For The Rest Of Our Life – Chapter 166

Mom and Dad, rest assured

Before returning, Xiao Wanqing had already discussed with Lin Xian that the next day they would visit Lin Zhan and Zhou Qin in the South District.

The fact that Lin Xian had been with Xiao Wanqing in Yiping for the past two or three months was known to everyone in the family. The elders knew that Xiao Wanqing had returned, and in their hearts they knew that Lin Xian’s future would likely be entrusted to Xiao Wanqing. Originally, they wanted to meet Xiao Wanqing as well, but Lin Xian was worried that facing so many people in her family at once would put too much pressure on her. So she requested to only meet her and Lin Zhan first, with plans to visit together during the Spring Festival in about half a month. Zhou Qin agreed to this plan.

The next day, Xiao Wanqing got up early, nostalgia for the time spent in a dreamlike state in the midnight memories of many years, bathing in the morning light, and preparing a hearty breakfast for Lin Xian in the familiar kitchen.

Afraid of waking Lin Xian up, she deliberately washed her hair again in the bathroom outside the bedroom, carefully blow-dried and styled it with a hairdryer before returning to her own bedroom’s bathroom to moisturize and apply makeup meticulously. She looked poised and ready.

Xiao Panpan had returned home, never to disappear again. Lin Xian’s long-cherished wish had finally come true. At night, she held Xiao Wanqing in her arms and watched her peaceful sleeping face lying next to her pillow, unable to stop herself from smiling foolishly. She was surprisingly excited and joyful, staying awake for most of the night, gradually losing energy and falling into a peaceful sleep around three in the early morning. She rarely slept so heavily that she did not even hear the sound of Xiao Wanqing getting up in the morning and the loving kiss that landed on her forehead.

At seven o’clock in the morning, Lin Xian’s phone alarm, set diligently, cheerfully rang. Xiao Wanqing heard the noise from the bathroom and quickly set down her eyeliner to go out, trying to turn off the alarm before Lin Xian was disturbed.

During these days in Yiping, Xiao Wanqing could tell that Lin Xian’s quality of sleep was not as good as it was in her childhood. Lin Xian’s sleep had become very light, and she unconsciously liked to grab her clothes as if constantly fearing something. Any slight movement from Xiao Wanqing would startle Lin Xian awake. If she needed to get up during the night, Lin Xian would only be able to sleep soundly again once she returned. Xiao Wanqing vaguely understood what Lin Xian was afraid of, feeling both heartbroken and guilty, yet helpless.

Rarely did Xiao Wanqing have the opportunity to see Lin Xian sleeping so deeply and peacefully after her return, so she hesitated to wake her up, wanting her to sleep a little longer.

Unfortunately, the moment the alarm went off, Lin Xian subconsciously struggled awake. She furrowed her eyebrows and closed her eyes, gradually becoming aware and smelling a refreshing fragrance lingering at the tip of her nose. When she opened her groggy eyes, she saw Xiao Wanqing half-kneeling beside the bed, one hand supporting herself on the edge of the pillow and the other reaching to the other side of the pillow where Lin Xian’s head lay, her body hovering gently in the air, being cautious.

Looking at her lover’s graceful face so close by, Lin Xian couldn’t help but curve her brows and eyes, extending her hands from under the blanket, tightly wrapping her slender waist, causing Xiao Wanqing, who had just turned off the alarm and was unguarded, to suddenly fall down onto her body, fitting snugly against her.

“Panpan, you smell so nice…” The girl, enchanted, lightly rubbed and sniffed Xiao Wanqing’s hair, acting like a playful little puppy.

Xiao Wanqing, afraid of making Lin Xian uncomfortable by being on top of her, raised herself slightly, pushed aside her messy bangs, and saw the sleepy dampness in her shiny big eyes. Softening in her heart, Xiao Wanqing whispered, “I woke you up after all, why did you set the alarm so early?”

Lin Xian focused on Xiao Wanqing for a moment, realizing she had been up for a while, and expressed disappointment, “I thought there was no rush today. You’ve been through a lot yesterday, working so hard. I thought you wouldn’t get up so early, so I set the alarm to prepare breakfast for you and let you rest more.”

