Flowers worthy of picking should be picked; do not wait until there are no flowers and you’re left with empty branches
In the banquet hall, voices resounded, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere. Lu Zizheng found herself a bit unsure of where to start. She spotted Father Jiang and Mother Jiang, Huaichuan, and Qiao Xin moving between tables, raising glasses and sharing laughter. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she observed their interactions, and she let out a relieved sigh. Thankfully, Huaixi hadn’t made an appearance. After managing through this round, even if she wasn’t completely exhausted, she anticipated feeling fatigued for quite some time.
Grandmother Jiang occupied the main table in the hall. Amid occasional chats with other Jiang family relatives at her table, she remained attentive to those entering and leaving the venue. As Lu Zizheng entered the hall, Grandmother Jiang’s affectionate smile greeted her, and she waved a hand, signaling for Lu Zizheng to join her.
Lu Zizheng, too, scanned the surroundings, seeking the whereabouts of the Jiang family members. Her gaze eventually settled on Grandmother Jiang, whose eyes twinkled as she waved. Lu Zizheng responded with a gentle smile and approached her with quick, purposeful steps.
Upon reaching the table, Grandmother Jiang warmly grasped her hand, guiding Lu Zizheng to take a seat beside her. Then, she introduced Lu Zizheng to the inquisitive relatives and friends around the table: “This is the daughter-in-law from Huaixi, Zizheng. Once you’re done toasting to Huaichuan’s wedding, you’ll have to gear up for Huaixi’s wedding celebration.” Ignoring the reactions of the listeners, Grandmother Jiang continued her introductions with ease: “Zizheng, this is Huaixi’s paternal uncle, this is Huaixi’s paternal aunt, and this is…”
Lu Zizheng noticed the mixture of surprise and bewilderment on their faces, but mindful of Grandmother Jiang’s presence, she refrained from saying much. Her own expressions varied. A hesitant glance towards Grandmother Jiang earned her an encouraging and soothing smile in return. With Grandmother Jiang’s guidance, Lu Zizheng greeted each person with a smile, regardless of their reactions. The relatives who were greeted could only manage a forced smile and offered their reluctant agreement, constrained by social expectations.
With the introductions complete, the banquet was about to begin. The atmosphere became even livelier, filling the room with clamor that conveniently overshadowed any awkwardness stemming from Lu Zizheng’s presence.
Grandmother Jiang found it a bit inconvenient to pick dishes, and Lu Zizheng noticed. Before using her own chopsticks, she helped Grandmother Jiang with the serving. Watching the harmonious interaction between the grandmother and granddaughter, the Jiang family relatives, although initially skeptical of Lu Zizheng, gradually felt at ease. If the respected grandmother didn’t object, who were they to voice any complaints? They decided to let things be.
As a result, the initial awkward silence dissipated slowly. The atmosphere at the table once again became warm and vibrant. After a few dishes, some uncles and aunts relaxed a bit, occasionally starting conversations with Lu Zizheng, engaging in casual chats.
Amid the camaraderie and toasts, Mother Jiang, brimming with smiles, managed to steal a moment to glance towards Lu Zizheng. She saw Lu Zizheng with a gentle smile on her lips, conversing peacefully with the uncles and aunts nearby. The cheerful expressions on everyone’s faces were evident. Mother Jiang couldn’t help but release a quiet sigh of relief.
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Before setting out for the event, Jiang Huaixi had asked her, “Mom, Zizheng is part of our family. Naturally, we have to protect her. We can’t allow her to suffer or be belittled by anyone. We mustn’t let anyone speak ill of her or criticize her, right?”
Deliberately asking this question at this moment, Mother Jiang could easily discern the implied meaning behind Jiang Huaixi’s words. She let out a sigh, understanding Jiang Huaixi’s earnest protection of Lu Zizheng. Comforting Jiang Huaixi in her heart, she responded, “As a family, we naturally protect Zizheng. When the time comes, we might be too busy for her. You can trust that Grandmother will take care of her. Are you reassured now?”
