〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉24

Chapter 23: Kali Arranges for Xiuyá to Go on a Matchmaking Outing

116
Sunlight poured down through the clear sky, illuminating every corner of the main street. The surrounding trees swayed gently, and the breeze brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness. On the street, the occasional calls of vendors could be heard, pedestrians came and went, and the street seemed filled with the atmosphere of life. In front of Junsheng Clinic, a bullock cart slowly approached. Dongle sat atop the cart, holding the rope, a smile on his face. When he stopped the cart and jumped down, he patted the bull’s back, signaling it to stand steady.

Kali walked out from the clinic, and beside him, Xiuyá also walked slowly along. Sunlight gently fell on her face, outlining her gentle features. Xiuyá lifted her head slightly, looking at Dongle, a casual smile appearing on her face. Kali patted Dongle on the shoulder, his tone carrying a relaxed instruction: “Dongle, take Xiuyá around the main street and the hills and rivers nearby.”

Upon hearing this, Dongle’s smile deepened, his eyes glimmering with a hint of excitement: “Yes, Uncle Kali.” He turned to Xiuyá, his tone gentle and sincere: “Then let’s go and have a proper outing, Xiuyá.”

Dongle walked lightly to the bullock cart, extended his hand to support Xiuyá, signaling her to be careful while boarding. Xiuyá smiled slightly, feeling Dongle’s thoughtfulness. She gently held his hand and stepped steadily onto the cart. Dongle lightly pulled the rope, and the bullock cart emitted a slow creaking sound as it began moving forward.

The cart driver, Ade, was already prepared. He patted the saddle and, as the cart started moving, began guiding the bull forward. Dongle turned his head, giving Xiuyá a friendly smile, and asked: “Xiuyá, where would you like to stroll?”

Xiuyá thought for a moment, then smiled and replied: “Let’s go stroll around Prominza City; it’s lively there!”

Upon hearing this, a hint of agreement flashed in Dongle’s eyes. He then turned to Ade, quietly giving instructions: “Alright, let’s go into the city. Ade, head towards the city.”

Ade acknowledged the order with a “Yes!” and immediately cracked the whip. The bullock cart began to accelerate, slowly moving along the path toward the bustling city district. The sound of the wheels rolling and the bull’s footsteps interwove in the air. The breeze brushed past, carrying a faint scent of grass.

The atmosphere on the cart was relaxed and natural. Xiuyá turned her head to look out the window, taking in the increasingly busy scene on both sides of the street. Dongle occasionally glanced at her, quietly feeling a certain respect for her elegance and temperament. Their conversation was unhurried, containing both mutual understanding and natural ease.

117
Sunlight shone upon the bustling streets of the city, streetsides crowded with vendors and pedestrians coming and going. The clamor and vitality filled every corner, traffic busy, and sounds mingling into a lively symphony. Dongle’s bullock cart slowly passed through this prosperous area. The wooden wheels of the cart emitted slight creaking sounds. Passersby beside the cart whispered to one another while glancing at this unusual pair.

Not far off, several locals and foreigners were discussing the blonde girl on the cart.

Local Man A paused and gazed at Xiuyá, unable to help but whisper: “That blonde girl on the bullock cart, so beautiful!”

Foreigner B turned to look at her, smiling in response: “Indeed, very beautiful. Such a beauty is rare; I wonder where she comes from?”

Foreigner C guessed: “She should be French or Dutch, right?”

Foreigner D thought for a moment and said: “Perhaps she is from our Germanic regions.”

Local Man A said confidently: “I don’t think so. She’s wearing local clothing.”

Dongle noticed the surrounding gazes and smiled faintly, understanding that such curious looks were unavoidable. When the bullock cart stopped, Dongle immediately walked to the cart, gently held Xiuyá’s hand, and helped her down. Xiuyá glanced around, hearing the conversation on the street, and frowned slightly, then was soothed by Dongle’s gentle gesture.

