tacit Understanding Between Xiuyah and Williams

111
In the early morning at Dayuan Port, sunlight streamed through the church’s stained glass windows, casting multicolored rays onto the stone floor, weaving a soft pattern. Inside the prayer room, there was complete silence, and the air carried the characteristic scent of the church, mixed with the smell of wood and ancient fabrics. Xiuyah was squatting in a corner, concentrating on cutting a piece of fabric. Her movements were light and skillful, and the sound of scissors meeting the cloth echoed in the air. Her face revealed a calm and gentle expression, as if in that moment, her world consisted solely of these fabrics and the clothes she was about to complete.

Suddenly, the large church door was gently pushed open, and Father Matthews and Williams entered the prayer room. Matthews spoke in a low voice: “Xiuyah, are you busy?” His tone was gentle, with a hint of concern.

Xiuyah lifted her head and gave a slight smile; the fabric in her hands swayed lightly with her movement, and the light falling on her face made her look even softer. She said, “Uncle, I am sewing a few clothes for children.” Her voice was clear, carrying a hint of ease.

Matthews nodded and turned to introduce Williams: “Let me introduce him. This is Williams, from England. He is one of our faithful parishioners and often donates food and bolts of fabric.” He slightly turned his body, signaling for Williams to stand in front of Xiuyah.

Williams extended his hand slightly and bowed, speaking politely and gently: “Xiuyah, I am very pleased to meet you.” His eyes involuntarily paused for a moment as he looked at Xiuyah, secretly astonished. He thought: What a beautiful girl! But he quickly suppressed this surprise, maintaining the demeanor of an English gentleman.

Matthews laughed and added: “Englishmen value gentlemanly manners; you will get used to it soon.” He patted Williams lightly on the shoulder, speaking in a friendly tone.

Xiuyah gave a slight smile, lifted the fabric in her hands, and gently set it down, her gaze meeting Williams’ softly through the light. “So you are the kind-hearted young man my uncle spoke of. I am glad to meet you.” Her tone was calm and sincere, and her hands gently arranged the fabric, making her appear natural and composed.

Matthews smiled and nodded, speaking softly: “You two talk for a while; I will first go attend to things in the chapel.” Saying this, he turned and walked lightly toward the other end of the church.

Williams remained standing, his eyes still on the fabric in Xiuyah’s hands. He stepped a few paces closer, speaking gently, with a hint of emotion: “You sew clothes for the children with your own hands; this kindness moves me.” His gaze sparkled with sincerity and respect, seemingly filled with admiration for Xiuyah’s actions.

Xiuyah smiled, shaking her head slightly, speaking humbly: “It is only a small effort. Compared to you, this is nothing.” She lowered her head and continued her work, her fingers skillfully adjusting the position of the fabric, seemingly unsurprised by Williams’ praise.

Williams was silent for a moment, then spoke with slightly more affection: “When I was young, my family was not well-off, so I made a vow that when I had the means, I would help as much as possible those in need.” His tone was calm, but his eyes subtly revealed memories of the past and a firm promise for the future.

Xiuyah lifted her head, her gaze gentle, as if listening to Williams’ inner voice. She nodded slightly and said in agreement: “It is rare to have such kindness. You seem unlike those other foreign merchants, who only think about making money.” Her tone carried a hint of admiration and understanding, unconsciously revealing a favorable impression of Williams compared to other merchants.

Hearing this, Williams’ lips curled slightly into a warm smile, tinged with relief: “Money will never run out, but people should not live as slaves to it.” The firmness and ease in his tone made the atmosphere even warmer.

A light sparkle appeared in Xiuyah’s eyes. She smiled and said: “Tonight I am going to cook dinner for the children. You can stay and join them. They have been wanting to meet the kind young man the bishop mentioned, that is, you.” She gently set down the needle and thread in her hands, stood up, and lightly brushed her fingers over the table, signaling him to follow her toward the kitchen.

Williams’ eyes were filled with emotion. He nodded slightly, speaking with sincere anticipation: “I am honored to accept your invitation.” He lowered his head slightly, a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, already looking forward to spending time with these children.