Raising her glass, Mother Jiang took a small sip, silently thinking, “Huaixi, perhaps I have fulfilled my duty.”
As the banquet was about to conclude, due to the pleasant conversations during the meal, Jiang Huaixi’s uncles and aunts extended courteous invitations to Lu Zizheng to visit their homes when she had time. Lu Zizheng gladly accepted their invitations with a smile. She could clearly see that their kindness stemmed from the care Jiang Huaixi’s family had for her. And the care they showed her was an extension of the protection they provided to Jiang Huaixi. In turn, Jiang Huaixi’s care for her led to mutual affection. Thinking about this, especially about Jiang Huaixi, Lu Zizheng’s heart softened even more. She wished she could find Jiang Huaixi right after the banquet.
However, as her thoughts started to wander, her steps faltered. She remembered the hesitant gaze from Lian Xuan earlier outside the elevator, and her earnest “Please do come” when they parted ways. Lu Zizheng’s gaze grew dimmer, and she let out a soft sigh. It seemed she definitely needed to find Lian Xuan first.
As the formal conclusion of the banquet approached, at Grandmother Jiang’s request, Lu Zizheng accompanied her to the entrance of the banquet hall. She stood beside Father Jiang and Mother Jiang, politely bidding farewell to the guests as they departed. Afterward, Lu Zizheng exchanged a few words with Mother Jiang, informing her that she had encountered a classmate and needed to step away for a moment. Mother Jiang smiled and nodded in understanding.
Lu Zizheng exited the banquet hall. Due to the recent dispersal of the banquet, the elevators were congested, all heading downward. Observing the crowded people waiting for the elevator, she felt a headache forming. She turned around and proceeded toward the innermost emergency exit.
Step by step, she ascended the stairs to the thirteenth floor. The cacophony of voices gradually dissipated, and the restlessness in her heart began to subside. As her heart grew calmer, her thoughts became clearer.
Lian Xuan had evidently come prepared. Lu Zizheng could deduce this from her demeanor. Lian Xuan had likely been searching for her for a while and had chosen to wait for her here today.
The sound of her high heels tapping against the floor reverberated in the narrow corridor. With each step, they emitted a composed and crisp resonance. Amidst this echoing space, Lu Zizheng suddenly recalled the scene from years ago when Lian Xuan had encouraged her to try on high heels at her house.
Back then, Lian Xuan had held onto her arm, guiding her on how to walk gracefully in high heels. However, being her first time wearing them, she stumbled awkwardly, her movements unsteady and ungainly. Lian Xuan couldn’t suppress her laughter, playfully teasing her. Lu Zizheng felt a mixture of embarrassment and irritation, extending her hand to cover Lian Xuan’s mouth in an attempt to hush her. Their interaction transformed into playful banter, their laughter akin to the chiming of bells, harmonizing with the distinct sound of heels tapping the floor, lingering in the dressing room for an extended period.
Recalling this situation and sentiment, Lu Zizheng half-closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.
“If life could only stay as it was when first encountered.”
Lu Zizheng had finally arrived at room 1314. With her hands folded together near her lips, she took a soft breath and then raised her hand to gently press the doorbell.
Regardless of the outcome, being able to start and finish something well wouldn’t be in vain.
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The doorbell had scarcely chimed for three seconds when the door clicked open. Lian Xuan peered out, and upon seeing Lu Zizheng had arrived for their appointment, her eyes glistened, her smile full of warmth and surprise, radiating joy.
She opened the door, stepped back, and with a slight tinge of nervous excitement, invited Lu Zizheng in. Gesturing for her to sit on the sofa, she poured a glass of cool white tea for Lu Zizheng and apologized, “I’m sorry, this is all we have.”
Lu Zizheng gently shook her head, softly saying, “It’s okay.”
