"How is Elder Sister?" I asked him.
Dad replied, "I didn't see her. Your Mom wouldn't even let me through the door and threw my things out. I left them by the entrance, though. I'll go back another day."
Anxiously, I asked, "You and Mom aren't going to get a divorce, are you?"
"Of course not. We've been a married couple for a lifetime, haven't we? You start school tomorrow, so don't concern yourself with these matters; don't let it affect your studies."
"……Mm."
Despite his words, a thought sprouted in my mind: I must help Elder Sister and Juyan reconcile.
Even though Juyan has been very tolerant toward me, their breakup was entirely because of me. I cannot simply apologize and pretend nothing happened.
Just as we arrived home, we ran into Yan Luo at the door, who was about to ring the bell.
The moment Yan Luo saw us, he beamed and said, "Uncle Lian! Lianhe! Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year, happy New Year," Dad said, hurrying to open the door and let him in. "Why are you here so late?"
"I came to bring you some souvenirs," Yan Luo said, following us inside. "We just got back this morning, and I slept until now to adjust to the time difference... Where is Auntie?"
Dad replied, "Xiao Xun is sick, so she went to take care of her."
"Is Sister Xun's illness serious?"
"Nothing serious, just a cold." Dad looked at the bags Yan Luo had placed on the table with a sigh of helplessness. "Why did you buy so much stuff?"
"It was my first time going abroad, so I bought a bit of everything—some food, some toys." As he spoke, he turned to look at me. "Why are you so quiet? Are you too excited to speak now that you see me?"
I forced a smile. "Yeah, excited. You didn't even tell me you were coming back."
"I wanted to give you a surprise! Go ahead and see if you like them. If not, we can still exchange them."
Yan Luo's smile was so sincere that it made my heart ache.
If only I hadn't done that foolish thing, I don't know how happy I would be to see him right now.
Yan Luo was no fool. Seeing the gloom on my and Dad's faces, plus the fact that Mom wasn't home, he roughly guessed that our holiday had been a disaster.
He made an excuse about being hungry for a late-night snack to send Dad into the kitchen, then pulled me into the room and whispered, "What happened?"
I was too ashamed to say what I had done, so I only said that Juyan and Elder Sister had broken up.
Yan Luo let out an "Oh." "So that's how it is. I also thought getting engaged after only six months of dating was too rushed. You guys don't even know Juyan's family situation yet, right? Perhaps this is for the best—slow down and get to know each other more. If they are truly meant for each other, they will surely end up together later."
He spoke so logically that it gave me hope. "Can they really be together again?"
"Of course, but it mainly depends on them." Yan Luo looked me up and down. "Sister Xun was the one who broke up, so why are you so haggard?"
"I... I think my parents might be getting a divorce."
Yan Luo was stunned. "Why?"
"I told you before that we were supposed to meet Juyan's family on the first day of the New Year, but I had an argument with Mom and didn't go. Dad stayed behind to look after me, so he didn't go either. After that, Elder Sister's engagement was called off. Mom was very angry, took her luggage to Elder Sister's place, and said that if Elder Sister couldn't get engaged to Juyan, she would divorce Dad... It’s all my fault."
Yan Luo comforted me, "Don't take everything on yourself. Perhaps the breakup happened because there were already issues between Sister Xun and him, and your argument just happened to coincide with it. Besides, what married couple hasn't talked about divorce? My parents have said the same thing when they argue."
I was skeptical. "Does a perfect family like yours actually argue?"
Yan Luo insisted, "Of course. Which family doesn't bicker? Stop worrying blindly. Your dad has such a good temper; they won't get a divorce. Hey, I smell something good. The food is ready, let's go eat!"
"Okay."
Although the situation hadn't changed, his words made me feel much better.
Since the three of us hadn't eaten much that evening, Dad had prepared extra portions for Dad Yan and Mom Yan to take home as a midnight snack, or to heat up for breakfast the next morning.
After Yan Luo finished his meal, Dad gave him two red envelopes before he left. He didn't decline them; he accepted them and left while shouting, "Gongxi facai!"
We cleaned up the dishes and went to the living room to open the gifts he had brought back.
I opened the bag and found two red envelopes that Dad Yan and Mom Yan had prepared for me.
Dad took out the envelopes and sighed with a bitter smile, "Sigh, this family is truly..."