112
In the church dining hall, the round chandelier emitted warm light, illuminating the entire room. Around twenty children sat at long tables, which were filled with food: two large wooden barrels of fragrant assorted porridge, several plates of stir-fried vegetables, peanuts, and a plate of golden fried tofu skin. The colors and aroma of the food were mouthwatering. The children’s laughter and chatter arose in waves, filling the air with warmth and energy.

Williams sat at the table, looking at the children, speaking with surprise and delight: “Children, do you usually eat so well?” His gaze scanned the food on the table, revealing concern.

A boy raised his small hand excitedly and replied: “Not before. Only after Sister Xiuyah came did we get so much to eat.” As soon as he finished speaking, he eagerly scooped a spoonful of porridge into his mouth, his face showing a satisfied smile.

A girl held a bowl of vegetables, her eyes bright, looking somewhat shy: “Sister Xiuyah cooks very well! Her food is delicious.” She lowered her head slightly, chewing the leaves, seemingly wanting to continue speaking.

Williams smiled, looking at these carefree children, responding cheerfully: “Yes! This is the first time I have eaten such tasty assorted porridge.” He lightly touched the edge of his plate, feeling the warmth of the atmosphere.

At this moment, Xiuyah walked over from the side. She stood at the edge of the table, slightly bent down, and spoke gently to the children: “Children, the food you are eating and the clothes you are wearing were all donated by this kind-hearted young man. His name is Williams; let us all thank him together.” Her tone was gentle and cordial, causing the children to lift their heads with eyes full of gratitude.

The children shouted in unison: “Thank you, kind big brother!” They spoke while raising their bowls together, as if showing their appreciation to Williams.

Williams’ eyes narrowed slightly, feeling warmth from their innocent smiles. His hand moved lightly to indicate that they need not be so formal, and with a pleasant smile, he said: “No need to be so polite. I just did what I should.”

Xiuyah continued: “These children come from nearby villages. Due to family misfortunes, they were referred to us by the village churches. They usually live here in the church, and occasionally the bishop arranges for a cart to take them back to their villages to reunite with their families for a few days.” Her tone carried a hint of sorrow but also deep responsibility. She stood at the table, lightly patting the head of a little girl, as if comforting her.

Williams was silent for a moment, then nodded deeply, speaking respectfully: “These children are truly fortunate to receive such complete care.” He looked at Xiuyah, his eyes revealing a mix of surprise and admiration, sensing the care provided here for the children.

Xiuyah smiled lightly, her tone carrying pride: “All of this was planned under Uncle Matthews’ guidance. He is a priest with a heart for doing good.” Her hand lightly rested on the edge of the table; her tone was calm yet filled with gratitude.

Williams tilted his head slightly, speaking softly: “I heard from Bishop Matthews that he watched you grow up.” His concern was subtly evident, showing increased interest in Xiuyah’s past.

Hearing this, Xiuyah lowered her head quietly, her fingertips tapping the table lightly, as if pondering something. After a moment, she slowly lifted her head and responded faintly: “Yes! Besides my godfather and Aunt Lalu, Uncle Matthews also takes good care of us.” Her tone carried a hint of resignation, as if she had reached a peaceful acceptance of the past.

Hearing this, Williams could not help but sigh, his tone full of sympathy: “Hearing you say this makes me feel sorry for you, though you seem very optimistic and cheerful.” He reached out and lightly patted Xiuyah’s shoulder, wanting to offer her some comfort.

Xiuyah looked at Williams’ hand, smiled slightly, her tone light and resolute: “I am not sad! I still have Godfather Kalli.” Though her smile carried a trace of effort, her inner strength was evident.

113
On the beach by Dayuan Harbor, the sunset dyed the horizon in golden-red hues, and the waves gently lapped against the shore, producing a low and melodious sound. A soft breeze brushed past, carrying a faint salty scent along with grains of sand, while seagulls circled in the sky, occasionally letting out a few crisp cries. Xiuyá and Williams walked side by side on the sand, which rose and fell lightly under their steps. Xiuyá’s long skirt danced gently in the wind, rustling softly. She occasionally looked down at her footprints, her mood light and cheerful.

