Good dreams are always the easiest to wake from.
Coming out from Xu Baihan’s home, it was already nearing evening, at sunset time.
On the road, during the rush hour, Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng were stuck on the Second Ring Road, unable to move. Mother Jiang, worried that Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng would break their appointment, called again to remind and urge them, seriously asking about all of Lu Zizheng’s dietary restrictions, and nagging for quite a while.
Jiang Huaixi turned on the Bluetooth, hand on the steering wheel, responding lightly without thinking: “En, you should let Aunt write it down in a notebook, Zizheng likes sweet but not sour, can’t eat very spicy things, doesn’t eat raw vegetables, dislikes celery, doesn’t eat eggplant, doesn’t eat oysters, doesn’t eat…”
Lu Zizheng sat beside, turned her head looking at Jiang Huaixi’s calm and composed demeanor, involuntarily pursed her lips and smiled lightly.
Jiang Huaixi hung up the phone, noticed from the corner of her eye that Lu Zizheng was looking at her and smiling, lightly smiled and asked Lu Zizheng: “What are you secretly laughing at?”
Lu Zizheng turned her head back, her smile deepened, lightly humming a song, not answering Jiang Huaixi, but it could be seen that her mood was very good.
Jiang Huaixi’s index finger lightly stroked the steering wheel, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips, she murmured a sound, and laughed: “En, if you won’t say, then I’ll guess what you’re secretly laughing about.”
Lu Zizheng, upon hearing, raised her eyebrows, turning her head to cast a curious look at Jiang Huaixi.
Jiang Huaixi’s eyebrows and eyes curved, and she said seriously: “I guess you must be thinking, ah~ how Huaixi understands me so well, ah~ she must love me very much, ah~ I am truly fortunate over three lifetimes, to be able to receive her love, ah…” each “ah” was truly exaggeratedly artificial.
The more Lu Zizheng listened, the darker her face became, finally, Jiang Huaixi’s last “ah” ended with Lu Zizheng’s annoyed and embarrassed reach to cover: “Shut up, not allowed to say.”
Jiang Huaixi slightly turned her head to look at Lu Zizheng, her eyebrows lightly furrowed, using her eyes to threaten Lu Zizheng: “Release your hand or not?”
Lu Zizheng furrowed her eyebrows, looking at the unmoving flow of cars ahead, stubbornly refusing to release her hand.
Jiang Huaixi stared at Lu Zizheng, her eyes full of flowing expressions, and suddenly relaxed her eyebrows. Seeing the cunning smile in her eyes, Lu Zizheng couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat, sensing that something was not right.
Sure enough, in the next second, under Jiang Huaixi’s confident gaze, Lu Zizheng, as if touched by electricity, quickly withdrew her hand, and her face instantly turned red.
Jiang Huaixi saw her panicked and cute appearance and couldn’t help but lightly laugh out loud.
Lu Zizheng bit her lips, both shy and annoyed, glaring at Jiang Huaixi: “Rogue!” Jiang Huaixi had just, indeed, stretched out her tongue and lightly licked the palm that was covering her mouth.
Jiang Huaixi blinked her eyes, the curve of her mouth deepened, and she calmly teased: “Is it considered being a rogue towards your own girlfriend? Zizheng, are you already unable to take it this way?” She bit the word “take” especially clearly, with an obvious deeper meaning.
Lu Zizheng slightly lowered her eyes, her cheeks fully flushed, one hand covering the licked palm, lightly hummed two sounds, and didn’t want to pay attention to Jiang Huaixi anymore.
The traffic finally moved forward a little bit, and Jiang Huaixi followed by moving forward a bit as well. Then, she turned her head, lightly smiled, and seriously asked the seemingly angry Lu Zizheng beside her: “Could it be that I just guessed wrong?”
Lu Zizheng glanced at Jiang Huaixi’s bright eyes filled with laughter, and saw that her eyes were full of herself, focused and gentle. Finally, she couldn’t help but curve her lips, no longer pretending to be angry, leaned her head on Jiang Huaixi’s shoulder, looking at the long line of cars forming red dots on the road home, and with a gentle smile said: “I was just thinking, having family care and nagging, having a home to return to, feels really good. Sister Baihan is also good, we are also good, if we could always be like this, it would be nice.” After finishing, she paused and affirmed: “En, it definitely will always be like this.”
Jiang Huaixi’s heart involuntarily softened, and she softly responded: “En.”
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The traffic finally started moving again, and as night fully descended, the street lamps suddenly lit up, making the road home so clear and bright.
Jiang Huaixi followed the traffic, moving forward slowly and steadily, remaining silent for a while, then suddenly smiled and sighed: “Ai, but actually, isn’t the most important thing having me is really good?”
Lu Zizheng instantly sprang up, gnashing her teeth said: “Jiang Huaixi, you really are too much…”
Jiang Huaixi just looked ahead, but smiled without speaking.
