Chen Yuanxing nodded. "It's a proposal. Qiqi, let's get married. I never want to see you leave me again." He took Xiao Qiqi's hand and placed it on his face. "Holding your hand every day, I can feel your scent, and that's how I can fall asleep peacefully. Qiqi, let's never be apart again."
Looking at the increasingly mature man before her, feeling the slight warmth of his skin, Xiao Qiqi's eyes slowly welled up with tears, "Yuanxing..."
"Touched?" Chen Yuanxing smiled mischievously. "If you're touched, then accept my proposal!"
Xiao Qiqi blinked a few times, holding back her tears, and pouted, "I won't agree!"
"Why?" Chen Yuanxing asked nervously. "Look, everything is over. I even chased Xia Xuan away. Do you expect me to wait for you for another six years?"
Xiao Qiqi narrowed her eyes and drawled, "It seems you haven't been very enthusiastic towards me lately, so I've decided to test you."
"God, you woman, how am I supposed to be passionate?" Chen Yuanxing said helplessly, then gave a mischievous smile. "How about we go home and be passionate?"
Xiao Qiqi felt a burning sensation in her ears and slapped Chen Yuanxing, "You're talking nonsense again! We're on the street!"
"Let's talk about it when we get home." Chen Yuanxing stood up and pulled Xiao Qiqi.
Xiao Qiqi stood up with a smile.
"Yuanxing, let's talk about marriage again in a few days."
"Why? Don't make excuses, I won't listen. I only want the two of us, I don't care about anyone else."
“You don’t care, but I do. I… I want to wait until Lanzi’s matter is resolved before we talk about it. After all, she’s been my friend for over ten years. I know her, so I can’t be at ease if her matter isn’t resolved. Don’t worry, I won’t let other obstacles get to me anymore. I won’t be that foolish again.” Those who have experienced darkness know best how to cherish the light. This is the conclusion Xiao Qiqi drew during those dark days in prison: always cherish every day.
"Okay then, I'll try to wait for you for a while." Chen Yuanxing sighed. "Qiqi, why are you so kind? One Xu Chun isn't enough, do you have to take on Jiang Yilan too?"
“Lanzi is different from Xu Chun. Xu Chun is ruthless, but Lanzi is different. You don’t understand her upbringing. I’ve been helping her get out of her emotional knots all these years, and this time is no exception. She’s just fallen into a dead end again. Xu Chun is no longer my friend. But Jiang Yilan is different. I can’t give up on her.”
"Fool." In the end, amidst the receding footsteps, only Chen Yuanxing's affectionate "Fool" remained.
Happiness is gradually approaching.
27. The Virgin Mary
Months later, in X Prison, Xiao Qiqi sat opposite Jiang Yilan, unable to find the words for a long time: "Basket, are you alright?"
Jiang Yilan stared blankly at Xiao Qiqi, "Did you come to see me in such a sorry state?"
Xiao Qiqi smiled wryly: "Basket, do you think I'm that kind of person?"
"Unfortunately, I am that kind of person." Jiang Yilan sneered.
“Don’t say that, Basket. I know you have your reasons. I… I filed a petition with the court, but…”
"I wanted to come in myself," Jiang Yilan interrupted Xiao Qiqi. "You've finished looking, can you leave now?"
"Basket!" Xiao Qiqi stood up, but was forced back down by the guard's gaze. "Please, can you talk to me? After so many times, can't I even get a reason?"
Jiang Yilan clenched her fists and sat down. "I have no reason."
"No, you have your reasons, Basket. I know you're suffering inside, which is why you've been deceived."
"You want to hear the truth?" Jiang Yilan stared at Xiao Qiqi with a complicated look in her eyes. Xiao Qiqi nodded.
"Okay, then I'll tell you, I'm jealous of you!" Jiang Yilan smiled, her smile as sweet as ever, her big eyes curving into beautiful arcs. "From a young age, I lived through my parents' hardships. There was no fruit, no fish or meat, no new clothes, only salted vegetables and coarse grains all year round. I studied hard because people said that only by studying could I escape such hardship. So I studied hard and got into the best junior class in the city. I was twelve years old that year, and it was my first time in the county town, my first time seeing that wonderful world, my first time eating an apple, my first time eating ribbonfish. So many firsts overwhelmed me and strengthened my desire to study hard and leave that mountain village."
"But do you remember, Qiqi? How many of my first experiences were with you? All sorts of fruits and seafood I'd never seen before, all those beautiful new clothes and gadgets—I saw them all at your house. I envied you then; what a happy and fulfilling family you had! That's why I was close to you—because everything about you was so new and exciting. And you were always so sincere, treating me like a little sister, always sharing things with me. You thought it was for my own good, but you'll never know how insecure I felt while I was happy! I longed for that kind of gift, yet I was also so resentful! But Qiqi, I was still touched by your kindness, strength, and cheerfulness. All these years, I've always treated you sincerely, and that has never changed. Even now!"
