“Promises do not need spoken here. Everyone understands. Otherwise Xia Yin would not have had to bear so much gossip.”
Xia Yin smiled gently and said nothing.
Zhou Yu quickly changed the subject. “Would you both like photographs taken?”
Huo Jingli looked unimpressed. “To hang beside Zhiwei’s?”
Zhou Yu smiled awkwardly. “They could be displayed together.”
“Xia Yin’s father is the Foreign Minister.” Huo Jingli said. “Her photographs cannot be placed casually.”
Zhou Yu looked at Xia Yin with new admiration. “That explains your grace and poise.”
“Thank you.” Xia Yin smiled.
“Well stay then.” Zhou Yu offered warmly.
Huo Jingli set down her cup. “Let us go back and wait for Second Brother.”
“Is something urgent?”
“Not exactly. Uncle Xia has a German language publication he would like translated.” Huo Jingli said. “It is an economics journal. Only he can translate it accurately.”
Zhou Yu chuckled. “He charges fees now. Be prepared.”
“Surely not from Xia Yin?”
“Who can say?” Zhou Yu smiled.
They took their leave. Back at the Huo residence Huo Jingchen lay in a backyard rocking chair with a book over his face.
“Second Brother.”
He did not stir. “What is it?”
“Uncle Xia would like an economics journal translated.” She drew the publication from her bag.
“Services come at a price.” He said lazily. “One yuan per page.”
She stepped forward and lifted the book away. “Be serious. Xia Yin is here.”
He sat up straightening his collar. “Very well. Discounted. Ninety eight cents.”
“Discounted how?”
“Per page.” He took the book back and placed it over his face again. “Count the pages. Payment in advance. Full price if calculating the discount is too difficult.” He held out his hand.
Huo Jingli was about to scold him when Xia Yin stepped forward and placed three yuan in his palm. He sat up at once. “I shall begin. Send Jingli to collect it the day after tomorrow.”
Xia Yin departed. As soon as she was gone Chen Qingmei stormed in and took the book from him striking him playfully. “Have you heard a single word I said? Asking her for money of all things! Have you no shame?”
“Establishing a precedent.” Huo Jingchen dodged. “Building good habits gradually.”
“Deliver it personally.” She threw the book down.
“You are ruining Jingli’s commission.”
“Commission?” Huo Jingli’s eyes brightened.
“I was going to give you ten yuan for delivering it.” He said. “Since you secured the work.”
“Ten yuan?”
Her mother gave her a sharp look. “Go see to the guest list. Invitations must be sent. We must see Jingnian married and back to his post.”
“Do you think Jingnian has long cared for Zhiwei?” Huo Jingli asked. “Is that why he agreed so readily? He could simply have paid the debt and walked away.”
Huo Jingchen tapped her forehead. “What goes on in that head of yours?”
“He has loved her secretly.”
“Women think that way.” He said. “Men marry for practical reasons as much as affection. Though a mature woman might see it differently.” He glanced at his mother.
She looked thoughtful. Part of her felt uneasy — if he had secretly coveted what his brother discarded it reflected poorly on his character. She said nothing however. “Do not speak carelessly. Your father will hear and be displeased.”
At the Qiao home Zhiwei looked at her photographs. “You make a lovely pair.” Zhilan said in wonder.
Zhiwei smiled. “I have a business idea. No capital required. Would you like to hear it?”
Zhilan’s eyes widened. “Yes!”
Zhiwei explained her plan. Zhilan hesitated. “I have no betrothed. What if my future husband sees these photographs? Will he not misunderstand?”
Zhiwei nodded thoughtfully. Times were conservative. Professional models did not exist yet. Misunderstandings were inevitable.
“Could you not continue with Jingnian-ge?” Zhilan suggested.
“He is busy.”
“Even for wedding photographs?”
“So he says.”
Zhilan nudged her arm. “Be sweet to him. Men cannot resist that. You need the photographs anyway and we could earn money together.”
Zhiwei considered. “I shall try.” She would see him tomorrow when they registered their marriage.
The next afternoon someone knocked at the gate. Zhilan sprang up. “It must be him!” She hurried outside only to find Qiao Xiaowan standing there holding a bag. Disappointment showed plainly. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to offer congratulations.” Qiao Xiaowan smiled sheepishly.
“We have nothing left to give.” Zhilan stood firm. “There is nothing here for you.”
“I have something important to discuss.” Qiao Xiaowan said earnestly. “It will only take a moment.”