In the distance, a bullock cart approached slowly. On the cart sat Ali, whose gaze inadvertently caught sight of the two figures afar. The wheels pressed over the sand with a deep sound. Ali suddenly stopped the bullock cart, squinting his eyes slightly and focusing on the scene.

Ali murmured to himself in a low voice: “Isn’t that Xiuyá? Why is she walking together with a foreign young man?” Surprised, he lightly gripped the cart handle, checked again, then something stirred in his heart. He released the handle, letting the bullock cart continue its slow path.

Williams looked down at the beautiful scenery before him and suddenly spoke: “The dusk here is truly beautiful.” His voice carried a soft feeling of awe, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon.

Xiuyá, hearing this, gave a gentle smile and turned her head to look at him, her tone soft and restrained: “That is because your heart is beautiful; only then can you perceive these wonderful things.” Her eyes sparkled with a soft light, a faint smile on her face.

Upon hearing these words, Williams’ mouth curved slightly upward, a hint of gratitude in his eyes: “Thank you for such a compliment.” He turned slightly to the side, lightly nodded, and put his hands into his pockets, appearing somewhat shy.

Xiuyá paused for a moment, as if recalling something, and asked softly: “Tell me about your hometown and your family?” Her gaze was gentle, subtly curious, wanting to understand more about this young man from a foreign land.

Williams sighed lightly, closing his eyes slightly as if recalling his distant homeland: “I am from England, from a street in London. It is a damp, cold place, often shrouded in rain and fog.” He lightly brushed his beard, his tone tinged with nostalgia, “My father was a gentleman, descended from a declining noble family, but he placed great importance on etiquette and propriety. From the time I became aware, he required my sister and me, in both dress and manners, to maintain the dignity and bearing befitting our noble status.” He paused slightly, his gaze softening, “My mother, though born a commoner, had a father who traveled across the European continent when he was young, gaining wide experiences, speaking several languages, and possessing considerable knowledge and cultivation.” As he spoke, he unconsciously lifted his head slightly, his eyes seeming to traverse time, “After returning to England, he became a favored tutor for many noble families. My mother, Anne, under his guidance, became a kind-hearted, gentle, yet insightful woman.”

Xiuyá listened quietly, a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes. Her hand lightly brushed over the shells on the sand as she softly asked: “How did your parents meet?”

Williams smiled faintly, warmth in his gaze: “My father was my maternal grandfather’s student. He often visited our home and knew my mother from an early age. In his youth, he actively courted my mother, Anne, appreciating her gentleness and intellect.” His tone was gentle, as if glimmering with memories, “After marriage, they lived harmoniously. In my memory, they never quarreled.”

Xiuyá could not help but let a slight envy flicker in her eyes, her mouth curving gently in a soft tone: “You had a warm family.” She lowered her head slightly, a touch of melancholy in her gaze.

Seeing this, Williams nodded lightly, recalling his own past with his family, and asked: “Xiuyá, you should also tell me about your family and relatives?” He turned slightly, his gaze filled with concern, seemingly wishing to understand her better.

Xiuyá was slightly taken aback, lightly touching a stone on the sand, and responded softly: “Uncle Matthews must have told you some things, right?” Her tone was subtle, with a hint of caution, but she then revealed a gentle smile.

Williams nodded, his tone warm and sincere: “Yes, the bishop did tell me some things.”

Xiuyá took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she looked toward the distant horizon, seemingly recalling past days: “I grew up in the church. Uncle taught me multiple languages and a great deal of knowledge.” Her tone was calm, revealing a quiet inner strength.

Williams looked at her, a flicker of surprise and admiration in his eyes, speaking softly: “No wonder your first impression reminded me somewhat of my mother.” His tone was gentle, full of respect and recognition for her.

114
Ali carried the recently purchased boxes of Chinese herbal medicines and Western medicine bottles into the backyard. Warm sunlight shone across the yard, and the air was filled with the scent of the herbs. The wooden blue fence surrounding the yard faintly reflected several dragonflies circling in the sunlight. Ali crouched down to organize the medicines, his fingers lightly tracing the engravings on each bottle, then exhaled and looked toward the distant beach, his face displaying a thoughtful expression.

