【Chapter Twenty-Three】
1
After the meeting ended, Chu Yao left the department student association together with Xia Xiaoqiao and Lin Meidai. They walked through the corridor of the College of Foreign Languages toward the cafeteria.
Chu Yao asked, “Meidai, you said that bouquet of fresh flowers was from Wang Jun?”
Meidai said, “Yeah, but the real heroine is actually Xiaoqiao.”
Chu Yao said with slight surprise, “Xiaoqiao? That social butterfly Wang Jun is actually setting his sights on my junior? Xiaoqiao, you’d better watch out for that guy.”
Xiaoqiao, however, appeared completely relaxed and said, “Senior, Senior Wang Jun is definitely wasting his efforts. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Chu Yao asked, “Really?”
Meidai said, “Senior, Xiaoqiao’s already taken.”
Chu Yao asked, “Oh? Is he from our school? Which department?”
Xiaoqiao said, “He’s in the Law Department, Legal Studies Division. I have a dinner date with him later, and then we’re going to the library to study.”
Chu Yao smiled and said, “Then I’m relieved. I was originally planning to treat the two of you to dinner, but since you already have plans, don’t keep your boyfriend waiting too long.”
Xiaoqiao waved goodbye to the two of them and walked toward the school gate.
2
The next day after class, Xiaoqiao and Meidai were blocked at a corner in the hallway by three senior girls from English Department Year Three.
Senior Xiang Xin said maliciously, “Well, well! Look who it is. Isn’t this the little vixen from our English Department?”
Senior Li Xiuwen deliberately spoke in a sarcastic tone, “That’s right! The moment this seductive fox appears, all the sharp-headed eels in our English Department go into heat one after another. I seriously can’t understand what charm this little vixen has!”
Senior Lian Yulian said, “Isn’t it just the same old tricks? First pretending to be noble and refined so everyone thinks she’s classy, then deliberately acting pitiful and delicate in front of boys…”
Xiang Xin said, “You’d better stay away from Wang Jun and stop seducing him.”
Senior Lian Yulian said, “That’s right! We’re warning you now, so don’t say we never warned you.”
The three of them took turns verbally humiliating Xiaoqiao. Although she felt extremely uncomfortable listening to them, she did not want to provoke them at this moment either. “Seniors, I think you’ve misunderstood. I already have a boyfriend. It’s Senior Wang Jun who keeps pestering me. I’m not interested in him at all.”
Senior Xiang Xin said, “You’d better keep your word. Don’t let us catch you together with Wang Jun again.”
Xiaoqiao found the whole thing absurdly laughable and thought to herself, “These senior girls have actually treated me like their number one imaginary enemy. What the heck is this all about?”
Meidai said, “Xiaoqiao, shall we go?”
Xiaoqiao forced a bitter smile and said, “What an undeserved disaster!”
The three girls, led by Xiang Xin, watched Xia Xiaoqiao and Lin Meidai leave.
3
Inside the student association office, Wang Jun and Wu Baolong once again came to bother Xiaoqiao.
“Junior Xiaoqiao, for the Christmas party, besides arranging a masquerade ball, the activity group is also planning to stage Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. We would like to invite you to play the leading female role of Juliet. I wonder if you would honor us with your participation?” Wang Jun put away his playful grin and spoke with great sincerity.
Lin Meidai curiously asked, “Then who’s playing Romeo?”
Wu Baolong grinned foolishly and said, “Obviously not me! Anyone could guess that.”
Lin Meidai had already guessed it, but deliberately asked, “Could it possibly be Senior Wang Jun?”
Wang Jun placed his right hand across his chest and bowed slightly. “Indeed, it is yours truly.”
Lin Meidai smiled mysteriously. She pulled Xiaoqiao aside and whispered, “Wang Jun wants to use this opportunity to get close to you. Be careful!”
Xiaoqiao nodded and said, “Mm! I know.”
“Senior, I appreciate that you think highly of me. Originally, I really shouldn’t refuse, but I think for the role of Juliet, if you invited Senior Xiang Xin or Lian Yulian, you’d probably have better chemistry with them. So please don’t consider me.”
