Watching the man weeping under the neon lights, I couldn't help but think of myself three years ago, equally desperate and cruelly abandoned by life. We are both losers in this city. I couldn't hold onto what I cared about, nor could I get what I wanted... So, I chose to give up on this city before it completely abandoned me.
What path should he take in the future?
"A man like that doesn't deserve sympathy!"
I turned to look at Yang Sisi, who was coldly staring at the man who was squatting on the ground crying. It was she who said those words.
Why don't they deserve sympathy?
"Did you hear that woman mention money to him from beginning to end?... He's just too concerned about it!"
I touched the tip of my nose with my finger, then asked Yang Sisi, "If you were that man, what would you do?"
"You should be the one to answer this question."
I laughed and said, "Yes, I also think he doesn't deserve sympathy. Being poor is only temporary. He can always work hard to make it work out... He shouldn't sacrifice his love for something like this... He'll regret it."
"that is!"
I know what kind of person Yang Sisi is, so I chose to say things she likes to hear, hoping to make her happy. But for me, it felt a bit insincere because I made the idea of striving too simple. Even if we fight life with a determined heart, how many of us can actually succeed in the end?
The man didn't want to drag her along on her adventures because he loved her. He was too poor. Poverty is a real illness; it makes people feel inferior and lose confidence. People like Yang Sisi will never understand what poverty truly feels like.
People often say that love is priceless. I think that just saying that is a measure in itself. Without a measure, it's impossible to arrive at the conclusion that it's priceless. And once there's a measure, it's bound to be impure... Therefore, there has never been absolutely pure love in this world. Those who are unwilling to believe this view are either naive or have never truly experienced it.
Yang Sisi is definitely the latter.
I finally took Yang Sisi's hand, and we walked past that man together. The air seemed to be half cold and half hot; the heat was on our side, while the cold air had enveloped the man, who was shivering...
...
Wearing the clothes Yang Sisi bought for me made me feel much more energetic, but a sense of nervousness also followed. I was about to meet Yang Sisi's parents, and I didn't know what they would say to me. Just like Yang Sisi said, if they brought up marriage, how should I respond?
It's not that I don't want to get married, it's that my current situation doesn't allow it.
Just as I was worrying, Yang Sisi, who was walking ahead of me, urged me again: "Michael, hurry up. My dad is a very punctual person. He hates it when people are late."
I quickened my pace, but then I felt another wave of discomfort in my legs. This feeling was like a nightmare, constantly reminding me that I was a cripple.
If my recovery is not good, my legs may even atrophy, and I may not be able to live a life of limping anymore. I may have to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
I'm under so much psychological pressure! It feels like my soul is half dead.
...
Yang Sisi and I didn't dare to slack off at all, and we finally arrived at the restaurant before the agreed time. The restaurant was on the Bund, and Yang Sisi had booked a semi-open private room. We could see the night view of the Huangpu River from inside. If it was just a regular meal, it would be quite relaxing.
As Yang Sisi took off her scarf, she asked me in a low voice, "Are you nervous?"
"A bit."
"With skin so thick, you're actually nervous?"
“Being thick-skinned is also about who you are and the occasion… In front of your parents, I still want to be a mature and stable man.”
Yang Sisi asked me, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Are you worried that they won't trust you with me?"
"Afraid."
"Don't be afraid, a woman follows her husband wherever he goes... I've long been aware of this... so no one can make decisions for me."
The moment those words left her lips, the waiter pushed the door open, and Yang Sisi's parents stood behind her... I instinctively stood up, and Yang Sisi also straightened up, a sign of nervousness.
I immediately made a judgment: Yang Sisi is a fearless person in front of her parents, and the fact that she was nervous was enough to prove that this was not a simple dinner invitation; her parents would definitely talk to me about something later.
"Hello, Uncle and Aunt."
Yang Sisi's father replied politely, "Please sit down, there's no need to be so formal... I've always wanted to invite you to dinner, and today I've finally fulfilled that wish."
I sat down and glanced at Yang Sisi's mother again. Her expression was a little cold, which was a hint to me that she still didn't like me much, just like before.
Yang Sisi sat down next to me, while her parents sat opposite us. To show respect, I took the teapot from the waiter, poured them a cup of tea myself, and said, "Uncle and Aunt... Sisi has been by my side all these years and has given me a lot of help... I've always wanted to find an opportunity to treat you to a meal to thank you for raising such an outstanding daughter. Without Sisi, I might have lived a terrible life!"
Her mother replied, "When two people are together, the man should naturally take on a large part of the responsibility. How did it all become Sisi helping you?"
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
