〈Romance of An-ping: Miss
Jin’s Interethnic Love Story〉26

Chapter Twenty-Five: Shayun Supports Her Daughter in Pursuing Happiness

126
In the living room of the residence of Shayun, the head of the Chikan community, the air was filled with a faint herbal fragrance. On the wall hung an ancient landscape painting, in which drifting clouds intertwined with mountain ridges, and one could almost hear the whisper of the wind. The windows of the living room were wide open, and outside lay a verdant courtyard, with shadows of trees swaying as a gentle breeze blew in through the window, carrying the warmth of summer. Darlai was concentrating on weaving a bamboo shrimp trap, the bamboo strips moving deftly between his fingers, producing a faint rustling sound.

Xiuyah sat by the tea table, her fingers absentmindedly stroking the surface, her face displaying a complex array of emotions, her gaze occasionally drifting toward the window. She spoke softly, her tone tinged with a hint of helplessness: "This is how things happened, Uncle."

Darlai raised his head, a trace of worry appearing in his eyes. He put down the bamboo strips, clasped his hands together over his knees, and spoke in a calm tone: "I can understand why Kahl would treat you this way. On one hand, he does not want you to leave your hometown; on the other hand, he does not wish to see you follow in Senas footsteps."

Xiuyah clenched her hands into fists, her brows slightly furrowed, her voice slightly hurried but still resolute: "But Williams and I truly love each other."

Darlai’s gaze softened, recalling the past, his tone carrying a trace of regret: "Back then, when your Sena liked Doctor Junsheng, at first the elders also opposed it. But Sena, in order to be with Junsheng, was willing to give up inheriting the headship. At that time, I sympathized with Sena and secretly helped her deliver letters. At this moment, it seems I see in you a reflection of your Sena from back then." He paused, lowering his head, his tone growing heavier: "One can only say that fate plays tricks; all of this is destined in the grand design."

Xiuyah’s gaze fell on Darlai’s face; she nodded slightly, her eyes full of gratitude, and the corner of her mouth involuntarily lifted into a faint smile: "Uncle, I sincerely thank you."

Darlai raised his head and looked straight into Xiuyah’s eyes, his voice low and warm, conveying a deep expectation: "Uncle respects your choice, and hopes you will be happy and fulfilled in the future." His tone carried a sense of responsibility, and faintly revealed an unspoken sorrow.

A subtle emotion flickered across Xiuyah’s eyes. She lowered her head, letting out a gentle sigh, appearing hesitant for a moment, but in the end, she lifted her head firmly and responded: "I will, Uncle. I will definitely find my own happiness."

Darlai looked at the bamboo trap once more, then slowly stood up, walked toward the window, and gazed at the lush greenery outside, seemingly lost in thought. The atmosphere in the air became somewhat serene, with only the distant sound of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves by the wind. Xiuyah also sat quietly, her heart still stirring, yet she could feel a moment of calm.

127
Shayun stood by the dock, the breeze lightly brushing her hair, the waves lapping against the shore in a rhythmic sound. In the distance, ships gradually approached the harbor, with crew and merchants waving from the decks. Sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting light upon her, highlighting the resolute lines of her face. Shayun’s eyes fixed on the horizon, as if searching for something lost, or perhaps contemplating the path ahead.

Darlai walked to her side, his steps steady, his figure tall. He turned his head slightly to glance at Shayun, remained silent for a moment, and finally spoke: "Sister, Xiuyah came to see me."

Hearing this, Shayun slightly turned her head, her gaze inadvertently falling on Darlai, her brows lightly furrowed: "What did Xiuyah tell you?"

Darlai stopped walking, his hands in his trouser pockets, his low voice carrying over: "What Xiuyah told me is not the point. The point is whether you are willing to listen to me."

Shayun’s lips curled faintly, yet her expression remained calm. She nodded gently, her gaze resolute: "Go ahead…"

Darlai no longer looked directly at Shayun, but toward the distant ships. His tone grew more serious: "You have always believed in Junsheng’s promises, which is why you are still living in expectation now."

Shayun’s eyes flickered slightly, but her tone remained calm: "You didn’t come to talk to me about Junsheng, did you?"

Darlai turned his head slightly, looking deeply at her, his tone gentle but tinged with helplessness: "Back then, you chose Junsheng without hesitation, just as Xiuyah chose Williams. The feelings of you and Xiuyah are actually the same."

