Chapter 6: Family Dinner
It was actually a really sad story.
Ding Meng picked up the pillow again and hugged it close. “Didn’t you ask me how I lost so much weight? Actually, I didn’t go on a diet. I fell ill.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows moved. “You fell ill?”
Seeing how his expression became serious, Ding Meng hurriedly explained, “Don’t get all anxious. It wasn’t a contagious illness!”
Qiao Yichen, “…..”
“That’s not what I meant.” He helplessly ruffled his hair. “I meant, back when you were a student, weren’t you in good health? How did you fall ill?”
Ding Meng shrugged her shoulders. “Do you still remember how I tested into Jiu Middle School in our third year?”
T/N: Chinese middle schools (aka junior high schools) are 3 years long.
“I remember.” Jiu Middle School was A City’s best middle school. Every year, not only did many A City students wrack their brains trying get accepted, many students from other cities did as well because of the school’s reputation. To use the words of their teacher at the time, getting accepted into Jiu Middle School was equivalent to having one foot in the door of a famous university.”
“Even though I did get accepted to Jiu Middle School, after I started attending, I gradually began to feel the pressure. Everyone at the school was really outstanding. I could only be considered average. The gap was especially obvious in mathematics. There were so many instances where, before I could even finish understanding a problem, another classmate would finish solving it. I was never a very smart person so all I could do to close the gap was put in more effort.”
Ding Meng pursed her lips and continued, “Jiu Middle School was a boarding school, so everyday I would wake up at 5AM and use the dormitory hallway lights to study. At night after the lights went out, I hid under my blankets and used a flashlight to continue studying. In order to make the most of my time, I would even limit my water intake during the day to avoid needing to use the bathroom between classes…. So just like this, I managed to maintain my rank within the top ten after every exam, and I convinced myself that my efforts weren’t wasted. Ultimately though, my health couldn’t handle it. During that time period, I thinned down considerably, and in the end, I fainted in the middle of a chemistry experiment.”
Looking back now, Ding Meng almost couldn’t believe that all happened. She figured that in this lifetime, she would never again work herself to death like that to pursue something. “The doctor said I was under too much pressure and my body was overworked. Continuing down that path would be dangerous. At the time, I was already slightly anorexic, had heavy migraines, and suffered from insomnia. After recovering in the hospital for a week, my mom listened to the doctor’s suggestion and arranged for me to take a break from schooling.”
It was this break from school that changed her life’s entire direction. Perhaps it was because she had previously been under pressure for too long, but after she left the hospital, she never even touched another textbook. Every day she was engrossed in playing games. She even followed others and found herself an in-game husband.
Ah, this part she doesn’t need to mention to Qiao Yichen.
“After returning to school, I couldn’t catch up. I transferred to a normal high school and then…well you know the rest.”
After Ding Meng finished speaking, the living room sank into a long silence. She had originally thought that Qiao Yichen would express some condolences, but he just lifted his hand and ruffled her hair.
Ding Meng’s heart received a shock and she froze for a long moment before getting a hold on herself– the contract’s third item clearly stated there can be no unnecessary physical contact!
She shot up from the sofa like an arrow. Something by her waist fell onto the floor and an ear splitting alarm suddenly began to noisily sound.
Ding Meng, “….”
Qiao Yichen looked at the screeching gadget on the floor and glanced at Ding Meng. “What is that?”
Ding Meng swiftly picked up the screeching device and reinserted the metal ring which finally caused the mouth froth inducing noise to halt. She exhaled in relief and turned to Qiao Yichen, laughing as she spoke, “This is a screeching device. It’s to ward off perverts.”
The corners of Qiao Yichen’s mouth twitched up. “Perverts?”
“Don’t you misunderstand. Of course I’m not referring to you!” Ding Meng embarrassedly pushed away the hair by her ear. “You should know, a person as beautiful as I am needs to take extra precautions when walking around in public.”
…. Yeah, that would definitely scare off people on the street alright.
He pursed his lips and brought up his other question. “You still haven’t told me why you decided on participating in this singing competition.”
“Ah, well that is, I just happened to walk by the casting auditions so I signed up.”
Qiao Yichen became silent before responding, “Then you just intend on playing around?”
Ding Meng thought for a bit before saying, “Well that’s not true. I’ve always liked singing. Have you forgotten? In middle school I was part of the choir!”
Qiao Yichen nodded his head, seemingly thinking of something. Ding Meng looked at him and asked, “I heard you are going to be producing a song for the competition’s winner?”