They walked together into a nearby teahouse. The wooden door of the teahouse creaked open. A fresh aroma of tea and melodious silk-and-bamboo music greeted them, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The patrons inside lifted their heads, casting curious glances at this uncommon pair. Dongle did not feel awkward at all. Instead, he smiled at Xiuyá: “The tea and snacks here are quite good; I came here once before.” He gently guided her inside and led her to a table by the window.

The waiter approached, smiling slightly: “May I ask what you two would like to order? We have barley tea, green tea, bitter tea, herbal tea, as well as foreign coffee and black tea, plus dozens of small pastries.”

Dongle responded without hesitation: “Give me a cup of coffee. Xiuyá, what would you like to drink?”

Xiuyá thought briefly, then softly said: “I’ll have barley tea.”

Dongle tapped the table, his tone generous: “One cup of coffee, one pot of barley tea, and bring all the small pastries as well—pick whatever you like.”

The waiter, a little surprised, still smiled and replied: “Very well, please wait a moment.”

Xiuyá slightly frowned, her tone carrying a hint of caution: “We won’t be able to eat that much. Don’t waste food.”

The waiter reassured her: “If you can’t finish it, you can take it home. All our pastries are guaranteed fresh.”

He turned and walked away. His busy footsteps sounded especially loud in the quiet teahouse.

Dongle then turned to Xiuyá, his tone carrying a hint of humor: “The pastries here are really good; a friend once brought me here.”

Xiuyá smiled lightly, looking at him: “You seem quite familiar with the city?”

Dongle smiled nonchalantly: “Business, you know. I come to the city every day, so naturally I’m familiar with it.”

At that moment, the waiter brought over a steaming pot of barley tea and a fragrant cup of coffee. Dongle lifted the coffee cup, inhaled deeply, and said with full delight: “The aroma is so strong; I love coffee like this the most.”

Xiuyá smiled slightly, holding the barley tea and taking a gentle sip, raising her brows: “I’ve tried this drink. Its bitterness is even stronger than bitter tea. I don’t want to suffer through it again.”

Dongle raised an eyebrow, replying lightly: “Add some sugar, and it won’t be so bitter.” He picked up the teapot, scooped two small spoonfuls of sugar into his coffee cup, and stirred gently.

Seeing Xiuyá smile, Dongle’s eyes reflected sincere admiration: “You smile so beautifully.”

Xiuyá smiled and shook her head gently: “Really? Inner beauty is more precious than appearance. Outward beauty is only fleeting.”

Dongle raised his coffee cup with a light laugh: “Of course inner beauty is important, but outward beauty always pleases the eye.”

Xiuyá smiled lightly: “Outer beauty is like a reflection in a mirror or a moon on water; it will inevitably change with time.”

Dongle slightly frowned, responding softly: “True! But compared to other girls, your beauty and depth of thought are indeed remarkable.”

At that moment, the teahouse staff began bringing plate after plate of delicate pastries, the table overflowing with a variety of treats, aromas wafting through the air.

Dongle looked at the table of snacks, satisfied: “Pick whatever you like. Money is external; earning it allows us and our families to live better.”

Xiuyá inwardly sneered, feeling some disdain for this pleasure-seeking businessman. She spoke calmly: “Besides earning money and enjoying food and drink, do you have no other life goals?”

Dongle smiled, unaware of her displeasure, answering casually: “Earning and enjoying life—that’s my whole life, isn’t it? In this world, what’s more important than these two things?”

Xiuyá’s expression slightly changed. She stood up gently, her tone cold: “Then you enjoy yourself. I don’t want to waste my time with you.”

She turned to leave, but Dongle suddenly grabbed her hand.

Dongle was stunned, asking in confusion: “Miss, why are you suddenly turning hostile?”

Xiuyá furrowed her brows, her eyes cold, and whispered angrily: “Let go of me!”

Dongle awkwardly released her hand, staring at her back, momentarily unsure what to say.

Xiuyá did not look back, leaving the teahouse decisively. The surrounding patrons began murmuring, their gazes moving back and forth between the two, and the atmosphere in the teahouse became subtly tense.