"You're not any prettier than me, but since the first year of junior high, you've always been the teacher's darling and the boys' favorite. I've always been the ugly duckling following behind you. Ugly duckling or not, I didn't really care that much back then. But do you remember Yu Peng? I bet you don't. That boy I liked since junior high, but he liked you. To get closer to you, he bought you food and toys, asking me to give them to you, but I never gave you anything. You didn't know that, did you? Yes, I don't know why I suddenly became so selfish. I ate all the food he gave you, but kept the toys. I thought that was how I preserved my last bit of dignity. You didn't know any of this, did you?"
Xiao Qiqi's eyes welled up with tears, and she choked up, "Lanzi, don't say anymore. I know all of this... I've always known, which is why I've been even kinder to you, afraid you'd be sensitive, afraid you'd be angry. You like Yu Peng, so I ignored him; you like getting first place in exams, so I was always afraid of surpassing you. That's why I applied to universities in other provinces. I know you hate my constraints, and I thought our friendship would only grow stronger with time. Lanzi, have you forgotten? We succeeded, and after we separated, we found our friendship was even stronger. Haven't all those childhood feelings of inferiority and bitterness slowly faded away? Over the years, hasn't life gradually improved? Why do you still dwell on those childhood pains?"
Jiang Yilan's eyes also reddened. "Qiqi, you're right. After we were separated for a time, I realized that you are the best person in the world to me. Even after Zhao Xi appeared, he could not replace you in my heart. So I forgave you. I forgave you a long time ago. I thought we could be the most sincere friends for life. But... but Qiqi, you lied to me first."
"I'm lying to you?"
"You wouldn't tell me about your college romance, but I told you every little detail about Zhao Xi and me. Why won't you tell me about your love history? Are you guarding against me? Or do you disdain telling me?"
"No, no!" Xiao Qiqi shook her head. "You know perfectly well that I didn't tell you because of the pain."
"Fine, you won't tell me why Xia Xuan appeared, why he appeared in front of you with me, and you still won't tell me?" Jiang Yilan bit her lip. "Qiqi, you're still the same as when you were little, so lucky, always the darling of fate wherever you go. A man like Chen Yuanxing loves you wholeheartedly, and even Xia Xuan, the prince among princes, suddenly appeared in front of me. I thought his flirting, his sleeping with me, was because of his love, but... but what was the end result? He still broke up with me because of you. I begged him, begged him to stay, cried, but he completely ignored me. The last time I told him I had many letters you wrote to me in college, so he came to my house. I tried my best to keep him, but nothing worked, even when I shamelessly seduced him. That's when you and Zhao Xi appeared. Qiqi, at that moment I hated you. Why is it that all the good things are yours, all the good men love you? What right do you have to receive so much kindness and love from so many people?"
Jiang Yilan hesitated for a moment, then continued, "All these years I'm still struggling, still living in your shadow. You have Chen Yuanxing, a house, and a good job, but what about me? Zhao Xi is still so unambitious, and I'm still struggling with the mundane realities of daily life. I finally let go of my feelings and broke up with Zhao Xi. Then I met Xia Xuan, and I thought my luck in life had finally begun, that I could finally dream of having a prince. But what happened in the end?"
Xiao Qiqi shook her head: "Basket, you're too extreme. Everyone has their own destiny. You only see your losses, but not your gains? You only see my glory, but not my pain? You think I'm deceiving you, but why would I want to deceive you? You say I'm happy, but if a woman loses the right to be a mother for so-called love, I'd rather not have that kind of love. Basket, I didn't tell you about those dark and painful things because I was afraid you'd worry, afraid you'd lose faith in life and love. Chen Yuanxing loving me is indeed my luck, perhaps it's my destiny. But you also have Zhao Xi. Zhao Xi doesn't have a prominent family background or an outstanding job, but he loves you and is willing to sacrifice for you. Isn't that enough? Aren't you two always holding hands and moving forward? As for Xia Xuan, when I fell in love with him, he was just a poor student. I lost so much for him, is that also luck? Basket, are you saying this on purpose because you feel guilty?"
"I have no guilt!" Jiang Yilan retorted immediately. "Why should I feel guilty? Why should I feel ashamed? That's why when Xu Chun came to me, I immediately agreed to her request. Qiqi, I just wanted to see you suffer, to see you fall into despair, to let you taste the pain and helplessness!"
"So, were you happy during the days I was imprisoned?"
Jiang Yilan dodged, "Happy!"
"If you were happy, why did you recant your testimony during the sentencing? Why did you avoid looking at me the whole time?"
