Xiao Qiqi suppressed a laugh, "What is it?"
"I only have one yuan left, and I don't have enough money to take the bus home." His pitiful voice finally made Xiao Qiqi laugh. "Serves you right!" She said she wouldn't talk to him, but she couldn't help taking a taxi after get off work and resignedly went to the sales office to pick him up. She even paid back his lunch and coffee money!
Time passed, and Chen Yuanxing finally began his official work life. Xiao Qiqi was busy with the chaos before the New Year, settling the wages for the last batch of workers. With little to do before the New Year, she prepared to go home. Chen Yuanxing, naturally, was eager to go back with her, but Xiao Qiqi refused. He hadn't gone home for the New Year last year, so why wasn't he going back this year? This time, Xiao Qiqi had learned her lesson; she personally queued to buy the tickets, refusing to let him handle it, and wouldn't even tell him the departure time. Chen Yuanxing also had to work, shuttling between different companies and struggling in various positions, and was exhausted when he came home at night, so he didn't have the energy to argue with Xiao Qiqi. In the end, she had to compromise, and Xiao Qiqi went home for the New Year by herself!
Time passed by in this leisurely manner, and another year went by. Xiao Qiqi was promoted to manager, and the company's projects grew larger and larger, making her even busier, and she frequently traveled for work. Chen Yuanxing was not idle either; his fair complexion, which had been rested for over a year, returned to its bronze color, and his spirits improved. Even his faint smile added a touch of mature masculine charm. Xiao Qiqi would occasionally drift into thought, wondering if this increasingly perfect and outstanding man could really stay by her side forever.
Chen Yuanxing was repeatedly dismissed by various branches of the BeiX Huayuan Group. Chen Yijian, having exhausted all other options, finally sent him to a branch in another province. Initially, Chen Yuanxing resisted fiercely, but after an argument with Xiao Qiqi, he packed his bags and ran off, claiming Xiao Qiqi was going on a business trip for a week! A week later, Xiao Qiqi, dragging her luggage, had just reached the alley entrance when she saw that man with the seductive smile also dragging his luggage. Xiao Qiqi was stunned. But even more outrageous things followed. Whenever Xiao Qiqi went on a business trip, Chen Yuanxing would invariably switch to another company in another city, spend a few days fooling around, and then eagerly return the day Xiao Qiqi came back.
Occasionally, Xiao Qiqi would pretend to be doing business and scold Chen Yuanxing for not taking his work seriously. He would still be carefree and playful, ignoring her protests, and would grab her and pounce on her on the bed, using his words and actions to extinguish her nagging and complaints.
43. Marriage
Another year passed just like that. Xiao Qiqi did not go home for the Spring Festival this year because she was too busy. On the afternoon of New Year's Eve, she directed the workers to close a nearly completed specialty store, but she was still planning when she could start work again.
Chen Yuanxing was overjoyed to see that she wasn't going home for the New Year. He waited patiently for Xiao Qiqi to return from the construction site, then hesitantly asked, "Qiqi, will you come home with me?"
"No way!" Xiao Qiqi threw herself wearily onto the comfortable sofa, refusing decisively.
Chen Yuanxing was naturally disappointed. They had been together for two years, but whenever the topic of family and marriage came up, Xiao Qiqi could never muster any enthusiasm, let alone go home with him. She always refused decisively!
"So what do you want in order for me to come home with you?" Chen Yuanxing hung up the phone from home again.
"I'm not going anyway," Xiao Qiqi grumbled, hugging a cushion and covering her head.
"Come with me!" Chen Yuanxing pulled her up forcefully.
Xiao Qiqi was startled. "Chen Yuanxing, what are you doing? I said I'm not going, and I'm not going!"
Chen Yuanxing returned to his room and skillfully retrieved Xiao Qiqi's household registration booklet from the cabinet. He then took out his own separate household registration booklet, which he had prepared earlier. "The Civil Affairs Bureau is still open this afternoon. Let's go register!"
"What?" Xiao Qiqi was clearly shocked, collapsing onto the sofa and shaking her head frantically while hugging a cushion: "Chen Yuanxing, are you crazy? Who wants to marry you?"
“My aunt said that next year is a year without spring, so it’s not a good year to get married. That’s why there are so many people getting married this year. The Civil Affairs Bureau is open as usual today, and there’s a long line of people waiting to register. So we have to hurry up and make sure we don’t miss it.” Chen Yuanxing was unusually serious.
