The voice recording ended.
The living room was quiet once again.
Fang Yuanyuan felt awkward to be standing around. She pointed to her room and slipped away quietly. Even Xing Feifei, who was playing with her mobile phone, noticed something amiss—she looked up quietly and saw her mom, Tan Yuechun, whose expression was really stern as well as Xiang Wan, who seemed to be a little sullen.
“Youngest aunt.” Xiang Wan opened her mouth first. “What do you want me to do by telling me all these?”
Her tone was emotionless as though she was not angry at all. Nonetheless, the heavy, stifling atmosphere seemed to indicate otherwise that she might really be fuming inside.
Tan Yuechun glanced at her fair, delicate face. For a moment, she was a little unsure of what this young lady was thinking about.
“You’ve heard what Mrs. Cheng wanted for her son. If you want to be with Little Cheng, the Cheng Family is not going to object to it. The unpleasant incident she had with you would also not happen again. What I wanted to say is… the Cheng Family is sincere about this matter…”
“So?” Xiang Wan laughed and repeated, “What do you want me to do?”
She was really laughing but somehow, Tan Yuechun felt that this niece of hers was like a porcupine—prickly.
“Little Cheng is a great guy,” she cleared her throat elegantly, “of course, I wish you can become a couple with him. But on the other hand, it is your relationship problem and you’re the one who will decide what to do. I can’t be forcing you…”
This time, Tan Yuechun had said her words very nicely, but Xiang Wan returned a sneer with a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Of course, I’m the one who will decide what to do. Moreover, I thought I have already fully conveyed to you what I wanted.”
Xiang Wan looked directly into her Youngest aunt’s eyes. At that moment, Xiang Wan’s expression was unusually cold and detached that her Youngest aunt had never seen before. “Youngest aunt, I do respect you and care about you. But, I’m really sorry. I can’t follow your wishes and give up on my current relationship… I’ve said before—I have a boyfriend.”
Tan Yuechun looked at her, dumbfounded.
In her understanding, Xiang Wan was soft-hearted and modest.
It was not that she never argued with her, but she never argued in such a determined and resolute manner.
“So, you’re saying that there’s no leeway around this matter?”
“Yes.”
“Hah! You’re really an ungrateful person!” Tan Yuechun laughed. “You should know how I have been treating you. But you should have told me you already have a boyfriend so that you won’t put me in such a difficult spot…”
She did not continue further.
The words “ungrateful person” was enough to describe what she was feeling.
Xiang Wan’s chest heaved up and down, but her mood was well controlled. “Sorry, Youngest aunt, it’s my fault for not telling you earlier. But… my boyfriend is really good to me, I’ve never thought of leaving him.”
“Hurhur.” Tan Yuechun showed a disdainful smile as well as a look that suggested that she had gone through or seen all these before. “Fine, I won’t force you. I’ll wait and see how long your relationship will last with this boyfriend of your choice.”
“…”
How could she say this?
The Chinese are particular about luck. This was obviously a curse which made Xiang Wan feel very uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, as Youngest aunt did not force her to be with Cheng Zheng, Xiang Wan did not want to argue with her because of this matter and further strain their relationship.
“Youngest aunt, thank you for your reminder. We’ll be just fine.”
Xiang Wan thanked her sincerely, but for Tan Yuechun, it sounded jarring to her ears.
“Feifei, let’s go.” Tan Yuechun got up from her seat as she looked at Xiang Wan coldly. “I’ve said all that I wanted. It’s up to you to heed my advice or not. I just hope you will not regret in future.”
“I understand.” Xiang Wan met her Youngest aunt’s gaze directly. Her eyes were smiling and her tone, relaxed.
Tack! Tack! Tack! Tan Yuechun gave a snort and left the house with her high heels still on her feet.
It was only then that Xiang Wan noticed that her Youngest aunt and Xing Feifei did not even change shoes when they stepped into the house. The glasses of water that she had served for them were untouched as well.
Somehow, she felt her cheeks slightly hot.
Nobody looked down on her intentionally. It was just that the other party was already standing at a higher position right from the start…
When Tan Yuechun walked to the entrance, she noticed that Xiang Wan did not follow behind to see her off and hesitated for a moment.
