Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
On that particular night, the sleepless Qiao Lian tossed and turned in bed.
In the study, Shen Liangchuan stood on the balcony, looking at the New Year celebrations in the distance, smoking most of the night away.
–
The next morning.
Qiao Lian got out of bed and splashed her face with icy cold water from the tap.
She hadn’t slept a wink all night and she looked extremely sallow.
But knowing that Xia Yehua and Qiao Yi were waiting downstairs for her to eat with them, she gave her own cheeks a few pats and cheered herself, “Come on, Qiao Lian, you can do it!”
She took a deep breath and put on a joyous smile, before opening the bedroom door and stepping out.
At the same time, the door of the study room, which was just in front of the bedroom, creaked open and Shen Liangchuan walked out.
Both of them halted as they found themselves looking into each other’s eyes.
The smile on her face froze.
She could tell that he had not slept well either. The moment he walked out, the stench of cigarettes hit her in the face.
She raised an eyebrow at once.
Then she noticed that he was standing on the spot, looking at her with an expression that was unusually abstruse.
Still angry, she gave him an icy smile.
She wondered where his complex emotions were coming from really, given that he had not uttered a single useful word to her.
As she simmered silently at the thought, he started, “Xiao Qiao—”
She immediately gave another cold smile and, without another word, headed down the stairs.
She knew that he was following her, as she heard his footsteps behind her.
The couple came downstairs one after the other. The atmosphere was causing Qiao Lian to feel rather suffocated.
Xia Yehua and Qiao Yi were sitting in the dining room downstairs. At this point, Auntie Li came out of the kitchen, carrying breakfast. Qiao Yi grinned from ear to ear, saying, “Auntie, the breakfasts here are always yummy. Auntie Li’s culinary skills are quite exceptional! I’ve only been here for two days, but I’ve gained a kilo already.”
Xia Yehua laughed heartily at what he said. “This child has a good sense of humor, indeed! No matter how much you eat, is it even possible to gain a kilo in two days?”
Immediately, Qiao Yi patted his own stomach and said, “It’s true. I used to be a lot more restrained, I only ate till I was about 80 percent full. But over here, I unknowingly overfeed myself…”
Auntie Li too couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Xiao Yi Sir, you are too skinny! Look at how tall you are, and yet you’re only about 60 kg. You’re like a bamboo stick. Be careful that your future girlfriend doesn’t have a problem with it.”
“Huh. If she does, I’ll fight her!” Xia Yehua and Auntie Li couldn’t help but burst out laughing again.
The sense of great harmony in the living room softened Qiao Lian’s mood and expression.
She took a step forward and asked with a smile, “What are you guys talking about?”
The three of them turned their heads simultaneously and saw Qiao Lian and Shen Liangchuan. Xia Yehua gestured at them and said, “Hurry up, come over here and eat.”
Auntie Li brought two bowls of porridge for them.
Qiao Lian stirred her porridge absent-mindedly.
Just as she lifted the spoon to her mouth, Xia Yehua remarked, “Liangchuan, what were you so busy with that you had to work in the study all night? It was the second day of the new year. Although it’s important to make a living, shouldn’t you set aside time to keep Xiao Qiao company for the New Year holiday?”
Shen Liangchuan paused holding the spoon in his hand. He looked up to give Qiao Lian a glance and said, “I know, Mom.”
Xia Yehua then looked at Qiao Lian and said, “You’re at a young, lovey-dovey and inseparable age, so treasure it. The worst thing relationships can go through is slow erosion. Don’t go thinking that you’re young and that makes it alright. Why don’t you accompany your wife and go shopping with her today?”
