The Spring of Lukou18
[Chapter Seventeen]
1
Carrying that copy of the Classic of Filial Piety, after class, Wenyan came to the library. Mingdao, Yutang, Xiao Qiao, Baofeng, and Yuhui were all already seated, waiting for him.
Yutang stood up, opened his arms, stepped forward, and said, “Welcome to our great writer from Ji Zhong, classmate Yu Wenyan, honoring us with your grand presence—this humble place is illuminated.”
Wenyan, completely baffled, asked, “You all—what’s going on?”
Baofeng said, “Yutang, stop messing with Wenyan!”
Yuhui said, “My brother is jealous of you!”
Yutang retorted, “When have I been jealous? I’m just imitating opera singing, delivering a welcoming speech.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wenyan, your homeroom teacher asked you to participate in an essay competition—Mingdao already told us.”
Wenyan made a small complaint, saying, “Mingdao, since when did you start moonlighting as a loudspeaker?”
Mingdao said, “This is a good thing! Of course it should be announced to all friends and relatives.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Wenyan, my senior Shao Yanling asked me to ask you if you’re interested in joining the school magazine club. You can take part in editing the magazine. If you’re interested, I’ll join with you.”
Yutang cut in, “If you’re interested, I’ll join with you. The husband sings and the wife follows—that’s what you call being considerate!”
Xiao Qiao pretended to be angry and said, “Yutang, stop stirring things up!”
Baofeng also said, “Yutang, don’t play matchmaker and randomly pair people up!”
Wenyan said, “Alright! Then let’s join together.”
2
Xiao Qiao and Wenyan went together to the school magazine club and met the president Mu Minhua, the editorial team leader Shao Yanling, and other members.
Shao Yanling said with a smile, “Welcome to both of you juniors for joining us. Recently, our school magazine club has been recruiting members.”
Mu Minhua said kindly, “Yu Wenyan, I have read quite a few of your essays and new poems published in the newspaper supplements. Genuine emotion flows between the lines; your writing left a deep impression on me.”
Wenyan said politely, “Thank you, senior, for your appreciation.”
Minhua said, “With you joining, the lineup of the school magazine club becomes even more promising. Yanling, take Wenyan first and teach him how to edit and format.”
Yanling said, “Yes, President.”
Minhua added, “Xiao Qiao, I heard from Yanling that your English is very good. You can help the school magazine club translate some short prose pieces and new poems by English writers.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Thank you, President, for giving me the opportunity to perform. I will do my best!”
Minhua said, “You can make it!”
3
After school, Xiao Qiao and Wenyan walked together.
Xiao Qiao said, “There’s a newly opened dessert shop on the street near the school. I heard their fruit shaved ice is very good. Wenyan, let’s go try it together.”
Wenyan said, “Sure! But I only brought my monthly bus pass with me—I didn’t bring any money.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I know that. Baofeng told me before that unless you need to pay fees or buy stationery, you don’t carry money to school.”
Wenyan said, “It seems Baofeng told you everything.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Of course! Baofeng is my good sister.”
The two arrived at the dessert shop and found a seat by the window.
Wenyan said, “This shop seems to be doing quite well!”
Xiao Qiao said, “Yes! If the desserts taste good, naturally customers will come.”
A waiter came to serve them. “What would you like to order?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Two servings of mixed fruit shaved ice.”
The waiter said, “Alright, please wait a moment.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Wenyan, what do you think of Senior Yanling?”
Wenyan said, “She’s very nice! Very kind.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I’m asking you—she’s so beautiful. Would you be attracted to her?”
Only then did Wenyan understand Xiao Qiao’s thoughts. He smiled foolishly and said, “Xiao Qiao, you’re thinking too much.”
Xiao Qiao said, “I’m not overthinking! Senior Yanling is both talented and beautiful. She’s recognized as the campus beauty of our school. She told me she read several of your pieces published in the newspaper supplements and admires your writing very much. With your similar wavelengths, it’s natural to be attracted to each other.”
Wenyan reached out and held Xiao Qiao’s hand, saying, “Xiao Qiao, if you don’t trust me, why did you introduce me to join the school magazine club?”