Although Xiaoqiao had tactfully rejected him, Wang Jun was not discouraged. He said, “Junior, don’t reject me so quickly! You’re the most suitable person to play Juliet. In a couple of days, I’ll bring the stage script to your classroom.”
“There’s really no need, Senior…” Xiaoqiao declined with a hand gesture.
At that moment, Chu Yao walked in and saw Wang Jun and Wu Baolong.
Chu Yao warned, “Wang Jun! Have some self-respect and stop harassing my junior.”
Wang Jun said, “How am I harassing your junior? I’m inviting her to play the leading actress in the Christmas party play.”
Chu Yao sneered, “Don’t waste your effort. I won’t agree to let my junior act in your play!”
Baolong said, “Auntie! What’s your problem? Did you eat explosives or something? We can talk this out!”
Chu Yao loudly shot back, “That’s right! I simply can’t stand the sight of you two. I’ve got nothing to say to you. Why aren’t you two getting lost yet?”
Wang Jun said, “Baolong, let’s maintain our gentlemanly manners and leave first, shall we?”
Seeing that the situation was turning unfavorable, Wang Jun and Baolong hurriedly slipped away.
Xiaoqiao exclaimed admiringly, “Senior really knows how to handle them!”
Chu Yao said, “When dealing with those two tomcats, you absolutely can’t give them a pleasant face!”
4
At dusk, Xiaoqiao and Wenyan were eating together in the student cafeteria.
“Wenyan, let me ask you something. If…” Xiaoqiao wondered how to phrase it more tactfully without making Wenyan unhappy.
Wenyan said, “If what?”
Xiaoqiao said, “If another guy sent me flowers and asked me out to a movie, would you be upset?”
Wenyan said, “Of course I’d be upset! I’m your boyfriend.”
Xiaoqiao smiled and said, “I knew you’d get jealous, so I didn’t accept the flowers or the invitation.”
Wenyan said, “Oh? Who asked you out?”
Xiaoqiao said, “A senior in our department named Wang Jun. He previously sent me flowers and invited me out for dinner and a movie, but I didn’t agree.”
Wenyan said, “Your senior is trying to pursue you!”
Xiaoqiao said, “Recently, the student association has been preparing for the Christmas party. Senior Wang Jun adapted a stage play and wants to invite me to play the leading female role.”
Wenyan asked, “Oh! And then?”
Xiaoqiao said, “He’s playing the male lead himself and wants to use the opportunity to get close to me, so I still refused him.”
Wenyan said, “Mm! You were right to reject him.”
Xiaoqiao said, “If there’s a chance later, I’ll introduce him to you.”
Wenyan teased, “Oh! So does that make me his number one romantic rival, Lady Xiaoqiao?”
Xiaoqiao laughed sweetly and said, “What do you think, Husband Wenyan?”
5
Wang Jun and Wu Baolong came to the entrance of the English Department Year One classroom to wait for Xia Xiaoqiao. Wang Jun was holding a script and a bouquet of flowers.
After class, as soon as Xia Xiaoqiao and Lin Meidai walked out of the classroom, Wang Jun stopped them.
“Junior Xiaoqiao, these flowers are for you. This is the stage play I adapted. Read through it first, and then we can find some time to discuss it.” Regardless of whether Xiaoqiao agreed or not, Wang Jun pushed the script toward her.
“Senior, you’re really putting me in a difficult position!” Xiaoqiao did not want to accept the script.
At that moment, Wenyan, Li Qiwen, and Chen Liangmou came to pick Xiaoqiao up after class. The moment Xiaoqiao saw Wenyan, it was as though she had seen a savior. She turned to Wang Jun and said, “Sorry, my boyfriend is here to pick me up.”
Meidai said, “Please move aside, Senior.”
Xiaoqiao and Meidai quickly walked toward Wenyan and the others, while Wang Jun’s group and Wenyan’s group stared at each other.
6
Xiaoqiao, Wenyan, and the other three strolled along Coconut Avenue. Wenyan held Xiaoqiao’s hand as the two walked in front, while Meidai was sandwiched in the middle by Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou on her left and right.