She pouted, pretending to be angry, and accusingly asked, “Hmph, it’s excessive. Tell me, why did you get up so early? I can’t even show off properly.”

Xiao Wanqing chuckled, just about to playfully tease the girl, when she heard Lin Xian change her tone again, twirling the end of her hair and softly sighed, “Panpan, you’re so beautiful.”

Xiao Wanqing and Lin Xian locked eyes, and Xiao Wanqing saw the girl gazing at her with genuine infatuation and affection. Sweet ripples of affection couldn’t help but stir in Xiao Wanqing’s heart.

Normally, she only wore light makeup, but Lin Xian knew that the full makeup she had on today was only chosen for important occasions. With a moment of thought, Lin Xian could see through the tension in her lover’s heart about meeting Zhou Qin and Lin Zhan without it being explicitly stated.

Teasingly, Lin Xian hugged Xiao Wanqing’s waist tightly, her hand sneaking under her clothes to linger around her waist, while the other hand gently kneaded Xiao Wanqing’s earlobes. With a playful smile, she said, “Panpan, the key to success lies in the morning. Let’s have some beneficial morning exercise for our mind and body, shall we?”

True to form, Xiao Wanqing was momentarily stunned, her cheeks blushing instantly as she raised her hand to swat away Lin Xian’s playful advances by her ear. Irritated, she shot Lin Xian a look, evaded her embrace, sat on the edge of the bed, and chided her, saying, “Stop fooling around. Since you’re awake, get up quickly, have breakfast, and freshen up. We need to go buy some things at Mingguang City first, then head to your house. Time is tight.”

Lin Xian showed no signs of nervousness at all, casually sat up, and playfully replied, “Why so uptight? Then I won’t do my makeup, won’t dress up, save some time, and I can act as a green leaf to enhance the beauty of my super gorgeous girlfriend with a striking contrast. I want my mom to see clearly how beautiful and charming my girlfriend is, and how lucky her clumsy and ugly daughter could deceive this wife-to-be. What a fortunate love in this life.”

As she spoke, she became more and more exaggerated, gesticulating as she talked in a pompous tone, saying, “Make her feel ashamed, make her regret, make her envy, make her…”

Xiao Wanqing couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics, reaching out to cover her mouth, and chuckled softly, “Stop it, get up already…”

Lin Xian, taking advantage of the situation, reached out playfully and said, “I have weak legs, can you pull me up?”

Xiao Wanqing had no choice but to indulge her, reaching out to hold her hand and gently tug her up. In the midst of this playfulness, the nervousness that had been lingering in her heart since getting up seemed to dissipate without her realizing it.

After breakfast and a short rest, they packed up the local specialties and gifts sent from Yiping, starting their busy schedule for the day.

On the way to the garage, Lin Xian and Xiao Wanqing explained, “Panpan, I’ve changed the car because your previous one exceeded its usage limit. I wanted to wait for you to come back and deal with it yourself, but we couldn’t find any extra long-term parking spots in the community, so I parked the car in the empty spot that Uncle and Auntie have.”

Xiao Wanqing didn’t quite catch on at first and subconsciously asked, “Uncle and Auntie?” As soon as the words left her mouth, a thought struck her, and she suddenly realized who Lin Xian was referring to.

This topic was quite sensitive, and Lin Xian pursed her lips, carefully saying, “I haven’t been inside their home, and Aunt Wen helped me with the parking spot. But without your consent, I asked Aunt Wen for the address. Over the years, I’ve secretly visited Uncle and Auntie many times, talking to them a lot. Will you be upset about this? I didn’t mean to disturb them, I just… I just wanted to…” The girl became increasingly embarrassed as she spoke.

In the years when Xiao Wanqing was away, Lin Xian had been living alone, unable to find anyone she trusted or could confide in, feeling stifled. Especially after repeatedly experiencing disappointment in her attempts to find Xiao Panpan, the pent-up frustration in her heart had nowhere to go – leading her to visit Xiao Wanqing’s parents from time to time. Sometimes she would bring flowers and talk for a long time at their graves, and sometimes she would bring wine and silently sit beside them for an entire afternoon.

