Chapter 12 Speed Control Switch Brother Zheng Yi, don’t you want to marry me?
In the next few days, Xiang Li went to Jiang Haoxiang's small room every night to sleep with her, and did not mention anything that happened that night to Zheng Yi.
Xiang Li didn't treat her as a baby who needed to be coaxed to sleep. He was still doing what he usually did before going to bed, either leaning against the head of the bed reading his book, or handling some work as usual, or lying down playing with his phone until he fell asleep on his face.
Jiang Haoxiang just wanted to stay close to Xiang Li, wrapped in his own quilt, feeling the comfort of having someone by his side, and usually fell asleep in no time.
A few days later, Jiang Hao wanted to say to Xiang Li, "Auntie, I can sleep by myself now!"
Xiang Li looked down at her: "Is it really possible? It's so amazing that we really want it?!"
Jiang Hao wanted to nod vigorously! But he was a little embarrassed: "But I want Jiujiu to sleep with me, is that okay?"
She had long been eyeing the plump Jiujiu. She was warm and fluffy, and she even snored. But when Xiang Li was around, she felt embarrassed to ask for it, as it would disturb her aunt.
Xiang Li smiled immediately: "Of course, it's your cat. If it wants, it can sleep with you every day."
So the task of sleeping with the child was officially handed over to Jiujiu.
Jiang Haoxiang displayed a strong sense of responsibility. Every night before bed, she not only washed herself but also wiped Jiujiu's paws and face with a wet towel before tucking him into her bed. She cuddled him and pulled out her picture books, or even made up stories to tell him.
"Today I'm going to tell you a story about a little cat flying to the moon."
"Once upon a time there was a calico cat that loved to eat corn. One day it discovered a corn cave."
"Jiujiu, you look like a pig."
The stories were wildly imaginative and never repeated. Sometimes she would fall asleep while she was telling them, leaving Jiujiu to lick her fur.
Zheng Yi's room was right next to Jiang Haoxiang's. Ever since Jiang Haoxiang moved in, Zheng Yi had been busy reorganizing his room. He moved his desk and computer closer to the door, and the bed, which had originally been by the window, was now pushed against the wall of Jiang Haoxiang's room.
Xiang Li looked at him sweating profusely and asked in confusion: "What are you doing? Isn't that good?"
Zheng Yi wiped his sweat and said, "The sun is too bright over there in the morning. It disturbs my sleep."
Only he knew the real reason. Every night, when Jiang Haoxiang's voice in the next room telling Jiujiu a story died down and Zheng Yi thought she was about to fall asleep, he would punch the wall a few times.
This became an unspoken code between them.
The sound of pounding on the wall translates to: Good night.
Jiang Haoxiang would not respond by pounding the wall, for fear of disturbing Aunt Xiang Li and also afraid of appearing too childish!
But she would say to the wall: "Good night, Brother Zheng Yi."
Jiang Haoxiang was jumping around at Xiang Li's house from second grade to almost fourth grade. And Zheng Yi had graduated from elementary school.
Summer comes especially early, marking the beginning of the long summer vacation.
Because of the previous sensational missing person incident, all of Zheng Yi's friends, even if they had never seen Jiang Haoxiang in person, had definitely heard of her name and her glorious story of running away from home.
Zheng Yi and some good friends planned a day out. They had already decided on the route. Before leaving, Zheng Yi put on his shoes and said to Jiang Haoxiang, "We're going out today. Do you want to come?"
Jiang Haoxiang raised his head and said, "You guys go play, why should I go?"
She now has a sense of being a mature child and feels it is a bit embarrassing to go out with a group of noisy boys. She may not even understand what they are doing.
Zheng Yi coaxed him, "Let me take you to see the world. The arcade is so much fun, with claw machines, dance mats, and even those driving games. Afterward, we can get burgers, fries, and all-you-can-eat ice cream. Do you want to go?"
He listed the projects that might attract Jiang Haoxiang.
Jiang Hao seemed to be a little moved, but he was still hesitant: "But I don't know you well."
"Why aren't we familiar with each other? They're all my best buddies! They helped you find someone last time!" Zheng Yi began to call the troops, announcing their names one by one. "Hey, go ahead!"
Jiang Hao seemed to be a little relieved by what she said, and she looked at Xiang Li who was busy.
Xiang Li smiled and waved: "Go if you want to, just follow your brother Zheng Yi and don't run around."
Zheng Yi pulled Jiang Hao up from the floor and said, "Let's go! If we're any later, we won't have the chance!"
Half-hearted, half-pushing and half-coaxing.