Xiaoqiao said, “That pale-faced scholar you met outside the classroom earlier is Senior Wang Jun, the one I mentioned to you before.”
Wenyan said, “He really does look quite distinguished. He’s even more handsome than I am.”
Xiaoqiao said, “I wasn’t comparing you with him. Besides, you have your own unique qualities.”
Wenyan deliberately asked, “What unique qualities do I have? How come I’ve never known about them myself?”
Xiaoqiao smiled and said, “You…” She thought for a moment before continuing, “You’re very sincere and honest, and your writing is really good too.”
Wenyan complained, “That’s all? I thought you were going to say a lot more!”
Xiaoqiao said, “And you still think that’s not enough?”
Walking behind them, Lin Meidai said enviously, “Look at them. Their relationship is really so good!”
Li Qiwen said, “The two of them have been schoolmates since junior high. After six years together, of course their relationship is strong!”
At that moment, Chen Liangmou said suggestively, “If you’re willing, Meidai, we could be like them too.”
Li Qiwen said, “Hey! Liangmou, you really forget your friends once you see a pretty girl! Don’t forget we’re supposed to be a trio.”
Chen Liangmou grinned slyly and said, “Love is selfish. Someone always has to sacrifice the small self for the greater cause.”
Meidai laughed and said, “Oh, give me a break! I haven’t agreed to anything!”
7
Inside the library, Wenyan was searching for books on the shelves when he accidentally knocked into Zhang Meihua, who was carrying a stack of books in her hands. Wenyan quickly apologized and helped her pick up the books.
When Zhang Meihua saw that Wenyan was holding a copy of Selected Poems of Zheng Chouyu, she assumed he was a student from the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Foreign Languages. “You also like Zheng Chouyu’s modern poetry?”
Wenyan said, “Yes! His lyrical poems are very romantic and aesthetically beautiful.”
Zhang Meihua asked, “Are you a student from the College of Liberal Arts?”
Wenyan said, “No, I’m from the Law Department.”
Zhang Meihua said, “The Law Department? It’s quite rare for someone there to like modern poetry!”
Wenyan said, “Maybe? I guess I’m kind of an oddball in the Law Department.”
Zhang Meihua said, “An oddball? I don’t think so. Just somewhat unusual.”
Wenyan said, “To be honest, I prefer the poet Ya Xian. His poetry collection Abyss carries a strong sense of social consciousness and compassionate humanitarian concern.”
Zhang Meihua smiled and said, “Looks like you’re quite an expert too. My name is Zhang Meihua, Chinese Literature Year One.”
Wenyan said, “My name is Yu Wenyan. It’s a pleasure to meet a fellow enthusiast of modern poetry.”
Zhang Meihua said, “Did you know our school has an ‘Aurora Modern Poetry Club’?”
Wenyan said, “Sorry, I only just found out about this poetry club.”
“You’re Yu Wenyan?” Zhang Meihua seemed to recall something and said, “I think I’ve read your works before in newspaper literary supplements. There were novels and modern poems.”
Wenyan said, “I also write essays and frequently publish in literary supplements and literary magazines.”
Zhang Meihua asked, “Are you interested in joining the ‘Aurora Modern Poetry Club’? I can take you to meet the club president.”
Wenyan said, “Sure! Everyone can learn from and exchange ideas with one another.”
8
Inside the luxurious living room of the Xia family mansion, Xiaoqiao had just returned from school, while her younger brother Zixuan was watching the evening news.
Xiaoqiao asked, “Little brother, have you been cooped up at home all day again?”
Zixuan said, “Yeah! I don’t have any classmates or friends here, and I’m not familiar with the roads in Taipei either, so I can’t be bothered going out alone.”
Hearing the conversation, Zhai Jialing walked out from the bedroom and said, “Xiaoqiao, you came back at just the right time. Mommy’s birthday is this weekend, and I’ve been worrying about it.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Mommy, you could hire a catering service and hold a birthday banquet at home, then invite a few relatives and friends over.”
Jialing said, “Mommy’s friends have all scattered far and wide. My two closest girlfriends are both in the United States and Canada. Where would any relatives or friends come from now? Your father’s business friends are also rarely brought home. A birthday banquet like that would feel too lonely.”
