“Would you go back if I went with you?”
“Back to the hotel to spend New Year’s Eve? It would be so lonely.” She took back the towel, threw the water from the basin into the courtyard, and added, “Besides, I have to visit my mother’s grave tomorrow.” Her eyes reddened, and she turned away quickly.
Zhou Yuxian felt deeply ashamed, thinking himself a heinous sinner. Others had taken care of his food and drink, and now he had hurt her feelings with his complaints. He rolled up his wet sleeves and placed his hand on her slightly trembling shoulder, clumsily saying, “Can’t we go back to Nanling for the New Year? You even said you’d cook New Year’s Eve dinner for me that day!”
“That day was that day. Isn’t it livelier here during the New Year?” She wanted to say she wouldn’t go back to City A, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“But I really can’t get used to it here!” he blurted out, immediately feeling her shoulders stiffen, and sighed. The truth was always hurtful, so he tried to make amends, “Well, not that I can’t get used to it, but wouldn’t it be nice if it was just the two of us in Nanling for the New Year? How about we visit your mother’s grave tomorrow and then go back?”
Lai Hui, feeling her pride hurt, turned around angrily, glared at him, and said, “I’ll go help my aunt make the bed. You come up later by yourself!”
Zhou Yuxian, accustomed to luxury, was provided with six layers of cotton quilts by Lai Hui, making it feel like lying on a cloud. His aunt brought out new sheets they were reluctant to use themselves, and together with Lai Hui, they put on the duvet cover. As they worked, she kept talking about how Lai Hui shouldn’t be angry with Zhou Yuxian: “People used to a good life, how could they bear our place? You should be more understanding. Later, I’ll fill the hot water bottle for him to warm his feet, okay?”
Zhou Yuxian, overhearing the conversation at the door, guessed its meaning, and his cold heart softened. How many people cared for him like this family? He sat down to reflect, and when Lai Hui came up with the hot water bottle, placed it in his hands without a word, and turned to leave, he quickly hugged her from behind, apologizing, “I’m sorry, don’t be mad anymore.”
Lai Hui freed herself, looked at him in confusion, and said, “Why are you apologizing out of the blue?”
“No reason, just wanted to say it. Is that not allowed?” Though his tone wasn’t great, his voice was soft, revealing a trace of guilt.
Lai Hui shrugged indifferently, opened the door, but Zhou Yuxian grabbed her hand, slightly annoyed, “I’ve already apologized, and you’re still throwing a fit?”
“How can I go downstairs to heat up bath water if you’re holding me?” Zhou Yuxian, though he understood her, was still surprised, and asked with concern, “Are you really not angry?”
“Why would I be angry over nothing?” Not being angry was a lie, but after being angry, she thought about how even as a child she wasn’t used to her uncle’s house, let alone him. She was just upset that he voiced his discomfort, bruising her pride. His heart settled back into place, and he asked, “Where are they?”
“They’ve all gone to bed! What’s the matter?”
“It’s so cold; you don’t need to heat up water. I can bear it for one night.” He pulled her back, saying, “But you have to stay with me tonight!”
“You’re crazy; this is my uncle’s house!” This time she was really angry, shook off his hand, and was about to leave, but he pulled her back, holding her so tightly she couldn’t move. In a fit of rage, she shouted, “What do you take me for? Even if our contract isn’t over, you can’t treat me like this at my uncle’s house!”
Zhou Yuxian was taken aback and then laughed, “What are you thinking? I just can’t get used to being alone. I just want you to talk with me!”
Lai Hui looked at him suspiciously, as if he were a wolf known for lying, and pouted, “Really?”
“Really! Do you think I’m that reckless?” He laughed, his smile somewhat sly.