Shayun fell silent for a moment, gently pressing her lips together, then slowly spoke: "Brother, I understand your meaning."

Darlai let out a soft sigh, his face filled with concern and helplessness. He reached out and lightly patted Shayun’s shoulder, his tone sincere: "Since your feelings are the same, put yourself in her place. You should respect Xiuyah’s choice. Even if you think she might follow in your footsteps, I believe, like you, she will not regret her own decision. Moreover, the worries you have may not necessarily happen to Xiuyah."

Shayun lowered her head, her fingertips gently brushing the wooden railing beside her. Her eyes squinted slightly in the sunlight, as if contemplating Darlai’s words. The wind blew again, carrying a hint of salty seawater. Shayun’s voice was low and firm: "Xiuyah is like I was back then, but my thoughts are actually different from Kahl’s."

Darlai’s expression grew more serious. He turned toward her, his tone becoming resolute: "That is why I came to talk to you. I do not agree with Kahl’s idea. Although his intentions are well-meaning, Xiuyah’s future path should not be determined solely by him."

Shayun’s eyes fixed on Darlai, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly wrestling with something. Finally, she slowly spoke: "What do you want me to do?"

Darlai placed his hand gently on her shoulder, his tone calm and firm: "Respect Xiuyah’s decision, give Xiuyah to Williams, and then bless them."

Shayun was silent for a moment, her gaze falling on a ship slowly entering the harbor in the distance. Her eyes were deep, as if making an important decision. She nodded slightly, her tone tinged with thoughtfulness: "Shall I wait until I meet with Williams and talk it over, then make the decision?"

Darlai smiled lightly, his tone gentle: "Alright, sister. I believe you will make the best choice."

128
In the reception room of the Dayuan Harbor Church, the air was filled with a quiet atmosphere. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a multicolored patchwork of light onto the floor. The interior of the church was serene and solemn, occasionally echoing with the toll of a bell, carrying a hint of sacredness. On the walls of the reception room hung several ancient paintings, in which the saints seemed to whisper, while in the corners stood several vibrant green plants, bringing life to the entire space.

Shayun sat at one end of the long table, her expression calm, her hands folded in her lap, staring at Father Matthews across from her. Her gaze was deep, as if contemplating something. Matthews sat upright, a trace of worry on his face, yet his tone remained gentle. He adjusted his glasses slightly and asked: "Shayun, coming to the church today, I suppose there is something you wish to discuss with me?"

Shayun lifted her eyes, looking directly at Matthews, her tone carrying a trace of steady questioning: "Father, you are familiar with Williams, aren’t you?"

Matthews nodded slightly, smiling, his tone tinged with reminiscence: "Yes! That child, Williams, is very compassionate. He often donates rice and cloth to the church to help those lonely children. He has great zeal for society and participates personally in many church affairs."

Hearing this, a hint of thoughtfulness flickered in Shayun’s eyes. Her fingertips lightly tapped on the table, revealing her contemplative state: "Has Xiuyah been spending much time with Williams recently?"

Matthews smiled gently, his eyes full of love: "Yes! They have gone on a few dates. Xiuyah is a very kind child, and Williams often takes care of her. They get along very harmoniously."

Shayun nodded slightly, speaking softly as if to herself: "Xiuyah complained to her uncle, saying she and Williams truly love each other, and hopes I can grant them my approval." She lifted her head, looking directly at Matthews, her tone gaining determination: "What do you think?"

Matthews looked at Shayun with gentle eyes, his tone sincere: “You should let them be together. Williams is a very good young man, and he will cherish Xiuyah. His character is gentle, he is patient with people, and I believe he can bring happiness to Xiuyah.”

After hearing this, Shayun’s eyes flickered with a trace of hesitation, but soon her face regained its composure, her tone calm but somewhat heavy: “I trust what the priest says, but I want to speak with Williams in person.”

Upon hearing her words, Matthews slightly nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face: “Williams will come over soon. I will have him come to the parlor to see you.” He gently moved a book on the table, as if to adjust the tone of his speech, his tone soft: “Williams should be very pleased to see you.”

Shayun stood up, slightly lowering her head, a look of gratitude appearing on her face: “Thank you, Father.”