Xiao Qiqi sat up straight, staring intently at Chen Yuanxing, her eyes slightly moist. "Yuanxing, don't be like this!"
"What, are you touched? If you are, then hurry up and leave." Chen Yuanxing said with a smile, pulling her along, but she clung to the corner of the sofa and refused to move.
"Yuanxing, marriage is a big deal, don't be impulsive!" Xiao Qiqi softened her voice, afraid of provoking Chen Yuanxing's stubbornness. "I... I don't want to get married right now."
"Why?" Chen Yuanxing squatted down to look at Xiao Qiqi. "Why do you treat me like an outsider every day? We've been together every day for so long. I love you! Why don't we get married? If we're married, you won't just dismiss me like that. You'll come home with me to see Mom and Dad, and we'll be together forever. Sister, have you forgotten my New Year's wish from your family?"
"I haven't forgotten." Xiao Qiqi gently hugged Chen Yuanxing's head. "But, Yuanxing, we really need to think about this carefully. After all, marriage isn't just a matter between two people."
"Tch, who said it wasn't a matter between the two of you? Are you going to register your marriage with my dad instead of me?"
"Pah! What nonsense are you talking about!" Xiao Qiqi slapped his head. "What I mean is, you should at least ask your parents for their consent. My parents don't know, and your parents might not agree either."
Chen Yuanxing looked up, his gaze fixed intently on Xiao Qiqi. "Xiao Qiqi, stop making up those excuses, I'm tired of them. You mean your uncle and aunt, right? I'll call them now." He then took out his phone to dial a number, but Xiao Qiqi quickly stopped him, startled.
"Yuanxing, no, don't do this!" Xiao Qiqi felt her face must have turned pale. "...You know what your sister means."
"I don't know!" Chen Yuanxing stomped his foot angrily. "Anyway, I just want to be with you for the rest of my life."
"...I can't have children, I can't have a complete family, have you forgotten that?"
“I hate children!” Chen Yuanxing looked at Xiao Qiqi seriously. “Don’t keep making excuses like this! More and more couples in this society are not raising children, don’t you know that? If you really care, we can adopt a few children in the future, as many as you want! When we get old, we can live in a nursing home, watch the flowers bloom and wither together, and count how many teeth we have left. Isn’t that enough?”
Xiao Qiqi held back her tears, which were welling up in her eyes, and took his hand. "Yuanxing, you're thinking too simply. You're still young, so you can say things so easily. But what about the future? Even when you're old, you won't regret it, but I will regret it and feel guilty. A good man like you shouldn't do this for me. Really, you need to think it through. What you're doing now is for your whole life. I'm not a good woman. I'm incomplete. Do you understand?"
“I don’t understand. I only know I love you. I accept everything about you, even your past and your future.” Chen Yuanxing sat down next to Xiao Qiqi. “Qiqi, I’m not a child anymore. I’m a man with independent thinking, my own way of measuring society, and my own standards. I know what I’m doing and what I’m asking for. Qiqi, it’s been two years. Can’t you open your heart and face yourself honestly? Are you going to keep running away like this? Don’t you really know that I don’t care about children at all?”
“I know, but I care.” Xiao Qiqi leaned into his arms. “Yuanxing, I’m scared. I don’t know the future, and I don’t know where my happiness is. I know you love me and spoil me, but I’m still scared. Marriage is a matter for two families. If your parents knew about my past and my health condition, they definitely wouldn’t agree to our marriage.”
"I said marriage is a matter between the two of us!" Chen Yuanxing grabbed Xiao Qiqi's shoulders. "Xiao Qiqi, are you out of your mind? Why are you always thinking about others? Why think so much? I don't care what you say today, I'm going to register our marriage!" His stubborn temper finally flared up, and he stood up after hugging Xiao Qiqi.
"Yuanxing!" Xiao Qiqi was put down by him. Looking at his resolute and serious face, this wasn't the first time he had pressured her into marriage. Each time it had ended in nothing. Was he serious this time? "I really don't want to get married!"
"Sister, don't you realize that we're the perfect match?" Chen Yuanxing suddenly smiled. "Whether it's psychologically or physiologically, I'm the most suitable for you, aren't I?" Chen Yuanxing deliberately smiled wickedly. He was going crazy. If he didn't make this woman his own, he really didn't know what he would do. Two years of dating and living together hadn't diminished his passion; on the contrary, he was even more infatuated. He had seen countless things and traveled to so many places, but the one he couldn't trust most was still that beautiful woman who could fill his stomach with unparalleled satisfaction. Every smile, every frown, every angry gesture still captivated his heart. He knew her inner turmoil, so he had to break through her hesitation, inferiority complex, and even fear as soon as possible. He had thought about it for a long time, and perhaps only marriage could stop her from waking up in fear from her dreams, from her anxiety. He wanted to use the parable of marriage to tell this confused woman that she had nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of!