First stop: the arcade. Inside, the lights flash, the music blares, and the sound effects are all over the place.
Jiang Haoxiang was a little reserved at first, following Zheng Yi. Zheng Yi first exchanged a basket of game coins and generously stuffed them into her hand: "Play whatever you want."
Jiang Hao wanted to catch the doll, but failed several times.
Zheng Yi, who was racing next door, dropped the steering wheel and walked over: "Watch me."
He inserted the coin and operated it with skill. The first time, he missed. He threw it again, but still missed!
"An Fengyang! Come here!" Zheng Yi called for help. An Fengyang was very good at catching dolls.
Indeed, An Fengyang grabbed a teddy bear, shook it, and dropped it into the exit!
"Wow! That's awesome!" Jiang Haoxiang cheered.
Zheng Yi was very proud, as if he had caught something, and took out the bear and stuffed it into her arms: "Take it, it's a piece of cake."
With a successful start, Jiang Haoxiang seemed to be more relaxed. Zheng Yi always followed her with his eyes, making sure she was within his sight.
Tired of playing, the group rushed to the fast food restaurant again. Zheng Yi gave the chicken wings from his plate to Jiang Haoxiang and then picked up the fruit pie, which she didn't like, and put it on his own plate. His friends were already used to this.
The final destination was a KTV, where several boys were vying for the microphone, shouting at the top of their lungs, completely out of tune. Jiang Haoxiang felt a bit of pain in his ears, but also found it quite amusing.
Halfway through the song, An Fengyang curiously asked Jiang Haoxiang, "Haoxiang sister, are you really Zheng Yi's sister? You don't look alike."
Before Jiang Haoxiang could even shake his head, Zheng Yi, who was clicking the song selection screen, heard: "Not her sister, I'm her future adoptive father."
Friends: “Huh?”
Almost at the same time, Jiang Haoxiang also spoke: "No, sister, I will marry Brother Zheng Yi in the future."
Friends and Zheng Yi: "Huh?"
Jiang Haoxiang finally realized what Zheng Yi said and his eyes widened: "Huh?"
Zheng Yi's face flushed. He knew what it meant to get married. He looked at Jiang Hao and thought, "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Jiang Hao wanted to ask back: "Brother Zheng Yi, don't you want to marry me?"
This is a matter of course and has long been determined for Jiang Haoxiang.
A few friends who were watching the fun nearby patted their chests, looking like they were full of chivalrous spirits. Boys their age were just at the peak of their chuunibyou spirit, their minds full of brotherhood and loyalty. They didn't understand the concept of love or affection at all, only the need to protect the weak and be loyal!
"I miss you so much, sister. Don't worry! If Zheng Yi doesn't marry you, we will! We'll all marry you! We'll all live together from now on! It'll be so lively!" Several boys said with great enthusiasm, and they all cheered: "Yes! We'll all marry you!"
Jiang Hao was confused, seeing how enthusiastic they all were.
She likes whoever likes her, this is her most direct logic!
So she nodded, then turned her head and looked eagerly at Zheng Yi, whose face had turned dark, and asked, "Brother Zheng Yi, will you marry us?"
Zheng Yi was so angry that smoke was coming out of his head! He felt like he was about to explode!
But this anger came out of nowhere. He was angry at his friends for making trouble, and even more angry at Jiang Hao for acting like anyone could do it!
He came up with what he thought was the best excuse to distance himself from the matter: "What marriage?! I even heard you quietly calling my mom "Mom." So you're my sister, and how can a sister marry her brother?"
The friends were laughing so hard that they were falling down, but Jiang Haoxiang just stood there.
Her mind raced, and she was caught in a dilemma. If she really wanted to marry Brother Zheng Yi, would she no longer have to consider Aunt Xiang Li her mother? But she loved Aunt Xiang Li as a mother. She also wanted to marry Brother Zheng Yi. What should she do?
This little episode was quickly drowned out by the clamor. The older kids just laughed it off. No one took the bold words of a nine-year-old girl seriously, let alone delved into the inner struggle she was going through.
For Zheng Yi, this was just a slightly awkward incident during his summer vacation, and he quickly put the discomfort behind him.
For Jiang Haoxiang, the seed of conflict between marriage and motherhood lurked there, bringing with it ignorant confusion and loss.
She looked at the flashing images on the screen, listened to the songs in her ears, but kept pondering the unsolvable problem in her mind.
After coming out of the KTV, the heat had not yet dissipated. Jiang Hao wanted to hug the teddy bear she got in the arcade, but Zheng Yi held her other hand, fearing that she would be separated by the crowd.
