Of the five people, Chen Jin was the first to speak. He asked me, "What's going on with you? Why did you run down here by yourself?"
"It's too stuffy, I came out for some fresh air."
Chen Jin stood across from me, then tiptoed to look at the crowd, and asked me, "What's going on over there? What's all that commotion about?"
"Someone jumped off a building."
Chen Jin subconsciously took a step back, and after a long while replied, "Does this person have a grudge against the hospital...? If he jumps off a building here, the hospital is going to be in trouble!"
Yang Sisi, who had been squatting on the ground, suddenly stood up. She glared at Chen Jin and said, "The man is dead, and instead of thinking about why he jumped, you're worrying about the hospital... Do you really care so much about life? Or do you own this hospital?"
"He didn't even cherish his own life... why should I feel sorry for him?"
"Who would willingly take this step unless they were forced into a corner?"
As she spoke, Yang Sisi turned to my parents and said, "Uncle and Aunt, you should have seen me before... I won't introduce myself... You can see what a hospital is like... and what kind of feelings the people who live here long-term have... I really don't understand. You are the closest people to Michael, yet you are the ones who understand him the least and are the least tolerant of him... Don't you know how tired and how difficult things are for him?... When Uncle was sick, he had already fulfilled the greatest responsibility a son can fulfill... But you can't see his sacrifices, nor do you understand why he works so hard to earn money... You only have Lu Jia in your eyes... Yes, Lu Jia has done a lot, but if we really want to clarify things, it's Uncle who owes Lu Jia a favor, but now you're forcing Michael to repay it... What kind of logic is that?"
Old Mi's expression was grim, but he didn't know how to argue with a young girl like Yang Sisi. After a long silence, he finally replied, "Girl, this is our family matter. It seems inappropriate for you to offer your opinion."
“Uncle, this is an overbearing act... If you really think you are right, then persuade others with reason... That’s what it means to be respected and have the demeanor of a head of the family.”
"Marriage is about the daily grind. I hope my son will find a girl who can manage a household. What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong with Michael wanting you not to interfere in his relationship? ... It's the same wish, and just because you're his father doesn't mean you can disrespect his wishes... Are you really not concerned about your father-son relationship at all, acting so bullyingly?"
Yang Sisi is known for her sharp tongue, and unlike me, she doesn't have the same respect for Lao Mi. So, in just a few words, she put Lao Mi in a very awkward position. Lao Mi got angry, and his tone became harsher. He said, "No matter how much Michael and I argue, we still have the standing of father and son... What right do you have to interfere in our family affairs?... This is a sign of your lack of manners, you know?"
I grabbed Yang Sisi's arm, signaling her to stop talking.
Yang Sisi shook off
She took another step towards Old Mi, and with a very imposing air, said, "Uncle, you asked me why I have the right to interfere in your family affairs... I'll tell you, and you listen carefully... it's because I'm your future daughter-in-law..."
Everyone, including myself, stared in disbelief at Yang Sisi. Her audacity was beyond the comprehension of ordinary people like us.
She continued, "I know you'll think I'm indecent for saying this... I feel embarrassed myself... But a good man deserves a good woman's affection... Originally, I was planning to go back to Shanghai tomorrow, but now I've changed my mind... I'll stay here to take care of Michael... I'm not afraid of you ostracizing me, nor am I afraid of you having designs on Lu Jia... Even if Lu Jia has created the perfect daughter-in-law image in your hearts, I'm not afraid... You can tell Lu Jia that if she feels resentful, or feels that Michael has wronged her... you can ask her to come to Dali, and I'm ready to confront her anytime... I'll just ask her if she dares to come!"
Old Mi was at a loss for words. He just stood there, unsure whether to leave or listen...
Yang Sisi seemed to have gotten over her words, or perhaps she truly harbored immense grievances. After glancing at me, she continued, "Anyway, everything's out in the open, I'm not afraid of anything... This world has never lacked women who know how to manage a household; what it truly lacks are women willing to endure any kind of life with him... If Michael likes being rich, then fine, he can come back to Shanghai with me... Our family assets are at least several hundred million, enough for us to live on for a lifetime. My parents won't look down on him, because he deserves the most credit for my father's comeback... If Michael prefers a simple life, then we can build a small wooden house in Dali, open a bar, raise dogs, and grow flowers... If Michael can't let go of your parents, I'm willing to go back to Chengdu with him, or even back to a small county town... As long as you don't hold a grudge against me, I'm confident I can be a dutiful daughter-in-law by your side... Can Lu Jia do all that?... All she wants is endless demands on Michael... Half of Michael's pain and exhaustion comes from Lu Jia and you all..."
I was so shocked that I couldn't speak for a long time...
I stared at Yang Sisi, who was breathing heavily, half in a daze and half in a daze.
Chen Jin gently tugged at Yang Sisi's sleeve and whispered to her, "Save some face... Know when to stop."
"Okay... I won't say anymore... Uncle and Aunt, you take Michael back first... I'm going to buy him a wheelchair now, I want to push him around Erhai Lake tomorrow..."
Old Mi and my mom both fell silent, neither of them knowing what they were feeling.
The next moment, Yang Sisi walked past our group without looking at us.
...
The night seemed even more somber because of the person who jumped from the building, and the air was faintly filled with the smell of blood... But I didn't let that distract me from paying attention to these things.
I turned away from everyone and wiped away my tears...
Yes, I cried again...
It's not my fault, because people's strength and fragility both exceed their own imagination. Sometimes, a single fragile word can bring tears to my eyes; other times, I find myself gritting my teeth and having already walked a long way!
(End of this chapter)
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