Looking at the red envelopes, I seemed to see Dad Yan and Mom Yan’s kind and gentle smiles.
If they knew I had done something so outrageous, would they still treat me this well?
Why was I so obsessed and stubborn at that time?!
Self-reproach was useless; I had to find a way to make amends.
School started tomorrow, and I would still be boarding. Dad was in the room packing my things.
I quietly went to the living room, picked up his phone to unlock it, found Juyan's number, memorized it, and put the phone back.
Although Elder Sister is low-key, she is a very strong-willed person. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so outstanding since she was little, or refused to take another cent from home once she graduated.
Since she was the one who initiated the breakup with Juyan, even for the sake of her pride, she would never backtrack.
I won't let them miss out on each other like this.
By the time school started, Mom still hadn't returned.
I sent Elder Sister a message expressing my apologies and my concern for her illness, but she didn't reply.
Such a calm person, yet I made her so angry. Sigh.
I felt genuinely lucky that I was still in school, where I could escape from reality.
The first day of school didn't have many classes scheduled—mostly self-study. However, because it was the "clear water" phase, the morning self-study session was filled with laughter and chatter. By the afternoon, however, everyone was dead silent, writing furiously.
After evening self-study, I collapsed onto my bed as soon as I returned to the dormitory.
The entire day of self-study had drained me; I didn't want to move a finger.
My roommates returned one by one and asked me, "Hey, Lianhe, what did Yan Luo bring you from abroad?"
Yan Luo had bought souvenirs for all the girls he knew, mostly local tourist trinkets.
What he gave me was naturally of a different caliber than what he gave them.
When I unpacked last night, besides the souvenirs everyone got, there were various snacks and chocolates, as well as perfume and lipstick that were clearly chosen by Mom Yan.
And there was Big Brother Yan Qi; I don't know if it was because we hadn't met in years, but he actually gifted me a pink designer wallet.
I couldn't tell them the truth, though, as it would sound like showing off, so I sat up and mumbled, "Pretty much the same as yours..."
A roommate laughed and patted me. "How could it be the same! With your friendship, he definitely bought you a lot of good stuff."
I forced a laugh. "Just a few more snacks than you guys..."
Yuansu was sitting opposite me, silently soaking her feet.
She had received a White House figurine today. When she first got it, she was very happy and couldn't put it down, because everyone else had received things like commemorative medals and keychains.
But later, she discovered that another girl had also received the same figurine, and she immediately threw it into her drawer, staying unhappy for the rest of the day.
I didn't have the mood to comfort her, so I lay back down.
I even felt that my previous attempts to play matchmaker for them were redundant.
Yan Luo had no interest in her at all; otherwise, he wouldn't have left her at the cinema or bought her the same thing he gave everyone else.
As for Yuansu, she didn't try to win him over herself and only wanted me to create opportunities.
I agreed, but deep down, I wasn't happy about it.
I am a selfish person. Yan Luo is my best friend, and I don't want to give him up to anyone.
I won't ask him, "Who is more important, me or your girlfriend?" Once he has a girlfriend, I will tactfully keep my distance so as not to make them feel uncomfortable.
But if he chose to spend time with me instead of his girlfriend, I would be very happy.
Thinking of Yan Luo led me to the Yan family, and unwittingly, I thought of Mom and my sick Elder Sister again.
Sigh, my mood grew heavy again.
How could I let this go?
I sent a greeting to Elder Sister, but I didn't receive a reply even after the lights went out.
If she doesn't reply, so be it; I'll keep sending them.
I did something wrong, so I must show an attitude of repentance.
When she's feeling better and her mood has settled, I'll go over and let her scold me. If I go now, Mom will just throw me out.
Mentioning Mom reminds me of that Celestial Maiden Necklace.
Dad said the beads were collected, and he went to a jewelry store to have them restrung today. I don't know if they are finished yet.
I was absent-mindedly scrolling through my phone, preparing to sleep, when a dialog box suddenly popped up.
"This is Juyan."
I covered my mouth and sat up abruptly.
I had secretly memorized his number yesterday, found his social media account, and sent a friend request, but he hadn't responded.
I thought he was completely fed up with me and didn't want to see me again, but he actually accepted my friend request today!
It seems he still has feelings for Elder Sister!
That's great.
When two people who still have feelings for each other have a conflict, as long as one side softens, the other can't stay angry for too long.