Chen Yuanxing forcibly dressed Xiao Qiqi and dragged her into a taxi. Throughout the ride, Xiao Qiqi struggled, crying, "I don't want to get married!"
"Hehe, whether you want it or not, I'm taking it anyway." Chen Yuanxing began to stroke his chin fearlessly. "Xiao Qiqi, your man is a man, if you dare to yell again I'll hit you."
Xiao Qiqi rolled her eyes helplessly, "Chen Yuanxing, haven't you made enough of a scene?"
“I’m not kidding, I’m serious, honey.”
Xiao Qiqi checked her watch; it was 4:38. "Waaah, I hope the Civil Affairs Bureau closes early today for the New Year!" Chen Yuanxing pulled Xiao Qiqi along, running quickly. "Hurry up, they're about to close!"
"Getting off work is the best!" Xiao Qiqi didn't move at all. In the end, Chen Yuanxing had no choice but to reach out and pick her up. "If you don't leave, I'll carry you inside!"
Xiao Qiqi was slowly dragged into the hall by him, but it was empty! A red paper was pasted on the door, which read, "We'll get off work at 4:30 on the 30th of the lunar year, and officially start work on the 8th of the new year." Xiao Qiqi breathed a sigh of relief and laughed.
She jumped into Chen Yuanxing's arms, hugged his neck, and gave him a big kiss. "Xingxing, you're so romantic! I love this New Year's gift!"
Chen Yuanxing was speechless. Helplessly, he hugged Xiao Qiqi, who was clinging to him like a bear, and forced a smile: "Let's come again on the eighth day of the lunar new year."
Xiao Qiqi laughed arrogantly, "Okay, okay." But in her heart she thought, "I'll send the household registration book back to my hometown in a bit, let's see where you register then!"
Having narrowly escaped another hurdle, Xiao Qiqi was extremely pleased with herself, while Chen Yuanxing was completely exasperated. Xiao Qiqi triumphantly kicked away the dejected Chen Yuanxing and then called Jiang Yilan to ask when she and Zhao Xi would arrive so she could start preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.
Just as expected, Chen Yuanxing ran back as soon as Jiang Yilan and Zhao Xi stepped into the house, and said with a straight face that he had already spent the New Year at home! Xiao Qiqi was actually happy to be with him at this time, knowing that he would be all alone with his aunt at home anyway, so she didn't chase him away.
Xiao Qiqi cooked a lot of dishes, and the four young people ate and drank happily. Then they called their parents separately. Chen Yuanxing had nothing to do, so Xiao Qiqi kicked him to wash the dishes. Chen Yuanxing looked miserable and shouted that he wanted to run away from home. Xiao Qiqi talked to her mother while laughing heartily. Hearing her so happy, her mother stopped crying and said a lot more before hanging up the phone.
With everything tidied up, the four of them, bored, played mahjong. Chen Yuanxing's mahjong skills were surprisingly good again, prompting Xiao Qiqi to suspect him several times that he had X-ray vision or was cheating. She argued and accused him, but he just smiled smugly, making Xiao Qiqi distracted and soon becoming restless! Having long since sent Jiang Yilan and Zhao Xi away, Xiao Qiqi closed the door and threw herself into Chen Yuanxing's arms. Perhaps today, Lunar New Year's Eve 200X, will forever be Xiao Qiqi's wedding anniversary.
After a few days of rest, the workers returned, and the construction site had to continue working. Xiao Qiqi returned to the construction site on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. On the eighth day, Chen Yuanxing searched every corner of the house but could not find the household registration book with Xiao Qiqi's name on it. However, he unexpectedly found two diaries and several photo albums on top of the cabinet.
The past from over three years ago was gradually revealed. Chen Yuanxing glanced at the two black-bound diaries and then put them back, but finally couldn't resist opening the photo album. Each smiling face, radiating joy, happiness, infatuation, and warmth, stood or sat, some poised, some playful. Amidst the misty mountains, rocks, and strange pines, the scenery was breathtaking, and the women were as beautiful as flowers! The man, sometimes smiling gently, sometimes serene, exuded charm in his brows and tenderness in his eyes. Their tightly clasped fingers, their blissful embrace, was filled with affection and sweetness!
