Before Qiao Zhiwei could respond Qiao Zhilan spoke in surprise. Does that mean after you are married my sister will not have to live at the Huo family house?
Huo Jingnian nodded. It does.
Delighted by the answer Qiao Zhilan’s spirits lifted and the unhappiness of the previous day faded away. Huo Jingnian walked forward and opened the iron gate at the entrance. Aunt Wen came out at the sound and greeted him warmly. Young Master you have arrived.
He acknowledged her then turned to the sisters. This is my wife and her younger sister. I will rely on you to look after them from now on.
Aunt Wen stepped forward to welcome them. Come in please. I have prepared breakfast for you.
Qiao Zhiwei smiled politely and followed her inside. As she walked she admired the house. Everything had been beautifully restored and arranged. The rooms were spotless. A sculpted podocarpus on a pear wood stand complemented the paintings on the walls. A Tiffany style glass lamp on the tea table blended Western elegance with traditional grace. It was clear the original owner had been both wealthy and deeply refined. He intended for her to live here.
Aunt Wen said with a smile Zhiwei after breakfast I will show you your bedroom. If anything is not to your liking you may say so.
She spoke the name naturally and Huo Jingnian seemed to accept it too. Qiao Zhiwei felt a little shy however. You may call me Weiwei from now on.
Aunt Wen glanced at Huo Jingnian and he nodded. Very well Weiwei let us go to the dining room.
The table was generously laid with shrimp and pork congee kelp soup osmanthus rice cakes and boiled eggs. I was not sure what you prefer Aunt Wen said so I prepared a little of everything. If there is something you would like you may tell me and I will make it for you tomorrow.
Before Qiao Zhiwei could speak Qiao Zhilan said with a smile My sister loves osmanthus rice cakes more than anything. Thank you Aunt Wen.
I am glad to hear it Aunt Wen replied.
Huo Jingnian gestured to the table. Please sit and eat.
As they sat he placed the plate of rice cakes before Qiao Zhiwei. Thank you she said politely. Huo Jingnian’s fingers tightened slightly around his chopsticks. He said nothing poured himself a bowl of congee and peeled an egg. Qiao Zhilan helped herself to congee and took a bite. Her eyes widened in delight. Aunt Wen this is the most delicious congee I have ever tasted. The shrimp is so fresh and tender.
I will make it for you again tomorrow if you like Aunt Wen said.
Qiao Zhilan nodded enthusiastically. Yes thank you Aunt Wen.
Qiao Zhiwei lifted a piece of cake and took a bite. Is it good Aunt Wen asked anxiously.
It is very tasty Qiao Zhiwei replied.
Aunt Wen noticed her eyes glistening and grew concerned at once. What is it Weiwei has something upset you?
Huo Jingnian looked up sharply. There were tears shimmering in her eyes. Qiao Zhiwei smiled gently. Nothing is wrong. I am just very touched.
My sister does not cry when she is hurt Qiao Zhilan said.
Aunt Wen was not quite sure what to say. It is only breakfast. If you like it I will prepare the same every day.
Thank you Qiao Zhiwei said softly. Since her father’s business failed kindness and consideration had become rare things. Most people had turned cold or hostile. She had not known simple genuine care in such a long time. Even though she knew Aunt Wen acted partly out of duty her heart was moved. She composed herself and continued eating.
When breakfast was finished Huo Jingnian spoke. Weiwei come with me to see our room.
Yes she said.
Aunt Wen understood and turned to Qiao Zhilan. Would you like to help me choose ingredients for lunch in the kitchen?
I would love to Qiao Zhilan said cheerfully and began clearing the table.
Qiao Zhiwei followed Huo Jingnian to the room. On the table sat two framed photographs. One showed them from their portrait session she leaning gently against his shoulder he looking down at her with quiet tenderness. Beside it was a portrait of a young woman strikingly beautiful graceful and lively. Though she had always been told she was pretty Qiao Zhiwei was taken aback by the woman’s beauty. She is lovely she said.
She was my mother Huo Jingnian replied.
Qiao Zhiwei looked at him and saw the resemblance clearly in his features and bearing. She was soft and gentle while he had a sharper strength. No wonder you are so handsome she said.
Huo Jingnian’s gaze rested on her. Handsome?
Yes she nodded.
He let his smile show and took a box from the cabinet. He unlocked it and opened a smaller wooden case before her. These were my mother’s intended for her daughter in law. Inside were pairs of jade bracelets and gold bracelets engraved with dragon and phoenix motifs earrings in jade and gold. And then she saw the necklace. Set in platinum it held a magnificent aquamarine flanked by long step cut diamonds. It was unmistakably priceless. She wondered who his mother had been to have owned such things and what had brought her to marry Huo Qingshan. They seemed from entirely different worlds. She held her tongue however knowing it was not her place to ask.
She said softly You should keep these for the woman you truly marry. She took a simple gold ring from the case. This is enough for me.
His hand stilled as he held the box. What is wrong Weiwei do you not like them?
No they are beautiful she said quickly. It is simply too much.
He closed the case and put it away. Qiao Zhiwei looked at the ring on her finger lost in thought. Wedding rings were not common and men especially those in the military rarely wore them. She would not be able to give him one in return.
What are you thinking he asked.
She looked up. I also have something for you. I hope you will like it.
I will he said.
You do not know what it is yet she replied.
He met her gaze steadily. Whatever it is I will like it.
She looked down feeling flustered. I left it at home in my hurry this morning. I will bring it to you tomorrow.