【Episode 26】
1
Xia Xiaoqiao returned home, and her mother Jia Ling entered her bedroom: “Daughter, Mommy has something to discuss with you…”
Xiaoqiao hung her university uniform on the hanger and sat in front of the dressing table, saying: “Mommy, please speak if you have anything.”
Jia Ling said: “Your daddy’s company has recently suffered a significant drop in performance. The reason is that a strong competitor has appeared in the market.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Oh? I know there is a newly established agency that imports Max Factor cosmetics from the United States. According to classmates’ feedback, their price is cheaper than our Shiseido products, and it seems to be selling well.”
Jia Ling said: “Your daddy wants to seek help from Boss Wang, to rent space from him and open a cosmetics counter in his department store chain, with staff stationed there to provide services.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Daddy’s idea is good!”
Jia Ling said: “But your father is worried that Boss Wang may refuse to help!”
Xiaoqiao said: “Why would he? We are paying rent for the space; we are not taking advantage of him.”
Jia Ling said: “Actually your father’s concern is not without reason. The Wang family’s department stores have always done very well, with high return customer rates. He could refuse to rent space to us.”
“Oh?” Xiaoqiao thought for a moment and said: “Could it be that Dad wants to target me?”
Jia Ling said: “This is exactly what makes Mommy feel troubled. Your daddy said that Boss Wang’s son Wang Jun seems to be interested in you…”
Xiaoqiao, understanding her mother’s implication, interrupted before she could finish: “Mommy! Please don’t mention Wang Jun, okay? He’s a playboy notorious for his womanizing—can’t you see that?”
Jia Ling said in difficulty: “Of course I can see it. That boy is very playful. But you can’t just watch your father’s company keep shrinking until it goes bankrupt, right? That’s our family’s source of income!”
Xiaoqiao asked sternly: “Is Daddy planning to sell me to the Wang family?”
Jia Ling said: “It’s not selling! Don’t make your father sound so bad. He just thinks that if we become in-laws with the Wang family, Boss Wang will be willing to help, and your father’s company can be saved…”
Xiaoqiao said angrily: “Why must I be treated as a sacrifice?”
Jia Ling said: “Mommy doesn’t want to force you either! But right now only Boss Wang can help your father.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Mommy, I understand. Give me a few days to think it through calmly, okay?”
Jia Ling said: “Alright, child. I’ve wronged you.”
Jia Ling gently patted Xiaoqiao’s shoulder and turned to leave. Xiaoqiao looked at her reflection in the mirror, her vision gradually blurred by tears…
2
Xiaoqiao arrived at the visitor room of the male dormitory of the Xuzhou Road Law School, waiting for Wenyan to finish class.
Wenyan walked over together with Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou.
Li Qiwen said: “Sister-in-law is here to take you out for dinner! We won’t be light bulbs, we’re going upstairs first.”
After speaking, Li Qiwen and Chen Liangmou went upstairs.
Xiaoqiao said: “Wenyan, I have something urgent to tell you.”
Wenyan asked: “What urgent matter?”
Xiaoqiao said: “Can we find a place to talk?”
Wenyan asked: “You don’t seem very happy. What happened?”
Xiaoqiao took Wenyan’s hand and said: “Let’s find a place to eat dinner first?”
3
The two arrived at a small noodle shop in an alley. Wenyan ordered a plate of braised snacks and two bowls of noodle soup.
Wenyan said: “Tonight I’ll treat. I just received a manuscript fee.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Let’s eat first, then talk.”
Wenyan asked curiously: “What topic is so mysterious?”
Xiaoqiao said: “I don’t want to affect your appetite.”
Wenyan said: “If you don’t say it, that’s what will affect my appetite. Go ahead.”
Xiaoqiao said: “If I tell you, don’t be sad, okay?”
Wenyan said: “Tell me. What could make me sad?”
Xiaoqiao gently explained her parents’ intentions. Wenyan did not get angry; he only felt sadness and embarrassment:
“Ah… what can I even say? Xiaoqiao, your father’s company is facing business difficulties, but I cannot help at all.”
Tears welled in Xiaoqiao’s eyes: “Wenyan, I’m really sorry!”