“Mhm.” The reason why he had agreed to be a judge was to see if there were any newcomers with potential. Thinking up to this point, he raised his head and looked at Ding Meng. “The preliminary round is going to continue for another two days. It won’t be until afterwards that they gather the qualifying contestants to undergo a week’s worth of special training. If you don’t have anything going on tomorrow, come with me to have a meal at my family’s place.”
“……Okay.” Even though she had long readied herself for this moment, Ding Meng still felt a bit nervous when her time to perform approached. “Do you need me to prepare anything?”
Qiao Yichen thought for a bit. “All you’ll need to prepare is the marriage certificate.”
Ding Meng, “…..”
Even though he said it like that, for this family dinner, Qiao Yichen prepared an entire outfit for her to wear. From the hair accessories to the shoes, everything she needed was taken care of.
As he drove the car into the Qiao Family residence with Ding Meng in tow, he saw Mama Qiao, standing outside with a look of anticipation.
As he slowed down the car, he told Ding Meng beside him, “You’ve already met my family before in the past. In a moment, don’t be nervous. It’s just a meal.”
“Okay, got it.” In order to show a good performance today, she had gone online and looked up Qiao Yichen on Baidu, memorizing information on him as well as his likes and hobbies. While doing so, she also saw Qiao Yichen’s glittering resume.
T/N: Baidu is China’s most popular search engine.
It turned out he really did have a hand in creating many the popular albums she knew.
After the car was parked, Ding Meng followed Qiao Yichen outside. Mama Qiao had a kind smile on her face, but her eyes were as sharp as knives, continually staring at Ding Meng’s face.
Ding Meng couldn’t take it anymore and was about to speak when Mama Qiao let out a shout of pleasant surprise. “Heavens, is this Meng Meng? How did you become so skinny? I almost couldn’t even recognize you!”
Ding Meng didn’t expect Mama Qiao to actually be able to recognize her and happily replied, “Auntie Qiao, you actually still remember me!” Your son, on the other hand, accused me of getting plastic surgery!
Qiao Yichen who was standing off to the side gave a sigh, “You mean ‘Mom.’”
……
“Mom.” Ding Meng overcame her mental resistances and ultimately managed to choke out the word. Mama Qiao’s pupils flickered as she looked at the two of them. Then she turned to her son and asked, “You unexpectedly married Meng Meng?”
At the time she received the call, she didn’t believe for a second that he had actually gotten married. She even considered that he might have casually found a girl to fool them, but she didn’t expect that he would bring Ding Meng home to fool them.
This time, she was really unsure about the matter.
Qiao Yichen laughed a bit and turned his head to face Ding Meng to say, “Meng Meng, take out the marriage certificate so she can see.”
Ding Meng wanted to roll her eyes but she managed to hold herself back. Obediently, she looked down and pulled the certificate out of her bag. Smiling, she passed it over to Mama Qiao. “Although it was rather sudden, Yichen and I have gotten married.”
Mama Qiao looked studied the marriage certificate in her hands carefully for a moment. Then she laughed and stuffed it back in Ding Meng’s hands. “Enter the house first. I have already finished cooking and have just been waiting for you two to come over.”
Ding Meng cast Qiao Yichen a glance and then followed them into the house.
There was a man sitting in the spacious living room, looking downwards at a tablet. When he heard the sound of them entering, he lifted his head and saw Ding Meng. An expression of doubt appeared on his face. “Ding Meng?”
Ding Meng paused and looked at this man whose facial features looked extremely like Qiao Yichen’s. This must be his brother.
From her side, Qiao Yichen let out a laugh and walked over. “Your eyes are so sharp. You recognized her after just one glance?”
Qiao Yixing set down the tablet in his hand and stood up, speaking, “She hasn’t changed that much compared to the past, just a bit skinnier.” After speaking he looked at Qiao Yichen again. “So she’s your wife?”
His words made Ding Meng feel rather embarrassed. Qiao Yichen, on the other hand, responded without any change in facial expression. “Unexpected, right?”
Qiao Yixing didn’t say any more. He turned around and walked towards the dining room. “Let’s eat.”
When the meal was served, Papa Qiao came down from the second floor. He and Qiao Yixing were men of few words. The entire dining table relied on Mama Qiao’s efforts to liven the atmosphere. From time to time, Qiao Yichen would pick up some food for Ding Meng to demonstrate that they had a good “husband and wife” relationship.
Mama Qiao gently laughed and spoke to them. “I really didn’t expect that you two would end up together. Back in the day, Yichen was such a troublemaker. I really need to thank Meng Meng for helping me watch over him.”
