Who could refuse such a soft sweet plea? Especially when Tangtang’s big eyes blinked up so hopefully they could melt anyone’s heart. Before Su Xingci could think of an excuse the little girl reached up wrapped her arms around her neck and planted a loud smacking kiss on her cheek.
“Sister Xingci is the nicest!”
That settled it Su Xingci could not say no. What could she do? She turned instinctively to her father hoping he would step in and help. Instead Su Yuanshan beamed and gave her a gentle nudge forward.
“Go along Mingyue does not ask often. I have not visited their home yet either. I would love to come and taste her cooking too.”
Su Xingci had no choice left. She lifted Tangtang into her arms and followed behind Huo Mingyue and her father. The two walking ahead slowed their steps and leaned close whispering quietly.
“Uncle Su what do you think of my brother Chenzhou” Huo Mingyue asked eagerly.
“He is outstanding Young capable and handsome” Su Yuanshan praised warmly.
“And do you think he and our Xingci might suit each other” Huo Mingyue let the question hang its meaning clear.
Su Yuanshan paused and glanced back at his daughter playing with Tangtang his smile fading into concern. “Mingyue to be honest I do not think it will work.”
“Why not” Huo Mingyue leaned forward. “They look so well together!”
“Ah” Su Yuanshan sighed. “Our Xingci only lost the boy she was seeing for three years not long ago.” He regretted never having been there for her at the time.
Huo Mingyue fell silent. After a moment she patted his arm gently. “Do not be too sad Uncle Su. Life goes on. She is such a dear girl She deserves someone wonderful.”
Su Yuanshan nodded though his brow stayed furrowed. It felt wrong to be seeking a match so soon after her loss. Yet he truly liked Chenzhou from his heart. He felt torn.
Huo Mingyue’s home was not far from the school a neat courtyard. Chopping sounds came from inside steady and rhythmic. Entering Su Xingci saw Huo Chenzhou standing by a table in a green singlet. His knife rose and fell rhythmically mincing meat until it was fine and smooth. Sweat glistened on his forehead his arms strong and steady. He looked up and nodded calmly at Su Yuanshan.
“Chenzhou greet Uncle Su” Huo Mingyue called out.
“Uncle Su” He set the knife aside his voice low.
“Hello hello” Su Yuanshan smiled watching him approvingly. Solid reliable Just a little older than her.
“Uncle chops so well” Tangtang announced proudly from Su Xingci’s shoulder.
Su Xingci laughed set her down and washed her hands. “Let me help Sister Mingyue.”
“No you are a guest Sit and rest”
“I would rather do something Let me make the dough and roll the skins”
“Yes yes” Tangtang clapped. “Make rabbit dumplings!” Su Xingci knelt and tapped her nose. “I will make you rabbits.”
She stepped into the kitchen and returned with carrots and spinach. “I will make colored dough” she explained. She blanched them squeezed the juice through a cloth.
Huo Chenzhou stepped forward. “Let me do that I am strong.”
“And he swings me round and round” Tangtang added. “He can swing you too Sister Xingci…”
Su Xingci’s face burned. Swing her round? “I will start the dough” she said quickly turning away.
Soon three bowls of dough rested covered bright orange green and plain white. “How clever you are” Huo Mingyue marveled admiring the smooth balls of dough.
“Just a simple trick” Su Xingci said modestly.
Chenzhou finished the filling a generous fragrant bowl. The courtyard table became their workspace. Su Xingci rolled and cut dough while Chenzhou sat across shaping dumplings. His hands were large and strong yet deft each dumpling neat and perfectly formed. Tangtang sat between them watching and directing.
“Uncle yours are not as pretty as Sister Xingci’s”
“Make me a rabbit with the orange dough please”
Su Xingci smiled and shaped a dumpling rabbit. Tangtang giggled happily. Sunlight filtered through the grape trellis above everything felt peaceful and warm.
Huo Mingyue and Su Yuanshan watched from the doorway. “See how well they fit” Mingyue whispered excitedly.
Su Yuanshan nodded seeing his daughter so relaxed and happy and Chenzhou looking at her with such gentle warmth. “They do look good together…” he murmured already leaning toward the idea. Then he thought of Gu Yuanhang and felt uneasy. He needed to know the truth.
“Mingyue” he said seriously lowering his voice. “I must ask you something answer honestly.”
“Of course Uncle Su”
“Has Chenzhou ever been in love before Someone he could not forget”