Zizheng, I can’t assert how long such days will last, but I dare to promise you, as long as you want, as long as I’m here, our days will definitely be as you hope.
When they arrived at the Jiang family’s home, Jiang Huaixi’s father, Jiang Huaichuan, and Qiao Xin had all already returned home, and the family was sitting around in the living room, chatting and laughing. Seeing Jiang Huaixi and Lu Zizheng return, Jiang Huaichuan couldn’t help but tease: “Sister, you both look like you’re full of the spring breeze.”
Jiang Huaixi raised her eyebrows, smiled slightly, and calmly responded: “Where can it compare with you and Qiao Xin.”
Lu Zizheng was slightly nervous and nodded towards Father Jiang, whom she had just met after returning, politely greeting: “Uncle, you’ve returned.”
Father Jiang’s expression was still somewhat naturally stern, and he returned her a slight smile. But Lu Zizheng could see a faint gentleness and kindness in his eyes: “We’re all family now, no need to be reserved.”
Grandma Jiang kindly spoke in agreement: “Your uncle is right.” Saying this, she smiled and beckoned to Lu Zizheng: “Zizheng, come over to Grandma’s side.”
Jiang Huaixi then smiled at Lu Zizheng, released her hand, and sat beside Jiang Huaichuan.
Lu Zizheng walked to Grandma Jiang’s side, squatted down, and looked up at her with an obedient appearance.
Grandma Jiang reached out, pulled Lu Zizheng’s hand, and gently patted it, truly loving her more the more she looked. After a moment, she released her hand, slowly and carefully took off the only bracelet on her hand, handed it to Lu Zizheng, and said: “This was passed to me by my mother-in-law when Huaixi’s Grandpa and I got married. One, Grandma gave to Qiao Xin, and this one, today, Grandma hands it to you, also feeling at ease.”
Lu Zizheng’s face was slightly red, she looked towards Jiang Huaixi and only saw the slight smile on Jiang Huaixi’s lips, her eyes full of gentle starlight. Lu Zizheng received Grandma Jiang’s bracelet with both hands, softly responding: “Thank you, Grandma.”
Grandma Jiang’s eyes happily squinted into a line, and she pulled Lu Zizheng to sit beside her, looked at Jiang Huaixi opposite, and smiled at Lu Zizheng, saying: “Zizheng, actually, the first time you came home, Grandma just wanted to give the bracelet to you.”
Lu Zizheng was slightly startled and somewhat surprised. Obviously, she still remembered that day when Grandma Jiang’s glances at her seemed vague, making her feel on edge. She thought that, at that time, Grandma Jiang was…
Grandma Jiang seemed to see her confusion and openly laughed, saying: “Zizheng, when Grandma first knew Huaixi liked you, indeed, it took a long time to understand. But as time went on, seeing Huaixi so seriously persistent, Grandma also figured it out. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings, as long as Huaixi is happy, Grandma then has no other requests. Later, what Grandma hoped for every day is when Huaixi could achieve positive results with you. Her mother and I always indirectly asked her out of concern, but she was calm, neither hurried nor slow. The first time you came home that day, her mother and I both thought to help her a bit, but as soon as she heard about this, she got anxious with us, firmly refused, and told me to keep the bracelet well, then hurriedly ran to interrupt your conversation with her mother.”
Grandma Jiang sighed and said: “Later, I heard from her mother that this matter also made you misunderstand, and our good intentions turned into a bad situation, which made us feel very sorry. Zizheng, you must not take it to heart.”
Lu Zizheng lightly shook her head, warmly said: “Grandma, I will not.” She turned her head to look at Jiang Huaixi, with some relief and amusement after time passed, but Jiang Huaixi seemed somewhat embarrassed, avoided Lu Zizheng’s gaze, changed the topic, and asked Jiang Mom: “Mom, can we eat now? Dad and Huaichuan should be hungry.”
Mother Jiang smiled, stood up, and called everyone, saying: “Of course, let’s go, let’s eat first, and we can chat after eating.”
Thus, Jiang Huaixi, Jiang Huaichuan, and Qiao Xin were the first to stand up and walk towards the dining room. Father Jiang followed behind, and Lu Zizheng helped Grandma Jiang up, staying by her side, while Mother Jiang walked last, together with Lu Zizheng.
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Taking advantage of the short distance without Jiang Huaixi beside Lu Zizheng, Mother Jiang suddenly asked Lu Zizheng: “Zizheng, during these days, has Huaixi talked with you about her childhood before going to Ji’an?”
Lu Zizheng recalled slightly and answered: “Seems like she hasn’t said much, Auntie, what’s wrong?”
Mother Jiang smiled and shook her head, saying: “Nothing, I just asked casually.”
