“My dear,” my mother said, shaking her head and taking my hand. “In the past, you were carefree, always happy. But now, you look worried all the time, rushing home. Think about it, how long has it been since we had a good talk? Have you visited your younger sister since her marriage?”
I blinked and sat there in a daze.
It turned out that the person who had changed was not just An Jin, but also myself. Mother was right; people change with their environment, time, and circumstances. An Jin and I were changing in different directions, which is why we were growing apart.
“Whenever there’s a conflict between husband and wife, it typically involves both,” my mother said. “A Yao, regardless of what your son-in-law did to hurt you, consider whether you’ve made him uncomfortable. His feelings towards you are truly evident…”
I chuckled at her words. “Heaven and earth can bear witness? Mother, that doesn’t sound like you.”
“It’s what your father taught me,” she laughed. “Even your father thinks this son-in-law is beyond reproach.”
We smiled at each other just as my older brother and Miao Yin entered with my niece Miao Miao.
“A Yao is here?” my brother said cheerfully. “Perfect, let’s have a nice meal together.”
“Great!” I waved to Miao Yin and Miao Miao. “Did you receive the gold lock I made for Miao Miao?”
“Here it is,” Miao Yin said, lifting the gold lock around Miao Miao’s neck. “Say hello to Auntie.”
Miao Miao pouted. “Yi… Ya…”
I took Miao Miao, but as soon as I held her, she began to cry, so I quickly handed her back to Miao Yin.
“This child,” Miao Yin said apologetically. “Why be afraid of your own aunt?”
I sighed. It was normal for Miao Miao not to recognize me; I hadn’t seen her often since her birth. I realized I had neglected so much lately, preoccupied with official duties, social obligations, and learning, leaving my family behind. Reflecting on it, I felt I was not without fault.