Ding Meng also laughed and spoke, “Actually he wasn’t really that much of a troublemaker haha.”
“Still saying he wasn’t. Have you forgotten how he set off a firecracker in your drawer during self-study period and caused your parents to be called to the school?
Ding Meng, “…..”
Qiao Yichen, “…..”
This matter was still fresh in Ding Meng’s memory. Around New Years time, a small store near the school began to sell firecrackers. Looking back now, that was really unsafe, but back in the day she thought it was really fun. Qiao Yichen brought two very small firecrackers and had originally just wanted to scare her a little. However, by some accident, he actually lit them up. In a moment of panic, Ding Meng stuffed them into the school desk.
At that time, they were in the middle of a self-study period. The muffled “PENG” sound had alarmed even the teacher next door. The two of them were immediately dragged out of the classroom.
“Meng Meng is a child who excels in both conduct and studies. The only time in her life that her parents were ever called in was because of you. Good thing that firecracker was made for children and wasn’t very powerful. If it had really injured her, how would you have been able to compensate?”
Qiao Yichen held his forehead, “Mom, that stuff happened so long ago. Why are you still bringing it up? Anyways, aren’t I compensating with myself now?”
Qiao Yixing heard those words and raised his head to glance at them. Then he lowered his head to silently continue eating.
After dinner, Ding Meng helped Mama Qiao clear the table and Papa Qiao returned upstairs, leaving only the two brothers in the living room.
Qiao Yixing looked closely at Qiao Yichen, asking, “So you don’t want to return to the company to this degree?”
Qiao Yichen looked at him and responded, “The company can survive without me, but there are some things that only I can do.”
Qiao Yixing muttered to himself for a moment before saying, “The music industry is already not what it used to be. Many singers aren’t even willing to spend the time to record an album anymore. It’ll be very difficult for you to achieve the kind of legendary success of the past.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes darkened. “I know, but that’s not enough to make me give up. At least not yet.”
Qiao Yixing looked at him. Only after a good while did he faintly shake his head. “Alright.” He pat Qiao Yichen’s shoulder and walked forwards two steps before turning around.
“What’s the matter?”
Qiao Yixing’s mouth slightly hooked upwards and his eyes held a hint of a smile. “Nothing much. I just forgot to congratulate you on your marriage.”
Chapter 6: Family Dinner
It was actually a really sad story.
Ding Meng picked up the pillow again and hugged it close. “Didn’t you ask me how I lost so much weight? Actually, I didn’t go on a diet. I fell ill.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows moved. “You fell ill?”
Seeing how his expression became serious, Ding Meng hurriedly explained, “Don’t get all anxious. It wasn’t a contagious illness!”
Qiao Yichen, “…..”
“That’s not what I meant.” He helplessly ruffled his hair. “I meant, back when you were a student, weren’t you in good health? How did you fall ill?”
Ding Meng shrugged her shoulders. “Do you still remember how I tested into Jiu Middle School in our third year?”
T/N: Chinese middle schools (aka junior high schools) are 3 years long.
“I remember.” Jiu Middle School was A City’s best middle school. Every year, not only did many A City students wrack their brains trying get accepted, many students from other cities did as well because of the school’s reputation. To use the words of their teacher at the time, getting accepted into Jiu Middle School was equivalent to having one foot in the door of a famous university.”
“Even though I did get accepted to Jiu Middle School, after I started attending, I gradually began to feel the pressure. Everyone at the school was really outstanding. I could only be considered average. The gap was especially obvious in mathematics. There were so many instances where, before I could even finish understanding a problem, another classmate would finish solving it. I was never a very smart person so all I could do to close the gap was put in more effort.”
Ding Meng pursed her lips and continued, “Jiu Middle School was a boarding school, so everyday I would wake up at 5AM and use the dormitory hallway lights to study. At night after the lights went out, I hid under my blankets and used a flashlight to continue studying. In order to make the most of my time, I would even limit my water intake during the day to avoid needing to use the bathroom between classes…. So just like this, I managed to maintain my rank within the top ten after every exam, and I convinced myself that my efforts weren’t wasted. Ultimately though, my health couldn’t handle it. During that time period, I thinned down considerably, and in the end, I fainted in the middle of a chemistry experiment.”
Looking back now, Ding Meng almost couldn’t believe that all happened. She figured that in this lifetime, she would never again work herself to death like that to pursue something. “The doctor said I was under too much pressure and my body was overworked. Continuing down that path would be dangerous. At the time, I was already slightly anorexic, had heavy migraines, and suffered from insomnia. After recovering in the hospital for a week, my mom listened to the doctor’s suggestion and arranged for me to take a break from schooling.”