“Is that so? Then…” Xiaoqiao thought for a moment and said, “I could invite Wenyan over to celebrate Mommy’s birthday with us. How about that?”
Zixuan said, “Great! Great! Sis, I still haven’t met my future brother-in-law yet!”
Jialing said, “That’s a good idea! I also haven’t seen Wenyan for quite a while. Just bring him over.”
9
At dusk, Xiaoqiao arrived at the entrance of the NTU College of Law student dormitory on Xuzhou Road to wait for Wenyan after class.
Wenyan was walking together with Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou.
Qiwen was the first to notice Xiaoqiao. “Boss, your sweetheart is here to pick you up!”
Liangmou said, “You go spend time with her. Qiwen and I won’t be third wheels for you lovebirds.”
Wenyan smiled and said, “Sorry about that! Don’t blame me for valuing romance over friendship.”
Wenyan walked toward her, and Xiaoqiao asked, “You left your classmates behind. Won’t they complain about you?”
Wenyan said, “No way! The two of them know how to read the situation.”
Xiaoqiao said, “This weekend is my mommy’s birthday. She said she wants to invite you to our house for the celebration.”
Wenyan was both surprised and flattered upon hearing this. “Your mom wants to invite me over?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Yes! There won’t be any other guests at home that day. Just you.”
“Is that so?” Wenyan said with a bitter smile, “It feels like I’m heading to a Hongmen Banquet.”
Xiaoqiao said, “It’s just a family birthday gathering. You don’t need to put pressure on yourself.”
Wenyan asked, “Alright then. But what kind of birthday gift should I prepare?”
Xiaoqiao said, “We’ll buy a gift box together on the street that morning. You don’t need to worry about that.”
Wenyan asked again, “Then what clothes should I wear to your house?”
Xiaoqiao said, “Just wear your university uniform with a tie. It’s not like you’re going to a blind date.”
Wenyan said, “Actually, this is pretty much the same as a blind date. I’m going to meet my future father-in-law and mother-in-law!”
Xiaoqiao said, “If you don’t think of it that way, you won’t put pressure on yourself.”
10
On Friday evening, Wenyan and Wenying rode Ah Yuan’s ox cart and returned together to their home in Lukeng. Laichun, wearing an apron around her waist, saw Wenyan and said, “Change out of your clothes and get some rest. Dinner will be ready very soon.”
Wenyan said, “Mom, Xiaoqiao invited me to her house tomorrow. Her mother’s birthday is tomorrow.”
Laichun said, “That’s good! Last time when your mother had her birthday, Xiaoqiao specially came all the way to our home. This time it’s her mother’s birthday, and her mother invited you to their house. That’s returning courtesy for courtesy. It means they think highly of you.”
Wenyan forced a bitter smile and said, “But it feels like I’m going on a blind date! I feel very uncomfortable, especially since it’ll be my first time meeting Xiaoqiao’s father.”
Laichun said, “Just act naturally in front of the elders. Since you like Xiaoqiao, her parents are your future parents-in-law. Of course you need to socialize with them. That’s basic etiquette. Although your mother is just a country woman who hasn’t seen much of the world, I still understand these matters of human relationships quite well!”
Wenyan said, “Alright then! Sooner or later, I was going to meet them anyway.”
Laichun said, “Relax! I’ll prepare a pack of premium tea leaves for you to bring as a gift.”
11
On the morning of the birthday banquet, Wenyan and Xiaoqiao arranged to meet at a market near Ningxia Road.
“Wenyan, I’m over here.” Xiaoqiao spotted Wenyan first and waved at him. Wenyan crossed the street at the crosswalk.
Xiaoqiao said, “Let’s go pick out a birthday gift at the market.”
Xiaoqiao linked arms with Wenyan as the two walked into the market. Wenyan said, “My mother prepared a pack of tea leaves and a bag of honey sweet potatoes for me. They’re all produced by our own family.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Oh? Then I’ll buy a box of preserved plums and prunes. That should probably be enough.”
Wenyan asked uneasily, “Will that really be enough?”