Elder Sister has had many suitors since she was young, but Juyan was the only one she ever brought home. Although she didn't say it, she was very satisfied with him.
Since their breakup was due to me getting in the way, I have to be the one to bridge the gap.
The college entrance exams are coming up soon, and since Elder Sister hates me, I'll just apply to a university far away so they don't have to see me.
Once Elder Sister is better, Mom will be better too, and they won't argue about divorce.
As long as I'm not around, this family will be perfect.
Now, facing the dialog box from Juyan, my hands trembled with nerves. I tentatively typed: "You're still awake, Brother Juyan?"
He replied quickly: "Yes."
"Is it because of work?"
"Yes."
I typed, "You really work so hard (smile + flower)," but it felt like a hollow, meaningless sentence, so I deleted it and sent something more direct: "Can you please make up with Elder Sister?"
After I sent this, he didn't reply.
I hurriedly explained: "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have been so bad, but I really don't want you and Elder Sister to break up. Elder Sister was so happy when she was with you! But Elder Sister is sick now and won't talk to me, so I can only talk to you. Brother Juyan, can you go see Elder Sister, please?"
After sending this, I waited nervously for a reply.
What if he blocks me?
Fortunately, he didn't. He replied: "Okay, I will go see her. It's very late, get some sleep."
He agreed!
I was so happy I kicked my legs under the covers. An upper-bunk roommate threw a pillow at me: "What time is it, idiot! Let people sleep!"
"I'm sorry!"
I hugged the pillow tightly and kissed it, then rolled around a few times.
Since that first day of the New Year, I had been tormented by guilt and couldn't sleep. Today, I could finally sleep peacefully.
People really shouldn't do shameful things.
For the next few days, I would chat with Juyan every night, just to find out how far they had progressed in reconciling.
Juyan answered my questions, saying he went to visit Elder Sister, and Mom let him into the house, but Elder Sister still wouldn't see him.
I said, "Maybe Elder Sister is still angry. Dad and I are going to her place this Sunday to apologize to her in person. Can you wait until she's in a better mood?"
"Okay, get some rest early."
"Mm, you too. Goodnight, Brother Juyan."
"Goodnight."
Putting down my phone, I let out a long sigh.
Although I care about my face, what does losing face matter when it comes to my family?
As long as I can fix this, I'm willing to kneel and beg for forgiveness.
As soon as the evening self-study ended on Saturday, I packed my bag to go home. Yan Luo was also heading back that weekend, so we walked together.
On the way, Yan Luo asked, "Lianhe, have you decided on a university?"
I said, "I'll go wherever I get into, ideally somewhere near you. What about you? Still aiming for the Imperial Capital University of Political Science and Law?"
Yan Luo said, "Not necessarily."
"Don't you want to be a lawyer? That university is the 'Whampoa Military Academy' of the legal world. If you don't go there, where will you go?"
He walked in silence for a while, then said, "Actually..."
At that moment, a car pulled up in front of us. Before I could react, Yan Luo recognized it: "Isn't that the car of Elder Sister's boyfriend?"
I said, "No way..."
The window rolled down, and I turned to look. "Oh my, it really is!"
Juyan nodded at both of us and said, "Get in, Lianhe, I have something to discuss with you."
"Okay."
It must be about Elder Sister. I opened the passenger door, got in, and waved to Yan Luo: "You go home first! I'll come to your place tomorrow if I'm free."
Yan Luo frowned: "What's going on so late? Are you going home or going out?"
"I'll tell my dad, don't worry about it."
"Hey! Lianhe..."
Before Yan Luo could finish, Juyan rolled up the window and drove away.
Once in the car, I fastened my seatbelt and asked him, "Brother Juyan, you aren't taking me to Elder Sister's place at this hour, are you?"
He said, "No, I'm taking you to see the wedding house."
"Is the renovation finished?"
"Almost."
I was surprised. "You haven't told Elder Sister yet?"
"No."
"……"
If Elder Sister knew he had already bought their wedding house, surely, if not absolutely, she would be at least seventy percent likely to forgive him!
He had managed to keep this a secret until now.
He drove steadily: "It might take some time, you should tell your dad."
"Oh, right, almost forgot."
I called Dad and told him that Brother Juyan had come to pick me up and I would be home a little late.
Dad was confused: "Why is he picking you up at this hour?"
