〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉25

Chapter 24: The Conflict Between Kali and His Daughter Xiuya

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The morning sunlight streamed through the windows into the living room, the interior quiet and warm. Xiuya stood at the entrance hall, holding her bag, preparing to go out. Her eyes were filled with urgency, as if she was somewhat impatient. However, just as she turned to open the door, a firm hand blocked her path.
Kali stood at the doorway, a trace of undeniable determination on his face, his gaze fixed tightly on her. The air inside the room instantly grew heavy; the warmth of the light seemed unable to diminish the tense atmosphere.
Kali’s voice was low and powerful: “Where are you going, Xiuya?”
Xiuya lifted her head, her face still carrying a hint of haste, her tone filled with impatience: “I’m going to the church, I have an appointment with Uncle Matthews.” A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes, eager to get past this moment.
Kali raised an eyebrow, lightly clearing his throat, his tone carrying a clear command: “Go in the afternoon, okay? Dongle and his parents are coming later to propose.”
Xiuya’s heart jolted, her expression instantly darkened. She pushed the door open with force, lifted her chin, and looked Kali directly in the eye, her tone agitated: “Why didn’t I know about this? Godfather!”
Kali’s gaze became even firmer; his tone left no room for argument: “This is a decision I made on the spot; I don’t want to let it drag on.” He stood straight, his eyes as hard as steel, seemingly resolute.
Xiuya, furious, clenched her fists, her cheeks flushed like fire: “How can you do this without my consent?” Her voice gradually sharpened, filled with dissatisfaction and resistance.
Kali responded calmly, his tone even more resolute: “For your future happiness, I had no choice but to do this.” He stepped forward slightly, his posture subtly pressing against Xiuya, conveying an immovable determination.
As the dispute escalated, the atmosphere in the room grew even tenser. Shayan and Lalu, hearing the voices, exchanged a glance, and simultaneously walked toward the living room door.
Shayan tried to soothe Xiuya, walking over gently, her tone soft yet concerned: “Listen to Godfather, don’t throw a tantrum.” She lightly placed her hand on Xiuya’s shoulder, a note of comfort in her voice, hoping to ease the conflict.
Xiuya refused to yield, angrily brushing off Shayan’s hand, turning to her with an agitated tone: “Sena, this is my lifelong matter; why can decisions be made without asking me?” Her gaze was sharp, her tone full of indignation about her future choices.
Kali furrowed his brow, his tone carrying both helplessness and decisiveness: “I don’t want you to end up like your Sena in the future; Godfather has no choice but to resort to this last measure.” As he spoke, he slightly lowered his head, defending his decision.
Upon hearing this, Xiuya’s anger surged even higher; she clenched her hands, her voice sharp and resolute: “I will never accept such an arrangement!” Her body trembled uncontrollably, her emotions completely lost.
Kali’s eyes grew cold; he replied without hesitation: “Then I will have to confine you. From today onward, you will stay in the house and go nowhere.” His tone was firm and filled with threat.
Xiuya, furious, flung Kali’s arm aside, turning to dash out, burning with anger. However, Kali suddenly grabbed her arm and forcibly pulled her back. Xiuya struggled violently, her voice piercing the air, filled with panic and fury: “Let go of me!” She broke free from Kali’s grasp, violently pulling away from his restraint.
At this moment, Lalu and Bosman stepped forward, looking extremely anxious at the scene before them. Lalu frowned, her tone gentle yet firm: “Brother, this doesn’t look good.” She reached out toward Kali, her voice filled with helplessness and concern.
Bosman hurried over as well, lightly patting Kali on the shoulder, his tone calm but with a hint of warning: “Kali, don’t do this, you’ll scare the child.” His tone carried worry, clearly hoping the situation would not worsen.
Ali also approached, lightly holding Kali’s hand, his tone carrying a touch of persuasion: “Kali, speak calmly; a father and daughter are not enemies. Don’t let it come to this.” He lightly patted Kali on the shoulder, hoping to resolve the conflict.
Kali slightly loosened his grip; Xiuya suddenly flung off his arm, gasping for breath as she turned and nearly ran back to her room, slamming the door heavily behind her. Her silhouette disappeared behind the door, leaving the room seemingly filled only with the echo of the door.
Shayan stood there, looking at Xiuya’s retreating figure with a heart full of pain, her face written with helplessness and sorrow. Her brows slightly furrowed, her mind filled with uncertainty over Kali’s decision. Jiamei shrank in her mother’s arms, her eyes full of fear and confusion, clearly terrified by the scene before her.

