Far away in Northern City, in the Ji family living room, Wu Meiling folded clothes absently as she chatted with Ji Xiangdong.
Lao Ji, my right eyelid keeps twitching these days. I feel so uneasy and unsettled.
Ji Xiangdong kept his eyes on the television. You are just overthinking it. You have not had enough rest lately. Eyelid twitching is nothing but superstition.
No, I feel it has something to do with Xiaxia. She is so far away from home. Deep City is bright and full of temptation. I am afraid that
Afraid of what? That she will not focus on her studies? Ji Xiangdong turned to look at her.
I am afraid she will fall in love! There are so many fine young men at South University. Our daughter is beautiful and kind and everyone likes her. She has been protected so carefully all her life. I worry she will be deceived and not even see it coming.
Ji Xiangdong laughed gently. You worry too much. We have raised her well but she is not that naive. Besides, young men her age are not so cunning. If someone had bad intentions, she would notice.
But what if she does not? Wu Meiling hesitated then spoke her deepest fear. What if she gets involved with someone before she is ready and something goes wrong? How will we handle that?
Ji Xiangdong frowned, his tone growing serious. That is going too far! Our daughter is not that kind of girl. Besides, he added with complete and steady trust, have you forgotten that Yanqin is there? He is the most reliable person we know. With him watching over her, nothing will happen. He will keep unsuitable young men far away from her.
Wu Meiling did not look reassured. Yanqin is dependable yes but he is a busy man. How can he keep track of every part of her life? I am still worried.
Very well, Ji Xiangdong said to soothe her. I will call him tomorrow and ask him to keep a closer watch. If anything happens at all, he will let us know immediately. Does that make you feel better?
A little. You make sure he takes this seriously. She is our only daughter. She rubbed her eyelid and murmured, Once her exchange year ends, I want her home. She will take the civil service exam and we will find her a decent young man from a good family. A steady life is what matters most.
Back in Deep City at Banyan Court, Ji Xia lay awake turning restlessly in bed. All she could see was the dark twisted scar across Jiang Yanqin’s abdomen.
She touched her own smooth flat stomach and a shiver ran through her. How much it must have hurt. The thought kept coming unbidden. This was what Father meant when he said badly hurt. It was not a heroic mark from a storybook. It was proof of something torn and nearly destroyed. He had been so close to dying.
She finally fell asleep in the early hours but her rest was uneasy and filled with dreams.
In her dream she stood in a dim shadowy place that felt like an abandoned warehouse or the edge of a forest. She heard heavy breathing and suppressed groans. There on the ground lay a man she could not clearly see but knew was Jiang Yanqin. His side was a dark spreading red and the wound looked raw and fresh and open. He whispered in a voice faint and broken from pain. So cold. It hurts so much.
Her heart ached terribly and she wanted to rush forward and press something to stop the bleeding. Then he lifted his head and his gaze locked onto hers with desperate clinging intensity. He called her name in a rough trembling voice.
Ji Xia do not go.
She was crying without realizing it, kneeling beside him, afraid to touch but refusing to leave. I will not go Uncle Jiang. I promise I will not go.
She woke suddenly sitting upright in bed, heart pounding, cold sweat on her forehead. The room was quiet and still, only faint morning light seeping through the curtains. The dream felt terrifyingly real. She covered her burning face with her hands and sank back into the pillows.
What are you dreaming about Ji Xia.
Sympathy welled up again. Why was he hurt so badly? Was it even worse than what she had seen in her sleep?
I will be kinder to him.
After washing up she stepped out and saw Jiang Yanqin in the living room.
Good morning Uncle Jiang.
He looked up from his tablet. She stood before him with her hair neatly tied back, eyes bright and shining, wearing a smile that seemed almost determined and radiant.
Good morning, he replied calmly and set the tablet aside.
Aunt Liu came from the kitchen with porridge and Ji Xia hurried over. Let me take that.
She served a generous bowl filled with tender chicken and mushrooms and carried it carefully to him.
Please have plenty of soup Uncle Jiang. It will help you get strong. Her care shone clearly in her eyes.
Jiang Yanqin noticed the extra care and understood at once. A quiet faint warmth touched him. Thank you, he said picking up his spoon.
You are welcome.
Throughout breakfast she attended to him with constant gentle thoughtfulness. When his coffee was half finished she offered to pour more. When he took a bite of egg cake she placed the small dish of pickles near his hand. Even when his napkin slipped slightly she leaned forward and straightened it neatly.
Aunt Liu watched from the side in quiet surprise. Jiang Yanqin accepted every gesture with perfect ease. He nodded when she refilled his cup, tasted the food she suggested, lifted his chin slightly when she adjusted his napkin. Now and then he looked at her, his gaze deep and unreadable. Seeing her so focused on caring for him gave him a quiet secret pleasure. It was addictive having her watch over him so completely.
As the meal ended he wiped his mouth and looked at her. Why are you so attentive today?
Young people should be helpful, she answered brightly. Otherwise when I go home for winter break Mother will say I have been spoiled here.
She spoke naturally as if it were settled fact and did not notice the slight change in his expression. Besides I have been here months already and I want to do more for you while I still can.
The air felt still for a moment. Her words carried two quiet reminders. One that she did not truly belong here and would return home. Two that her time here was limited and running short.
His fingers tightened slightly around his spoon then relaxed. A shadow settled in his eyes. Go back? Where would his beloved go? He would never let her leave, not even for the holidays. Yet his face showed nothing. He simply nodded.
Ji Xia noticed nothing. He hid his feelings so well. She smiled warmly at him. Is there anything special you would like to eat before break? I will learn how to make it for you.
He looked at her bright eager face. He wanted far more than a meal. But he only met her gaze steadily and replied. Whatever you prepare will be fine.