Xiao Qiao said, “I just don’t want your talent to be buried by yourself.”
Wenyan said, “You’re wrong! I don’t like to stand out. Since elementary school, because of my sensitive background, I learned to avoid becoming the center of attention. After all, I’ve endured many strange looks and a lot of unfriendly ridicule.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wenyan, I understand how you feel. Please forgive my selfishness, because I’ve always cared deeply about the relationship between us over these years, and I don’t want it to change because of Senior Yanling’s appearance.”
This confession from Xiao Qiao moved Wenyan. He said, “Have confidence in yourself, Xiao Qiao. The shaved ice is here.”
The waiter brought two bowls of fruit shaved ice. The two looked at each other without speaking, yet understood each other without words.
4
After class, Mingdao came to Wenyan’s seat and saw manuscript paper spread out on his desk. Wenyan was writing that classical Chinese essay for the competition. Not wanting to disturb him, Mingdao was about to turn and leave.
“Class monitor, didn’t you have something to talk to me about?” Wenyan called out to stop him.
Mingdao turned around and said, “I saw you were concentrating on writing your competition essay, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Wenyan said, “My mind is all tied up. I can’t continue after this paragraph. Will you come with me to the side of the field to get some fresh air?”
Mingdao smiled teasingly and said, “No way? The one who should accompany you for a walk and a heart-to-heart should be Xiao Qiao or Baofeng, not me, right?”
A faint bitter smile flashed across Wenyan’s face. He said, “Yesterday evening, Xiao Qiao treated me to fruit shaved ice. She said some things to me.”
At the mention of Xiao Qiao, Mingdao’s curiosity was piqued. “Oh? What did Xiao Qiao say to you? Let’s go out and talk while walking.”
The two walked out of the classroom, crossed the field, and came under the row of large trees by the wall.
Wenyan roughly recounted the conversation between him and Xiao Qiao from yesterday. Mingdao felt a trace of sadness in his heart. After all, Xiao Qiao had always been the girl he secretly admired. At this moment, Mingdao deliberately remained calm, not letting Wenyan notice anything unusual.
Mingdao said in a consultative tone, “In my opinion, Xiao Qiao cares about you very much. That’s why she expressed her concerns in advance, to prevent you and the senior from developing feelings over time due to close proximity.”
Wenyan said, “At the time, I also sensed Xiao Qiao’s thoughts, and only then did I realize how much she actually cares about me.”
Mingdao cursed silently in his heart, “Damn it, Wenyan, you really don’t know how fortunate you are! Even I, an outsider, can see how Xiao Qiao has treated you all these years…” Yet he said aloud, “Wenyan, Xiao Qiao doesn’t want you to get into a relationship with an older girl, so she gave you a preventive warning in advance. That’s what I think her intention is.”
Wenyan laughed and said, “A preventive warning? Mingdao, your wording is quite creative.”
5
Xiao Qiao’s concerns were not without basis. In the school magazine club, Xiao Qiao carefully observed the interactions between Senior Yanling and Wenyan.
“The submitted manuscripts are reviewed by the editorial review team. Suitable pieces and backup manuscripts are selected, and the initial proofreading of the originals is completed. Next, they are handed over to our editorial team. We then categorize them into different genres such as new poetry, prose, and short stories, carry out the initial layout for each section, annotate the formatting, reserve space for illustrations, and then send them to the typing office to be typed according to the initial layout.” Shao Yanling was explaining the entire editing process in detail, while Wenyan listened and took notes.
Wenyan asked, “Senior, what should we pay attention to when arranging the layout?”
Yanling explained, “Besides reserving space for the title, you need to calculate line spacing and the number of lines in each paragraph before reserving space for illustrations.”
Wenyan asked again, “Can we reserve space for illustrations first?”
Yanling said, “Of course that’s possible, but it increases the difficulty of layout work. Generally, the editing process prioritizes text, and illustrations fill the remaining space. Unless the illustration is faded and used as a background, then there won’t be layout issues. Some background images are faded photographs or illustrations, but this approach is not often used because it affects the clarity of the text.”
Wenyan said, “Senior, now I understand.”