Ali said: “Just now, I saw Xiuyá on the beach near the dock.”

Kali, while organizing the medicines, casually asked: “Why would Xiuyá go to the beach for no reason?”

Ali sighed, looked up at the waves lightly lapping the beach in the distance, frowned slightly, and said: “I saw Xiuyá walking together with a handsome foreign young man.”

Kali gently placed the medicine he was holding on the shelf, a hint of doubt in his eyes, and turned to ask: “Xiuyá with a foreign young man?”

Ali nodded, concern in his tone: “Yes. They were talking and laughing; it looked like they were very close.”

Kali furrowed his brow, displeasure appearing on his face. He stood up, gripping a medicine bottle tightly, his voice heavy: “Xiuyá couldn’t possibly be starting a romantic relationship with a foreign young man, could she?”

At this moment, Lalu came out from the small gate of the backyard, holding a pot of freshly picked orchids. Hearing the conversation, she couldn’t help but smile, walking over to stand beside Kali: “Even if it’s a romance, you don’t need to make a big fuss, right? Xiuyá is not a little girl anymore, brother.”

Kali’s mouth twitched slightly. He took a deep breath, forcing down his inner unease: “I don’t actually oppose Xiuyá having a romance, but I don’t agree with her choosing a foreigner.”

Lalu lightly swayed the orchids in her hand, smiling gently: “You’re still too conservative, Kali.”

At this moment, Bosman walked in from one side of the yard, carrying a few pieces of timber on his shoulder. Hearing the conversation, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted. Teasingly, he said: “Kali, you have quite a prejudice against foreigners, huh? Don’t tell me I have to duel you again before you let go?”

Kali did not take Bosman’s teasing seriously; his gaze became even more determined, his tone indisputable: “That’s a completely different matter. I am Xiuyá’s godfather. Don’t interfere. I’ve made this decision. I’ll go discuss it with Shayun.”

Kali hurriedly walked into the clinic. Shayun was sitting at the table organizing prescriptions. The room was filled with the scent of herbs and disinfectant. The floor gleamed faintly as sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the pen in Shayun’s hand.

Kali gently pushed open the door and entered, his low voice breaking the quiet atmosphere: “Shayun, Ali said he saw Xiuyá with a foreign young man.”

Shayun raised her head, her gaze gentle, a faint smile of indifference on her face: “Oh? They should just be friends, right?”

Kali frowned, his tone somewhat impatient: “This won’t do. I must intervene to prevent Xiuyá from being with a foreign young man.”

Shayun shook her head slightly, a trace of helplessness in her eyes: “Xiuyá is already grown; she has her own thoughts. How do you plan to stop her?”

Kali crossed his arms, his gaze resolute, his tone full of uncompromising determination: “I don’t want what happened with Junsheng to repeat with Xiuyá.”

Shayun was silent for a moment, gently putting down her pen, her gaze slightly turning toward the window: “I understand your intentions, but what if Xiuyá doesn’t listen to your advice?”

Kali lowered his head to ponder for a moment. Then a glimmer of strategy appeared in his eyes, his mouth curling slightly: “I plan to find an honest and reliable local man for Xiuyá, so she will never leave us in the future.”

At this moment, the sound of wheels came from outside. Dongle pushed open the clinic door, carrying a large box of Chinese herbs, his face full of a smile. Calmly, he placed the box on the floor, then turned to Shayun, speaking lightly: “Aunt Shayun, I’ve just received a batch of Chinese herbal medicines, good quality. I brought them here for you to choose first.”

Shayun looked up, smiled, and nodded gratefully: “Thank you, Dongle.”

Kali stood aside, observing Dongle, a subtle glint in his eyes. Inwardly, he thought: “This Dongle is honest in business. I’m looking for a partner for Xiuyá. He might be a good choice.”

He strode toward Dongle, his tone cheerful: “Dongle, have you met my goddaughter Xiuyá?”