It was this break from school that changed her life’s entire direction. Perhaps it was because she had previously been under pressure for too long, but after she left the hospital, she never even touched another textbook. Every day she was engrossed in playing games. She even followed others and found herself an in-game husband.
Ah, this part she doesn’t need to mention to Qiao Yichen.
“After returning to school, I couldn’t catch up. I transferred to a normal high school and then…well you know the rest.”
After Ding Meng finished speaking, the living room sank into a long silence. She had originally thought that Qiao Yichen would express some condolences, but he just lifted his hand and ruffled her hair.
Ding Meng’s heart received a shock and she froze for a long moment before getting a hold on herself– the contract’s third item clearly stated there can be no unnecessary physical contact!
She shot up from the sofa like an arrow. Something by her waist fell onto the floor and an ear splitting alarm suddenly began to noisily sound.
Ding Meng, “….”
Qiao Yichen looked at the screeching gadget on the floor and glanced at Ding Meng. “What is that?”
Ding Meng swiftly picked up the screeching device and reinserted the metal ring which finally caused the mouth froth inducing noise to halt. She exhaled in relief and turned to Qiao Yichen, laughing as she spoke, “This is a screeching device. It’s to ward off perverts.”
The corners of Qiao Yichen’s mouth twitched up. “Perverts?”
“Don’t you misunderstand. Of course I’m not referring to you!” Ding Meng embarrassedly pushed away the hair by her ear. “You should know, a person as beautiful as I am needs to take extra precautions when walking around in public.”
…. Yeah, that would definitely scare off people on the street alright.
He pursed his lips and brought up his other question. “You still haven’t told me why you decided on participating in this singing competition.”
“Ah, well that is, I just happened to walk by the casting auditions so I signed up.”
Qiao Yichen became silent before responding, “Then you just intend on playing around?”
Ding Meng thought for a bit before saying, “Well that’s not true. I’ve always liked singing. Have you forgotten? In middle school I was part of the choir!”
Qiao Yichen nodded his head, seemingly thinking of something. Ding Meng looked at him and asked, “I heard you are going to be producing a song for the competition’s winner?”
“Mhm.” The reason why he had agreed to be a judge was to see if there were any newcomers with potential. Thinking up to this point, he raised his head and looked at Ding Meng. “The preliminary round is going to continue for another two days. It won’t be until afterwards that they gather the qualifying contestants to undergo a week’s worth of special training. If you don’t have anything going on tomorrow, come with me to have a meal at my family’s place.”
“……Okay.” Even though she had long readied herself for this moment, Ding Meng still felt a bit nervous when her time to perform approached. “Do you need me to prepare anything?”
Qiao Yichen thought for a bit. “All you’ll need to prepare is the marriage certificate.”
Ding Meng, “…..”
Even though he said it like that, for this family dinner, Qiao Yichen prepared an entire outfit for her to wear. From the hair accessories to the shoes, everything she needed was taken care of.
As he drove the car into the Qiao Family residence with Ding Meng in tow, he saw Mama Qiao, standing outside with a look of anticipation.
As he slowed down the car, he told Ding Meng beside him, “You’ve already met my family before in the past. In a moment, don’t be nervous. It’s just a meal.”
“Okay, got it.” In order to show a good performance today, she had gone online and looked up Qiao Yichen on Baidu, memorizing information on him as well as his likes and hobbies. While doing so, she also saw Qiao Yichen’s glittering resume.
T/N: Baidu is China’s most popular search engine.
It turned out he really did have a hand in creating many the popular albums she knew.
After the car was parked, Ding Meng followed Qiao Yichen outside. Mama Qiao had a kind smile on her face, but her eyes were as sharp as knives, continually staring at Ding Meng’s face.
Ding Meng couldn’t take it anymore and was about to speak when Mama Qiao let out a shout of pleasant surprise. “Heavens, is this Meng Meng? How did you become so skinny? I almost couldn’t even recognize you!”
Ding Meng didn’t expect Mama Qiao to actually be able to recognize her and happily replied, “Auntie Qiao, you actually still remember me!” Your son, on the other hand, accused me of getting plastic surgery!
Qiao Yichen who was standing off to the side gave a sigh, “You mean ‘Mom.’”
……
“Mom.” Ding Meng overcame her mental resistances and ultimately managed to choke out the word. Mama Qiao’s pupils flickered as she looked at the two of them. Then she turned to her son and asked, “You unexpectedly married Meng Meng?”