Wenyan said blankly: “Let’s just say our fate is shallow despite deep affection. Xiaoqiao, besides blessings, I don’t know what else I can say.”
Looking at the noodles and braised dish in front of him, Wenyan felt like a wooden statue, as if he had lost his sense of taste, not even bothering to move his chopsticks…
4
Wenyan returned to the dormitory, left a note, and was about to leave with his luggage. Qiwen and Liangmou had just returned after showering.
Qiwen asked: “What’s wrong? It’s so late and you’re going home?”
Liangmou also asked: “There’s still half a day of class tomorrow. Do you want us to ask for leave for you?”
Wenyan said: “Yes. I need to go home and be alone for a while.”
Qiwen asked: “What exactly happened?”
Wenyan smiled bitterly: “Nothing much.”
Qiwen said: “No, if you don’t tell us, we won’t let you leave.”
Wenyan said: “I’m not going to do anything stupid. What are you worried about?”
Liangmou said: “Just say it. Don’t bottle it up. Whatever trouble you have, we can help think of solutions.”
Wenyan bit his lip and forced strength into his voice: “Xiaoqiao and I… just now… we agreed to break up.”
Qiwen and Liangmou shouted in unison: “Break up? How could this happen?”
Wenyan briefly explained Xiaoqiao’s difficulties.
Li Qiwen said angrily: “What is this supposed to be? A good flower forced to be stuck on Wang Jun’s pile of cow dung!”
Liangmou said: “Calm down. There must be a solution…”
Qiwen shouted: “I feel like my chest is about to explode! I want to go beat Wang Jun right now, knock his teeth out! How can he steal someone’s love and destroy your relationship?”
Liangmou said: “I also want to beat that playboy, but Xiaoqiao is pressured by her parents. She probably doesn’t want this arrangement either…”
Qiwen said: “How about this—tomorrow we go to Xiaoqiao’s house and argue with her parents!”
Wenyan shook his head: “That won’t help. It will only make things more complicated.”
Liangmou said: “In my opinion, you should take a leave of absence, elope with Xiaoqiao. After a year or two, once she’s pregnant, it becomes a done deal and everything will resolve itself.”
Wenyan shook his head: “No. I can’t be so selfish and put Xiaoqiao in an unjust situation. That’s not the rational me.”
Qiwen said: “This won’t work, that won’t work. You’re thinking too much—how are we supposed to help you?”
Wenyan pleaded: “I appreciate your kindness. Let me think quietly for a while, okay?”
Liangmou said: “Alright. But don’t do anything foolish.”
Wenyan said: “I won’t. I’m not that fragile…”
5
Wenyan took a bus back to Xizhi and walked alone on the night road back to Liuku. In December, the bone-chilling northeast wind blew, but Wenyan did not feel cold.
On the mountain road, a small jeep occasionally came from behind. Wenyan’s eyes lit up when he saw the passengers inside—it was Ouyang Mingdao and Baofeng.
Baofeng recognized Wenyan’s figure and the car stopped.
Baofeng waved: “Wenyan! Wenyan!”
Mingdao said: “Wenyan, get in first.”
Wenyan said: “What a coincidence, meeting you on this mountain road.”
Mingdao opened the door, and Wenyan got in the passenger seat.
Baofeng asked curiously: “What happened at home? It’s so late and you’re walking back in the dark?”
Wenyan said: “We’re rushing to pick winter tea these days. Mingdao, when are you going to ask me to be your best man?”
Mingdao said: “It hasn’t even started yet.”
Baofeng said: “My grandfather said he won’t allow Mingdao to propose unless he becomes a fighter pilot first.”
Wenyan said: “Mingdao, you’ll be fine.”
Mingdao said: “We’re still waiting to drink your and Xiaoqiao’s wedding wine. I heard Xiaoqiao’s father has set conditions: you must pass the lawyer or judicial officer exam. That seems even harder than me becoming a fighter pilot. Wenyan, where there’s a will, there’s a way—work hard.”
Wenyan said: “Ah… ‘Such feelings could have become memories, only at that time I was already lost.’”
Baofeng sensed something and asked: “What’s going on? Why suddenly quoting Li Shangyin?”
