Xu Qingru and Dong Lie really did go shopping. Dong Lie would not let her pay for anything settling the bill and coupons in advance. You are my sister he said with a genuine smile consider this your welcome gift.
She paused holding the bags. In her past life Xu Yingying had gotten along so poorly with the four brothers yet Dong Lie was nothing but kind and easy to be with. They finished their outing unaware that Xu Yingying and Chen Jiashu had stood watching them from behind.
Xu Yingying clenched her teeth burning with resentment. Why had she never seen such warmth directed toward her? What is wrong? Chen Jiashu asked noticing her expression. He needed Xu Hui’s help to get into the institute so he held his tongue.
Xu Yingying recovered quickly. Jiashu you will be the finest researcher there ever was she said suddenly. He scratched his head awkwardly knowing his own limitations. If he truly had such promise he would not be bound for the countryside.
He nodded uncertainly. I will do my best he said though he had little faith. You will make it she said more to steady herself than him. What did Ma Xiulan’s refusal matter? She would prove her worth.
Chen Jiashu nodded quietly. If she believed it then so be it he thought it could do no harm. When they returned Ma Xiulan appeared brighter chatting with Dong Jun and wearing a smile she had not shown in some time.
She grew self-conscious seeing them enter together. Dong Jun noticed at once. Shall I see you home? he offered. Ma Xiulan agreed. They walked ahead and Dong Lie bought a popsicle for Xu Qingru beaming when she took it.
After the men left Xu Qingru drew close to her mother. Do you still love Uncle Dong? she asked. Ma Xiulan blushed deeply. Don’t be silly this is only a marriage of convenience.
They say he has always loved you and waited for you Xu Qingru said frankly. Ma Xiulan pictured Dong Jun’s earnest face then pushed the thought away. He had married and raised a family out of kindness nothing more she told herself.
Xu Qingru saw her doubt but said nothing. In time her mother would know the truth. That night she lay beside her mother but slipped into her space. The black fish swam in the stream and seemed to thrive.
She had noticed old scars on Dong Jun and decided to bring him two fish to help build his strength. She worked throughout the night yet felt completely rested the next morning. After Ma Xiulan left she placed the fish in a bag and set off.
The guard at the gate did not know her. Go along he said Uncle Dong has no time for people seeking favors he will not help you. He retreated into his booth and she stood there uncertain.
A vehicle approached and the guard opened the gate for Dong Yunzhou. This girl claims to be family the guard said loudly. I have worked here years and have never seen her before.
Dong Yunzhou looked at Xu Qingru. She met his gaze and felt nothing but cold reserve. I am Xu Qingru I am… she began. Come with me he said simply.
The guard stared in disbelief. She really was known after all. She followed him quietly sensing his coolness. My father is out he said I will call him.
Please do not bother him she said quickly. I only brought him some fish I can leave them here. She placed them in a basin of water in the kitchen.
When she returned he was reading on the sofa. I will be going now she said. He nodded without looking up. As she left she caught sight of a document in his hand.
She recognized the research project one that had stalled for two years in her past life. The last line on this page she said gently may be where the calculation error lies. Dong Yunzhou looked up sharply and she wondered if she had spoken out of turn.