Both of them sat facing each other. Lu Zizheng lowered her head, her gaze on the glass of chilled white tea in front of her. As she looked at its calm surface, she quietly awaited Lian Xuan’s words. Lian Xuan displayed a mix of hesitation and anxiety. Her gaze lingered deeply on Lu Zizheng for a moment before she finally softly tightened her hands that rested on her lap. She spoke, “Zizheng, I’m truly sorry about Auntie’s matter. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of any help to you back then. I apologize for causing you trouble and making you feel upset.” Her appealing eyebrows slightly furrowed, and her eyes seriously met Lu Zizheng’s, filled with genuine remorse and regret.
Lu Zizheng looked up, meeting Lian Xuan’s gaze head-on. Gently sighing, she shook her head, conveying that she had let go of any ill feelings. She remained silent.
Lian Xuan lowered her head slightly, a touch of despondency in her expression. Coupled with a hint of hope, she continued, “Zizheng, if I were to say that I didn’t know Ji Yao would come looking for you, would you believe me?”
Lu Zizheng was slightly taken aback, gazing at the Lian Xuan before her who seemed to have shed the unassailable veneer she used to wear. She recalled their last meeting when Lian Xuan had declared with conviction, “I will prove it to you.” With a faint narrowing of her eyes, Lu Zizheng finally spoke softly, “I believe you.”
In that moment, she saw Lian Xuan suddenly raise her head, her gaze locked directly onto her own. In Lian Xuan’s eyes, there was an uncontainable joy, and her expression was transparently honest, akin to that of a child. It was a side of Lian Xuan that Lu Zizheng had never witnessed before, leaving her momentarily taken aback.
Upon hearing Lu Zizheng’s affirmative response, Lian Xuan appeared to relax, the initial tension fading from her expression, replaced by a sense of ease. After a brief pause, she organized her thoughts and began to explain to Lu Zizheng with sincerity, “Zizheng, Ji Yao and I have known each other since we were young, having grown up together. Ji Yao’s maternal grandfather was a close friend of my grandfather’s, and her mother’s family was once prominent. Her mother’s situation paralleled my mother’s in many ways—marriages arranged by their parents, and their lives shattered by their husbands’ infidelity. However, at that time, Ji Yao’s maternal grandfather’s family had already declined due to his passing and the ensuing inheritance disputes among the siblings. They fell apart, lacking both the means and the inclination to support Ji Yao and her mother. Consequently, Ji Yao and her mother were heartlessly cast aside by Ji Yao’s father. This man craftily denied them even a fraction of the family’s wealth, and Ji Yao’s maternal uncles were even less willing to provide refuge. Ji Yao’s mother, having always lived a privileged life, lacked the skills for employment, and they found themselves in a desperate situation. Later, due to her maternal grandfather’s friendship with my grandfather, he couldn’t bear to see them in such dire straits. He provided them with shelter, helped Ji Yao’s mother secure a basic job in his company, and even financed Ji Yao’s education, enabling her to complete her studies from elementary school to university.”
“Because Ji Yao was remarkably mature from a young age, my grandfather felt deep sympathy for her. During the times when Ji Yao’s mother was away on business trips, my grandfather arranged for a driver to bring Ji Yao to our house, where my mother would look after her. This led to our acquaintance, and we gradually became close friends.”
At this point, Lian Xuan paused briefly, took a sip of water, and then continued, “However, I didn’t realize that Ji Yao regarded me not only as a close friend.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Zizheng’s eyes widened slightly, a look of astonishment on her face.