"It's so hot, let's go buy a popsicle!" My friend took the lead and went to a small supermarket on the side of the road.
Zheng Yi took a small pudding, opened the package and put it in his mouth. Seeing Jiang Hao trying to tiptoe into the freezer to get the one with chocolate crust at the back, he reached over her head, found the ice cream and stuffed it into her hand.
"Thank you, Brother Zheng Yi!" Jiang Haoxiang smiled happily.
"Eat slowly, don't drip everywhere."
Passing by, a street performer was playing guitar and singing with his child. The father and son sang together. Jiang Hao wanted to listen to the song and tugged at the corner of Zheng Yi's clothes: "Brother, will you have your own children in the future?"
Zheng Yi looked down at her: "Ah? Child? What child?"
"Just like my brother, your own child." Jiang Haoxiang asked seriously.
She thought about how her father had changed after he had a younger brother, and she felt strangely nervous. Zheng Yi was a little overwhelmed by the question and knocked her head: "What are you thinking! How old am I? Children are so troublesome."
A friend nearby heard this and came over: "You're a pretty good adoptive father. Are you planning for the future now?"
It’s getting late, everyone should go home.
"I miss my sister so much. Let's play together next time!"
"Yeah, I'll take you ice skating next time!"
Friends said goodbye to Jiang Haoxiang one after another. Jiang Haoxiang waved back, a little embarrassed, but still said happily, "Thank you."
After their friends had left, Zheng Yi and Jiang Haoxiang were left standing by the roadside, waiting for a taxi. Zheng Yi looked down, watching Jiang Haoxiang finish the last bit of the ice cream. A little chocolate stained the corner of her mouth, and he reached out to wipe it off for her, just like he had done countless times before.
The taxi arrived. Zheng Yi opened the door and let Jiang Haoxiang get in first, then he followed in the back seat. The car started. After a day of playing, Jiang Haoxiang felt a little tired and slowly leaned her head on Zheng Yi's shoulder. Zheng Yi adjusted her sitting position to make her lean more comfortably.
He took out his phone to check the game information. After a while, Jiang Hao wanted to say in a daze: "Brother Zheng Yi."
"Um?"
"Will we really be together forever?"
Like a dream talk, like a whisper.
Even with a new room, Aunt Xiang Li, and Zheng Yi, the memories of the past would still suddenly come back to her when she let her guard down.
Zheng Yi looked out the window at the receding shops, a lot of light streaming in and out of the glass, leaving no trace. He answered how long it had been like that, and what form that together took.
"Who else will buy you ice cream? Who will help you beat the doll?" It's incoherent.
Jiang Haoxiang heard it.
——
Whoosh, Jiang Haoxiang stayed at Xiang Li's house for several years. He grew from a little kid who would get a fever and go to the hospital because of losing a cat, and would run away from home when being wrongly accused, to a grown-up in the sixth grade.
My features have gradually matured, and my personality has become more cheerful. Although I am still sensitive, sensitivity is a gift and should not be taken too seriously. Sensitivity is not the same as cowardice.
Back in Jiang Cheng's life, however, it seemed like things were going backwards. His son was growing up, full of energy and mischievous, reaching an age where everyone hated him. Wang Jing devoted all her attention to her son, no longer treating him with the same careful attention she had when they first got married. She hadn't fully regained her figure after having a child, and coupled with the hard work of raising a child, it was inevitable that she would have a temper.
When Jiang Cheng got home from work, he was met with either his son's clamor or his wife's nagging. The house was a mess, and the meals were often just so-so. He looked at his friends' social media posts, where his peers shared heartwarming interactions with their sweet, caring daughters, giving them back rubs and saying thank you for your hard work. They were his sweethearts. Comparing this to the chaotic situation at home, his frustration grew.
He felt that everything about this house was unsatisfactory and unsatisfactory!
On the weekend, he watched Wang Jing chasing their son around the house again and couldn't help but say, "I think we should take Hao Xiang back. She's grown up now and can help you look after her brother."
The stepmother was getting so angry at her son that she had a headache. She said angrily, "Take her back? Who will take care of her if you take her back? It's hard enough for me to take care of her alone! Besides, isn't she staying well with Xiang Li? If you take her back, you will take care of her yourself. Don't count on me."
She couldn't say she liked Jiang Hao, nor did she dislike him. As long as he didn't cause her any trouble, that was all that mattered. She didn't agree to this, but she didn't refuse it either. Jiang Cheng automatically understood that not objecting meant agreeing.