Yanling said, “Next comes proofreading the typed manuscript, cutting and pasting the corrected typescript to complete the initial layout, and finally handing it to the art team to draw illustrations, completing the layout work before printing.”
Nearby, Xiao Qiao translated an English essay while listening to their conversation.
“Junior, you are very diligent in learning. I truly acknowledge that,” Yanling said in a lowered voice. “Let me secretly tell you, Senior Mu admires your writing very much and is considering training you as her successor. She asked me to teach you the editorial desk operations as soon as possible.”
These words made Wenyan feel both honored and surprised. He thought, “I just joined the school magazine club, yet the president values me so highly…”
Although Xiao Qiao did not hear everything clearly, she did not miss the words “successor.” Seeing how much the seniors valued Wenyan, Xiao Qiao felt happy for him, yet she could not help but worry. In such an atmosphere, would Wenyan become infatuated and gradually lose his clarity?
6
In the library, Xiao Qiao pulled Baofeng into a corner to whisper.
Baofeng asked, “What is it that has to be so mysterious?”
Xiao Qiao roughly explained how she introduced Wenyan to the school magazine club and her concerns about Wenyan and Senior Yanling.
“You’re really asking for trouble!” After hearing Xiao Qiao’s explanation, Baofeng couldn’t help but scold her.
“Why would you say that, Baofeng?” Xiao Qiao was surprised by her reaction.
Baofeng said seriously, “Since you’re not at ease about Wenyan and Senior Yanling, you shouldn’t have created opportunities for them to be together. It’s very possible for sparks to fly between them.”
Xiao Qiao felt uneasy and asked, “Then what should we do?”
Baofeng said, “At this point, the only plan is to keep a close watch on them, to prevent them from really developing a relationship between senior and junior.”
Xiao Qiao asked worriedly, “But wouldn’t that cause Wenyan to resent us?”
Baofeng said, “We have to be skillful in how we do it. Don’t let Wenyan notice that we are monitoring him and Yanling.”
Xiao Qiao said, “This Wednesday afternoon, Wenyan will stay to help with editing. Why don’t you come with me to the school magazine club? We can bring some fruit and snacks to visit them, then stay there until Wenyan finishes, and leave together.”
Baofeng said, “Alright, we’ll go to the school magazine club.”
7
On Wednesday afternoon, Wenyan stayed holed up in the school magazine office, following Senior Yanling to learn layout work. Xiao Qiao, uneasy, went with Baofeng, bringing fruit and snacks to “visit the shift.” The two girls then sat in the corner. Xiao Qiao herself seemed to have no intention of leaving at all, while Baofeng felt increasingly uncomfortable.
“Xiao Qiao, how long are you planning to stay here?” Baofeng asked uneasily.
Xiao Qiao said, “Until Wenyan finishes the work at hand.”
Baofeng asked again, “And then?”
Xiao Qiao said casually, “Then the three of us will go eat a big plate of fruit shaved ice together.”
Baofeng said, “I’m not a member here. Staying here feels a bit awkward.”
Xiao Qiao comforted her, “Since we’re already here, just settle in. Treat this place like a study center.”
Baofeng said softly, “As I see it, Wenyan probably won’t cause any trouble, right? If we stay here, it feels like we’re monitoring him. He’ll probably feel uncomfortable too.”
Xiao Qiao asked, puzzled, “Baofeng, you were the one who proposed this idea. Why do you feel uncomfortable now?”
Indeed, ever since Xiao Qiao and Baofeng appeared together before him, Wenyan had felt uneasy. But he could not show any displeasure, because he knew that Xiao Qiao and Baofeng still did not trust him and the senior. Wenyan thought, “If our roles were reversed, would I feel at ease letting Xiao Qiao or Baofeng be alone with a senior boy?” After thinking this through, Wenyan was able to let go of their distrust and view it calmly and peacefully.
Shao Yanling, however, did not mind the two pairs of “concerned eyes” in the corner. She simply assumed the two junior girls had come with fruit and snacks to visit. From Xiao Qiao, she knew that Wenyan and the two girls had grown up together as childhood companions.
Yanling teased, “Junior, it seems you’re quite popular. Two pretty junior girls came especially to accompany you.”
Wenyan gave a wry smile and said, “Among our group of childhood companions, they are adorable little housekeepers.”