Xiao Wanqing smiled softly, feeling heartache as she interrupted the girl’s difficult explanation, taking her hand and sincerely thanking her, “It’s okay, why would I be unhappy? Thank you for caring for them, you’re much better than me as a daughter.” In the years she had been away, she had only asked Wen Tong to help clean the graves and offer incense on Qingming Festival each year, unsure if they missed her or resented her.

She turned her head to look at Lin Xian, her expression gentle, and said earnestly, “They will definitely like you.”

Seeing Xiao Wanqing’s sincere expression of not minding at all, Lin Xian’s previously suspended heart gradually relaxed. Hearing her affirmation, a sweet feeling flowed through her heart. She completely let go, playfully matching steps with Xiao Wanqing, left foot, right foot, and teased, “How can you be so sure?”

“When you were little, they already liked you. Whenever we went to the teacher’s house for a visit, we coincidentally ran into your mom leaving you there, and mom always enjoyed playing with you. After each visit, my dad would tease my mom about the mischievous and witty granddaughter of the Zhou family. As you grew up, they couldn’t believe their luck, almost wishing they could have another daughter like you. My mom later mentioned how obedient and quiet I was as a child. People envied them for raising me so effortlessly, but occasionally they would envy other people for having lively and fun children.”

The curve of Lin Xian’s lips deepened, and she said warmly, “Is that so? Have their wishes come true then, daughter-in-law? Have I become like their own daughter?” She was rarely a bit shy, lightly biting her lower lip with her pearly white teeth.

Xiao Wanqing paused in her steps, gazing at the girl’s radiant beauty, and a bright smile bloomed on her lips. Softly, she answered, “Yes, they have come true.”

She suddenly suggested, “Xianxian, after we go to your house later, shall we stop by to see them? I want to formally introduce you to them.”

She had already intended to bring Lin Xian to meet her parents, but she had thought it wasn’t urgent upon just returning. However, hearing Lin Xian bring it up now, she felt a sudden eager desire to meet with her parents on this day and tell them that she and Lin Xian were meant to be together for life.

“With my lover, as my partner for the rest of my life.”

As soon as Xiao Wanqing’s words fell, Lin Xian’s eyes lit up instantly, overwhelmed with joy. She caressed Xiao Wanqing’s hand, wanting to lift her up and spin her around right there if it weren’t for the inconvenient location. She was so happy and touched that she was almost speechless, softly murmuring Xiao Wanqing’s name, “Panpan…”

Looking at her clumsy yet sincere and foolish expression, Xiao Wanqing felt a mix of love and compassion. She raised her hand to lightly tap her nose, indulgently saying, “Silly, are you this happy? Let’s go, with this plan, time is getting tight.”

After being teased, Lin Xian didn’t argue back but instead gazed deeply into Xiao Wanqing’s eyes and couldn’t help but gently hug her. A few seconds later, she released her hand, still smiling, but now with a more mature and dignified demeanor. She said warmly, “I am indeed very happy. Alright, don’t worry, I won’t let you be late.” With that, she stopped in front of a white BMW, took out the car remote from her pocket, opened Xiao Wanqing’s hand, and placed it inside, teasingly saying, “Panpan, I promise you your little treasure, the car.”

Xiao Wanqing lowered her head and stared at the car key, slowly closing her fingers around it, then lifted her head to look at the car in front of her. The brand-new, snow-white car roof reflected their figures standing side by side, and in a moment of reverie, Xiao Wanqing felt as if the scene of her whispering and playing on Lin Xian’s little sheep years ago was still before her eyes. Nostalgia and pride shimmered in her eyes as she lightly touched the smooth car body, as if she could feel the effort and hard work that the girl had put in for her over the years through the chilly metal.

Her eyes were misting up with tears, and she reached out to gently touch the girl’s cheek, her voice carrying a touch of emotional hoarseness, “I really like it, and I appreciate your hard work. My Xianxian, you are a person of your word, and I have always believed in that.”