Wenyan said: “My mother was right. We’re rural people from the countryside; we can’t aspire to noble families…”
Baofeng asked: “What? You and Xiaoqiao had a fight?”
Wenyan countered: “When have you ever seen Xiaoqiao and me fighting?”
Baofeng said: “That’s true. You two have always had good feelings, but Xiaoqiao’s father… I really can’t praise him. He seems very materialistic.”
Wenyan said: “I just broke up with Xiaoqiao.”
“Break up?!” Baofeng and Mingdao shouted at the same time. “How could this happen?” Mingdao slammed the brakes and the car jolted to a stop.
Wenyan briefly recounted his conversation with Xiaoqiao.
Baofeng sighed: “Ah… poor Xiaoqiao…”
Mingdao said: “There are plenty of fish in the sea, Wenyan. You must stay strong.”
6
The car arrived at the entrance of the Yu family home. Laichun was drying her hair and peeked outside upon hearing the car. She saw Mingdao bringing Baofeng and Wenyan.
Laichun called: “Ah Ying! Your brother is back. Go open the door.”
Wen Ying responded from inside and came out: “Brother, Sister Baofeng, Brother Ouyang.”
Laichun wrapped a towel around her head and walked to the courtyard entrance: “Baofeng, Mingdao, come inside and sit.”
Mingdao said: “Auntie, no need. I’m rushing Baofeng home. We’ll visit another day.”
Laichun waved them off.
The mother and siblings watched the car disappear at the mountain curve.
Wenyan took out a pen from his chest and handed it to Wen Ying: “Little sister, your birthday is coming. This Platinum gold pen is for you.”
Wen Ying happily said: “Brother, thank you!”
Laichun asked: “Didn’t you plan to save your manuscript fee for tuition?”
Wenyan said: “A sister only has a birthday once a year. I can’t disappoint her.”
Wen Ying asked: “Will Sister Xiaoqiao come up the mountain tomorrow?”
Wenyan said: “Xiaoqiao won’t come here anymore.”
Laichun understood and asked: “Did you two have a quarrel?”
Wenyan said: “No. She’s with her senior…”
Laichun was shocked: “How could this happen?”
Wenyan said: “There’s nothing we can do. It was arranged by her father…”
Wen Ying complained: “How could Sister Xiaoqiao do this!”
Laichun sighed: “Ah… fate is predetermined. Think more openly.”
Wenyan said: “Mother, I’ve thought it through. What is mine will be mine; what is not mine cannot be forced.”
Laichun said: “If you can think like that, Mother is relieved.”
She then asked: “Have you eaten dinner?”
Wenyan said: “I have eaten.”
7
The small car drove on a pitch-black mountain road.
Baofeng said: “Later I’ll call Xiaoqiao and ask her to come up the mountain tomorrow.”
Mingdao said: “Things have come to this point. I think Xiaoqiao is also powerless.”
Baofeng said: “I don’t expect her to change her mind. I just think she must also be very distressed right now. Tomorrow we’ll meet at the bus stop. You drive to pick me up, and after we meet, we’ll go together to Xiaoqiao’s house and bring her up the mountain.”
Mingdao asked: “Will her parents agree to let her go?”
Baofeng said: “If we don’t say we’re taking her to the mountain, her family won’t object.”
Mingdao said: “Alright… I didn’t expect Wenyan and Xiaoqiao…”
Baofeng said: “Tomorrow I’ll ask Xiaoqiao face to face to understand her situation. Maybe Xiaoqiao and Wenyan still have a chance to reconcile in the future.”
Mingdao said: “You seem very optimistic…”
Baofeng said: “Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘May all lovers in the world eventually become a couple’?”
Mingdao said: “I’ve heard it. But matters of the heart often do not go as wished…”
8
In the bedroom, Wenyan sat at his desk, staring out the window at distant lights in a daze. Laichun knocked and entered. Wenyan seemed to return from a distant world.
Laichun said worriedly: “You look completely dazed. Mother doesn’t know how to comfort you.”
Wenyan said: “Mother, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Laichun said: “Mother has never experienced heartbreak, but when your father left us, that feeling must have been even more painful than heartbreak…”
Wenyan said: “Mother, actually you are very strong.”