"...Then, when I, Xia Xuan, appear, I can no longer lie!" Jiang Yilan rubbed her nose.
"Basket, do you know that you like to rub your nose when you lie? Are you even aware of this habit? If I remember correctly, Xia Xuan didn't appear when you changed your testimony."
Jiang Yilan froze, biting her lip as she looked at Xiao Qiqi, "...I don't know, but we're not friends anymore!" Her tone was like a spoiled child, a way of speaking that Jiang Yilan always liked.
Xiao Qiqi laughed, "Besides, I know Xu Chun told you that I'll be fine because of Yuanxing, but Zhao Xi is powerless and has no influence. If he takes the case alone, he'll never recover. So, Zhao Xi's guilt must be shared by two people. That way, if I get a light sentence, Zhao Xi might get a lighter sentence because he was instigated to hurt someone. Lanzi, I know you're ignorant about the law, and so am I. We don't understand the tricks of the trade, so you don't need to make up so many lies to deceive me. You still love Zhao Xi, don't you?"
This time, Jiang Yilan was stunned. "You...you're talking nonsense!" She was clearly guilty.
Xiao Qiqi's smile deepened. "Basket, half a year will pass quickly. I'll be waiting for you to come out." Xiao Qiqi looked at Jiang Yilan's gradually brightening eyes. "We'll still be good friends."
"No, we're not friends anymore!" Jiang Yilan shouted, though she was mostly feeling guilty.
“The louder you shout, the more guilty you are, that’s what you said yourself.” Xiao Qiqi stood up. “It’s settled then, I’ll come see you next time.”
Jiang Yilan's tears finally fell as she watched Xiao Qiqi's figure disappear, whispering, "...Qiqi, I'm sorry."
Outside the door, Xiao Qiqi seemed to sense something and closed his eyes. "Basket, it's okay."
In another prison, Xiao Qiqi looked at Xu Chun without a smile, and Xu Chun looked back at her coldly.
Xiao Qiqi spoke up: "I'm not here to show off or to beg for peace. I just want to tell you that no matter what happens to a woman, she must love herself and live well."
"Hmph!" Xu Chun snorted coldly, "Stop pretending."
Xiao Qiqi smiled. "I'm not pretending, because I'm very happy now. Xu Chun, I never regret what I do. From the day I said I was giving up on Xia Xuan, I never intended to look back, so you don't need to be wary of me or hate me. God gave us bright eyes to seek the light, not to hate." Xiao Qiqi stood up and took one last look at Xu Chun. "Xu Chun, actually you're much more pitiful than me, but I still don't want to mock you. I'm here to tell you that I don't hate you, because... I don't care."
Xu Chun stopped laughing. "...Actually, I have nothing left now. Xia Xuan is so cruel, just like you..." Xu Chun looked at Xiao Qiqi, her face gradually contorting. "I finally understand your heart, Xiao Qiqi. When a woman loses what's most important, nothing else matters. So, I don't care how I am now, or what you think of me. Perhaps... I really shouldn't have gone with him. Xiao Qiqi, you were right. Sometimes, stepping back isn't just lucky, it's happiness."
Xiao Qiqi stared blankly at Xu Chun, "...Then do you still hate me?"
Xu Chun shook her head. "Is there a difference between hating and not hating?"
Xiao Qiqi nodded. "Yes, there's no difference between hating and not hating anymore. We're no longer friends. But I still hope there's no hatred, but hope. So, Xu Chun, live well. I won't come to see you anymore."
Outside the prison, Chen Yuanxing sat lazily on the ground, waiting for Xiao Qiqi to come out.
"Finished showing off?"
Xiao Qiqi nodded, "I've already shown off."
"Have you had enough of playing the saint?"
Xiao Qiqi laughed, "I haven't had enough. From now on, I'll have to lecture you like a saint every day!"
Chen Yuanxing looked at her expression and nodded, "Yes, not bad, my wife can finally smile."
Xiao Qiqi tried to hit him, but he dodged it immediately. "Wife, there are no more buses to get back, what do we do?"
“Of course you’ll carry me on your back,” Xiao Qiqi replied matter-of-factly.
Chen Yuanxing cried out, but a doting smile had already appeared on his lips.
28. Happiness (Updated)
On the way back, the taxi sped along, the lush green trees on both sides of the highway reflecting the hope and longing in people's hearts. Chen Yuanxing pulled Xiao Qiqi to face him and said earnestly, "Xiao Qiqi, now that all the troubles are resolved, shouldn't we start thinking about serious matters?"