I said, "It's about Elder Sister, don't worry."
Dad's tone was hesitant: "Put Juyan on the phone, I want to ask him."
I held the phone to Juyan's ear. He leaned slightly toward it and said, "Hello, Uncle."
He didn't tell Dad about the wedding house either, only saying he wanted to ask me a few things about Elder Sister and would drop me home in an hour.
Dad wasn't very happy, but afraid of offending him, he agreed.
The car sped along and eventually arrived at a brand-new, high-end residential complex. The promotional advertisements at the sales office made me gasp.
Whether it was an installment or a full payment, the price of the houses here was something I couldn't even imagine.
Is a mid-level manager at a Fortune 500 company really this rich?
The complex had just been completed, and the occupancy rate was low. After driving in, we barely saw any lights on in the houses along the way.
When Juyan and I were in the elevator, listening to the sound of it rising and watching Juyan's reflection in the doors, my heart suddenly skipped a beat.
He wouldn't be planning to kill me in the wedding house, would he?!
Once this thought appeared, I found it more and more plausible and terrifying.
It was late at night, and the wind was howling.
Just the two of us.
I was the main culprit behind his engagement being called off.
If he really killed me, I’d be long dead by the time the police arrived.
Just then, the elevator "dinged"—it had arrived.
Juyan walked out first.
I stood in the empty elevator, swallowing nervously, thinking that if I wanted to run, I should do it now, otherwise, I would only be able to regret it with my last breath: "If only I hadn't stepped out of that elevator..."
But...
Whatever happens, happens!
Once Elder Sister sees my corpse, she'll know how sorry I am!
I walked out of the elevator.
The wedding house was on the 27th floor, one unit per elevator. There was a glass corridor from the elevator to the front door, and the height was enough to overlook the entire city.
It was my first time being in such a high place, and I realized I was slightly afraid of heights, so I kept holding onto the railing until I reached the door.
When I went inside, I couldn't help but say, "Wow."
I admit there was a bit of exaggeration in that "wow," but I genuinely felt the house was large and beautiful.
I don't know anything about style, design, or materials, but at first glance, I equated this place with a mansion.
If Elder Sister saw this house, she would definitely stop being angry.
The curtains were the color I chose, though they seemed to be the ugliest thing in the house.
Brother Juyan is the same; his own taste is so good, why did he let me choose the curtains?
I really messed that up.
Juyan turned on the air conditioning, took off his coat, and asked naturally, "I haven't had dinner yet, I'm going to make some now. How about you?"
"Huh?" Seeing that he didn't look like he was going to kill me, and since I was hungry anyway, I sat down and said to him, "I'll eat too, I'll have whatever you're having."
The wedding house was very new and lacked the feeling of a lived-in home. Juyan likely hadn't moved in yet, so he only had a few ingredients in the fridge.
He quickly prepared two dishes and a soup. I lowered my head and shoveled food into my mouth.
I thought he would take the opportunity while eating to ask about Elder Sister, but throughout the entire meal, he didn't say a single word.
After the meal, I said, "I'll do the dishes."
He let me, then took a can of soda and walked out to drink it.
I finished the dishes, turned around, and found he had come to the kitchen doorway at some point, silently watching me.
Oh my god, he scared me.
I forced an awkward smile. "Brother Juyan?"
I glanced at the kitchen knife—it was quite close to him.
Could the meal I just ate be my "last supper"?
Please no, the food he made was so bland, I don't even like it!
Seeing me nervous, he crushed the empty can in his hand, tossed it into the trash bin beside me, and turned around. "Ready to go back."
I said, "Huh?"
Going back already?
Wasn't he going to discuss Elder Sister?
He didn't mention her once. Did he bring me here just to make a midnight snack?
Maybe he had wanted to discuss Elder Sister, but lost the mood as soon as he saw me.
Whatever, I won't ask. It's all my fault.
And so, I went out for nothing, and returned home for nothing.
Upon returning, Dad asked what we had talked about. I said we didn't talk at all. He didn't believe me: "Is what you two said something even Dad can't know?"
I said, "We really didn't talk, we just had a midnight snack."
"Why did he take you out for a midnight snack? Are you hiding anything else from me?"
This question reminded me of the wedding house.
I really wanted to tell him about it.
But Juyan hadn't even told Elder Sister, and he didn't seem to have any intention of telling Dad. If I blurted it out now...