Laichun touched Wenyan’s head: “If I weren’t strong, I couldn’t survive. You were still young then, and your sister was still in my womb. Old and young all depended on me, I told myself I must not collapse.”
Wenyan said: “I will seriously prepare for the judicial officer and lawyer exams. Since I chose law, I must pass the state examinations.”
Laichun said: “Work hard! Study seriously. Mother believes in you!”
9
Baofeng called Xiaoqiao. The housekeeper handed the phone to Xiaoqiao: “Miss, phone.”
“Xiaoqiao? It’s Baofeng.”
“Yes, Baofeng. You’re back from vacation?”
“Yes. Mingdao just drove me back. On the way we met Wenyan walking up the mountain in the dark, so we gave him a ride. Wenyan already told us about you two.”
“Sorry, Baofeng. I didn’t want it to be like this.”
“Xiaoqiao, I understand your pain. Are you free tomorrow? I want to ask you out to relax. Mingdao will pick you up by car.”
“Okay. What time?”
“9 a.m.”
“Mm.”
Xiaoqiao hung up. Her father Xia Yitao asked: “Who called? Are you going out tomorrow?”
Jia Ling said: “Dad, don’t interfere with where your daughter goes.”
Xiaoqiao said nothing and returned to her room.
Jia Ling asked: “Can’t you see your daughter deeply resents you?”
Xia Yitao said indifferently: “So what? I’d rather she hates me now than be unhappy in the future.”
Jia Ling said: “Happiness is subjective. I gave birth to her; I understand her personality. She doesn’t care about material things, but she wants her thoughts to be respected.”
Xia Yitao said: “I’m her father. Would I harm her?”
10
Xiaoqiao and Baofeng sat in the back seat. Mingdao drove toward Liuku on the mountain road.
Baofeng said: “Sorry, Xiaoqiao. I took the liberty of bringing you here. I think you still have things you want to say to Wenyan face to face.”
Xiaoqiao gave a faint bitter smile: “The moment Mingdao turned onto this mountain road, I already understood your intention, Baofeng.”
Through the rearview mirror, Mingdao looked at them: “Xiaoqiao, Baofeng and I both know you are powerless and understand your difficulties. But I have to speak for Wenyan. Although he is sometimes stubborn and even a bit inflexible, we have all known him for over six years—he is truly kind and simple. In this matter between you two, you really did hurt his heart this time.”
Baofeng said: “Mingdao, why are you saying this? Don’t you know Xiaoqiao is already suffering?”
Mingdao said: “I’m just speaking for Wenyan. He did nothing wrong and shouldn’t bear this pain.”
Xiaoqiao teared up: “Mingdao is right. Wenyan is innocent.”
Baofeng comforted her: “Don’t do this. Don’t carry all the pain yourself. Last night we talked with Wenyan in the car. He is reasonable. Although the breakup hurt him, he faced and accepted reality calmly.”
Xiaoqiao said: “He should be angry at me. I betrayed him, but he is too calm, so calm that I don’t know what to do.”
Mingdao said: “Being considerate toward friends—that is the Wenyan I know.”
11
The car stopped at the entrance of the Yu family courtyard. Lichun, Wenyan, and Wen Ying had just returned from the tea garden wearing hats and long gloves, each carrying large bamboo baskets.
Wen Ying saw Xiaoqiao, excitedly dropped her basket, and ran to the car door, hugging Xiaoqiao who had just stepped out: “Sister Xiaoqiao, my brother said last night you wouldn’t come anymore. I thought…”
Xiaoqiao hugged her: “Aren’t I here now?”
Laichun smiled and greeted them: “Xiaoqiao, Mingdao, Baofeng, come inside and sit.”
Only Wenyan stood frozen, not reacting for a moment.
Baofeng pulled Xiaoqiao over: “Wenyan, I brought Xiaoqiao to you. Talk properly. Auntie, Mingdao and I will go home first and come back after lunch.”
Laichun said: “Since you’re already here, stay for a meal.”
Mingdao said: “No need, Auntie. We already promised Aunt Mei to go back for lunch.”
Baofeng said: “Auntie, let Wenyan and Xiaoqiao go walk in the tea garden first. They probably have things to say.”