Dongle looked slightly surprised, recalled for a moment, and replied: “Uncle Kali, you mean the girl with the golden hair?”

Kali nodded, his tone playful yet provocative: “Yes, I’m talking about her, Xiuyá.”

Dongle frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then smiled and responded: “I’ve seen her once, I remember her.”

Kali patted his shoulder, a mysterious glint in his eyes: “I’m introducing Xiuyá to you. You try dating her.”

Hearing this, Dongle’s expression instantly brightened. Surprised, he said: “Of course, your daughter Xiuyá is a great beauty.”

Kali laughed heartily, patting Dongle’s back, his tone full of satisfaction: “You’ve got a good eye, young man.”

Shayun hurried over, gently tugging Kali’s sleeve, a hint of concern in her eyes: “This isn’t right, is it? Xiuyá surely won’t like such a forced arrangement, though Dongle is indeed a good young man.”

Kali smiled confidently, his tone firm: “I will persuade Xiuyá. You don’t need to worry.”

Having said this, he turned toward Dongle, his face showing a satisfied smile: “Dongle, tomorrow morning, you bring the bullock cart and take Xiuyá on a trip to the nearby hills and rivers.”

Dongle’s face lit up with joy, as if receiving a great honor, and he agreed excitedly: “Okay, Uncle Kali.”

115
Kali stood outside Xiuyá’s room at Junsheng Clinic, gazing at the wooden door. The flowers and plants in the yard swayed with the gentle breeze, and occasionally a few birds flew over the treetops, seemingly bringing a trace of fresh air. Kali lightly knocked on the door, the sound crisp and clear, as if also knocking his slight anxiety into the room.

“Xiuyá, it’s your godfather.” Kali’s voice was somewhat steady, yet a subtle expectation flickered in his eyes.

From inside, Xiuyá responded, her tone tinged with a hint of surprise: “Godfather, please come in.”

Kali pushed open the door and entered the simple, bright room. Sunlight poured through the curtains, spilling softly onto the wooden floor. Xiuyá sat at the desk by the window, holding an open book in her hands, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly immersed in thought over a passage.

“Godfather has something to tell you.” Kali approached her, his tone slightly heavy. Xiuyá looked up, revealing a faint smile.

“Please, go ahead, Godfather.” Xiuyá set the book down, turned around, and nodded toward Kali in acknowledgment.

Kali stood upright, a slight firmness in his tone: “I have arranged with Dongle. Tomorrow morning, he will bring the bullock cart over to take you on a trip to the nearby hills and rivers.”

Xiuyá frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: “Dongle?”

“The young man who recently often comes selling herbal medicines—the handsome youth from Madou Village.” Kali’s eyes flickered with a trace of confidence; this arrangement was, to him, perfectly natural.

Xiuyá’s brows furrowed even more, and she asked, slightly puzzled: “I remember him, but I’m not familiar with him. How did you arrange for him to come?”

Kali smiled faintly, his tone still steady but carrying a certain authority: “If you go on a few outings with him, you’ll become familiar with each other.”

Xiuyá clearly felt uneasy, her body leaning slightly back, hands lightly clasped on her lap, her tone tinged with apprehension: “Godfather, honestly, I don’t like such deliberate arrangements. If your intention is for me to date him, I don’t want that.”

Kali’s expression did not change; he maintained his calm firmness. He stepped closer, his tone gentler, yet with a hint of reassurance: “Xiuyá, Godfather will not harm you. Dongle is indeed a good young man. You can start as friends and see how things go. Matters of the heart take time; there’s no rush.”

Xiuyá looked at her godfather, feeling a bit helpless. Her eyes lowered slightly, her expression complex, but she finally spoke: “Alright! But don’t expect too much, because I’m not in a hurry to find a partner.” Her voice softened, as if a compromise for both herself and her godfather.

Kali patted her shoulder, his tone even gentler: “I know. You’ll be friends with him first, gradually get to know each other—that’s enough.”

Having said this, he turned to leave, yet silently made a resolve to himself. This was for Xiuyá’s future, and for the hope that she could live a better life.