Xiaoqiao said, “My dad likes brewing tea, so the tea leaves you brought can serve as your greeting gift for him. As for my mom, she lacks nothing. Just bringing two kinds of snacks she likes to eat will be enough for her.”
12
As noon approached, the catering chefs were busy in the kitchen, while the bakery delivered the birthday cake, which Zhai Jialing personally signed for. Xia Yitiao sat on the sofa, brewing tea while reading the newspaper. Zixuan watched a television drama on the TV screen.
Jialing placed the cake on the small tea table and returned to sit on the sofa.
“I’m telling you, Daddy, when Wenyan comes in later, you’d better not give him a cold face, alright?” Jialing reminded him uneasily.
Xia Yitiao said, “I haven’t even agreed to let my daughter marry him yet. Why should I be polite to him?”
Jialing said, “I’m worried you’ll try to intimidate him and ruin my good mood!”
Xia Yitiao said, “I have to make things clear from the start. No matter how that boy reacts, if he wants to become my son-in-law, he’ll have to follow my rules.”
Jialing said, “It’s exactly because of this stubborn temper of yours that the children think you’re authoritarian and overbearing.”
Xia Yitiao said, “Honey, I’m not like this about everything. Since this concerns our daughter’s future happiness, it’s not excessive for me, as her father, to be a little authoritarian.”
Jialing said, “Anyway, don’t make the atmosphere awkward. Today is my birthday.”
Xia Yitiao said, “Alright! I’ll try to phrase things more tactfully when I speak.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang. “Coming!” the maid answered as she went to open the door.
Xiaoqiao entered while linking arms with Wenyan.
Xiaoqiao said, “Daddy, Mommy, I brought Wenyan here.”
Upon seeing Xiaoqiao’s father, Wenyan politely bowed and said, “Hello, Uncle Xia.”
As Xia Yitiao spoke, he sized Wenyan up from head to toe. “Come in and have a seat.”
Wenyan then said, “Hello, Auntie.”
Jialing said, “Just treat this like your own home. Don’t be too restrained.”
Zixuan stood up and proactively walked over. “Hi! Hello, I’m the younger brother, Zixuan.”
Wenyan said, “Zixuan, your sister told me you came back to Taiwan for vacation and that you’ll be returning to California to continue your studies after a while.”
Zixuan said, “Brother Yu, you’re even more handsome than I imagined!”
Wenyan smiled in surprise and said, “Handsome? Honestly, you’re the first person ever to use that adjective for me. I’ve always felt like some uncultured country bumpkin who’s never seen the world!”
Zixuan said, “A country bumpkin? Not at all! Sis praised your writing to me before. She said you’re a rising writer who frequently publishes articles in literary supplements and magazines.”
Wenyan said, “I submit manuscripts often, but it’s only to earn some稿費 to buy stationery and pay tuition fees. How could I possibly be considered a rising writer?”
Seeing that Zixuan and Wenyan got along so well and were able to chat so easily, Jialing felt delighted inside and smiled as she said, “Boys really do find common topics easily.”
Xiaoqiao said, “Mommy, it’s about time to eat, right? I’m getting a little hungry.”
Jialing turned and instructed the housekeeper, “Housekeeper, tell the catering chefs they can start serving the dishes one by one now.”
The housekeeper said, “Yes, Madam.”
Jialing greeted everyone and said, “Daddy, Wenyan, everyone take your seats!”
Wenyan sat between Zixuan and Xiaoqiao, directly facing Xiaoqiao’s father across from him. Although Jialing repeatedly tried to maintain a light and cheerful atmosphere with her words, Wenyan could still sense something unusual from Uncle Xia, who kept a poker face the entire time.
Sure enough, Xia Yitiao quickly shifted the topic onto him. “Yu Wenyan, I think I still need to make things clear first. Your family are farmers, and I have no intention of letting my daughter suffer hardship with you…”
“Daddy, can you please stop saying these things and ruining everyone’s appetite?” Xiaoqiao interrupted her father and complained.
Jialing also said, “Exactly! Daddy, don’t ruin the atmosphere at a time like this.”
