Having said everything that needed to be said, and as evening approached, Wen Mo got up to take Xia Lian home after she changed into her new clothes.
"Whoa—"
Even he, who was used to seeing his cousin's face, was taken aback.
Xia Lian stepped out of the house with some hesitation, like a shy little deer.
She was wrapped in a long, creamy white lamb wool coat, the fluffy texture making you want to reach out and touch it. Her round and chubby appearance made her look just like a soft and cuddly dumpling. Her black tights were still on, and the black and white combination is timeless.
Wen Mo was a little stunned. He had thought that his mother had only brought Lian Bao in to try on clothes as a formality so that the father and son could be alone. He didn't expect that she would actually buy her new clothes.
Not only the clothes, but also the matching accessories are exquisite.
Xia Lian wore a matching knitted hat on her head, the brim pulled low, revealing only a pair of slightly shy eyes.
I have to say, when it comes to aesthetics, my mom is a level above me; I certainly couldn't create such a beautiful template.
"Beautiful, so beautiful!"
Wen Mo was generous with his praise, smiling as he stood beside her and carefully examined her, occasionally reaching out to touch the wool coat.
"You're stunned, aren't you? But I have to say, Xiaolian is a real beauty; she looks good in anything." Su Juan smiled and put her hand on her shoulder, very satisfied with her outfit.
Feeling a little embarrassed under the stares of everyone in the room, Xia Lian shyly but still managed a crisp thank you: "Thank you, Auntie..."
"Oh, why are you being so polite with your aunt, girl?"
Su Juan gently rubbed her cheeks, her smile never fading.
They had already changed their clothes, saving them the trouble of changing them again. After giving a few more instructions, Wen Mo pulled Xia Lian to change her shoes in the entryway. Before leaving, he didn't forget to remind his parents about their health. Finally, he closed the door and said goodbye.
"Mom, take care of yourself! And Dad, please take care of yourself too."
"Not having dinner here?"
"No need, no need, we'll eat at home."
As the sounds of people walking away in the hallway faded into the distance, Su Juan and Wen Yiquan sat on the sofa and looked at each other.
"Have you reached an agreement?"
"I don't know if we've reached an agreement, but they'll probably take the entrance exam for other schools, but..." Wen Yiquan stroked his chin, looking hesitant.
"But what?" Su Juan pressed.
Seeing her curious look, Wen Yiquan didn't hide anything and blurted out, "They'll just get their marriage certificate as soon as they reach the legal age."
"What?!"
"I can't do anything about it. I've tried to persuade him for ages, but it's no use." Wen Yiquan shook his head helplessly.
Su Juan glared at him, feeling anxious and worried, but she couldn't think of any solutions. She felt that things were moving too fast, and if they had conflicts in the future, getting a divorce would be too much of a hassle.
"Why are you two in such a hurry! Aren't you going to say anything to them?!"
"I told him, but he wouldn't listen, and he even brought up our relationship..." Wen Yiquan was a little hesitant to look at Su Juan.
"say what?"
“He said… if you can give birth to him at twenty, then why can’t he get married at twenty-two…”
Hearing this, Su Juan was at a loss, feeling both annoyed and amused. She tilted her head and smiled calmly at Wen Yiquan.
"You're so useless."
"Thank you for the compliment."
...
As Wen Mo and Xia Lian left their parents' house, a biting cold wind whistled into their collars.
"It's ridiculously cold today." Wen Mo hunched his neck, pulled his scarf up hard, and exhaled a breath of warm air, which was instantly torn to shreds by the cold wind.
Xia Lian's face was expressionless, but her small face, red from the cold, showed that she was probably not in good condition. Her hands were tightly tucked into her pockets.
"Is this clothing warm enough for you? Aren't you cold?"
"It won't be cold." Xia Lian shook her head.
Wen Mo touched the fabric of the clothes; it felt very nice with its fluffy texture and should be very warm, but his face was still freezing cold.
"Keep it on."
The halo of light stretched their shadows long. Wen Mo took off his scarf, which Xia Lian had personally chosen. She had originally wanted to knit a scarf for Wen Mo, but she was too clumsy and almost pricked herself.
“But you’ll be cold.” Xia Lian raised her eyes, somewhat hesitant.
Seeing this, Wen Mo simply put the scarf around her neck twice, looking completely unconcerned. "It's okay, I'm perfectly healthy. Wearing too many clothes is making me feel hot all over."
Xia Lian lowered her head slightly and nodded.
The two walked very lightly, as if each had something on their mind. After walking for a while, the gate of the residential area behind them got further and further away.
"Wenmo and his uncle talked a lot..."
Wen Mo paused in his steps. "So you heard everything."
"Um……"
Xia Lian replied.
After she finished speaking, there was no further movement. Perhaps she had heard her uncle's less-than-pleasant decision; Xia Lian was clearly in a bad mood and clutched his sleeve.
"Are you worried we can't get our marriage certificate?" Wen Mo seemed to have guessed what she was thinking, his expression relaxed a little, and he asked gently.
Xia Lian didn't say anything.
"It's alright, our relationship... I'll go back and look through the family tree, there should be a way, there definitely will be..."
Wenmer stammered a little, and even he himself didn't believe what he was saying, but he still held onto hope.
After a long while, Xia Lian slowly raised her head. Usually expressionless, she would just watch quietly no matter what happened around her, only her occasionally blinking big eyes betraying her worry.
Will we stay together forever?
"I think so."
"oh."
Xia Lian lowered her head, but it clearly had no effect.
I feel that I should say something now, both for our unknown future and to make a promise that will last a lifetime.
Wen Mo is slow-witted, and so is Wen Yiquan. They are usually quite sharp, but when they get emotional, they just can't think of a few nice words.
This must be inherited from my dad.
FW Daddy!
Wen Mo silently complained to himself, but his pounding heart urged him to say something useful.
I just don't want this to be awkward...
When my dad was tongue-tied, what did he say when he confessed his feelings to my mom? I think he told me.
"call……"
Wen Mo let out a long breath and looked at the flat road ahead, the dim yellow light of the streetlights shining on every corner of the street.
I remember now.
It's a bit old-fashioned, but please allow me to borrow that phrase.
"Xia Lian".
A slightly trembling voice rang in her ears, and it was clear that the speaker was not calm at the moment. Xia Lian looked up and saw that this was the first time she had heard Wen Mo call her by her full name. He was a little serious and a little confused.
She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes filled with confusion. She didn't speak, but stared straight at him, as if waiting for his next words.
Wen Mo swallowed hard, opened his mouth slightly, took a deep breath, and then, with a trembling yet firm voice, made his vow.
"I will make you happy for the rest of your life."
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