Jing Xin’s mother loved growing flowers and plants, inspiring Jing Xin’s own affection for them. She set down her chopsticks and said, “Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll help you take care of these flowers and plants in the future. My mother likes them too.”
“Oh, that’s great! If you don’t mind, come keep this old lady company. I can play the piano for you,” Mrs. Jiang replied, clearly happy and chatting with Jing Xin.
Jiang Xiangyang quietly ate his fish, uninterested in the women’s conversation. His mother, usually not talkative, was particularly chatty with Jing Xin.
He considered that she could come over anytime since he was only home one out of ten days. He had sneaked back, thinking his mother was away, but instead faced her lecture about his injury and her tears.
People like them truly couldn’t have attachments if they wanted to accomplish anything!
Jing Xin occasionally added dishes to Jiang Xiangyang’s bowl. He accepted everything she offered. Though they were strangers, they shared a warm meal, and their interaction felt surprisingly harmonious. Jing Xin sensed this was the home she had been looking for.
Years later, reminiscing about that meal with Jiang Xiangyang, Jing Xin still felt a deep warmth.
That small living room, the chipped square table, the crystal-clear white porcelain bowls, and the thick wooden chopsticks were ordinary items, yet they filled her with nostalgia.
Such warmth lingered in her heart.
Chapter Eleven: Tender Feelings
In mid-July, Jing Xin received a call from her good friend Shan Shan. Shan Shan mentioned her cousin, a manager at McDonald’s, was recruiting college students for summer jobs and asked if Jing Xin was interested.
Jing Xin was delighted. The time at home had been boring and long, each day feeling like an eternity while facing her sister-in-law’s expression.
The McDonald’s work hours were from 2 PM to 8 PM, leaving her free time in the morning. She spent time with her mother tending to flower pots and sometimes visited the Jiang family, chatting with Jiang’s mother and helping care for the garden.
Though she had visited the Jiang home several times, she never encountered Jiang Xiangyang. From Jiang’s mother, she learned he rarely returned.