That night, he couldn't wait to send a WeChat message to Xiang Li: "Xiang Li, are you asleep? I want to discuss something with you. I feel like I've been bothering you for several years now, and I think she's become much more sensible now. I think we should bring her back. It's not a big deal for her to live in your house all the time."
On the other end of the phone, Xiang Li was looking at the message.
Jiang Cheng is a bit of a male chauvinist in nature, and is easily swayed by his current emotions. He wants to take his daughter back home now, probably not because he misses his child too much, but because he is not living a happy life there and wants to fill the emptiness in his heart. He also wants to use this opportunity to punish his wife who has not been obedient recently.
But Xiang Li had no choice. Jiang Hao seemed to be Jiang Cheng's daughter, not hers.
She replied: "I really think there are too many things now, and it will take time to pack them up. Let's do it tomorrow. I will help her pack them up and send her back tomorrow."
Jiang Cheng immediately responded with a "good"!
Xiang Li put down his phone and walked out. Jiang Haoxiang was sitting at the desk doing homework.
"I miss you so much." Xiang Li called her.
Jiang Hao wanted to turn around and said, "Auntie, what's wrong?"
Xiang Li walked over and said, "Your father just sent a message saying that he will take you home to live tomorrow."
Jiang Haoxiang tightened his fingers around the pen and let out a soft "oh".
She wouldn't ask why, nor would she say that she didn't want to go home. Just like Xiang Li knew that she didn't want to go home, he also didn't want to let Jiang Hao go home, and even knew what Jiang Cheng wanted to do.
But just as Jiang Haoxiang didn't ask why, Xiang Li couldn't refuse Jiang Cheng's request.
There's no reason. Because there's no reason for this. There are so many problems in the world that need to be solved, but when it comes to blood ties, all problems are automatically unsolvable.
No solution, no solution, no solution.
She is just a twelve-year-old child.
That night, Jiang Hao lay in bed, completely sleepless. She hated Chinese New Year the most. It meant returning from Aunt Xiang Li's home. She'd go with her father, stepmother, and younger brother to her grandparents' house, and then to her stepmother's parents'. No one cared if she was happy or not, but she couldn't help but go.
Every time the Lunar New Year approached, Zheng Yi would notice her reluctance and try to coax her in various ways: "Just a few days, bear with it, I'll be back in a few days. When I come back, I'll buy you some new snacks and take you to eat at that new store, okay?"
When she was younger, these things would temporarily comfort her. Now she's in sixth grade, about to enter middle school. She knows more and understands more about helplessness.
For example, she would never quietly call Xiang Li "Mom" again. She knew it was wrong and Xiang Li would never be her mother.
The door was opened, and Zheng Yi, who was familiar with the way, lay on the carpet beside her bed.
In the darkness, he lowered his voice: "You didn't cry secretly, did you?"
Jiang Hao wanted to turn over and face him: "I haven't been crying for a long time."
This is the truth.
"You've made some progress." Zheng Yi put his hands behind his head, and neither of them spoke for a while.
After a while, Zheng Yi started to make small talk:
"What do you want to eat tomorrow morning? Xiaolongbao? Or soy milk and fried dough sticks?"
"What about lunch? Do you want braised pork? Or should I ask my mom to make sweet and sour spare ribs?"
"Let's have something nice tonight? Barbecue? Hot pot? You choose."
Jiang Haoxiang didn't say anything.
Zheng Yi talked to himself for a while, and when he didn't get a response, he felt a little discouraged. He turned over and faced Jiang Haoxiang. "Jiang Haoxiang, why don't you apply to our school for junior high school?"
Zheng Yi attended a key city middle school. She got in purely by luck, but also because of Xiang Li's initial words. Jiang Haoxiang's grades were good enough to get in, but the school was a boarding school. For three years, Zheng Yi only came home on weekends.
"Our school is a boarding school," Zheng Yi continued. "If you want to board, I'll board with you! We'll come back this weekend!"
Zheng Yi is going to high school. Although high school is not a boarding school, he can still apply for boarding.
Boarding meant living on campus Monday through Friday. Jiang Haoxiang's mind was in a mess, and she wasn't particularly interested in living in an unfamiliar, group environment. And did boarding mean she couldn't go home? Wouldn't she still have to go back home on weekends? She didn't have the energy to think about this plan and remained silent.
Her silence made Zheng Yi anxious. He sat up from the carpet, grabbed Jiang Haoxiang's arm, and pulled her up as well. "Jiang Haoxiang! Is this okay? Just give me your word. Apply to our school and study boarding."
