“Uncle?” “Dear niece?”
The kind you hold and kiss freely then cast aside once you have grown tired?
The words landed like stinging slaps across Gu Yuanhang’s face. Watching him freeze Su Xingci finally found an outlet for the fury burning inside her. Yet the release brought no relief only deeper pain.
Three years together had been real. The sweet days and nights they shared had been real too. He had woven her heart entirely around him with the gentlest words.
Gu Yuanhang was five years older always attentive always caring and she had truly believed meeting him was the greatest blessing of her life. If she had not overheard him outside the room she would never have thought the tender Yuanhang could speak with such cold cruelty. Even now looking at his earnest loving eyes it still felt impossible to believe.
But what she had heard could not be unheard. And loving him as she did she knew him far too well. His reaction at the mention of Bai Miaomiao had told the truth.
She was Su Xingci loving and fierce able to hold on and able to let go. She wanted a man who might be poor or plain but never half-hearted. She had loved him completely.
But she would never stay or suffer once she knew she was betrayed. Still Gu Yuanhang was right about one thing her father’s health was fragile and he must never be upset. So for now everything between them would have to wait.
She would see just how far he would go to keep lying. With that thought she sighed.
Gu Yuanhang knew her equally well. Catching the softening in her gaze he drew her firmly into his arms. It was an embrace she knew so well.
For three years she had turned to it for warmth and strength. He rested his chin on the top of her hair his voice low and beguiling.
There there do not be angry. I was wrong I should never have spoken so cruelly. Wait for me. When I am promoted and the time is right I will speak to your father myself.
I will beg his forgiveness and ask properly for your hand in marriage. Xingci just give me a little more time.
His voice was as gentle as ever but knowing he had spoken the same way to another girl made her stomach turn. She closed her eyes fighting back nausea and unclenched her fists. A single tear slipped down her cheek vanishing into her hair.
She did not pull away. Footsteps sounded outside and they hurried back into the room one after the other.
As soon as they entered Su Yuanshan looked at her with concern.
Xingci why have you been so long? Your eyes are red.
She panicked and rubbed them forcing a smile.
It is nothing Father. I suppose I missed you more than I realized.
She changed the subject quickly.
Now that you are here have all our family matters been settled? Are those difficult times truly behind us?
At the question Su Yuanshan sighed his smile fading.
They are. Do not worry about anything.
He covered her hand with his rough calloused one his heart aching at what he felt beneath his fingers.
Look at your poor hands worn so thin. I am well now. Come back to the city with me. These years in the countryside have been too hard on you and it breaks my heart to see it.
Back to the city? Su Xingci stiffened. Beneath the table something brushed lightly against her ankle. Gu Yuanhang drinking tea his expression calm and unreadable.
A reminder not to forget what she had promised. If she left now everything between them would end. Maybe Yuanhang was right maybe she should give their love one more chance.
She took a steadying breath and shook her head.
I am not suffering Father. At first yes working in the fields was tiring. But then Uncle Yuanhang helped me find a teaching post at the town school and I am quite happy there.
I would like to see these children finish their studies before I leave.
Su Yuanshan looked deeply moved. He turned and clapped Gu Yuanhang hard on the shoulder full of gratitude.
Yuanhang thank you truly thank you! You have looked after her all these years when she would never tell me her burdens never complain. Who knows what hardships she might have faced without you!
I will not forget this kindness. Whatever you need whenever you need it you have only to ask.
Gu Yuanhang set down his cup modest and composed.
You make too much of it brother. She is like family caring for her is only natural.
Hearing her father’s gratitude and Gu Yuanhang’s easy platitudes Su Xingci felt sick again. Her father thanked the man who treated his daughter as nothing more than a pastime and she had to stand there playing along pretending all was well. She ate through the meal tasting nothing.
When it was over Su Yuanshan insisted on walking her back to where she stayed. Gu Yuanhang excused himself saying he had duties at the base and left first. Father and daughter walked along the town road their shadows lengthening in the sunset.
Passing the only supply store Su Yuanshan pulled her inside.
Come let me buy you something nice. You look so thin. We will get malted milk for you and face cream too. You must take better care of yourself.
As he browsed the shelves he brought up another matter.
Xingci forget about that young man who passed away. He was not worthy of you. Do not grieve. Life goes on. Soon I will introduce you to someone from my unit. He will be a hundred times better I promise you.
Her head aching she was about to make an excuse when she looked up and froze. Standing near the counter was a tall upright man in a crisp military uniform commanding and out of place amid the bustle around him. And yet this stern formidable figure held a small girl gently in his arms clumsily tender.
She was no more than four or five pointing excitedly at bright hair clips wanting them all. He listened patiently shielding her with his height. It was a scene of unexpected grace.
She watched transfixed until he turned and their eyes met. He had a strikingly handsome face high cheekbones straight nose firm lips and an air of quiet distance. His dark gaze rested on her and her heart skipped strangely she felt she knew him.
He looked at her for a moment then nodded toward Su Yuanshan.
When she did not answer Su Yuanshan turned around and brightened instantly.
Commander Huo what a wonderful surprise! You have been assigned here? And promoted so quickly Colonel at such an age and I hear further promotion is coming? Impressive indeed!
He beamed warmly.
Huo Chenzhou it has been years and now here you are a father too! Who would have thought the iron-willed Commander Huo could be so gentle?
Huo Chenzhou. The name sounded familiar and his rank was astonishing. Gu Yuanhang hoped to become Deputy Battalion Commander yet this man was already a Colonel and rising? Nearly equal to her father? And he looked hardly older than Yuanhang.
Confused she stood there as her father drew her forward.
Come Xingci do you remember him?
He leaned in excited.
This is Huo Chenzhou. Surely you have not forgotten? He saved you once! When you were six you were taken and held in a burning building behind iron doors. It was Huo Chenzhou who climbed through the window and carried you out risking his own life!
Her father laughed at the memory.
You clung to him crying and said you would marry him when you grew up! Nothing your mother or I said could calm you. You kissed him right on the cheek as a promise before you would let the doctor treat your cuts.