He Manman looked at him and her sharp tone softened. “What is it Manman?” Huo Jingchen asked knowingly.
She sat up straight. “Lili said you want to end our engagement.”
He looked at her with a faint gentle smile. “That is so.”
He Manman’s heart sank. “Why?”
Huo Jingchen remained calm. “After some time together I realise we are not well suited.”
“If you knew that why did you agree to it in the first place?”
“You were the one who wished it.” He said. “I thought we might grow closer so I did not refuse.”
“You beast.” She stood and poured her soda over his head.
Huo Jingchen did not lose his composure. He wiped his face calmly. “You see? This is exactly what I mean. Disagreement and you make a scene. And I have never once acted improperly toward you.”
“Are you aiming for someone better?”
He smiled faintly. “Who told you that?”
“Your old acquaintance Qiao Zhiwei.”
He stood and borrowed a cloth from the shopkeeper. He unbuttoned his damp collar and dried himself leisurely. “Is that so. She knows me well then.”
“Then it is true?” she bit her lip.
“It is.”
Her eyes welled. “What does she have that I do not?”
He frowned slightly. “Which she?”
“Your new prospect.”
He crossed his legs unconcerned. “I am still working on it so I do not know yet.”
“You dare.” She raised the bottle.
“Please Manman.” He said looking at her. “Before I could finish you try to strike me. Zhiwei would never harm me so.”
“Do you still care for her?”
“My brother is the one marrying her.” He said. “I encouraged him to do so. If you still think I want her then you ought to see a doctor.”
She softened. “What did I do wrong Jingchen?”
“There is nothing wrong with you.” He said evenly. “We simply do not suit. End it now and find someone else. Do not waste your time on me.”
“You are heartless. You will die alone.”
Huo Jingchen had that gift. He could lift someone to the heavens with a word or cast them down with another. He was entirely unbothered. He handed the cloth back to the shopkeeper’s wife. “Do not take it to heart Professor Huo.” She said kindly. “She speaks in anger. A fine man like you will never be alone.” She had seen him only twice but remembered him well. He had chased away troublemakers from her shop and refused payment.
He smiled. “Thank you.” He walked away leaving He Manman standing with tears in her eyes.
After a long moment she said quietly. “He was unfair to me.”
He Gang tried to comfort her. “He was fair enough. He took nothing from you. Think how much worse he treated Zhiwei. Did you see her crying?”
“Why would she cry? She is marrying Huo Jingnian.”
He Gang checked his watch. “Huo Jingnian promised to come at this time. He should be here soon. I am going back.”
He Manman rode with him part of the way. “Are you coming?” He Gang asked. “Or shall I go alone?”
“I am going home.” She had no wish to see Zhiwei triumphant. It stung that Jingchen had compared them.
He Gang dropped her off then drove to the Qiao house. A crowd of creditors had gathered. He pushed through looking around. The sisters and Huo Jingnian were nowhere to be seen. “Has Huo Jingnian arrived?”
“Not yet.”
He checked his watch and called toward the house. “Zhiwei? It seems he may not come. If he cannot make it I will overlook this inconvenience if you explain yourself.”
“Is she playing us for fools?” someone said.
He Gang smirked. “What will you do about it?” Even if Huo Jingnian did not come they would not dare harm the sisters.
Zhiwei stepped out holding the ledger. “It is not yet time. Please wait a little longer.”
Zhilan followed looking worried. She tugged at her sister’s sleeve. “What if he does not come?”
“He will.” Zhiwei said with quiet conviction.
Minutes passed and the crowd grew restless. “He will not show.”
“Did you actually hear him promise?” someone asked He Gang.
“I did.”
“He may have spoken in haste. That is a very large sum.”
“We have waited all day.”
“Is this how they intend to silence us?”
“We should have found another way.”
Just then a military jeep pulled up. All heads turned. Huo Jingnian stepped down in crisp uniform and boots followed by an aide carrying a black case. His presence silenced everyone instantly. He walked to Zhiwei. “Delayed on the road.” He said gently. “I am not late.”
“You are not.” Her throat felt tight.
The aide handed the case to Zhiwei. “Verified and counted Comrade Qiao.”
“Thank you.”
“Xiao Zeng bring a table and chairs.” Huo Jingnian said.
They set everything up. Zhiwei opened the ledger. “I shall call names. Please have your IOU ready. Receipts will be signed as each is settled.”
She called each name in turn. The process proceeded with order and dignity. Huo Jingnian sat beside her watching. Two hours later every debt was cleared.
Zhiwei breathed a long sigh of relief. “It is done at last.”
Huo Jingnian looked at her seriously. “Now you need only think of how you shall repay me.”
Zhilan laughed. “Must you spoil the moment?”
A faint smile touched his lips. “Fair point. My apologies.”
Zhiwei stared. An apology from him? She realised she had judged him too harshly.
They cleared everything away. “The marriage application is approved.” Huo Jingnian told her. “Documents take five days to process but we may register whenever you wish.”
“So soon?”
“Five days until papers arrive. Approval is granted.”
“I shall call Comrade Zhou Yu.” She said. “To see if the photographs are ready.”
“Sent for rush processing.” Zhou Yu told her. “Collect them tomorrow afternoon.”
“Heard anything?” Huo Jingnian asked when she returned.
“Tomorrow.”
“Allow me to treat you to dinner.” She said gratefully.
“Work calls.” He stood. “Another time.”
Zhilan sighed once he had gone. “If only you had chosen him from the start Sister. You would have been spared so much. But it is over now.”
Zhiwei smiled but said nothing. She envied her sister’s simple hopeful nature. For her it was truly a fresh start.
The next afternoon Zhiwei visited the studio. Two large photographs were displayed at the entrance. In one she leaned against him smiling sweetly while he looked down with tender affection. In the other she embraced him from behind whispering something that brought a quiet smile to his lips.
Zhou Yu admired them. “They tell a story do they not? One would swear they are deeply in love.”
Huo Jingchen stood before the photographs. “Quite the performance.”
“What do you mean?” Zhou Yu asked.
“So convincing.” Huo Jingchen said.
“I do hope you are not referring to yourself.” Zhiwei said stepping up behind them. Both men turned. She looked coldly at Huo Jingchen. “I have come for my photographs.”
Zhou Yu ushered her inside. “Your posing ideas are a hit. Two couples came in already asking for the same style.”
Huo Jingchen followed. Zhiwei turned to him. “Stay away from me.”
“Is that any way to speak?” He said unoffended. “I helped bring this about you know.”
“I warned you.” She said sharply. “Do not call me that again.”
“Old habits.” He said with an injured look. “Zhou Yu would you not agree?”
Zhou Yu shifted uncomfortably. “It is hard to change.”
“I did not know you were acquainted.” Zhiwei said preparing to leave.
“We are not.” Zhou Yu said quickly.
Huo Jingchen feigned hurt. “You would take sides against me? After all we have been through?”
“After all you have done.” Zhiwei retorted. “You are shameless.”
“I have always treated you with kindness.” He said softly.
“Kindness indeed.” She said. “You are a master at pretending.”
“Green tea?” He asked curiously. “Explain so I may understand the insult.”
“You act innocent and sweet while twisting everything to your advantage.” She said. “You manipulate feelings and play the victim.”
Zhou Yu burst into laughter.
Huo Jingchen placed a hand over his chest. “Is this truly how you see me?”
Zhiwei walked out.
“She is with Jingchen now.” Zhou Yu said earnestly. “Treat her with respect.”
“I treat her like royalty.” Huo Jingchen said opening his hands. “What more could you ask?”