Lu Dongsheng asked, “Mom who exactly is coming?”
“Now, now didn’t I tell you? Someone important. When she arrives, you’ll be very pleased.”
A friend? A matchmaker? He smiled to himself. His parents had moved fast they’d clearly presented a united front overnight, and his mother’s lavish preparations showed it. If they were coming around, then once matters were settled, he’d work hard to build a happy life together.
From the kitchen came the clatter of preparation. Zhao Yulan watched her son move with sure, capable hands he was a provider at heart, and with the right wife, his future would be bright.
Elsewhere, Lu Xiaofang found Han Miaomiao stretching during dance practice. Slender and fair, with delicate features, Han Miaomiao wore a fitted red sweater and black dance trousers, her curls gathered neatly in a braid. To Xiaofang, only someone as accomplished as Han Miaomiao was worthy of her handsome, officer brother.
She tapped Han Miaomiao’s shoulder. “Sister Miaomiao Big Brother’s home! Mom invited you for lunch. Will you come?”
Han Miaomiao paused. “He’s back?”
“Yes and looking even more impressive than before.”
Memories drifted back to high school. Lu Dongsheng had stood out among all the boys she’d even written him a letter. She’d expected his parents to secure him a good job, and then she’d have everything she wanted. Instead, he’d joined the army. Disappointed, she’d turned her attention to the paper mill director’s son. Now she wondered what he’d become.
“He was always good-looking,” she said. “How is he? Married?”
“Don’t ask he’s gone mad!” Xiaofang huffed. “He visited Lin Village yesterday and came home insisting we send a matchmaker to some girl there. You know how we feel who wants a country girl in the family? We’ve always loved you, though. That’s why Mom wants you to meet him. He’s twenty-four and already a company commander seventy yuan a month in allowance! Why would he choose a village nobody?”
Han Miaomiao’s eyes widened. Seventy yuan more than double what her current boyfriend earned. She couldn’t help but feel drawn to the idea, though she wouldn’t show it. She had every advantage over a country girl.
“That’s sweet of you,” she said demurely, “but wouldn’t it look improper?”
“Just come for a meal! We’re friends please? If you hit it off, that girl won’t be our sister‑in‑law.”
Han Miaomiao lowered her eyes, feigning shyness. “Very well only as your guest, you understand.”
Arm in arm, they headed over.
Lu Dongsheng had not changed when they arrived. Through the window, he saw not a dignitary, but his sister with a guest. Zhao Yulan hurried out, wiping her hands on her apron. “Miaomiao! Come in Dongsheng has been asking after you.”
Lu Dongsheng understood at once. His mother had not given up.
Han Miaomiao stepped forward, blushing prettily until she met his gaze. Broad‑shouldered, strong, and striking, he commanded attention. Her heart raced.
“Thank you for inviting me, Brother Dongsheng,” she said softly.
He chose not to embarrass her. “Han Miaomiao. Mother has been busy all morning wouldn’t tell me who was coming. Do come in.”
His tone made clear: I did not invite you. Han Miaomiao’s smile faltered he was as distant as ever, if not more so. Zhao Yulan shot him a reproachful look he ignored.
“Please enjoy lunch,” Lu Dongsheng said, turning away. “I’ve just remembered an urgent matter.”
Before anyone could stop him, he strode out the gate choosing flight over the trap.