This was different from Xiang Wan’s usual cautious personality.
Tan Yuechun turned around and saw Xiang Wan still standing at her original spot. She gave a frown and said to her in a stern manner, “Arrange for a meet up with me together with your boyfriend. Even if you don’t want to see me, I still need to let you know about my opinion of him. So that you would not regret in future.”
Xiang Wan nodded her head. “Okay.”
…
She was unable to turn down such a request.
Even though she knew very well that Youngest aunt might be thinking of putting on airs or be nasty to her boyfriend.
…
When Tan Yuechun and Xing Feifei reached the ground floor, they happened to meet Cheng Zheng who was returning home.
When the three of them met, they were slightly taken aback by the unexpected situation.
Tan Yuechun quickly regained her composure by putting on a smile and pointed upstairs. “Little Cheng, you’re staying in this block too?”
Cheng Zheng guessed that she must be here to visit Xiang Wan. He did not deny and nodded his head. “Yes, Aunty Yuechun.”
Tan Yuechun’s expression seemed a little strange. “Well… do you know that Wanwan lived here as well?”
Cheng Zheng’s eyebrows moved a little. “Yes, I know.”
“So…”
Tan Yuechun almost asked if he knew that Xiang Wan had a boyfriend. But she stopped herself in time as she should not do that. Heaving a sigh, she asked, “Do you blame Aunty for what happened between you and Wanwan?”
Cheng Zheng pursed his lips. “Aunty, some things can’t be forced.”
“You’re such an understanding son,” remarked Tan Yuechun, “it’s a pity Wanwan did not have such good fortune…”
She paused for a while and looked at Cheng Zheng’s eyes. “Little Cheng, Aunty has something to ask you. Do answer me honestly…”
Cheng Zheng: “Sure, please go ahead.”
“Your mom told me that you…” Tan Yuechun paused for a moment, “that you really like Wanwan and you’re not willing to look at other girls?”
This was actually quite an awkward question.
Fortunately, Cheng Zheng was used to being expressionless. Even when he heard such a question, his eyebrows were just slightly raised.
“Aunty, this… depends on fate.”
Same as his earlier sentence, his answer was considered to be politically correct or rather, it was an answer that both scenarios were applicable.
Tan Yuechun hesitated for a while as his reply was not straightforward before nodding her head.
“You’re right. Sometimes, some things take time to come to you. If you really like her…” Tan Yuechun might have thought it was inappropriate of her to continue the sentence. “Well, you know,” she smiled, “young ladies’ take on love nowadays is not mature. If one day she finally comes to a realization on what is the right thing to do, you both might cross paths again.”
Cheng Zheng’s eyes looked downward for a moment. They were unable to tell his emotions from his face.
“Aunty, actually, my take on love might not be mature, either.”
“Eh?” Tan Yuechun did not understand the sudden comment made by Cheng Zheng.
She did not know what Cheng Zheng meant by saying that.
Cheng Zheng did not explain, either. He pointed upwards and asked if she wanted to come to his apartment for a cup of tea—Tan Yuechun declined his invitation awkwardly. He said his goodbyes to them politely and left.
The mother and daughter were in a daze for a moment before Xing Feifei gave a dissatisfied snort.
“Mom, I really don’t understand. Why must you pair up Cousin Wan and Captain Cheng…”
Tan Yuechun turned around and stared at her. “You’re still a child, what do you know?”
Xing Feifei pouted her lips slightly. “I’m not young anymore, what do I not understand? I know you wanted to have better ties with Aunty Cheng’s family by being related in marriage, right?”
Tan Yuechun’s face instantly fell and she chided Feifei in cold tone. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
Xing Feifei glanced sideways, as though she had something to say but was a little afraid. “Besides,” she muttered softly, her voice suddenly sweet and sticky, “Cousin Wan’s not suitable for him. You just pair them up forcefully without asking her. You should have chosen someone more suitable for him…”
“Shut up!” Tan Yuechun was not in the mood to listen to her. She snorted unhappily and walked away. “Children should mind their own business!”
“Bleh!” Xing Feifei made a face behind her mom.
Following behind Tan Yuechun, she turned back for another glance at the block where Cheng Zheng went inside.
“You adults don’t understand the facts that even children understand…” she murmured.