Chapter 118
Near noon, sunlight streamed through the windows into the Junsheng Medical Hall, filling the air with the mixed scent of herbs and disinfectant.
Xiuyah boarded a bullock cart and traveled along the busy streets of the city. The calls of merchants on both sides of the road rose and fell continuously, and pedestrians came and went, creating a lively scene. Xiuyah’s blonde hair glimmered softly in the sunlight, drawing the attention of many passersby. A trace of fatigue appeared on her face, and the fine sweat on her forehead glistened under the sun.

As the bullock cart passed by, several locals standing on the roadside whispered about her.
Local A: "The blonde girl on the bullock cart, she’s really too beautiful!"
Foreigner B: "Yes, truly a rare beauty. Where is she from?"
Foreigner C: "Maybe from France, or perhaps the Netherlands?"
Foreigner D: "No, perhaps from our Germanic people. Her clothes don’t seem entirely local in style."

Xiuyah heard these whispers, quietly brushed her hair, did not respond, and lowered her head, her gaze drifting into the distance.

When the bullock cart arrived at Junsheng Medical Hall, Xiuyah hurriedly jumped down, the sweat on her forehead replaced by the intensity of her emotions before she could wipe it off. Sha Yun happened to be tidying the instruments used earlier for treating patients, and seeing her rush in, could not help but frown.

Sha Yun smiled and asked, "Weren’t you out with Dongle? Why are you back alone?"
Xiuyah replied sharply, "Sena, don’t mention that businessman. His mind is full of money and business, and he carries the smell of copper on him."

Sha Yun raised her eyebrows in puzzlement and asked, "What? He didn’t come back with you?"
Xiuyah took off her outer garment and threw it heavily onto a chair, angrily saying, "I can’t stand that kind of person. He only talks about business and has no understanding of the true meaning of life. I left him at the teahouse and took a ride back on my own."

Ali, standing nearby, could not help but shake his head with a bitter smile, reaching out to pat Xiuyah’s shoulder and teasingly said, "This little girl has eaten explosives today; your temper is astonishing. Did Dongle offend you?"

Xiuyah’s anger had not subsided. She walked to the bathroom to wash away her fatigue, still showing traces of displeasure on her face.

Upon entering the backyard, Kalli noticed her expression was off and hurriedly asked, "Why are you back now? Where is Dongle?"
Xiuyah said coldly, "I returned him; I really can’t stand this kind of petty businessman."

Bossman raised his thumb at the side, jokingly saying, "Direct and decisive, this is more your style."
Kalli, somewhat concerned, asked, "Did you have a fight with Dongle?"
Xiuyah shook her head, her tone indifferent: "No, I didn’t even bother to argue with that kind of person, so I left on my own."

Lalu, overhearing this, could not help but interject: "Xiuyah, how exactly did Dongle make you angry?"
Xiuyah’s gaze gradually hardened, and she spoke slowly: "That person only knows how to make money. Once he earns, he indulges himself in food, drink, and pleasure. He has no understanding of life’s deeper meaning."

Kalli tried to ease the mood, his tone gentle: "Perhaps Dongle didn’t mean it that way; you might have misunderstood. Maybe he was only trying to show you that his way of life is different from yours."

Bossman responded coldly: "Who knows? After all, if you haven’t spent time with someone personally, it’s hard to judge anyone."
Lalu shot Bossman a glare, reminding him, "Don’t provoke a dispute; it will only get worse."

Bossman laughed loudly: "I’m not provoking; I’m just letting Kalli be clear—Xiuyah is the protagonist here."

Xiuyah, growing impatient, interrupted their conversation: "Enough, stop arguing. I’ve already decided. I will no longer accept such arrangements in the future; this is my request."

Kalli was slightly taken aback, a hint of disappointment in his eyes: "You refused Dongle. Does that mean you want to continue seeing that foreigner Williams?"

Xiuyah looked him straight in the eyes and answered without hesitation: "Yes. Although Williams is a businessman, he has a loving heart. He often donates rice and cloth to the church, helping children who have no one. Unlike Dongle, he doesn’t earn money merely for pleasure."

Kalli fell silent for a moment, his expression slightly complex: "Why are you so quick to draw conclusions? Everyone’s thoughts and behavior can change over time. My views on your father also underwent a major shift."