Matthews waved his hand lightly, a faint wry smile on his face, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness: “The last time Carly came here looking for Xiuyah, I tried to advise him, but Carly didn’t seem to listen. You know what Carly is thinking, right?”

After hearing this, Shayun slightly furrowed her brows, a hint of weariness in her eyes: “I know. He wants to keep Xiuyah here.”

Matthews shook his head, his tone revealing a trace of concern: “Xiuyah is a child with her own will. She does not want to accept the arrangement made by Carly.”

Shayun’s lips curved slightly upward, her gaze determined but carrying a trace of helplessness: “This is also the main reason I came to the church specifically, to see Williams.” Her tone carried a hidden resolve; she had already made a certain choice. Though it was not yet fully certain, she knew her heart had already begun to lean toward one side.

In the parlor, the air was filled with the scent of books and old wood. On the surrounding walls hung several paintings depicting Bible stories. Light streamed through the high windows, illuminating every corner of the room. A vase of fresh flowers on the table appeared especially vivid in the soft sunlight, while the distant tolling of a bell outside seemed to narrate the passage of time in this quiet space. Shayun and Williams sat on opposite sides of the long table. Matthews stood by the door, leaving the two alone, gently closing the door, and silently departing.

Shayun rose slightly, bowed to Matthews, her tone carrying a hint of gratitude: “Father, thank you.”

Matthews smiled faintly, lightly nodded, then turned and left. The moment the door gently closed, Shayun’s gaze involuntarily fell upon Williams. She slightly furrowed her brows, as if pondering something. Williams looked at Shayun, a flicker of expectation and nervousness in his eyes. He stood in place, slightly lowering his head, his hands lightly clasped on his lap, ready to listen to her words.

Shayun gestured for him to sit and softly said: “Williams, sit down.” Her tone was gentle, but her eyes carried a trace of caution.

Williams smiled respectfully, slowly sitting down, his tone still tinged with humility and politeness: “Yes, my esteemed lady.”

Shayun looked at Williams, a gentle smile appearing on her face, yet her gaze was deep and scrutinizing. Her hand moved lightly, her fingertips brushing across the table as she organized her thoughts. She slowly spoke, her tone carrying a soft contemplation: “Xiuyah is my only daughter.” She sighed lightly, her eyes filled with the deep affection of a mother for her daughter, “She is my only family.”

Williams lowered his head, responding softly: “Lady, I understand.” He leaned slightly forward, his tone full of sincerity and respect.

Shayun looked at him intently, her brows slightly furrowed, as if weighing the significance of every word: “Although the priest has great confidence in you, I do not actually know you.” Her gaze bore no hostility; it was purely a mother’s vigilance and doubt.

Williams paused briefly, seeming somewhat nervous, wanting to speak but unsure how to express himself, and finally said softly: “Lady…”

Shayun waved her hand, gently interrupting him, her tone carrying a trace of helplessness and worry: “Xiuyah has never traveled far. Your presence makes me and Xiuyah face a possible separation.” Her gaze grew even deeper, able to see through Williams to the hidden fear and reluctance in her heart.

Williams drew a deep breath, his tone warm with understanding: “Lady, I can understand your feelings.” He slightly lowered his head, his eyes full of sympathy and entreaty, hoping to alleviate her concerns.

Shayun nodded lightly, her tone gradually becoming firm and filled with maternal love: “If you can truly understand my feelings as a mother, I ask you to treat Xiuyah well, never abandoning her, no matter what difficulties you may encounter in the future.” Her tone carried a slight urgency, as if entrusting an important mission, “She is my everything; please cherish her.”

Upon hearing this, Williams immediately straightened, his gaze full of sincerity and determination. He extended his hand, placing it gently on the table, his tone firm: “I will, lady.” He looked at Shayun, without a hint of hesitation in his eyes, as if this were an irrevocable promise.

Shayun nodded lightly, a gentle smile on her face, yet countless expectations and hopes hidden in her eyes: “When you are ready, I will bring Xiuyah here and hand her to you myself, letting the priest officiate your marriage.” Her tone was gentle and sincere, as if she had already accepted this possible future and hoped it would be fulfilled.