…
The voice recording ended.
The living room was quiet once again.
Fang Yuanyuan felt awkward to be standing around. She pointed to her room and slipped away quietly. Even Xing Feifei, who was playing with her mobile phone, noticed something amiss—she looked up quietly and saw her mom, Tan Yuechun, whose expression was really stern as well as Xiang Wan, who seemed to be a little sullen.
“Youngest aunt.” Xiang Wan opened her mouth first. “What do you want me to do by telling me all these?”
Her tone was emotionless as though she was not angry at all. Nonetheless, the heavy, stifling atmosphere seemed to indicate otherwise that she might really be fuming inside.
Tan Yuechun glanced at her fair, delicate face. For a moment, she was a little unsure of what this young lady was thinking about.
“You’ve heard what Mrs. Cheng wanted for her son. If you want to be with Little Cheng, the Cheng Family is not going to object to it. The unpleasant incident she had with you would also not happen again. What I wanted to say is… the Cheng Family is sincere about this matter…”
“So?” Xiang Wan laughed and repeated, “What do you want me to do?”
She was really laughing but somehow, Tan Yuechun felt that this niece of hers was like a porcupine—prickly.
“Little Cheng is a great guy,” she cleared her throat elegantly, “of course, I wish you can become a couple with him. But on the other hand, it is your relationship problem and you’re the one who will decide what to do. I can’t be forcing you…”
This time, Tan Yuechun had said her words very nicely, but Xiang Wan returned a sneer with a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Of course, I’m the one who will decide what to do. Moreover, I thought I have already fully conveyed to you what I wanted.”
Xiang Wan looked directly into her Youngest aunt’s eyes. At that moment, Xiang Wan’s expression was unusually cold and detached that her Youngest aunt had never seen before. “Youngest aunt, I do respect you and care about you. But, I’m really sorry. I can’t follow your wishes and give up on my current relationship… I’ve said before—I have a boyfriend.”
Tan Yuechun looked at her, dumbfounded.
In her understanding, Xiang Wan was soft-hearted and modest.
It was not that she never argued with her, but she never argued in such a determined and resolute manner.
“So, you’re saying that there’s no leeway around this matter?”
“Yes.”
“Hah! You’re really an ungrateful person!” Tan Yuechun laughed. “You should know how I have been treating you. But you should have told me you already have a boyfriend so that you won’t put me in such a difficult spot…”
She did not continue further.
The words “ungrateful person” was enough to describe what she was feeling.
Xiang Wan’s chest heaved up and down, but her mood was well controlled. “Sorry, Youngest aunt, it’s my fault for not telling you earlier. But… my boyfriend is really good to me, I’ve never thought of leaving him.”
“Hurhur.” Tan Yuechun showed a disdainful smile as well as a look that suggested that she had gone through or seen all these before. “Fine, I won’t force you. I’ll wait and see how long your relationship will last with this boyfriend of your choice.”
“…”
How could she say this?
The Chinese are particular about luck. This was obviously a curse which made Xiang Wan feel very uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, as Youngest aunt did not force her to be with Cheng Zheng, Xiang Wan did not want to argue with her because of this matter and further strain their relationship.
“Youngest aunt, thank you for your reminder. We’ll be just fine.”
Xiang Wan thanked her sincerely, but for Tan Yuechun, it sounded jarring to her ears.
“Feifei, let’s go.” Tan Yuechun got up from her seat as she looked at Xiang Wan coldly. “I’ve said all that I wanted. It’s up to you to heed my advice or not. I just hope you will not regret in future.”
“I understand.” Xiang Wan met her Youngest aunt’s gaze directly. Her eyes were smiling and her tone, relaxed.
Tack! Tack! Tack! Tan Yuechun gave a snort and left the house with her high heels still on her feet.
It was only then that Xiang Wan noticed that her Youngest aunt and Xing Feifei did not even change shoes when they stepped into the house. The glasses of water that she had served for them were untouched as well.
Somehow, she felt her cheeks slightly hot.
Nobody looked down on her intentionally. It was just that the other party was already standing at a higher position right from the start…
When Tan Yuechun walked to the entrance, she noticed that Xiang Wan did not follow behind to see her off and hesitated for a moment.