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Dongle led his parents to Junsheng’s medical hall. The weather was just right, sunlight streaming through the skylights onto the white walls of the hall, where several blue seascape paintings hung. The indoor air was fresh, faintly scented with herbal aromas drifting everywhere. The coachman busied himself unloading the betrothal gifts from the ox cart; the burlap-wrapped boxes creaked, and the entire courtyard was filled with a bustling atmosphere.
Dongle spoke in a calm tone: “Uncle Kali, I have brought my Sena and Sama to formally propose.” His eyes swept over, seeing Kali standing at the entrance of the medical hall, his expression serious.
Kali slightly nodded, signaling them to come in: “Please enter, we will serve tea.”
The three entered the reception room. The room’s furnishings were exquisite and elegant, the lighting soft. The classical furniture and delicate porcelain made the entire space seem imbued with a sense of timelessness. Laiwang smiled as he approached, extending both hands, warmly embracing Kali: “A pleasure to meet you, Brother Kali.”
Kali returned the firm embrace, a faint smile appearing on his face: “Please, have a seat.”
“You flatter us, the medical hall lives up to its reputation.” Laiwang looked around, praising: “Earlier, my wife and I noticed the interior of this hall; it combines grandeur with noble elegance. Truly the finest in Dayuan Port.”
Kali smiled faintly, responding: “You overpraise us.” His tone carried slight humility, yet his eyes revealed a subtle pride.
Lalu then gestured for Jiamei to carry the tea tray in, gently placing it on the table, attracting everyone’s attention present. Rina laughed: “What a cute little blonde girl.”
Kali smiled, explaining: “This is my sister’s daughter. Her husband is from the Netherlands; they moved here many years ago.”
“That explains it.” Laiwang raised his brow, “This girl, when grown, will surely be a striking beauty, just like Xiuya.”
Rina also smiled and nodded, turning to Kali, her tone slightly shy: “I hope you won’t laugh, but ever since my son Dongle went out with your daughter Xiuya, he has been restless at home. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to become in-laws. Today, my husband and I specially prepared the betrothal gifts to come and propose.”
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise passed through Kali’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself: “Brother Laiwang, Sister Rina, we appreciate your kindness.” He paused slightly, his expression becoming more serious, “Dongle is a decent and proper man; there is no need to doubt that.”
Just as the atmosphere gradually became harmonious, Shayan walked over and gently knocked on Xiuya’s room door. Silence responded from within. She pushed open the door, only to find Xiuya was no longer inside. The window was slightly open, the breeze gently flowing in, curtains fluttering with the wind.
Shayan muttered softly to herself, her tone filled with helplessness: “This child deliberately wants to spite her Godfather; now this is awkward.”
She turned to Lalu, frowning: “Xiuya has jumped out the window; what should we do now?”
Lalu, upon hearing this, gently shook her head, a trace of displeasure on her face: “My brother pressured her so much; if it were me, at this moment, I would leave too. We should just tell him clearly; he forced this situation.”
Shayan let out a deep sigh, her gaze somewhat lost: “For now, this is all we can do…”
The two walked back to the reception room together. Kali was conversing with Laiwang and Rina. Seeing Shayan and Lalu enter, his expression shifted slightly.
“This is Xiuya’s Sama, the leader of Chikan Society,” Kali introduced while pointing to Shayan.
Laiwang’s eyes flashed with respect: “Leader Shayan heals and helps people, her reputation is widespread. My wife and I are fortunate to become in-laws with the leader.”
Shayan smiled faintly, nodding in response: “If I’ve been negligent in any way, I apologize.”
Suddenly, Lalu whispered a few words into Kali’s ear. Upon hearing them, Kali’s face changed abruptly, his body slightly stiffening. Laiwang noticed this, a hint of puzzlement in his eyes, asking: “What happened, Brother Kali?”
Kali forced down his unease, his smile somewhat strained: “Sorry, Xiuya is suddenly unwell and cannot come out to meet you.”
Laiwang and Rina exchanged a glance, silently communicating with each other, knowing things were not so simple. However, to maintain courtesy, they said nothing, merely nodding and keeping the atmosphere polite.
Rina smiled gently: “It’s alright, there will be another day; we will meet again.”
Kali nodded, a trace of fatigue passing through his eyes: “Is that okay? Another day, Shayan and I will personally bring Xiuya to your residence, and our two families can then arrange an auspicious date.”
Laiwang smiled, his tone humble: “With Brother Kali’s promise, my wife and I will naturally cooperate.”
Dongle, listening nearby, his expression slightly darkened, displeased: “But you haven’t even seen Xiuya yet.”
Rina quickly gave Dongle a look, signaling him to be understanding. Though reluctant, Dongle forced a smile, showing a trace of dissatisfaction on his face.
Laiwang laughed to ease the situation: “My son is not well-mannered, please forgive him, in-laws.”
Kali patted Dongle on the shoulder, his tone calm but slightly heavy: “No, my youngest daughter is slightly unwell. She will not be able to meet for a while. Please understand.”
Finally, Laiwang’s family decided to take their leave. Kali, Shayan, and Lalu escorted them to the door. When the three boarded the ox cart, Kali took a deep breath and said: “I will go to the church and bring Xiuya back.”
Lalu whispered beside him: “Brother, after seeing Xiuya, don’t get angry again.”
Kali remained silent, his anger nearly bursting, and without looking back, he walked toward the church, his figure heavy with burden.