Xiao Qiqi was somewhat silent. After all, Jiang Yilan's impact on her was too great. Even though she had tried to adapt and understand during this time, a faint sadness and loneliness remained. Sometimes, learning to forgive is not an easy thing. She could forgive Jiang Yilan, perhaps because of the long and deep emotions, and the intricate and subtle entanglements. After all, Xia Xuan was gone, he no longer belonged to her, and even if he and Jiang Yilan had countless connections, it had nothing to do with her anymore, right? Hearing Chen Yuanxing speak so seriously, Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but be taken aback for a moment before saying, "What's the serious matter?"
"Hmph!" Chen Yuanxing snorted through his nostrils, pretending to be angry, then smiled mysteriously, "I'll cover your eyes and take you to a nice place."
"No!" Xiao Qiqi immediately objected. Chen Yuanxing was always like this in front of her, liking to act like a child and being unreasonable. She wondered what kind of crazy idea he was coming up with this time.
"Objection overruled." Ignoring Xiao Qiqi's protests, Chen Yuanxing pulled her into his arms and said, "Just sleep well, and we'll be there soon."
Xiao Qiqi was actually tired. She had gotten up early in the morning and had talked so much with Jiang Yilan with anxious thoughts. So she obediently snuggled in that familiar embrace and soon fell into a deep sleep.
"Qiqi, wake up. If you don't get up, I'm carrying you inside." Xiao Qiqi was groggily woken up by Chen Yuanxing. Half-closing her eyes, she noticed the car had stopped and Chen Yuanxing got out. Xiao Qiqi yawned inelegantly. But then she felt a cool sensation on her fingers, as if something had been added. Xiao Qiqi woke up with a start, looking at her fingers, "What... what is this?"
"This is a wedding ring!" Chen Yuanxing chuckled and bent down to lift Xiao Qiqi out of the car.
"Ah, Yuanxing, what are you doing?" Xiao Qiqi was still reeling from the shock of the ring when Chen Yuanxing carried her out of the car and headed straight for a white building. Xiao Qiqi struggled, her surprise mixed with deep happiness. Along the way, she saw smiling couples, some holding hands, some cuddling, some beaming with happiness. "...Where...where is this?" Xiao Qiqi stammered, forgetting she was still being carried by Chen Yuanxing. Actually, the place wasn't unfamiliar.
She had been dragged here by Chen Yuanxing once before, and thought that was the sweetest and most distant memory. But now it felt like yesterday. This was the Civil Affairs Bureau. Xiao Qiqi's heart tightened, then slowly relaxed. A sense of fulfillment and happiness filled her heart, and her tone softened, "Yuanxing, put me down. There are so many people watching."
"It's good to see. I'm not afraid of getting tired, so what are you afraid of?" Chen Yuanxing didn't care. He carried Xiao Qiqi horizontally and strode towards the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, like a victorious general, walking with his head held high and full of pride.
Xiao Qiqi turned her head and watched the men and women passing by. They all smiled knowingly, and one woman even playfully punched the man next to her, wanting a hug. Xiao Qiqi couldn't help but smile and reached out to gently punch Chen Yuanxing's shoulder.
"How did you get my household registration booklet?" Sitting in the lobby of the Civil Affairs Bureau, waiting in line, Xiao Qiqi still couldn't believe it. She remembered that she had sent the household registration booklet back to her hometown after that incident.
"Hehe, guess!" Chen Yuanxing blinked his peach blossom eyes smugly.
Xiao Qiqi chuckled and tapped him on the head, "Guess what? You must have had your mom send it."
"Hehe, my wife is so smart, of course it was sent by our mom." Chen Yuanxing said shamelessly, looking very smug.
"What do you mean 'our mom'? She's my mom!" Xiao Qiqi pretended to be angry, but it was almost like she was being coquettish.
Chen Yuanxing reached out and pinched Xiao Qiqi's cheek. "I've already told Mom and Dad we're getting married. How about they officiate the wedding?"
Now that things have come to this, Xiao Qiqi naturally wouldn't object anymore. "...But what about your parents?"
Chen Yuanxing shook his head indifferently, "Ignore them, they'll be fine without me. Mom has returned to work, she doesn't care about anything as long as she has a job, and Dad, well, he's fine as long as he has women. Uncle's situation is stable, he doesn't need me anymore. So, Xiao Qiqi, I'm a homeless person now, please don't abandon me."
Xiao Qiqi felt a pang of sadness, but she held back. "Yuanxing, I feel guilty for falling out with your parents because of me. But now that I've made up my mind to be with you, I will never regret it. I will try my best to gain their approval."
"Okay." Chen Yuanxing nodded. "Don't worry, I will make all your wishes come true, a happy family, and a blissful life."
"Hehe, is this your marriage proposal?" Xiao Qiqi pretended to be relaxed, and seeing that Chen Yuanxing was avoiding the topic of his parents, she had no choice but to stop talking about it.
"I guess so."
"That won't do. People usually kneel down to propose," Xiao Qiqi said with a mischievous grin.