Translator: Larbre Studio Editor: Larbre Studio
It wasn’t until eleven o’clock that He Xiyan drove her car into an ordinary residential area. Although it was not a high-end neighborhood, it was indeed very busy and lively. Lanterns and colorful paper hung everywhere. Many children were laughing and playing outdoors.
He Xiyan gave out a sigh. On such a day, she could have had a reunion dinner with her family, celebrated the festival and stayed up to see the New Year in together. Now, however, her family members were several thousand kilometers away from her, and she seemed to be abandoned by them, alone.
Mrs. Shu and Shu Man were preparing this big lunch. They also invited the two old people who lived alone next door to their home for the New Year. Both of the old people were nearly 70 years old and had only one son, who died a few years ago.
By the time He Xiyan arrived, all the dishes were ready, including chicken, duck, fish, seafood platter and refined wine. Mrs. Shu was quite good at cooking, so the dishes she prepared tasted even better those cooked in restaurants.
“Sister He, where is brother-in-law?” Shu Man noticed that only her sister came in, but she had invited both her sister and brother-in-law to come.
Mrs. Shu also looked around, but did not see Ye Hao, either.
He Xiyan curled her lip corner slightly, a strong touch of bitterness and astringency penetrating through the smile on her lips.
On such a day, nothing was more lonely and helpless for her than being alone without her husband around.
“He had something to handle, so he’s gone to the old house of Ye family.” He Xiyan murmured, without telling the truth.
It was the first time she had come to her younger sister’s house. She should have been very happy, but now she could only manage to put on an awkward smile.
She went to the table and sat beside her sister. Looking at so many dishes on the table, she had no appetite.
Shu Man poured a glass of wine for her sister and then picked up some food for her.
Good at observing one’s appearance, she could see that her sister had something on her mind at a glance. Even if her sister wore makeup, she could see that her sister was quite pale and haggard. She might not have had a good rest for several days, she thought.
On such an important day, brother-in-law did not accompany her sister. Except for conflicts, there was no other reason.
Knowing the fact though, Shu Man did not speak out, only laughing and chatting with her sister on various topics. She talked about her school life and some things happening during her growth all along until the meal was over. She managed to divert her sister’s attention.
He Xiyan did not know how many glasses of wine she drank. She drank nearly the whole bottle. When she stood up, she faltered and almost fell to the ground.
Shu Man hurried to hold her up, looking at her sister’s haggard face with worries. At this time, with a blush on her face, she seemed to be drunk.
“Sister, would you like to have a rest?” Shu Man held his sister and walked her to her own bedroom.
She did not expect that her sister would be so unhappy on such a day, nor did she know what conflicts were there between her sister and her brother-in-law.
He Xiyan was brought to lie in an unfamiliar bed. With her eyes tightly closed, she soon fell asleep under the influence of alcohol.
When she woke up again, it was almost eight o’clock in the evening. At this moment, the sound of fireworks and firecrackers rose outside. Outside the window, there seemed to be lightning, the light of which shines through the window from time to time.
“Sister He…” Shu Man sat at the bedside. Seeing her sister awake finally, she felt a little relieved as well.