Jiang Haoxiang felt dizzy from being shaken by him.
“The accommodation is great, no need to worry about people’s faces every day!”
"I'm right across from your school! If anyone bullies you, I'll be there in a heartbeat!"
"We can do whatever we want on the weekend! I'll give you all my pocket money!"
Zheng Yi used all the methods, analyzing the pros and cons and making big promises, his tone pleading.
Jiang Haoxiang finally said: "Okay"
Zheng Yi felt like he had won a tough battle. Satisfied, he let go of her hand and lay back on the carpet. "Okay, go to sleep. I still have to pack your things tomorrow."
He lay on the carpet for a while longer before slipping back to his room.
The next morning, Xiang Li woke up to find breakfast already laid out on the table. Zheng Yi was still in the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" He walked towards Li.
"Steamed egg custard. Jiang really wants to eat this."
Xiang Li wanted to laugh, thinking that this kid finally looked like a reliable brother. But then he remembered that today was the day Jiang Hao wanted to leave. Sigh.
The three of them worked together to pack Jiang Haoxiang's belongings. After living there for a few years, Jiang Haoxiang had accumulated quite a bit of stuff: clothes, books, and various dolls. Xiang Li was in charge of folding and storing, while Zheng Yi acted as the mover.
Jiang Haoxiang looked at a book on the bookshelf, and Zheng Yi immediately pulled it out: "Would you like to take this one with you?"
Looking at a puzzle on the windowsill, he reached out and took it: "Want to take this too?"
He even looked at the switch and grabbed it and stuffed it into the box.
"Brother Zheng Yi, you don't need to bring that."
"What about this?"
“No.”
"Then this will work, right?"
"don't want!"
In the end, Jiang Hao was annoyed by him and felt that he was not helping but making trouble.
The atmosphere at lunch was dull. After lunch, it was time to send Jiang Haoxiang back home.
Jiang Haoxiang looked at the place where he had lived for several years and suddenly asked, "Where's the electric fan?"
Xiang Li didn't react: "What electric fan?"
Zheng Yi understood immediately. He turned and walked into Jiang Haoxiang's second bedroom and took the electric fan out from the corner.
Xiang Li went to get a wet rag and handed it to Zheng Yi. Zheng Yi took the rag and wiped the dust off the fan casing. Then, he held the fan and walked out of the house first, just like she had done when she first moved in a few years ago.
"Let's go." He said to Jiang Haoxiang who was standing at the door.
Jiang Cheng hosted dinner at a restaurant outside. It was a welcome for Jiang Haoxiang, but also a way for Jiang Cheng to show his wife his status as the head of the family and Xiang Li how much he valued his daughter.
Jiang Cheng was clearly trying hard to play the role of a loving father, constantly serving food to Jiang Haoxiang: "Haoxiang, eat more. This is nutritious. This is your favorite, right? Daddy remembers that you like it."
Jiang Haoxiang quietly put the dishes she disliked, one chopstick at a time, onto Zheng Yi's plate next to her. Zheng Yi accepted everything and ate it all for her. Jiang Haoxiang watched Zheng Yi eat with his cheeks puffed up, and couldn't help but scold him, "You're such a glutton."
Zheng Yi retorted, "How else do I expect you to eat?"
Jiang Cheng felt uncomfortable when he saw his daughter whispering with Zheng Yi, but he couldn't get angry. He could only continue to pick up food for Jiang Haoxiang and try to get her attention back.
Xiang Li sat across from her with mixed feelings. She could only comfort herself that since Jiang Cheng had taken the initiative to take Jiang Hao back, he should at least be a little more sympathetic to her in the short term, for the sake of face.
The welcoming dinner, each with its own thoughts, ended. Jiang Hao wanted to follow Jiang Cheng and his stepmother toward the home that had become unfamiliar to them. Zheng Yi and Xiang Li stood at the restaurant door.
Xiang Li patted his son's shoulder and said, "Let's go home."
Zheng Yi hummed.
The author has something to say:
----------------------
*This chapter corrects an age error. Readers who come later should not be surprised when they see the error pointed out by the previous readers, because I had not corrected it when they pointed it out.
*The same type of novel "Can't I bear this hot kiss?" has been completed and is currently being serialized as "Old Injury Relapse". Readers are welcome to collect it.
*Then I'll start writing "Falling Flowers and Flowing Water," a story about a lively girl and a stomach-nourishing guy. (Stomach-nourishing is a feeling.) Welcome to the author's column to add it to your collection.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
