Chapter Thirty-Six: What do you think of my mom?
When Zhang Chunxue was asked that question, her cheeks flushed red instantly, as if someone had caught her red-handed, and her eyes began to dart away.
She hesitated for a long time, her voice so soft it was like a mosquito's hum: "Back then... back then in the village, the only person who wouldn't mind that I was a married woman, and... and my husband had died, and I had children to raise, and who was kind to me... it seems... it seems like only you were there..."
As soon as he said those words, Song Xingzhi felt a "boom" in his mind, as if a huge firework had exploded!
He froze, his eyes wide open, staring straight at Zhang Chunxue, his mouth opening and closing but unable to utter a single word.
So it turns out... so he wasn't the only one enthusiastically doing this!
It turns out, she had also... had feelings for him!
Overwhelmed by immense ecstasy, he was left speechless and unsure of what to do with himself.
But then, a surge of frustration and anger welled up from the bottom of my heart!
He almost! He almost got to be with Sister Chunxue...
Thinking about how he had missed so many years and suffered so much unrequited love for so long, Song Xingzhi almost ground his teeth to powder!
Those brats! They're utterly useless and only cause more trouble than they're worth!
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions, and looked intently at Zhang Chunxue: "Sister-in-law Chunxue! They...they are all getting on in years now, and they all have their own families. You...you don't need to worry about what they think anymore!"
Zhang Chunxue felt a little uncomfortable under his intense gaze, and her eyes unconsciously darted away, her blush deepening.
"I... I really don't care what they think anymore," she said softly.
Upon hearing this, Song Xingzhi's eyes lit up instantly! He took a small step forward, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement and cautious anticipation: "Then...then Chunxue...Sister, you now...you..."
When Zhang Chunxue heard that he had even changed his way of addressing her, from "Sister Chunxue" to "Sister Chunxue," her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks burned even hotter.
She glared at him reproachfully, but there was no real power in her gaze; instead, it carried a hint of inexplicable shyness: "What could I possibly do..."
She paused, her tone softening with a hint of helplessness: "Besides, I haven't even sorted out the mess at home yet! That bastard Chengren was just kicked out, and we don't even know how Mingli and the children will manage in the future."
"I... I don't have the mind to think about those things... those irrelevant things..."
Her voice grew softer and softer as she spoke, her head drooped even lower, and her ears turned bright red.
Hearing Zhang Chunxue's somewhat reluctant words, the flame that had just been ignited in Song Xingzhi's heart seemed to be gently blown away, dimming for a moment.
However, it was only for a moment.
He smiled again immediately, a smile that was still gentle and carried a reassuring power.
“Sister Chunxue, don’t feel pressured. This isn’t urgent.” He looked at her deeply, his voice full of understanding: “I’ve waited all these years, so what’s a little longer? I’m already very happy that you can tell me this.”
Song Xingzhi knew perfectly well that Chunxue had just gone through so many upsetting things at home and was in a state of distress.
It was already a huge surprise that she was able to open up to him and tell him what she had thought back then.
If he were to rush her now, wouldn't he look like a fool? What if he scared her away? He'd have nowhere to turn to complain then.
"Family matters are more important. You should focus on settling Mingli and the children in first."
Hearing him say that, Zhang Chunxue felt a little less guilty for "backing down."
She nodded, her voice still somewhat muffled: "Mmm."
The two walked side by side for a short distance, and when they were almost at the village entrance, Song Xingzhi stopped.
"Sister Chunxue, you should go back first. I... I'll go into the village later."
Zhang Chunxue understood what he meant. There were many gossipy people in the village, and if they were seen coming back together, who knows what unpleasant things would be said.
She nodded, didn't say much, just gave a soft "hmm," and quickened her pace to enter the village first.
Song Xingzhi stood there, watching her figure disappear into the alleyway, before a smile he couldn't hide finally appeared on his face.
He looked down at his hands, as if the warmth of her sleeve still lingered on them.
He had waited for so many years, and finally... finally, she had a little bit of feeling for him too!
This feeling was even more exciting for him than when he got into university!
Song Xingzhi's mood was as bright as the sky after the rain, so bright that even his steps became lighter. He hummed an off-key tune and slowly followed behind into the village.
When Zhang Chunxue returned home, the yard was quiet.
"Mom's back!" Zhong Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up when she saw Zhang Chunxue, and she ran over.
"Hmm," Zhang Chunxue responded, noticing that she was carrying a small cloth bag and looked like she was about to go out. "Where are you going?"
Zhong Xiaoxiao tilted her head up and answered in a clear voice, "I have some homework I don't understand, and I want to ask Teacher Song."
Upon hearing the words "Teacher Song," Zhang Chunxue's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason, but her face remained expressionless.
She coughed softly, trying to hide her slight unease.
"Go ahead, come back soon, don't linger too long."
"Okay, Mom!" Zhong Xiaoxiao replied happily after receiving permission, and ran out of the yard like a gust of wind.
Zhong Xiaoxiao arrived outside Song Xingzhi's yard. Song Xingzhi had indeed just returned not long ago and was slowly sweeping the fallen leaves in the yard with a broom.
Hearing a noise at the door, he looked up and saw Xiaoxiao. He smiled and waved, "Xiaoxiao's here? Come in quickly."
Zhong Xiaoxiao greeted sweetly, "Hello, Teacher Song!"
She walked into the courtyard with familiarity, and Song Xingzhi brought her a small stool so she could sit down at the stone table in the courtyard.
"What question can't you answer? Show it to me." Song Xingzhi put down the broom, washed his hands, and sat down as well.
Zhong Xiaoxiao opened her small cloth bag, took out her homework book, and pointed to a question.
Song Xingzhi patiently explained to her, his voice gentle and his explanation clear.
Zhong Xiaoxiao listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
The problem was solved, but Zhong Xiaoxiao showed no sign of leaving immediately.
She rested her chin on her two small hands, her big, dark eyes darting around as if she had remembered some important task.
She had told her mother before that she wouldn't object to her remarrying, and among the people in the village, only Teacher Song was worthy of her mother.
Teacher Song is such a kind person, if only I could be with my mom...
The little flame of "matchmaking" in the girl's heart rekindled.
Her eyes darted around, and she asked casually, "Teacher Song, what do you think of... my mom? What's she like as a person?"
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