By early May, Liu Aimei and Xu Ping were getting along even better.
Liu Aimei wanted to settle scores with Tong Tong but couldn't find her. She was working now and only had one day off a week, so she didn't have extra time to go to the town where Tong Tong's older sister lived.
On May 8th.
Xu Ping picked up Liu Aimei from get off work. Xu Ping said that his cousin had returned to the capital from Guangzhou, and they could meet up for dinner tonight.
Liu Aimei: "Then I'll go home and change my clothes."
Xu Ping: "It's okay, we're all family, just relax."
Liu Aimei still felt uneasy. "It's okay, I'll go back and change into a dress. I'm covered in dust."
She now works in a wholesale market, a far cry from the glamorous image she had in the shopping mall. She has developed wrinkles around her eyes, wears drab clothes every day, and often has to help move goods. She only earns thirty yuan a month, working herself to the bone to make ends meet.
Xu Ping's eyes flashed with obvious impatience, but he quickly recovered and said "okay".
Going back to change my dress only took about forty minutes.
The place where they ate was not far from Aiguo Street and not far from Heping Lane.
It was in a small restaurant.
Xu Ping's younger brother is named Xu Heng, and sitting next to Xu Heng is his son, named Xu Jiahao.
When Xu Ping saw Xu Jiahao, a smile appeared in his eyes. "Jiahao has grown taller again."
Xu Heng stood up. "This must be my sister-in-law."
Liu Aimei sized up Xu Heng and his son's clothes. They looked alright. Xu Ping had told her that Xu Heng worked in the wholesale electronics business in Guangzhou.
I guess he's just someone who sells electrical appliances.
Liu Aimei smiled and said, "Hello."
The dress Liu Aimei was wearing was bought when she was with Tong Hongyun; it was a department store item and cost over a hundred yuan.
Xu Heng: "Sister-in-law looks gentle and family-oriented. Brother, you are so lucky."
Xu Ping smiled and said, "Yes, I'd be so happy to have Ai Mei with me, I could laugh in my sleep."
Even Liu Aimei, with her thick skin, felt embarrassed and said, "Stop talking, you still have some shame!"
Suddenly, Xu Jiahao let out a soft hum.
Xu Ping paused slightly. "What's wrong?"
Xu Heng: "I'm just hungry. The food hasn't been served yet, and I'm getting impatient. It's okay, it's okay."
...
After finishing their meal, Xu Ping planned to take Liu Aimei home.
Liu Aimei: "No need. You two rarely get to see each other, so just chat a bit. I can go back by myself. It's only a 20-minute walk. Consider it a good way to digest my food."
Xu Ping's face showed struggle.
Liu Aimei smiled and said, "Really, no need. I'll be going now."
"Alright, then be careful on your way."
After Liu Aimei walked away, Xu Jiahao hugged Xu Ping's leg and said, "Dad, I don't like her, you can't marry her!"
Xu Ping slapped Xu Jiahao on the head, "You brat, what do you know? If I weren't with them, would you be living such a good life?"
Xu Heng grinned wickedly, "Big brother, I think Liu Aimei is not bad. Why don't you keep her?"
Xu Ping: "What nonsense are you talking about? Don't you dare cut off my source of income!"
Xu Heng smiled and remained silent.
Xu Jiahao asked again, "Dad, can I come home tonight?"
Xu Ping shook his head: "Go back with your second uncle, be good, listen to me."
Xu Jiahao lowered his head, looking dejected.
By June, Xu Ping and Liu Aimei had known each other for over four months, but Liu Aimei still hadn't agreed to get married, which made Xu Ping a little anxious.
No woman before her could hold out as long as Liu Aimei.
Liu Aimei not only delayed, but also refused to let her get into bed.
This caused Xu Ping to harbor a lot of resentment, so he subtly inquired about Liu Qiangdao several times during his work hours.
Liu Qiangdao wasn't stupid. He could understand it once or twice, but he finally figured it out on the fourth time.
On June 3rd, Liu Aimei went back to the Liu family home.
Li Xia is over six months pregnant, and her belly is round like a ball.
Liu Aimei stared in disbelief.
Since dating Xu Ping, Liu Aimei seems to have returned to her original social class. The few months she spent with Tong Hongyun were just a fleeting moment. Now that she has firmly established herself on the ground, she can't help but think of the three children she has given birth to.
Yan Yan and Lele are now more biased towards their father; Liu Aimei has never even met the other child.
Seeing that Liu Aimei's eyes were not right, Li Xia silently went into the house, supporting her stomach.
Li Xia now dares not argue or confront Liu Aimei directly.
Mothers always have to be mindful of certain things.
During dinner that evening, Liu Qiangdao cut straight to the point, "Liu Aimei, you and Xu Ping have been together for so long, when are you planning to get married?"
Liu Aimei casually said, "What's the rush? Let's try dating for a while longer."
Old Man Liu disapproved, saying, "You're already this age, not a young girl anymore. If you find someone suitable, hurry up and settle down. Why drag it out and make yourself a laughingstock?"
Liu Aimei lowered her eyes and remained silent.
Old Man Liu added, "Xu Ping genuinely likes you—"
"Dad, stop talking!" Liu Aimei interrupted, frowning.
Liu Qiangdao slammed his hand on the table. "Liu Aimei, what kind of attitude is this? Do you think we can't control you? We're only doing this for your own good. Think about it, all the trouble you've caused your family these past year or two!"
Liu Aimei stood up angrily: "Let me tell you, don't rush me. I can get married whenever I want, and I can break up with Xu Ping anytime I don't want to. You don't need to provoke me!"
After saying that, Liu Aimei turned the page, no longer wanting to eat, grabbed her bag, and rushed out.
Liu Qiangdao cursed angrily, "You don't know what's good for you!"
Li Xia then spoke up, "Never mind, let's continue eating."
Old Man Liu sighed heavily.
-
In June, the Song family had two major events.
First, in mid-June, Song Qiumin's wife gave birth to a big, healthy baby boy! Mother and child are both safe and sound! Song Zhicheng and Lu Hui were overjoyed to become grandparents for the first time!
Secondly, Song Yangmin and his wife are going to hold a first birthday banquet for their twins. On June 27th, they will hold a small first birthday banquet at the Phoenix Pavilion flagship store.
They invited relatives from the Song and Qian families, totaling three tables.
Song Yingying and Qin Zheng returned to China and came to participate. Grandma Qin and her two grandchildren came together, while Grandpa Qin was recuperating at home due to poor health.
Song Muchuan and Song Zhiyin have both grown up. The two siblings look very different. Both children have big eyes, but Song Zhiyin's eyes are obviously bigger. Song Muchuan is quiet and doesn't like to cry, while Song Zhiyin chatters a lot every day.
Only Xu Guiying and the others could hear the little one's baby talk.
Grandma Qin looked at the Song family with their many children and grandchildren and felt envious. She looked at Song Yingying and Qin Zheng with longing eyes.
Qin Zheng: "Grandma, let's eat."
Song Yingying placed a large pork rib on her grandmother's plate. "Grandma, try this. It's Uncle's restaurant's signature dish!"
Grandma Qin smiled, "You two, you're always changing the subject!"
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