Laichun understood: “Alright. Wenyan, accompany Xiaoqiao for a walk in the tea garden. Around noon I’ll send Wen Ying to call you back.”
Mingdao and Baofeng waved goodbye and left. The car drove away from the Yu family.
12
Xiaoqiao took Wenyan’s hand. The two walked silently into the tea garden.
Xiaoqiao broke the silence: “Wenyan, I really like this tea garden.”
Wenyan nodded: “Mm. I know.”
Xiaoqiao said: “I couldn’t sleep last night. I kept thinking.”
Wenyan said: “Mm. Me too.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Wenyan, you should be angry at me, but you are unexpectedly calm.”
Wenyan said: “Do you think I should be angry? Would anger change anything?”
Xiaoqiao said: “I would rather you were angry, scolded me harshly—at least your emotions wouldn’t be suppressed.”
Wenyan asked back: “Xiaoqiao, aren’t you also feeling bad inside?”
Xiaoqiao said: “I was betrayed by my father. I feel like I am merchandise on his shelf of cosmetics. I feel humiliated.”
Wenyan said: “I understand that feeling of humiliation. Just like these years, I’ve been labeled an ‘anti-espionage suspect’ by outsiders.”
Xiaoqiao said: “After today, Wenyan, please forget me.”
Wenyan smiled bitterly: “My memory blackboard doesn’t come with an eraser. How can I erase all the details of these six years?”
Xiaoqiao said: “If we meet again on campus in the future, will you greet me?”
Wenyan thought for a moment and asked: “How do you want me to act?”
Xiaoqiao said: “I think you will. Because you will.”
13
At the dining table, Laichun and Wen Ying were still warmly attentive to Xiaoqiao, repeatedly inviting her to eat dishes. Xiaoqiao maintained the warm atmosphere with smiles and gentle words.
Laichun said: “Xiaoqiao, if you have time to come up the mountain, just tell Wenyan or Baofeng, and I’ll prepare some dishes you like.”
Xiaoqiao said: “Aunt Laichun, I will firmly remember the taste of your Taiwanese cooking.”
Laichun knew this was likely Xiaoqiao’s last time eating her home-cooked meal, but Wen Ying still believed Xiaoqiao would come again, while Grandma Zhou Tian remained completely unaware of the situation.
Wen Ying said: “Sister Xiaoqiao, you must come often in the future!”
Xiaoqiao smiled, unable to let Wen Ying see any flaw.
Xiaoqiao put a piece of free-range chicken into Wenyan’s bowl. Wenyan removed the skin and ate it, then placed the chicken meat back into Xiaoqiao’s bowl. These subtle actions, seen by Laichun, Wen Ying, and Zhou Tian, all carried the same interpretation—especially Laichun. She thought: “Wenyan is truly deeply in love, and Xiaoqiao is also sincere. Why does Heaven have to play tricks on these young people?”
14
Mingdao and Baofeng’s car arrived at the Yu family gate. Wenyan and Xiaoqiao went out to the courtyard entrance to greet them.
The four entered the living room. Wen Ying brought out a large pot of herbal tea and poured drinks for them.
Baofeng said: “Wenyan, Xiaoqiao, say what needs to be said clearly. Let fate arise and end naturally.”
Mingdao said: “Wenyan, a man must learn to let go. Don’t get stuck in a dead end.”
Their words clearly had deeper meanings. Wenyan smiled bitterly: “You two make me feel like I’m about to write Lin Juemin’s ‘Letter of Farewell to My Wife.’”
Baofeng said: “Since you can still make jokes like this, I feel more at ease. Xiaoqiao, don’t worry about Wenyan—he can let go.”
Mingdao said: “Of course he has to let go. Otherwise you might see someone running naked at NTU Law School at midnight!”
Baofeng said: “So Mingdao, you’re actually the master of cold jokes.”
Mingdao said: “Black jar filled with sesame oil? What does that mean?”
Baofeng said: “Go ask your mother.”