He paused for a while, his tone turning heavy: "I know your father’s heroic deeds in the past, how many people he saved. But for the past twenty years, he has ignored you and your mother, not even knowing life or death. Every day, Sena waits for him, holding onto that hope. Tell me, don’t you harbor any resentment in your heart?"

Xiuyah sighed softly, her tone still firm: "Godfather, I understand Sena’s predicament, but Williams is different from my father. He has love in his heart and a strong sense of responsibility for what he does."

Lalu interjected: "Alright, let’s stop. Your current argument is like two goats walking on a narrow bridge, neither willing to yield. Xiuyah, take Jiamei for a walk to relax, and let Godfather calm down."

Lalu then turned to Jiamei, speaking gently: "Jiamei, go wash your hands and face; Xiuyah is going to take you for a stroll."
Jiamei bounced happily and replied, "Okay, Sena!"

Chapter 119
Xiuyah and Jiamei strolled along the stone-paved streets of Dayuan Harbor, the cool sea breeze brushing against their faces, and the salty smell of the sea filled the air. They passed through ancient arches, entered the church, and stepped on the worn wooden floor, producing crisp echoes. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting warm beams on the ground, colorful and vivid, as if nature itself witnessed their prayers. Rows of children’s clothes hung on the walls, slightly faded, but still exuded a sense of simple faith.

Xiuyah approached the cross, joined her hands, and bowed her head slightly. Her gaze met the image of Jesus, immersed in quiet prayer. Jiamei walked to the side, carefully examining the small clothes hanging on the wall, occasionally reaching out to touch them, her face showing a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

At that moment, the church doors gently opened, and Bishop Matthews stepped in, walking steadily, wearing a purple robe. His eyes were gentle, and his face bore a smile as warm as sunlight.

Bishop Matthews approached them, concern in his eyes: "Xiuyah, Jiamei, when did you arrive?"
Xiuyah lifted her head from prayer, showing some fatigue, and replied softly: "We’ve been here for a while."

The bishop noticed Xiuyah’s expression, seeming somewhat uneasy, and asked, "What’s the matter? I just saw you praying. Do you have something on your mind?"

Jiamei, standing aside with her hands in her skirt pockets, suddenly interjected: "Sister just had a quarrel with Uncle." Her tone was uneasy, clearly perplexed by the adults’ argument.

Bishop Matthews lowered his head, furrowing his brow gently, and asked: "What did you quarrel with Kalli about?"
Xiuyah looked somewhat depressed, lifted her eyes, scanning the bishop’s face, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction: "Godfather forbade me from seeing Williams and deliberately arranged for me to go out with a businessman who reeks of copper…"

Jiamei nodded beside her, evidently understanding her sister’s mood, adding: "Sister hates Dongle."

Bishop Matthews frowned slightly, lightly patting Xiuyah’s shoulder, saying: "Oh? If Kalli did that, it’s no wonder you’re upset. However, I can understand why he acted this way." His tone was sincere, as if trying to balance Kalli’s actions.

Xiuyah’s gaze softened slightly but remained puzzled: "Of course I know, he doesn’t forgive my biological father’s coldness, so he drags it onto Williams…"

Bishop Matthews nodded, seemingly helpless: "Relax. When there’s time, I will talk to Kalli." He turned to look out the window at the distant sparkling sea, then back: "Tomorrow morning, Williams will come to the church to help prepare the hall for Christmas. You should help too, and once finished, you two can go out to relax together."

A trace of gratitude appeared in Xiuyah’s eyes. She nodded lightly, her tone much more relaxed: "Alright!" There was a hint of expectation in her voice, as if the suggestion slightly lifted her mood.

Jiamei clapped her hands beside her and said with a smile: "Then let’s help out together tomorrow!"

Bishop Matthews smiled and nodded, gently walking to the altar to prepare for prayer. Xiuyah turned to look at Jiamei standing beside her, feeling somewhat relieved. She understood that although family disputes were unresolved, at least for now she could find a moment of comfort in this sacred space.