At the time she received the call, she didn’t believe for a second that he had actually gotten married. She even considered that he might have casually found a girl to fool them, but she didn’t expect that he would bring Ding Meng home to fool them.
This time, she was really unsure about the matter.
Qiao Yichen laughed a bit and turned his head to face Ding Meng to say, “Meng Meng, take out the marriage certificate so she can see.”
Ding Meng wanted to roll her eyes but she managed to hold herself back. Obediently, she looked down and pulled the certificate out of her bag. Smiling, she passed it over to Mama Qiao. “Although it was rather sudden, Yichen and I have gotten married.”
Mama Qiao looked studied the marriage certificate in her hands carefully for a moment. Then she laughed and stuffed it back in Ding Meng’s hands. “Enter the house first. I have already finished cooking and have just been waiting for you two to come over.”
Ding Meng cast Qiao Yichen a glance and then followed them into the house.
There was a man sitting in the spacious living room, looking downwards at a tablet. When he heard the sound of them entering, he lifted his head and saw Ding Meng. An expression of doubt appeared on his face. “Ding Meng?”
Ding Meng paused and looked at this man whose facial features looked extremely like Qiao Yichen’s. This must be his brother.
From her side, Qiao Yichen let out a laugh and walked over. “Your eyes are so sharp. You recognized her after just one glance?”
Qiao Yixing set down the tablet in his hand and stood up, speaking, “She hasn’t changed that much compared to the past, just a bit skinnier.” After speaking he looked at Qiao Yichen again. “So she’s your wife?”
His words made Ding Meng feel rather embarrassed. Qiao Yichen, on the other hand, responded without any change in facial expression. “Unexpected, right?”
Qiao Yixing didn’t say any more. He turned around and walked towards the dining room. “Let’s eat.”
When the meal was served, Papa Qiao came down from the second floor. He and Qiao Yixing were men of few words. The entire dining table relied on Mama Qiao’s efforts to liven the atmosphere. From time to time, Qiao Yichen would pick up some food for Ding Meng to demonstrate that they had a good “husband and wife” relationship.
Mama Qiao gently laughed and spoke to them. “I really didn’t expect that you two would end up together. Back in the day, Yichen was such a troublemaker. I really need to thank Meng Meng for helping me watch over him.”
Ding Meng also laughed and spoke, “Actually he wasn’t really that much of a troublemaker haha.”
“Still saying he wasn’t. Have you forgotten how he set off a firecracker in your drawer during self-study period and caused your parents to be called to the school?
Ding Meng, “…..”
Qiao Yichen, “…..”
This matter was still fresh in Ding Meng’s memory. Around New Years time, a small store near the school began to sell firecrackers. Looking back now, that was really unsafe, but back in the day she thought it was really fun. Qiao Yichen brought two very small firecrackers and had originally just wanted to scare her a little. However, by some accident, he actually lit them up. In a moment of panic, Ding Meng stuffed them into the school desk.
At that time, they were in the middle of a self-study period. The muffled “PENG” sound had alarmed even the teacher next door. The two of them were immediately dragged out of the classroom.
“Meng Meng is a child who excels in both conduct and studies. The only time in her life that her parents were ever called in was because of you. Good thing that firecracker was made for children and wasn’t very powerful. If it had really injured her, how would you have been able to compensate?”
Qiao Yichen held his forehead, “Mom, that stuff happened so long ago. Why are you still bringing it up? Anyways, aren’t I compensating with myself now?”
Qiao Yixing heard those words and raised his head to glance at them. Then he lowered his head to silently continue eating.
After dinner, Ding Meng helped Mama Qiao clear the table and Papa Qiao returned upstairs, leaving only the two brothers in the living room.
Qiao Yixing looked closely at Qiao Yichen, asking, “So you don’t want to return to the company to this degree?”
Qiao Yichen looked at him and responded, “The company can survive without me, but there are some things that only I can do.”
Qiao Yixing muttered to himself for a moment before saying, “The music industry is already not what it used to be. Many singers aren’t even willing to spend the time to record an album anymore. It’ll be very difficult for you to achieve the kind of legendary success of the past.”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes darkened. “I know, but that’s not enough to make me give up. At least not yet.”
Qiao Yixing looked at him. Only after a good while did he faintly shake his head. “Alright.” He pat Qiao Yichen’s shoulder and walked forwards two steps before turning around.
“What’s the matter?”
Qiao Yixing’s mouth slightly hooked upwards and his eyes held a hint of a smile. “Nothing much. I just forgot to congratulate you on your marriage.”