Yanling said, “That shows your group has a very good relationship. You should be happy. Unlike me, my female classmates always treat me as an outsider and deliberately keep their distance.”
Wenyan asked curiously, “How could that be? I don’t think you’re hard to get along with at all.”
A trace of loneliness flashed across Yanling’s face. “To be honest, I really dislike the title ‘campus beauty.’ My classmates flatter me in front of me, but behind my back they attack me with harsh and malicious remarks, saying I’m arrogant and self-satisfied, especially the girls in my class.”
Wenyan gave a soft “Oh” and said in understanding, “Senior, in fact, whether in appearance or inner talent and temperament, your qualities are truly outstanding. I think perhaps God made you too perfect, which is why it attracts jealous looks and words.”
Yanling said, “Wenyan, you really know how to comfort people. I used to ask myself whether I treated them badly, or whether I was a failure as a person. I don’t think I’m arrogant or self-satisfied, yet I still cannot gain their understanding and acceptance.”
Listening to Yanling confide her inner feelings, Wenyan could understand her distress. However, Wenyan knew Xiao Qiao’s thoughts and could also sense Xiao Qiao’s jealousy toward Yanling. This made Wenyan feel somewhat conflicted, and his expression became unnatural. Yanling seemed to notice and said, “Sorry, junior, I shouldn’t treat you as an emotional dumping ground. You’re not obligated to listen to my complaints.”
Wenyan scratched his forehead and said, “No, not at all, Senior. You consider me a good friend, that’s why you’re willing to talk to me about your feelings, right?”
Yanling said, moved, “Actually, I envy you. You have a group of childhood friends you can share your thoughts with. You must cherish these friends well.”
Wenyan said, “I will, Senior.”
8
Wenyan left the school magazine club together with Xiao Qiao and Baofeng, walking along the street toward the dessert shop.
Xiao Qiao carefully probed, “Wenyan, what were you and Senior Yanling talking about just now? I noticed her expression suddenly became serious.”
Wenyan did not want Xiao Qiao to worry unnecessarily, so he said lightly, “Nothing much. Senior was telling me about her situation when she first joined the magazine club.”
Xiao Qiao asked with a doubtful expression, “Is that really so?”
Wenyan looked at Xiao Qiao, raised his eyebrows, and said in a louder tone, “What else could it be?”
“Xiao Qiao, I don’t want to lie to you, but I also don’t want to bring trouble upon myself…” Wenyan thought with a bitter smile. Although this time it was a well-intentioned lie.
Baofeng joked, “We’re worried you’ll forget your friends when you see a pretty face, and then become infatuated…”
Wenyan smiled bitterly and said, “Forget friends because of beauty? Do you think I’m that kind of person?”
Unexpectedly, the two girls said in unison, “You are!”
Wenyan said, “We’re just editing the school magazine together. What could possibly happen?”
Xiao Qiao said, “That’s not certain! Yanling and you are both very talented. Your wavelengths are similar. It’s possible you might be attracted to each other.”
Wenyan said irritably, “I can’t argue with you two!”
Xiao Qiao said, “Alright! Consider us meddlesome and that we’ve made you angry. I’ll treat you to a big plate of fruit shaved ice to cool you down.”
Wenyan thought to himself, “So this is what you were worried about…”
9
Wenyan entered the homeroom teacher’s office. Zhang Ronghua said with a smile, “Wenyan, I’ve proofread the first draft of your essay. I didn’t change many words. Your classical Chinese writing is unexpectedly good.”
Wenyan said, “Thank you, teacher.”
Zhang Ronghua said, “Go back and rewrite the essay neatly. Give me the new copy, and I’ll help you send it out.”
Wenyan said, “Alright, teacher.”
Zhang Ronghua said, “Yesterday I ran into President Mu from the magazine club. She said you recently joined the club.”
Wenyan gave an “Oh” and scratched his head with a foolish smile.
Zhang Ronghua said, “That’s very good. In the magazine club, I believe you will definitely have room to perform.”
Wenyan said, “Thank you, teacher.”
Zhang Ronghua patted Wenyan on the shoulder and said, “Do well. I can see that President Mu values you highly. Perhaps the next president will be you.”