Seemingly aware that Lu Zizheng had misconstrued something, Lian Xuan curved her lips into a gentle smile, sighed softly, and explained, “It’s not what you’re thinking. Later on, my father also had an affair, and my mother passed away. There was a time when my situation was almost as difficult as Ji Yao’s during her childhood. However, due to the connections between my grandfather and father, I managed to prevent my father’s affair from leading to a second family. She saw in me a glimmer of the hope she should have had as well. Gradually, she shifted her resentment from the woman who had taken her father away to the women outside, placing her hope in me as the guardian of what was rightfully hers. Additionally, she had high expectations and strong determination for me due to my grandfather’s hopes and her gratitude toward him. She wanted me to follow the path of the so-called perfect life that my grandfather and she had planned, not allowing any deviations in my life. Consequently, when she learned that I intended to break off my engagement with Zhou Zhong’an, to go against my grandfather’s wishes, and even risk leaving home with nothing, she felt she couldn’t stand by and watch me destroy my future. So, she kept it from me and sought you out, engaging in those unforgivable actions.”
Lu Zizheng had never considered that Ji Yao’s coldness and contemptuous attitude towards her had such a backstory. For a moment, she felt a mixture of emotions, though uncertain of how to respond.
Lian Xuan stood up, her posture straight as she looked directly at Lu Zizheng, and spoke sincerely, “Zizheng, I’m sorry. Back in high school, Ji Yao approached you about this matter, and I was completely unaware. I apologize for the hurtful things I said to you at the time, driven by my own self-interest, and for the actions that harmed our relationship. I apologize for everything I did that hurt you, driven by my own selfishness in regard to Ji Yao.” With that, she solemnly bent at the waist, executing a formal ninety-degree bow.
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Lu Zizheng was deeply surprised, her expression serious. She reached out her hand to assist Lian Xuan in rising.
Lian Xuan stood up straight, her gaze fixed on Lu Zizheng, and spoke with utmost seriousness, “So, Zizheng, please believe me. From beginning to end, I never treated our feelings as a game. I never had the intention of playing with you. The words I’ve spoken to you, the promises I’ve made, they all come from sincerity and my true heart. And thank you for giving me the courage and determination to bravely pursue the life I want.”
Lu Zizheng gazed deeply at Lian Xuan for a while, and finally, a faint smile appeared at the corners of her lips. She sighed and said, “Lian Xuan, I accept your apology. Actually, something Ji Yao once said to me is true—I can’t truly understand the world you all belong to. I know that you all have your own helplessness and difficulties. Although these can’t serve as valid reasons to transfer the hurt to me, I’m willing to try to understand you.”
Upon hearing Lu Zizheng switch to using her first name and seeing her composed and generous demeanor, Lian Xuan knew that Lu Zizheng had genuinely forgiven her. An expression of both moved and joyful emotions crossed her face. Her eyes shimmered like water, as bright as stars. With an affectionate gaze, she looked at Lu Zizheng, about to implore, “So, Zizheng, can you…” Can you give me another chance?
However, her words were abruptly interrupted by the sudden ringing of Lu Zizheng’s cellphone.
Lian Xuan noticed the radiant smile on Lu Zizheng’s lips as she answered the call, listening to her warm response, “Mmm… I’m fine now. Just wait a moment. I’ll be down shortly.” Lian Xuan’s heart slowly sank.
After ending the call, Lu Zizheng bent over, lifted her glass, and using water instead of wine, she raised the glass gently towards Lian Xuan. She arched an eyebrow, took a sip, and smiled at Lian Xuan, saying, “Goodbye, still as friends.” Then, she placed the glass down and excused herself, saying, “I have something to attend to, so I’ll be leaving. We can catch up if we have the chance.”
Lian Xuan narrowed her eyes, swallowing the bitterness and disappointment that filled her heart, and her courage gradually faded. In the end, she softly responded, “Sure, take care on your way.”
Lu Zizheng smiled, her lips curving. “Alright, I will. Goodbye.”
“Okay, goodbye.”
Lian Xuan watched Lu Zizheng’s figure gradually fading away, bitterness slowly creasing her brow.
Flowers worthy of picking should be picked; do not wait until there are no flowers and you’re left with empty branches. Zizheng, have I truly missed the right time for our relationship…