Lin Xian took her hand, kissed it lightly on the lips, feeling sweet and content.

After a tender moment, Lin Xian opened the driver’s door and softly invited, “Panpan, would you like to take a look at your little treasure?”

Xiao Wanqing blinked, let out a melodious laugh, and didn’t refuse Lin Xian’s invitation.

On the way to the Southern District, they first stopped at the popular shopping mall, Guangming City, to buy various New Year goods. Afterwards, they went to a nearby flower shop to purchase a bouquet of lilies, which Xiao Wanqing’s mother had loved, and placed it on the back seat of the car. They planned to visit Lin Xian’s house first and then make a detour to the cemetery on their way back.

Lin Xian had Xiao Wanqing drive because she wanted her to feel the car’s handling. After a while, they reached their destination and Lin Xian, caring for Xiao Wanqing, volunteered to switch to the driver’s seat to drive. Considering Lin Xian was more familiar with the route, Xiao Wanqing didn’t object.

However, unexpectedly, Lin Xian made a decision without consulting Xiao Wanqing and drove directly to the cemetery. Xiao Wanqing, unfamiliar with the route, wholeheartedly trusted Lin Xian and only realized when she saw the prominent signs on the roadside.

“Xianxian, this isn’t right. Coming here first before visiting your home, regardless of whether your mother minds or not, it’s too disrespectful of me,” Xiao Wanqing expressed her concerns.

Lin Xian, despite her maturity, still had a bit of naivety when it came to social interactions. She parked the car and, feeling like a child who had done something wrong, nervously apologized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t think things through, I just… just couldn’t wait to meet my future in-laws.”

Xiao Wanqing, seeing her obedient and cute appearance, couldn’t bring herself to stay angry. Well, let’s just go back home for a shower and a change of clothes before heading out.

She sighed and countered Lin Xian, “How come they’re already considered future in-laws?”

Was she in the mood to joke around with her? This was not getting angry anymore, and Lin Xian laughed with a radiant smile. She unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned on Xiao Wanqing’s shoulder, and teasingly said, “When I mentioned that a daughter-in-law is also half a daughter earlier, you didn’t refute it, so you tacitly agreed, didn’t you?”

Xiao Wanqing gave her a playful look, also unbuckled her seatbelt, and relented, saying, “Alright, since we’re already here, let’s go in.”

In this cemetery, countless tombstones stood neatly in rows, creating an empty and desolate scene. Lin Xian had visited many times alone before. She wasn’t particularly brave, but perhaps because she considered Xiao Wanqing’s parents as dear to her as her own, she had never felt afraid when visiting alone. This time, with Xiao Wanqing by her side, she felt even more at ease and composed.

Xiao Wanqing stopped in front of a black tombstone, bent down to place the fresh flowers in her hand. She knelt beside the tombstone, gazing at the elegant man and gentle woman in the black and white photos. Her throat tightened, her eyes suddenly reddening, tears welling up.

Sitting down beside her, Lin Xian silently reached out to hug her shoulder.

“Mom, Dad, I’ve come to see you. I’m sorry, it’s been so long since I last visited,” Xiao Wanqing said, her voice choked with emotion as she gently touched the photos.

“I’ve been doing well these past few years. You don’t need to worry. Work has been going smoothly, and I’ve been in good health…” She softly updated her parents on her recent life, reassuring them and then giving Lin Xian a reassuring pat before standing up with her. Together, they looked at the smiling photo of Xiao Wanqing’s parents, a slight hint of shyness present as she thought about introducing her significant other to her parents.

Her eyes filled with tenderness and shyness, she softly spoke, “Mom, Dad, the person next to me is Lin Xian. You should already be familiar with her. She’s a good girl, and I am so fortunate to have met her in this lifetime. We love each other.”

Standing right beside her, Lin Xian rarely heard Xiao Wanqing express her love so openly in front of her. As Xiao Wanqing continued, her cheeks grew warmer with every word, her ears turning a deep shade of red from the embarrassment. Despite the blush, she held onto her courage and poured her heart out, “I… love her very much. I never want to be apart from her again. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Dad, you once told me I could follow my own path, but I must live happily. I believe that being with her, we will lead a wonderful and blissful life together. Will you bless us?”