Chen Yuanxing's usual smile vanished. He sat blankly in the room, lost in thought—was it pain, jealousy, or helplessness? Perhaps, he should only lament that he had met her too late! His gaze fell upon the woman's pouting face in the framed photograph on the table. Chen Yuanxing smiled; after all, she belonged to him now, didn't she? He put away the diary and photo album, placing them back on the top of the cabinet. He stared at them for a long time, then finally got dressed and went to buy groceries.
We often say that happy days are always too short.
Winter has passed and spring has arrived. Another year has passed.
Chen Yuanxing was finally promoted and became a minor figure in headquarters. As a person of importance, he was no longer allowed to act as he pleased, and he was also no longer allowed to go on business trips unwillingly.
After seeing off the extremely reluctant Chen Yuanxing, Xiao Qiqi changed into light spring clothes. It was Sunday, and it wouldn't hurt to look at the blooming peach blossoms in the park and soothe her eyes. Without his familiar embrace, she felt a little out of place. Xiao Qiqi chuckled to herself; habit is a terrible thing. Why did she feel so lost and disoriented as soon as he left?
Just then, an unfamiliar phone call entered Xiao Qiqi's world.
Perhaps this was a phone call that could change her future and her life. But this was something Xiao Qiqi hadn't considered as she walked briskly toward the black Hongqi sedan.
44. The Pain of Loss (Part 1)
Xiao Qiqi curiously examined the two ordinary black Hongqi sedans with their ordinary license plates, and hesitated before looking at the driver who stepped out. "You were looking for me?"
The driver respectfully opened the rear door. "Ms. Xiao, please."
Xiao Qiqi looked at a familiar middle-aged father and daughter behind the car door, who were looking at her gently. Her heart sank. What was bound to happen had finally happened.
She obediently got in, and the car started smoothly. Xiao Qiqi took a deep breath. After all, she was no longer the timid and cowardly little girl she used to be. "Madam, who are you?" Although she was suspicious, she was not sure.
"Zhong Ruiping, Chen Yuanxing's mother, how does that sound?"
"Yes, it's Mrs. Chen." Xiao Qiqi really didn't have the courage to call her "Auntie." This woman, whose face frequently appeared on television, and whose name was even more resounding, almost caused Xiao Qiqi's barely regained confidence to collapse again. This woman seemed gentle and kind, but her innate elegance, nobility, and keen insight made people feel pressured. What kind of parents did Chen Yuanxing have?
“Yes, today I am Mrs. Chen, not Mayor Zhong.” Mrs. Chen smiled slightly, her smile sometimes resembling that of Chen Yuanxing. “Because I am here to see you as a mother.”
The car finally stopped in front of a secluded villa in the suburbs. It pulled straight into the yard, the driver opened the door, and Chen's mother got out. Xiao Qiqi hesitated for a moment, then followed. She tugged at her sleeve, surprisingly calm now. The worst-case scenario was just like in the TV dramas—a check handed to her! It's not like she hadn't seen it before!
A servant brought green tea and then quietly left. Xiao Qiqi put on a calm smile, sat down opposite Madam Chen, and waited for the conversation to unfold naturally.
As she appeared, Madam Chen was dignified and gentle even while sitting. She spoke slowly with a smile on her face: "I often hear Yuanxing mention Miss Xiao."
"Yes." Xiao Qiqi didn't know what to say, or perhaps it was better not to say anything at all; simply listening was enough.
"Yuanxing said last time he came back that he wanted to marry Miss Xiao, is that right?"
"Yes." It was still just one word. He forced a smile to appease the customer and barely managed to suppress the trembling between his teeth.
"Well, Miss Xiao seems to be a sensible person, so I won't beat around the bush," Madam Chen said with a faint smile.
"Yes." It was still just one word. Xiao Qiqi's heart pounded. It's best if people like you don't beat around the bush.
"Is that so? Miss Xiao should know something about our family situation, right?"
"yes."
Madam Chen was clearly satisfied with Xiao Qiqi's performance, and the smile in her eyes became even more obvious. "Yuanxing, that child, has been smart and well-behaved since he was a child, and he is very kind-hearted. Sometimes he is inevitably a bit childish. He must have caused Miss Xiao trouble these days?"
How could Xiao Qiqi possibly respond to such polite and distant words? "No, Madam, you're too kind."
