"Life is for yourself, not for others to see." Liu's mother wiped her hands clean. "Do whatever makes you comfortable."
...
While Meng was in the living room, Liu's father chatted with her for a few minutes.
"Girl, how old are you this year?"
"Twenty-seven."
“He’s a year younger than Xiao Zhi.” Mr. Liu nodded, then asked, “Where is he from?”
"capital."
"What if you were a doctor?"
"Yes."
Liu's father was not good with words and had a rather taciturn personality; after asking the question, he didn't know what to say.
Meng Yang had a vague feeling that something was wrong.
When friends of this age come to visit, elders always like to ask a few questions about their personal feelings. This is not just a pleasantry, but also an invisible pressure on their younger relatives.
Liu's father asked many questions, but not a single one mentioned Meng Yang's romantic relationship.
Before dinner, Meng Yang found Liu Zhi.
"Is your dad...?"
“He knows.”
Meng Yang was somewhat surprised.
How could that be?
"My mom guessed it." Liu Zhi pushed her glasses up a little with one hand and rubbed her eyes.
Chapter 59 Ten Years
The atmosphere at dinner was fairly harmonious.
Neither of the elderly people knew what was going on between the younger generation.
It's rare for the whole family to get together like this, and Grandpa was so happy that he drank a small can of beer.
After dinner, Liu Zhi and Meng Yang offered to help Liu's mother wash the dishes.
Meng Yang used to think she was good at chatting with elders, but when she got to Liu's mother, she became so awkward that she didn't know what to say.
"I can manage by myself," Liu's mother said with a smile. "You young people go and have fun."
“Auntie,” Meng Yang said, “we’re just sitting around doing nothing anyway, why don’t we come and help out?”
"That's good, the little kitchen will be lively today," Liu's mother said with satisfaction.
Liu Zhi wasn't one to beat around the bush. As she wiped the dishes, she said, "Mom, between Meng Yang and me..."
Liu's mother nodded: "I know."
The impact of speculation is different from what the person involved says in person. Meng Yang felt somewhat embarrassed, but this embarrassment stemmed more from shyness.
“Xiao Zhi must have made me sound very closed off before.” Liu’s mother smiled and looked at Liu Zhi.
Liu Zhi's ears turned red.
“I’m your mother. I’ve been with you for so many years. I can guess what you’re thinking and what you’re going to do if you think about it carefully.”
Standing beside Liu Zhi, Meng Yang saw Liu Zhi with such a ashamed expression for the first time.
"Whether it's a man or a woman, as long as they like it, that's all that matters," Liu's mother said. "Live your own life and don't care what others think."
The tap was turned on too high, and water splashed everywhere while washing the dishes.
Liu's mother closed the door a little too tightly and used a dry cloth to wipe up the splashed water.
“Our Xiaozhi looks quite mature and rational on the outside, but she’s actually quite petty.” Liu’s mother patted her daughter’s shoulder. “She doesn’t talk much, and she has a rather cold appearance. When she walks towards you from a distance, it’s like you owe her money.”
Please be more tolerant of any disagreements that don't go well between us.
Meng Yang couldn't help but chuckle: "A little bit."
"I didn't," Liu Zhi replied softly.
"I know Xiaozhi. She's sentimental and caring. If she brings someone home, it's most likely because she's looking to settle down with them."
"Every family's daughter is a treasure." Liu's mother looked at the two of them. "When living together, you have to be more tolerant of each other."
"Okay!" Meng Yang said earnestly, "We'll support and help each other!"
“My parents know about it too. In theory, we’ve met each other’s parents and they approve of us.” Meng Yang looked at Liu Zhi. “We’re looking forward to building a life together.”
Liu Zhi nodded.
"That would be even better, that would be even better." Mencius' mother nodded as well.
"Alright, you young people go out and have fun. I'll take care of things in the kitchen." Liu's mother rolled up her sleeves a little. "A doctor's hands are for saving lives, not for me to wash dishes. You should cherish your hands."
As she spoke, Liu's mother pushed the two of them out.
"Xiao Zhi, take this with you..."
"Auntie, my nickname is Mengmeng."
"Xiao Zhi, take Meng Meng out for a walk. Yancheng is not as developed as the capital, but the air is definitely fresher."
...
Liu Zhi indeed took Meng Yang for a stroll on the cement road in the countryside.
In recent years, the government has improved people's lives, and streetlights have been installed on the main roads in the countryside.
Winter wheat has already been planted in the fields.
Meng Yang had never seen such a scene before, and everything he saw was new and exciting.
Neither of them spoke; the only sounds were the chirping of insects and the wind, and an endless silence.
"This kind of life is truly wonderful." Meng Yang closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Liu Zhi hummed in agreement, her voice rising at the end.
"We're getting old, we don't need to work hard anymore, so we live here and take a walk every night like this."
Meng Yang gazed at Liu Zhi, his eyes reflecting the bright stars of the night.
Liu Zhi looked into her eyes and solemnly replied.
"Dr. Liu," Meng Yang called to her.
"Um?"
Meng Yang raised the hand that was holding Liu Zhi, and childishly tightened and loosened it, then tightened it again.
"I don't know what the future holds, but I hope we can hold hands and walk together forever."
“Meng Yang”.
Liu Zhi raised the hand that was clasped with hers higher and gently kissed the back of Meng Yang's hand.
"I will hold this hand and walk with you forever."
Meng Yang smiled, but his eyes were glistening with tears.
She recalled her last night in Yancheng many years ago, when Liu Zhi also stood under such dim streetlights, his tall figure stretched very long.
So close, yet so far.
Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, like fleeting clouds and flowing water.
Fortunately, they still have the next decade, and the decade after that.
--------------------
Author's Note:
September 11, 2021 - November 21, 2021
End of text
Because of the source material and my real-life experiences, writing this book was really difficult and poor. When I reached 80,000 words, I was in so much pain that I didn't know where to start. I wanted to give up many times along the way.
I will review and reflect on this later, and I will work even harder in the next game!
Thank you all for your continued understanding, support and encouragement!
Chapter 60 Extra
It seems that time flies by after we got together.
Meng Yang was promoted to attending physician the following winter, and Liu Zhi's volunteer work also completed a full year.
Yancheng experienced a snowfall in December.
Meng Yang was busy until after 9 p.m. that day, and Liu Zhi waited for her at the gate of the courtyard with an umbrella.
Meng Yang and Liu Zhi walked hand in hand on the empty street.
"Close the umbrella," Meng Yang said.
"Why?" Liu Zhi asked.
Meng Yang smiled, caught the falling snow with his palm, and did not answer.
After a long silence, Meng Yang said, "Do you remember that Christmas? It snowed in Yancheng too."
Meng Yang's words unlocked Liu Zhi's long-dormant memories.
...
"Liu Zhi, shall we not use an umbrella?"