Still keeping a stern face, Xia Yitiao said seriously, “Unless you can pass the examinations to become a lawyer or judicial officer in the future, I will never agree to this marriage.”
Hearing these words, Wenyan felt as though he had been struck by a heavy blow and did not know how to respond. Both Jialing and Xiaoqiao looked embarrassed, while Zixuan found the words unbearable to hear and could not help saying, “Daddy, come on, stop being so old-fashioned! It’s Sis who’s getting married, not you. Why are you setting conditions? You might as well put a price tag on Sis!”
Xia Yitiao had not expected his son to talk back to him. Immediately becoming angry out of humiliation, he scolded, “What do you know? Stop interrupting recklessly!”
Jialing coldly said, “So you’re deliberately trying to ruin the atmosphere, aren’t you, Mr. Xia?”
Xia Yitiao said, “How am I? I’m only honestly expressing what I think in my heart.”
Jialing said, “That’s your opinion, Mr. Xia, not mine.”
The atmosphere at the scene froze. Zixuan said, “You two, Mr. and Mrs., stop acting like iron roosters already. Sis and I still want to happily enjoy the food!”
13
Xiaoqiao and Zixuan walked Wenyan out. The three of them stood at the doorway.
Zixuan said, “Brother Wenyan, don’t mind what my dad said. I support you and my sister.”
“Little brother! Thank you!” Wenyan said as he proactively reached out to shake Zixuan’s hand.
Xiaoqiao comforted him and said, “Don’t take what my daddy said to heart, Wenyan. No one can separate us!”
Wenyan pulled Xiaoqiao’s hand over, and the three hands stacked together. “Xiaoqiao, I’ll work hard and pass the lawyer or judicial officer examinations so your father won’t look down on me!”
Xiaoqiao said, “Hearing you say that makes me feel really awful…”
Suddenly, Wenyan burst into laughter and said, “Ha! Xiaoqiao, our story feels just like those ancient tales where a scholar travels to the capital for the imperial examinations, becomes the top scholar, and then returns home to marry his beautiful bride…”
“What are you talking about?” Xiaoqiao failed to grasp his meaning for a moment and looked at Wenyan in confusion.
“Forget about all this! I’m heading home now. See you tomorrow, Xiaoqiao.” Wenyan waved to the siblings, turned around, and left, only then realizing that his vision had become blurred by tears.
14
As soon as Xiaoqiao and Zixuan entered the house, they heard their parents arguing.
“What do you mean by that? Were you deliberately trying to embarrass Wenyan?” Jialing raised her voice to express her dissatisfaction.
Xia Yitiao also refused to back down and said, “I was only trying to make that foolish boy retreat in the face of difficulty. With his background, his family status simply doesn’t match ours. He should forget about becoming my son-in-law…”
Jialing unhappily said, “I gave birth to and raised our daughter. As for what kind of partner she wants in the future, I will respect her choice. With your mind full of authoritarian thinking, all you want is to dominate the children’s marriages. That will only force the children to leave this home sooner.”
“I’m doing this for our daughter’s future happiness as well. Next weekend, I’ll bring some business associates home. This Boss Wang is the leader of the domestic department store industry, and his son studies at NTU and is extremely outstanding. That’s the kind of match suitable for our daughter. If our two families could become relatives by marriage in the future…” Before Xia Yitiao could finish speaking, Xiaoqiao interrupted him.
“Daddy, enough! I’m not merchandise displayed in your shop window, and I will not accept this kind of arrangement!” Xiaoqiao’s face turned pale with anger. After saying this, she stormed into her bedroom resentfully.
“Dad, you’re even more authoritarian than a warlord! Even I can’t stand listening to this.” Zixuan also snapped back before returning to his own bedroom.
“You… you all think your wings have hardened now, don’t you?” Xia Yitiao’s face was filled with anger. He had never expected his wife and children to unite against him.
“If you still remain stubbornly obsessed and refuse to wake up, then don’t blame the children for resenting you in the future.” After saying this, Jialing entered Xiaoqiao’s room and immediately locked the door from the inside.
15
On the way back, Wenyan went to Xizhi to catch Ah Yuan’s ox cart and happened to run into Baofeng.