After being seated, Grandma Jiang sat at the main seat, while the others sat in pairs. Not long after dinner started, Father Jiang raised his cup, slightly tilted it towards Lu Zizheng, and smilingly said: “Zizheng, Uncle welcomes you to join our family.”
Lu Zizheng quickly put down her chopsticks and also raised her cup.
Jiang Huaichuan raised his cup, looked at Lu Zizheng and Jiang Huaixi, and couldn’t help but tease: “Dad, it should be said as marrying into, right.”
Mother Jiang laughed “hehe,” seeing Lu Zizheng’s blushing face, and resolved for her family, saying: “Whether it’s marrying or marrying in, this needs to ask your sister.”
At this, Lu Zizheng’s face turned even redder, and even the calm Jiang Huaixi couldn’t help but feel her ears getting a bit hot.
Lu Zizheng, with a red face, lightly clinked glasses with Jiang Huaichuan, Father Jiang, and the others, saying: “Thank you Uncle, thank you everyone.”
Qiao Xin couldn’t help but laugh, saying: “Sister Zizheng’s face seems red.”
Hearing this, everyone looked at Lu Zizheng and couldn’t help but laugh loudly.
Jiang Huaixi looked at Lu Zizheng’s ears, which were as red as if they were about to drip blood, and couldn’t help but feel somewhat distressed. She cleared her throat and helped Lu Zizheng out of her embarrassment by changing the topic to ask about Jiang Huaichuan and Qiao Xin’s engagement matters in two or three days.
The atmosphere gradually became warm and relaxed, and Lu Zizheng, amidst everyone’s talking and laughing, also slowly relaxed.
During the meal, Jiang Huaixi suddenly got up to go to the bathroom and only returned after a long time. When she returned, Lu Zizheng noticed that Jiang Huaixi’s expression seemed somewhat off, not as naturally happy as before she left. Her eyes were deep, with an absent-minded appearance.
Lu Zizheng was about to ask Jiang Huaixi what was wrong when she heard Mother Jiang say to her and Jiang Huaixi: “Zizheng, please don’t mind, for now, Uncle and Aunt owe you. When one day Huaixi is honest and brave enough, we’ll also, like Huaichuan and Xin’er, hold a lively and joyful celebration for you, okay?” When saying “honest and brave,” Mother Jiang looked at Jiang Huaixi, as if her words had a deeper meaning.
Jiang Huaixi glanced at Mother Jiang, avoided her gaze, and remained silent, her eyes appearing increasingly heavy.
Lu Zizheng felt somewhat puzzled and worried, but at the moment, it wasn’t appropriate to ask much, so she just obediently smiled and agreed with Mother Jiang’s words.
After the meal, everyone sat in the living room for a little while, then each dispersed to rest.
Jiang Huaixi led Lu Zizheng into the bedroom, showing her around the second-floor rooms she often used and visited, telling her that half of the new clothes in the wardrobe were prepared according to her size, and had prepared toiletries and a change of clothes for her. After settling everything for Lu Zizheng, she finally told her: “Zizheng, I just received a phone call and now need to go out to handle some things. If you’re tired after your shower, don’t wait for me and rest early.”
Lu Zizheng, holding her change of clothes, was slightly startled, bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then asked: “Were you absent-minded during dinner because of this?”
Jiang Huaixi, looking into Lu Zizheng’s eyes, unconsciously flickered her gaze, then lowered her head, not looking at Lu Zizheng, and almost inaudibly responded: “En.”
Lu Zizheng seemed relieved, curved her lips into a slight smile, and said: “En, no problem, then you go ahead and get busy. I’m not tired, and I’ll wait for you to come back so we can sleep together.”
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Jiang Huaixi still wanted to persuade her, but seeing Lu Zizheng’s calm yet persistent appearance, she finally conceded and softly promised: “Then okay, I’ll try to come back early.”
Lu Zizheng nodded and responded with satisfaction: “En, come back early.”
Before turning around, Jiang Huaixi looked deeply at Lu Zizheng’s face, full of smiles, bit her lip, almost imperceptibly clenched her fists, and then turned to go downstairs.
In the corridor outside the director’s office of the Jiang family hospital, Jiang Huaixi clasped her hands on her knees, closed her eyes, and leaned against the chair back, waiting for Director Wang, who had already finished work, to return to the hospital. Her eyebrows were tightly locked, her lips tightly pressed, with an expression of complete weariness and sorrow.
In the silent corridor, there suddenly sounded the clear and crisp sound of high heels striking the ground, from far to near, finally stopping in front of Jiang Huaixi, blocking her light and casting a shadow.
Jiang Huaixi’s eyebrows furrowed even tighter, and she slowly opened her eyes to see Lian Xuan’s delicate and beautiful face. At this moment, Lian Xuan was gently smiling and quietly looking at her, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Miss Jiang, I finally waited for you, long time no see,” Jiang Huaixi heard Lian Xuan say to her.
LP: Re-translated on October 03, 2024