Wenyan again said “Oh,” still smiling foolishly.
10
In the school magazine club, Shao Yanling was like an older sister to Wenyan, taking great care of him.
Xiao Qiao, watching from the side, felt uncomfortable inside.
Shao Yanling said, “Wenyan, for this issue of the magazine, the submissions in the new poetry section are fairly good, but the short story section seems a bit weak. If you have time, you might as well write one.”
Wenyan asked, “I already have one piece each in new poetry and prose. If my name appears again in a novel, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”
Shao Yanling said, “That’s simple. Use a pen name for the short story.”
Wenyan said, “Oh? I’ll think about it.”
Yanling said, “I brought a box of chocolate. It’s for you.”
Wenyan asked, “For me?”
Yanling smiled and said, “Yes, to reward your hard work recently.”
President Mu Minhua said, “Wenyan, just accept it. It’s a small token of Yanling’s goodwill.”
Wenyan glanced at Xiao Qiao and noticed she was staring at him.
At that moment, Xiao Qiao deliberately acted generous and said, “Wenyan, just accept it.”
11
After school, Xiao Qiao and Wenyan walked under the arcades in the bustling district of Keelung City.
Wenyan asked, “Xiao Qiao, just now, why did even you tell me to…”
Xiao Qiao said, “Wenyan, because that’s basic social etiquette. Yanling offered you a box of chocolates in front of everyone. Accepting it prevents you from being impolite.”
Wenyan asked, “Then wouldn’t you feel unhappy?”
Xiao Qiao asked in return, “Am I that unreasonable?”
Wenyan said, “But I feel like you seemed…”
Xiao Qiao said, “Of course I feel a bit upset! In my heart, I consider you my boyfriend, and yet my senior took the initiative to give you chocolates.”
Wenyan said, “Since you care so much, why did you still tell me to accept it?”
Xiao Qiao said, “In that situation, I had to think for you.”
Wenyan said “Oh” and let Xiao Qiao hold his hand.
Wenyan asked, “Xiao Qiao, would your father oppose us being together?”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Do you want to hear the truth?”
Wenyan nodded. “Yes.”
Xiao Qiao said, “He still doesn’t know I’m with you. He said before that he would only agree for me to have a boyfriend after I enter university. However, my mother seems to know about us. She has a good impression of you.”
Wenyan said, “Oh.”
“Wenyan, I am from a mainlander family. In the future, would your family…” Xiao Qiao hesitated.
Wenyan said, “You’ve been to my house several times. You should know clearly whether my mother treats you well, right?”
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, “Your mother is very kind. I like her very much.”
Wenyan said, “My mother likes you very much.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “But Baofeng…”
Wenyan said, “I treat her as a younger sister.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Really? But I know Baofeng has always…”
Wenyan said, “I don’t want to hurt her, but one day I will let her know that the person I like is you, Xiao Qiao.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Alright, I believe you will make things clear to Baofeng.”
Wenyan said, “Xiao Qiao, I think from now on we should have a common goal.”
Xiao Qiao said knowingly, “I know. We’ll both get into National Taiwan University. Then we can be together openly.”
Wenyan said, “This weekend is my mother’s birthday. Do you want to come to my house?”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Am I the only one invited?”
Wenyan said, “Yes. But Baofeng will probably know as well.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Why?”
Wenyan said, “She has come before when my mother celebrated her birthday.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Oh! Then I need to prepare first.”
Wenyan said, “We’re country people. There’s no need to prepare deliberately.”
Xiao Qiao said, “A birthday gift is necessary! I can’t go to your house empty-handed.”
12
Wenyan, Baofeng, and Wenying sat on an ox cart.
Wenyan opened the box of chocolates. Inside was a bookmark with a few lines written on it. Before he could read it carefully, he instinctively put the bookmark away, quietly slipping it into a book. Then he said to Baofeng and Wenying, “Please have some chocolate.”
Baofeng asked in surprise, “Chocolate? Where did you get it?”
Wenyan said, “Senior Yanling from the magazine club gave it to me.”
Baofeng asked with a strange expression, “Senior Yanling? Why would she give you chocolate? That’s suspicious!”