Wenyan asked, “Baofeng, you came back for vacation?”
Baofeng cheerfully said, “Yeah! Mingdao is coming to my house tomorrow. I was just thinking that afterward I’d drag Mingdao over to your house to see you.”
Wenyan said, “Looks like your relationship with Mingdao is getting better and better! Sigh…”
Hearing Wenyan sigh, Baofeng curiously asked, “What’s wrong between you and Xiaoqiao? Did you two have a quarrel?”
Wenyan shook his head and said, “No… It’s Xiaoqiao’s father…”
Baofeng asked, “Xiaoqiao’s father won’t allow you two to date?”
Wenyan said, “Not exactly! Her father set conditions. He said I have to pass the lawyer or judicial officer examinations before he’ll agree to let Xiaoqiao marry me.”
Baofeng said, “I see? The acceptance rate for the lawyer examination is so low. It sounds like he’s hinting for you to retreat in the face of difficulty.”
Wenyan bitterly smiled and said, “That’s what I think too, but I don’t want to admit defeat.”
Ah Yuan drove the ox cart over, and Wenying was already sitting on it.
“Brother, Sister Baofeng, get on!” Wenying waved at them.
Wenyan helped Baofeng climb onto the ox cart, while Wenying spread the straw flat for the two of them to sit on.
Baofeng patted Wenying’s head and said, “Time really flies, Wenying. You’re already in first year junior high school now. Study hard, alright?”
Wenying said, “I study very hard, Sister Baofeng.”
Wenyan asked, “Baofeng, has Mingdao been coming to see you often lately?”
“Not really. I probably see him once or twice a month. Oh right, there’s a senior from the Chinese Literature Department named Shao Yanling who asked me to pass a letter to you. She said the two of you are very close.” As Baofeng spoke, she took a letter out of her backpack.
“Oh?” Wenyan accepted the letter.
Baofeng said, “That senior is really very pretty.”
Wenyan said, “Baofeng, I know what you’re trying to say. Yanling and I are just friends who get along well.”
16
In the living room, Xu Laichun and Zhou Tian, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, were sorting the baked tea leaves when Wenyan entered the room.
Laichun asked with concern, “Wenyan, did you meet Xiaoqiao’s father?”
Nearby, Zhou Tian listened in while picking tea twigs.
Wenyan said listlessly, “I met him, but her father doesn’t seem to welcome me very much.”
Laichun asked, “Doesn’t welcome you very much? What exactly did her father say?”
Wenyan said, “Her father said that unless I pass the lawyer or judicial officer examinations, he won’t agree to let Xiaoqiao marry me.”
After hearing this, Laichun sighed and said, “Sigh! Well, it’s understandable. Their family runs big businesses and has great wealth, while we grow tea in the mountains. Our family status doesn’t match theirs. It’s understandable that he looks down on us.”
Zhou Tian said, “Silly grandson, we’re not worried about being unable to find you a wife. Why should you let them despise you like this? He’s obviously deliberately humiliating you!”
Laichun asked, “Aren’t lawyer licenses and judicial officer examinations very difficult? If you don’t pass them, are you planning never to start a family?”
Wenyan said, “Mom, I’ll do my best to pass them. If Xiaoqiao and I are truly fated not to be together, then I can only accept fate.”
Zhou Tian said, “I think Baofeng truly has feelings for you. Grandson, how about I go talk to Huoluzi about it?”
Wenyan said, “Grandma, Baofeng already has a boyfriend.”
Zhou Tian said, “What’s the big deal about having a boyfriend? The important thing is that Huoluzi likes you. She’ll step in and make decisions for you.”
Laichun said, “Mom, the person Wenyan likes is Xiaoqiao!”
Zhou Tian said, “Is that so? Then I think you should give up sooner rather than later and find another match instead.”
“Wenyan has his own plans!” Laichun then asked, “What did Xiaoqiao’s mother say?”
Wenyan said, “Her mother is very open-minded. She said she would respect Xiaoqiao’s decision.”
Laichun said, “If that’s the case, then there’s still hope for you and Xiaoqiao in the future!”