"Hehe, it's alright. Miss Xiao is a year older than Yuanxing, so it's natural for her to be more considerate of me. I appreciate your kindness."
A year older? Older sister? "Yuanxing is very sensible and has been taking care of me most of the time. You're too kind, Madam."
Mrs. Chen's persuasion was clearly not over yet. After considering her words for a moment, she continued slowly, "Speaking of which, since Yuanxing has brought up the topic of marriage with you, as his mother, I am also curious about what kind of girl could make my unruly and stubborn son fall in love. I met Miss Xiao today, and she is indeed a polite and beautiful girl. I also like her very much."
Madam Chen's eyes behind her glasses were gentle, but the smile hidden within that gentleness made Xiao Qiqi even more uneasy. Please, don't say such nice things! "Thank you for the compliment, Madam." Xiao Qiqi remained calm, knowing this was just an opening. If things were going so smoothly, there would be no need for her to be summoned so mysteriously behind Chen Yuanxing's back.
“No praise, just the truth.” Mrs. Chen took an elegant sip of tea and gestured for Xiao Qiqi to have some as well. Xiao Qiqi quickly took a sip as well. “Miss Xiao is probably familiar with our family’s general situation. Yuanxing is our only child, so we’ve been a bit indulgent. He’s always been allowed to do whatever he wants, as long as it’s not too outrageous. We, as his elders, don’t interfere. So, we are open-minded parents and don’t want to interfere too much with what kind of girl he likes or who he marries.”
"Yes." Xiao Qiqi really didn't know what else to say besides that word.
"So when Yuanxing mentioned wanting to marry Miss Xiao, neither his father nor I objected. In our family, we don't really have many requirements for a daughter-in-law. She just needs to be sensible, obedient, and most importantly, able to take care of Yuanxing. Yuanxing's father has also met Miss Xiao and is very satisfied with her understanding and sensible nature. So, I would like to meet Miss Xiao today."
Xiao Qiqi looked at Madam Chen in disbelief, "Madam, are you really just here to look at me?"
Mrs. Chen gracefully placed her hands on her knees. "Hmm, just looking at you. And bring something for Miss Xiao as well."
Xiao Qiqi's heart, which had just settled, jumped again. If only things were this simple. "What is it?"
Mrs. Chen reached under the coffee table and took out a gray paper bag, pushing it in front of Xiao Qiqi. "I found these things by chance in the citizen complaint and suggestion box in the office. I can hardly believe it. Miss Xiao, please take a look for yourself."
Xiao Qiqi looked at the paper bag with unease. A bomb? Poison? Whatever it is, she decided to check it first! She slowly pulled out a stack of papers, quickly scanning them. The paper was printed in neat, size 4 font, black text on white paper, thin A4 paper, yet it felt incredibly heavy in her hand. Continuing to flip through, she found a pile of messy, blurry photocopies. The black title of H City XX Hospital was glaringly obvious, and Xiao Qiqi's fingers began to tremble slightly. When she looked up again, her eyes were filled with an unbearable, tearing pain.
"Ms. Xiao, I am a person who values facts. I don't know if these so-called rumors about University A and the hospital's inpatient records are true?"
Xiao Qiqi felt that her words had lost their rhythm, "...The rumors did exist, but they are not true. The hospital... is true."
Madam Chen remained seated, her expression unchanged, even her faint smile remained kind and gentle. "I believe I raised Yuanxing very well from a young age, but I never imagined he could do something like this after leaving his parents. Miscarriage is one of the most painful things for a woman, and Miss Xiao has truly suffered."
Xiao Qiqi's lips began to sting. How could she not understand the implication behind Madam Chen's smile? She simply straightened her back, even foregoing her smile. "No, Madam Chen, you've misunderstood. The child I aborted wasn't Yuanxing's, so you don't need to blame him. He truly is a kind and good man. He's helped me so much over the years. I can't think of a better word to describe my feelings for him, especially gratitude. So, Madam Chen, if you have anything to say, please feel free to tell me. I think... I certainly won't refuse to help you if I can."
Madam Chen nodded in satisfaction. "Indeed, a straightforward child. Since that's the case, I don't have much time left, so I won't keep Miss Xiao for tea any longer." Madam Chen took out her bag and a envelope. "I didn't want to treat such an intelligent woman like Miss Xiao this way, but I thought she might need it in the future, so it's better to take it out." She gently placed it on the table and pushed it in front of Xiao Qiqi.