Wenyan said, “You’re overthinking, Baofeng.”
Baofeng said, “Not at all! When a girl gives a boy chocolate, that’s very unusual.”
Wenyan said, “It’s nothing, right? Is it worth making a fuss over?”
Baofeng asked, “Does Xiao Qiao know about this?”
Wenyan said, “Yes. Xiao Qiao was there at the time. She was the one who told me to accept it.”
Baofeng said, “Is that so? That’s a bit strange! Usually when a girl gives a boy chocolate, it means she’s taking the initiative to confess her feelings.”
“Is that so?” Wenyan responded verbally, but in his heart he thought, “Could it be that Senior Yanling has feelings for me…”
Wenying ate the chocolate, her face full of satisfaction. Baofeng, however, wore a suspicious expression and did not eat the chocolate.
Baofeng asked, “Wenyan, your mother’s birthday should be coming soon, right?”
Wenyan said, “Yes, it’s this weekend.”
Baofeng asked again, “Does Xiao Qiao know as well?”
Wenyan said, “Yes. I told Xiao Qiao. She will come to my house.”
Baofeng understood in her heart. Although Xiao Qiao and she were like sisters, in front of Wenyan, Xiao Qiao was an opponent who would not yield. This realization became increasingly clear to Baofeng herself.
13
In the evening, in the bedroom, Wenyan stared blankly at that bookmark. The delicate handwriting, the suggestive poetic lines—Yanling’s figure gradually became clear in his mind…
A knock sounded on the wooden door. Laichun pushed it open and came in. “Wenyan, you said that tomorrow Baofeng and Xiao Qiao will both come to our house. Do you think your mother should put on some makeup and change into a more formal outfit to receive guests?”
The knock brought Wenyan’s thoughts back to reality. “Mom, dress up nicely tomorrow. That way it will feel more like celebrating a birthday.”
Laichun said, “That’s true! I must keep up your face. But between Baofeng and Xiao Qiao, which girl do you like?”
Wenyan said, “Baofeng and I have been together since childhood. She’s just like Wenying.”
Laichun said, “I understand what you mean. But Xiao Qiao is a young lady from a wealthy family. Would she be willing to marry into our rural place and endure hardship with us?”
Wenyan said, “As for that, Mom, you don’t need to worry.”
14
In the living room of the Xia family mansion, Xiao Qiao was preparing the gifts she would bring to Lukou Village the next day—several Shiseido cosmetics. Her mother, Zhai Jialing, walked over. “Daughter, what are you busy with?”
“I’m going to a classmate’s house tomorrow for a birthday celebration.” Xiao Qiao packed the cosmetics into a gift box.
“No way? Would your classmate even need these brand-name cosmetics?” Zhai Jialing asked in confusion.
Xiao Qiao said, “No, they’re for Yu Wenyan’s mother.”
Zhai Jialing said, “Yu Wenyan? You’re going to take an ox cart up the mountain again tomorrow?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Yes! I’ll stay overnight at Baofeng’s house.”
Zhai Jialing said “Oh!” and then said, “Xiao Qiao, you like that Yu Wenyan, don’t you?”
Xiao Qiao paused for a moment and said, “Yes.”
Zhai Jialing said, “You keep going to Wenyan’s house. That doesn’t seem very appropriate.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mommy! I’m just going to celebrate a birthday. It’s nothing.”
Zhai Jialing said, “Mommy doesn’t want you to affect your studies because of dating.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mommy! Wenyan’s grades are even better than mine! He actively urges me to study and accompanies me to the library, so there’s no need to worry about me.”
Zhai Jialing said, “Alright, but your father is not as easy to talk to as I am. I heard him say that in the future, the person you marry must be a good match for our family.”
Xiao Qiao said, “What era is this? Dad still holds onto that outdated idea of matching family status?”
Zhai Jialing said, “Your father is also thinking about your happiness. He doesn’t want you to suffer in the future. If you want to be with Yu Wenyan, you must convince your father and get past him.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Alright! I believe Dad will respect my choice.”
Zhai Jialing said, “It’s still too early to talk about this now. When you go to university and enter society, you will have many opportunities to meet boys with different conditions.”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mommy! Of course I know that! But I’ve already chosen Wenyan.”