Williams bowed his head gratefully, his hands folded on his lap, his tone full of gratitude and commitment: “Thank you, lady. After marriage, I will first take Xiuyah to England to see my parents, then bring her back here to settle.” He raised his head, his gaze firm and full of hope.

Shayun nodded lightly, a slight upward curve at the corners of her mouth, her tone carrying a hint of encouragement and blessing: “Thank you for your understanding, Williams. After marriage, take Xiuyah back. I do not want her godfather to intervene.” Her eyes revealed a trace of helplessness, but also an expectation for the future. This was a difficult path, but one that must be walked.

Williams slightly nodded, a gleam of gratitude in his eyes: “Yes, lady.” He took a deep breath, seemingly making a vow for the future in his heart, full of determination and resolve.

At this moment, an unspoken understanding and tacit agreement formed between them, as if the road ahead had already unfolded before their eyes, waiting for them to walk it together.

In Xiuyah’s room, the air was filled with the scent of leather and thread. The surrounding walls were adorned with several landscape paintings. Sunlight streamed through the heavy curtains, casting dappled light on the wooden floor. Tools were scattered on the table, leather pieces piled casually nearby, giving the room a somewhat messy appearance. Xiuyah sat at a chair with complete focus, holding a sharp needle, sewing a leather jacket. Her eyes were slightly narrowed, her attention entirely fixed on the work in her hands, completely unaware of Shayun’s entrance.

Shayun gently pushed open the door, seeing her daughter still absorbed in her task, and stepped in lightly. Her voice was soft but carried a trace of warmth: “I went to the church to see Williams, Xiuyah.”

Xiuyah raised her head, her brows slightly lifted, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. The needle in her hand nearly fell; she quickly steadied it, her voice slightly trembling: “Sena, you…” A trace of unease and expectation appeared in her gaze; she clearly did not expect her mother to meet Williams.

Shayun walked gently to the table, glancing at the leather jacket her daughter was sewing, her eyes carrying a soft smile, her tone also softened: “Your uncle came to see me, asking me to respect your choice.”

Upon hearing this, Xiuyah’s brows slightly relaxed, as if she understood, replying softly: “Oh…” Her tone carried a hint of relief and faint helplessness, as if she had mentally prepared herself for this matter.

Shayun nodded slightly, walked to the window, gazed at the scenery outside, then turned to Xiuyah: “So I went to see Williams. I wanted to know the attitude and thoughts of the boy my daughter favors.” Her gaze softened, yet carried a trace of firmness, as if conveying trust and understanding.

Xiuyah’s eyes flickered, seeming slightly nervous. Her needle paused, she gently bit her lip, words caught in her throat: “Sena…” Her voice held emotions she could not conceal, words she could not speak.

Shayun looked at her, a motherly smile on her face, walked closer, gently stroked her hair, her tone firm yet soft: “Now, I can safely entrust you to Williams.” Her words were full of love and understanding, as if telling her that this is the path she has chosen, and no matter what, her mother will support her.

Tears suddenly welled up in Xiuyah’s eyes. She lowered her head, pressed her lips together, her tone filled with gratitude: “Thank you, Sena.” Her hands trembled slightly, yet she persisted in threading the needle through the leather, as if sewing the hope for the future into this relationship.

Shayun smiled faintly, walked to her side, softly said: “When Williams is ready, you will be married in the church. But until then, do not alert Carly. I do not want him to cause trouble.” Her tone carried a subtle worry, revealing her lingering distrust and concern regarding Carly.

Xiuyah nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes: “Yes, Sena.” Her voice no longer trembled, sounding firmer.

Shayun looked at her daughter’s focused gaze, smiled slightly, turned to the other side of the room, and casually asked: “Are you sewing clothes for Williams?”

Xiuyah raised her head, a hint of shy light in her eyes, lightly nodded: “Yes, Sena.” Her tone carried sweetness and softness, as if offering this handmade gift as a special gesture for Williams.

Shayun looked at her, smiling softly: “A daughter grows up; sooner or later, she will have a home.” Her tone was full of maternal love, her eyes gentle, as if witnessing Xiuyah’s growth and transformation, also affirming to herself that this moment would inevitably arrive, whether she was ready or not.

Xiuyah lowered her head, a faint smile appearing on her face, her heart seeming to gain stronger resolve. Her needle continued to pass through the leather, sewing her hopes and dreams for the future.