A gentle breeze tousled their hair, making their strands dance together.

Under a clear and peaceful sky, tranquility filled the surroundings.

“This lacquer looks fresh, like it was just applied not long ago. Did you touch it up?” Xiao Wanqing asked Lin Xian, looking at the golden characters carved on the tombstone.

Lin Xian nodded, “Yes, I brought a touch-up pen to patch up the lacquer when I visited the grave last year.”

Lin Xian linked pinkies with Xiao Wanqing, then turned to smile at the loving couple depicted on the tombstone. She greeted them warmly, “Uncle, Auntie, it’s been a while since I came to chat with you. I went to find Panpan, so I didn’t come by. I wonder if you missed me a little.”

Releasing Xiao Wanqing’s pinkie, Lin Xian slowly knelt down. Amid Xiao Wanqing’s surprised gentle call, she devoutly kowtowed three times before addressing them, “Mom, Dad…”

Xiao Wanqing gazed at the girl’s slender and gentle figure, her heart feeling warm and her nose tingling with emotion.

“Mom, Dad, trust me with Panpan. I will love her well, take good care of her, and make every day of her life feel like she’s in a honey pot. Believe in me. Although Lin Xian is younger than Panpan, she will give Panpan all her love. Not only devotion to her partner, pity for her lover, but also affection like that for a daughter. As long as Lin Xian is alive and this heart is still beating, every beat will be for Panpan, only for Panpan.” Each word was pronounced with weight and sincerity, heartfelt and genuine.

Standing up, she turned her head and smiled tenderly at Xiao Wanqing. Between her mature and beautiful eyebrows, there was still a hint of pure youthfulness, with a touch of lingering tenderness that the gentle breeze couldn’t disperse.

Xiao Wanqing was moved, her eyes shimmering with moisture, a slight hint of red at the corners. She gently sniffed and took the girl’s slender and soft hand, interlocking their fingers, teasing playfully, “What to do, I didn’t bring any fee for changing my mind to give to you.”

Lin Xian raised her other free hand and gently wiped away the glistening tear on Xiao Wanqing’s long eyelashes. The mature and steady demeanor she displayed earlier vanished, and in response to Xiao Wanqing’s teasing, she pouted childishly, feigning annoyance, “Hmph, Xiao Panpan, you are so stingy.”

A smile appeared at the corner of Xiao Wanqing’s lips.

Lin Xian smoothed out Xiao Wanqing’s wind-tousled hair at her temple, narrowed her eyes, and embraced Xiao Wanqing’s soft body, teasing her in return, “Don’t worry, Xiao Panpan, my parents are very generous. If you change your mind, they will happily pay you the fee for changing it.”

Xiao Wanqing’s body stiffened for a moment, a flicker of panic and inner struggle in her eyes. Blushing and irked, she said, “Lin Xian, I…” It felt as though she had suddenly stepped into an unexpected situation, feeling awkward and inexplicably shy. She had intended to say “I regret it,” but the words stuck in her throat, and she swallowed them back. Even if it was meant as a joke, she couldn’t bring herself to say such words.

Lin Xian didn’t know what Xiao Wanqing wanted to argue back with, but the embarrassment and shyness in her lover’s expression were already clear to her. She had just wanted to tease Xiao Wanqing a bit, to see a cute look of embarrassment from someone usually composed and dignified. Satisfied to see Xiao Wanqing flustered and embarrassed, she playfully changed her tune, “Panpan, why are you so adorable? I was just teasing you, don’t be afraid. Haha, there’s no need, you don’t have to change your mind. It’s just a formality. You are still my mother’s peer, just so happens to have married her daughter.”

Xiao Wanqing’s soft, big eyes blinked, biting her lip without responding.

Idiot, she was asking for a mother’s trust, passing her hard-raised daughter into her care; how could she act insincere and disrespectful in such a situation? Xiao Wanqing smiled helplessly and indulgently, ruffling Lin Xian’s hair.