Jiang’s father and mother returned to the hotel without having seen Manman firsthand, but there was no need to say it, just with that kind of family and that kind of mom and aunt.
“Eighty thousand for the dowry, one hundred tables for the banquet,” Jiang’s mother said, finding it increasingly ridiculous.
“Truly a precious daughter, destined to be a rich man’s wife, our family honestly cannot afford it.”
“Stop talking about it!” Jiang’s father was irritated, angry with both his son and himself, for having been blind.
Jiang’s mother knew when to stop, but how to reel their son’s heart back from Manman was something they needed to discuss with her husband.
“I think you should give the military a call, ask their leaders to grant our Yan an early termination of his leave.”
That was the only move they could make.
Jiang’s father let out a long sigh.
That night, Mr.
and Mrs.
Jiang boarded a plane back to Beijing.
The next day, Jiang Yan received a call from the military, being asked to return to his unit earlier than scheduled.
As a soldier, he had no right to resist.
Jiang Yan packed his clothes at the military guesthouse that day, preparing to catch the afternoon express train back.
Time was tight, but he very much wanted to see Manman and had some words he wanted to say to her.
The most regrettable thing was that he had not been able to let his parents meet her, to taste the food she cooked with their own mouths.
He believed that if his parents had seen her and tasted her cooking, they would definitely be satisfied.
He, Jiang Yan, did not need a beautiful and capable wife, only a housekeeper with a gentle temperament.
The most important quality for a military wife is the ability to endure loneliness.
Manman was the most suitable.
Before going to Manman’s company, he first made a phone call to Chun Xia.
Rushing out from the company, Chun Xia asked as soon as she saw him, “You said on the phone that you’re leaving?
Wasn’t it to ask for her hand in marriage?”
“My parents didn’t make it,” Jiang Yan said with regret.
“There’s just no time.
We’ll have to wait till next time.”
“When is next time?” Chun Xia felt an uneasy premonition, thinking not another wedding would slip away.
His bright white teeth flashing a cheerful and sunny smile, “Don’t overthink it.
— Where’s Manman?”
“I have to be blunt with you,” Chun Xia prefaced, knowing Manman isn’t young and can’t wait forever for something uncertain, “Let me call her out.”
“Hey.
I’ve already proposed.
Madam Chun Xia.” Jiang Yan was practically begging Chun Xia, fearful she might refuse, and pulled out a black brocade box from his pocket, “Look, I’ve got the wedding ring all ready.”
Upon seeing this, Chun Xia no longer harbored any doubts, went inside to call Manman, and didn’t tell Manman he was leaving, only that he had urgent matters to discuss.
Hearing about an urgent matter, Manman’s heart raced, and she came out wearing her work apron.
The spring day was bright and clear.
He stood under a peach blossom branch, his tall and straight figure a natural hanger, the light grey trench coat reaching just to his knees.
Seeing him like this made him appear even taller.
Today, one hand was tucked into his pocket with the thumb sticking out, while the other hand slightly adjusted his trench coat.
His handsomeness remained as ever, but with an added maturity.
“Manman,” he smiled with his handsome brows and eyes as she approached.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
In his eyes, she had a pale and delicate face, small eyes behind large glasses, which far from being unattractive, held a calm and gentle charm at the corners of her rose-tinted lips, her slender figure possessing an air of an ancient maiden’s grace.
Taking long strides with his legs, he stood in front of her in two steps and eagerly grasped one of her small hands, revealing the ring in his palm and sliding it onto her ring finger.
Manman was confused, what was this?
There had been no words spoken.
What followed was even more awkward—the size of the silver ring was clearly wrong.
It slid onto her ring finger only to immediately slip off again.
The size was a whole circle too large.
It was evident how small and delicate her fingers were.
The rough pads of his fingers kneaded her water-like fingers, a moment that stirred the heart, unwilling to let go of anything, and his Adam’s apple rolled twice in succession.
“Jiang—Yan—” It was the first time she had called his name directly, Manman’s face blushed like a radiant sun, “This is the office, someone might see.”
“So what if they see?
Last time in front of so many people I already said I wanted to marry you.” His slightly upturned mouth carried a childlike innocence and playfulness, he was still him, unchanged.
Embarrassed, she lowered her head, “This ring doesn’t fit.”
“Who says it doesn’t fit.
I’ll go and exchange it right away.” Jiang Yan held onto her finger, clung to the ring, declaring he wouldn’t let go no matter what.
“Hey.
I’m working here.” Seeing him trying to pull her away, Manman halted her steps and called out.
At this point, he had no choice but to tell the truth, his long eyebrows furrowed and unfurrowed in helpless regret: “The military base called me.
I have to leave for Beijing this afternoon.”
Her heart was shaken, ripples spreading one after another.
So that was it.
That’s why he was in such a hurry to buy her a ring.
Seeing her fall silent suddenly, he became anxious, afraid, “Don’t worry.
Once I get back, I’ll find a chance to take leave and come back immediately to pick you up, and this time I’ll definitely bring my parents to see you.
Then, after I’ve proposed and you’ve worn the ring, they won’t be able to do anything to us.”
Truth be told, she had never doubted his sincerity; just looking into his bright, moving eyes, everything was clearly written there.
The eyes are the windows to the soul.
She trusted every word he said.
It was time for her to gather her courage.
Her small hand pried his fingers loose, took the ring back into the palm of her hand, and her warm little lips formed a bright curve, “Okay.
I’ll wait for you.”
Excitement swirled from his heart to his limbs, his fingertips trembled, his lips licked and licked again, “Manman, I want to hug you.”
A hug?
She instinctively looked left and right, seeing no one, she nodded slightly.
She had been waiting for this moment for too long; as soon as she nodded, his arms encircled her, his long arm half-enveloped her petite frame into his embrace.
With too much force, caught off guard, her head collided against his chest, stars danced in her vision for a moment, then remembering the dirty apron she was wearing, she cried out softly, “Dirty—”
“What’s dirty!
You smell nice all over.” To prove this point, he nuzzled her hair repeatedly.
Thus, her face pressed against his chest, the silky shirt covering solid warm muscles that made her face even more tender to the touch, her hands uncertain where to go, it was the most awkward.
The warm breeze blew, accompanied by her heart thumping as if sprouting buds, Manman thought she would remember today for a lifetime.
When Jiang Yan left, he regretted not asking for a kiss instead of a hug.
Turning back, seeing her standing at the entrance, his heart ached and itched, wanting to return, but the phone rang unavoidably.
Watching him walk away, gradually disappearing into the crowd, Manman’s gaze remained fixed, wishing to freeze time in that moment.
“Manman.” Chun Xia arrived on time, clasping her hand tightly.
“It’s okay.
I believe in him.” Manman smiled, turned around, and briskly returned to the studio to continue working, and as for that too-large silver ring, she treasured it in a cloth pouch she sewed herself, carrying it with her every day.
That night, he sent her a text from the train: I’ve left, remember to wait for me!
The rumbling train took away her lover…