This was different from Xiang Wan’s usual cautious personality.
Tan Yuechun turned around and saw Xiang Wan still standing at her original spot. She gave a frown and said to her in a stern manner, “Arrange for a meet up with me together with your boyfriend. Even if you don’t want to see me, I still need to let you know about my opinion of him. So that you would not regret in future.”
Xiang Wan nodded her head. “Okay.”
…
She was unable to turn down such a request.
Even though she knew very well that Youngest aunt might be thinking of putting on airs or be nasty to her boyfriend.
…
When Tan Yuechun and Xing Feifei reached the ground floor, they happened to meet Cheng Zheng who was returning home.
When the three of them met, they were slightly taken aback by the unexpected situation.
Tan Yuechun quickly regained her composure by putting on a smile and pointed upstairs. “Little Cheng, you’re staying in this block too?”
Cheng Zheng guessed that she must be here to visit Xiang Wan. He did not deny and nodded his head. “Yes, Aunty Yuechun.”
Tan Yuechun’s expression seemed a little strange. “Well… do you know that Wanwan lived here as well?”
Cheng Zheng’s eyebrows moved a little. “Yes, I know.”
“So…”
Tan Yuechun almost asked if he knew that Xiang Wan had a boyfriend. But she stopped herself in time as she should not do that. Heaving a sigh, she asked, “Do you blame Aunty for what happened between you and Wanwan?”
Cheng Zheng pursed his lips. “Aunty, some things can’t be forced.”
“You’re such an understanding son,” remarked Tan Yuechun, “it’s a pity Wanwan did not have such good fortune…”
She paused for a while and looked at Cheng Zheng’s eyes. “Little Cheng, Aunty has something to ask you. Do answer me honestly…”
Cheng Zheng: “Sure, please go ahead.”
“Your mom told me that you…” Tan Yuechun paused for a moment, “that you really like Wanwan and you’re not willing to look at other girls?”
This was actually quite an awkward question.
Fortunately, Cheng Zheng was used to being expressionless. Even when he heard such a question, his eyebrows were just slightly raised.
“Aunty, this… depends on fate.”
Same as his earlier sentence, his answer was considered to be politically correct or rather, it was an answer that both scenarios were applicable.
Tan Yuechun hesitated for a while as his reply was not straightforward before nodding her head.
“You’re right. Sometimes, some things take time to come to you. If you really like her…” Tan Yuechun might have thought it was inappropriate of her to continue the sentence. “Well, you know,” she smiled, “young ladies’ take on love nowadays is not mature. If one day she finally comes to a realization on what is the right thing to do, you both might cross paths again.”
Cheng Zheng’s eyes looked downward for a moment. They were unable to tell his emotions from his face.
“Aunty, actually, my take on love might not be mature, either.”
“Eh?” Tan Yuechun did not understand the sudden comment made by Cheng Zheng.
She did not know what Cheng Zheng meant by saying that.
Cheng Zheng did not explain, either. He pointed upwards and asked if she wanted to come to his apartment for a cup of tea—Tan Yuechun declined his invitation awkwardly. He said his goodbyes to them politely and left.
The mother and daughter were in a daze for a moment before Xing Feifei gave a dissatisfied snort.
“Mom, I really don’t understand. Why must you pair up Cousin Wan and Captain Cheng…”
Tan Yuechun turned around and stared at her. “You’re still a child, what do you know?”
Xing Feifei pouted her lips slightly. “I’m not young anymore, what do I not understand? I know you wanted to have better ties with Aunty Cheng’s family by being related in marriage, right?”
Tan Yuechun’s face instantly fell and she chided Feifei in cold tone. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
Xing Feifei glanced sideways, as though she had something to say but was a little afraid. “Besides,” she muttered softly, her voice suddenly sweet and sticky, “Cousin Wan’s not suitable for him. You just pair them up forcefully without asking her. You should have chosen someone more suitable for him…”
“Shut up!” Tan Yuechun was not in the mood to listen to her. She snorted unhappily and walked away. “Children should mind their own business!”
“Bleh!” Xing Feifei made a face behind her mom.
Following behind Tan Yuechun, she turned back for another glance at the block where Cheng Zheng went inside.
“You adults don’t understand the facts that even children understand…” she murmured.
…