Chapter 120
The afternoon sunlight poured over the streets, where people came and went, yet the atmosphere was unusually quiet. Dongle stood at the entrance of Junsheng Medical Hall, taking a deep breath, preparing to enter. The heels of his shoes lightly tapped the ground, his steps carrying a hint of hesitation. The medical hall doors opened gently, and the air carried a faint scent of herbs and disinfectant, providing a sense of calm.

He entered the reception room and saw Sha Yun and Kalli sitting on the sofa, talking. Sha Yun held a cup of hot tea, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly still worried about what happened in the morning. Kalli leaned back in his rattan chair, his expression relaxed, appearing unconcerned.

Dongle walked over, slightly bowing to them, his face showing a mix of embarrassment and helplessness: "Uncle Kalli, Aunt Sha Yun, I’m sorry…"

Kalli looked up, surprise and curiosity flashing in his eyes, quickly turning into concern: "Dongle, you went out happily with Xiuyah this morning, so how did it end up like this? She came back alone." He said this while lightly tapping the armrest of the rattan chair, showing a hint of impatience.

Dongle scratched his head, looking innocent, hands open, tone showing some helplessness: "I don’t understand either. Xiuyah suddenly lost her temper, and didn’t even give me a chance to explain. That’s all that happened." He stood next to the rattan chair, slightly leaning forward, seemingly hoping for more understanding.

Sha Yun gently set down her tea cup, her gaze soft but worried: "Did you say something wrong? Did you make her angry?"

Dongle immediately shook his head, hands open, a bit anxious: "Not really? At the teahouse, Xiuyah asked me if, besides earning money and indulging in pleasure, I had any other goals. I honestly answered that these two are my life goals. Then she suddenly flew into a rage and walked away. That’s how it went." He sighed deeply, his face showing confusion and self-reproach.

Kalli shook his head, a faint helpless smile at the corner of his mouth: "Why are you so naive, Dongle? When dating a girl, you must read the mood, say what she likes to hear, even if it’s sweet talk." His tone was playful, but his eyes carried slight disappointment, seemingly helpless at Dongle’s reaction.

Sha Yun could not help but laugh, lightly patting Kalli’s shoulder, teasing: "Why do you talk like that, Kalli?" She shook her head, feeling some helplessness at Kalli’s frankness, but also faintly understanding.

Dongle looked puzzled, furrowing his brow, his eyes showing confusion: "But I don’t know Xiuyah’s temper, or what she likes to hear?" His confusion and sincerity were evident to both Sha Yun and Kalli.

Kalli shrugged, still wearing a helpless smile: "You! You silly goose. Do you know how Xiuyah described you after coming back?"

Dongle shook his head, his face full of doubt and unease: "She… how did she describe me?"

Kalli chuckled, a teasing tone: "She said you’re a businessman who reeks of copper! Meaning you’re unbearably vulgar." He lightly patted Dongle’s shoulder, his smile carrying a playful hint.

Dongle froze upon hearing this, showing surprise and helplessness, then slightly defensive: "I am a businessman! Doing business is about seeking profit; there’s nothing wrong with that, right?" He opened his hands slightly, helplessly defending his profession.

Kalli waved his hand, tone slightly helpless: "It’s useless reasoning with you. Here’s what we’ll do: go back and report to your parents, have them come tomorrow morning for the proposal. You understand what I mean?" His tone was decisive, seemingly having made up his mind.

Dongle raised his brows, hesitated slightly, but finally nodded: "Okay, I understand." He relaxed his tense shoulders, deciding to follow Kalli’s instructions.

Sha Yun’s expression showed a trace of worry, her brows slightly furrowed, setting down her tea cup gently, tone subdued: "This isn’t good, Kalli. Xiuyah will be very angry if she finds out." Her tone was full of concern, clearly reserved about this approach.

Kalli, hearing this, stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the blue sky outside, determination flashing in his eyes: "I can’t care about that anymore. To prevent Xiuyah from associating with that Williams, I must cut the knot decisively." His voice was low and firm, revealing an unchangeable resolution.