With their banter, Xiaoqiao felt like oil dripping into soup—emotionally unsettled, neither rising nor sinking, unable to grasp anything…
15
Wang Jun and Xiaoqiao were walking along Ximending Cinema Street. Wang Jun repeatedly tried to hold her hand or put his arm around her shoulder, but each time Xiaoqiao’s sharp almond-shaped eyes made him withdraw. Although he felt somewhat frustrated, he comforted himself: “Be patient. Maintain gentlemanly manners.”
Wang Jun followed her closely, step by step, like an obedient child.
By chance, they met a graceful woman with long flowing hair walking toward them. She had delicate features, a well-proportioned figure, and wore a pale yellow dress like a fairy descended to earth.
Wang Jun pretended to be calm but couldn’t help glancing at her a few more times.
Xiaoqiao recognized her and deliberately turned away, but was still called out: “Junior Xiaoqiao, what a coincidence! You’re also here at Cinema Street!”
Xiaoqiao had no way to avoid it and replied reluctantly: “Senior Yanling, why are you alone shopping?”
Yanling said: “I didn’t want to shop alone either. Hmm? Who is this gentleman beside you?”
Yanling wondered inwardly: “Since when did a greasy-faced, effeminate young man appear beside Xiaoqiao? What is Wenyan doing? Not even accompanying his girlfriend…”
Xiaoqiao said awkwardly: “This is my distant cousin.”
“I’m not a cousin! I’m Xiaoqiao’s fu—” Wang Jun tried to interrupt, but was stopped by Xiaoqiao’s stern almond-shaped eyes and swallowed his words.
Yanling immediately sensed there was something going on and probed: “You two—a handsome man and a beautiful woman—look quite compatible.”
Wang Jun said happily: “Yes! You have good taste, elders say the same.”
Xiaoqiao shot him a fierce glare, meaning: “You idiot, you’re really inappropriate.”
Wang Jun immediately realized he had said something wrong and felt wronged, but could not defend himself at this moment.
“I’ll go buy tickets at the cinema entrance first. You two chat.” Wang Jun said and quickly slipped away.
Yanling leaned closer and asked: “Junior, what’s going on? Did you and Wenyan have a quarrel?”
Xiaoqiao shook her head: “No.”
Yanling asked suspiciously again: “That fair-skinned man doesn’t look like your cousin, does he?”
Xiaoqiao asked back: “Whether he is a cousin—does it matter?”
Yanling said: “Of course it matters. I just feel that you and that guy…”
Before Yanling could finish, Xiaoqiao said: “Senior, sorry, I need to go pick up my ticket and enter the theater.”
Xiaoqiao quickly walked toward the cinema entrance. Yanling rested her chin on her hand, watching her leave, analyzing what she had just witnessed.
16
In the visitor room of the NTU Law School male dormitory on Xuzhou Road, the appearance of Shao Yanling caused a commotion. Several male students approached her, but all were politely rejected.
Male student A asked: “Beautiful lady, have we met somewhere before?”
Male student B asked: “Pretty miss, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance or watch a film?”
Yanling said: “We don’t seem to know each other, right? Sorry, I’m waiting for my friend.”
In a corner, several persistent male students speculated about her identity.
A said: “She looks familiar, like I’ve seen her at Shida Night Market.”
B asked: “Is she from NTU?”
C said: “Very possible. She has the aura of a future teacher.”
D asked: “She said she’s waiting for a friend. Who’s the lucky one?”
A said: “I also want to know which nobody is so lucky!”
At that moment, Wenyan entered with his backpack. Yanling immediately stood up and walked toward him, linking her arm with his.
B said: “Everyone, the male lead has appeared!”
C said: “How is it this countryside junior?”
D said: “No way, such poor taste?”
A said: “What do you idiots know? This is my law school junior. His name is Yu Wenyan. He is extremely talented—winner of two NTU Literature Awards and the youngest editor of the law journal.”
C said: “Wow! Black jar filled with oil—can’t tell at all.”
The group watched as the beautiful girl took Wenyan’s arm and walked away.
A said: “Looks like my junior is quite lucky with women.”
B asked: “What do you mean?”
A said: “He had a previous girlfriend from English class One—very delicate, supposedly a rich girl. Now another elegant beauty appears. This guy really keeps it quiet!”
C exclaimed: “Your junior is seriously impressive!”