Zhai Jialing asked suspiciously, “Chosen Wenyan? Xiao Qiao, you and Wenyan haven’t already crossed the line, have you?”
Xiao Qiao said, “Mommy! No such thing! Wenyan is an upright gentleman. He respects me very much.”
Zhai Jialing let out a breath of relief. “That’s good.”
Xiao Qiao thought, “Besides Mother Laichun, Wenying and Grandma should also have small gifts. What should I give them?”
15
In the living room of Baofeng’s house, Baofeng held up a newly bought dress and said, “Mom, stand up for a moment. I’ll check the size.”
Liao Meijiao, sitting on a rattan chair, smiled and stood up. “My birthday hasn’t even arrived yet. Why did you buy this dress?”
Baofeng said, “Mom, it’s not for you! It’s for Wenyan’s mother’s birthday. I thought your figure is about the same as hers, so I chose this dress based on your measurements.”
Meijiao said, “I see. I understand your intentions.”
Baofeng said shyly, “Mom…”
Meijiao said, “That Wenyan is very smart and studies well. He has a good reputation in our village and will surely have a promising future. You want to please Laichun so that you can become a daughter-in-law of the Yu family in the future. Am I right?”
Baofeng lowered her head, and two blushes appeared on her cheeks.
Meijiao added, “I would also be very satisfied if Wenyan became my son-in-law. You must seize the opportunity yourself. But you must study diligently. In our family, besides your uncle who passed away, you are the second one to have the chance to attend university.”
Baofeng said, “I have always studied diligently! But my good friend Xiao Qiao also likes Wenyan. Mom, I’m worried…”
Meijiao said, “Is that so? Then you must be even more proactive. Although Xiao Qiao’s family conditions are better than ours, you and Wenyan have grown up together since childhood. That is our advantage.”
Baofeng smiled happily and said, “Mom, you’re like my consultant…”
Meijiao sighed and said, “Sigh! Your father and I were also together through free love. Although your grandfather once arranged a blind date for your father, he insisted on being with me.”
Baofeng said, “Mom, so you and Dad were also in a love match…”
16
After school at noon on Saturday, Xiao Qiao changed into a pink dress trimmed with lace. She first took a bus with Wenyan and Baofeng to Xizhi. The three of them boarded Ah Yuan’s ox cart and, together with Wenyan, Baofeng, and Wenying, returned to Lukou Village.
On the ox cart, Baofeng was very curious about the gift box Xiao Qiao had prepared and wanted to find out its contents. “Xiao Qiao, what kind of gift is in your box?”
Xiao Qiao, of course, knew Baofeng’s intention, and deliberately acted mysterious. “I can’t say yet. It will be revealed when we meet Mother Laichun.”
Although Baofeng showed a “disappointed” expression, she secretly laughed, thinking, “That gift box has a fragrance. It’s probably Shiseido cosmetics! Xiao Qiao said her father is the agent of the Japanese Shiseido company in Taiwan. She would never guess that my gift is a fashionable dress.”
Baofeng said, “Xiao Qiao, since you won’t tell me, then I won’t tell you what I prepared either.”
Xiao Qiao said, “That makes it more interesting!”
Wenyan, who was reciting English phrases, turned his head and asked, “What is interesting?”
Xiao Qiao pointed at Wenyan’s head and said, “Hey! There’s a lump of bird droppings on your hair!”
Baofeng laughed and said, “Haha! It’s true! A bird pooped on you.”
Wenyan reached up to touch his crew cut. Sure enough, there was bird droppings. He flicked it off and even brought his fingers to his nose to smell. “Fortunately, it’s not too smelly!”
Xiao Qiao took out a tissue and said, “Quick, wipe your hair and fingers clean.”
Baofeng said, “My grandfather says if a bird poops on you, it brings bad luck. You have to wash your hair with mugwort to get rid of it.”
Wenyan said, “I don’t believe that at all!”
Xiao Qiao said, “Better to believe it than not. Don’t be so stubborn. When we get home, wash your hair first.”
The ox cart wound along the undulating mountain road, and laughter could be heard from time to time.
