Chapter 50
Pei Songji only knew one Ms. Jing. He stood up immediately.
“Tell the receptionist to escort Ms. Jing to the lounge. I’ll be right there.”
His assistant, sensing the importance of the visitor, responded quickly. “Right away, Mr. Pei.”
Pei Songji hung up, heading towards the elevator, pausing to smooth his suit before continuing.
He took the private elevator to the first floor and strode towards the lounge.
Inside, he found Jing Ciying’s aunt sitting on the sofa, a cup of tea in her hand, the receptionist hovering nervously beside her.
She must have received instructions from his assistant.
She looked relieved to see him, greeting him quickly before excusing herself.
He understood her nervousness; he was nervous himself, a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years. He had mastered the art of composure in the business world, but today, facing Jing Ciying’s aunt, his carefully constructed facade wavered.
This was Jing Ciying’s family, his future family, and she didn’t approve of him.
He wanted to make a good impression, hoping to win her over.
“You’re… Pei Songji, right?” she asked, putting down her teacup.
“Yes,” he said, sitting down opposite her. “I heard you wanted to see me.”
“Yes.” Jing Luomei was also nervous, but as the elder, she maintained a calm facade. “This is your company?”
“Yes,” he replied, puzzled by the question.
“Mr. Pei,” she began, “I’m not here to separate you, but that doesn’t mean I approve of this relationship.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re wealthy, successful. You own this company. Your clothes, your demeanor… you’re from a different world. We’re not rich, but we understand that wealth gives you choices. You might be sincere now, but what about later? A year from now? Two years? Three?”
“I’m married, so I know how easily feelings fade. What keeps a marriage going is responsibility, children, family. But you two… you can’t have those things. You’re passionate now, inseparable, but what about later? When the passion fades, the love dwindles, and you grow tired of each other? What then?”
Her voice was filled with emotion. She took a sip of tea. “You can walk away anytime, and it won’t even affect you. You can find someone else, even get married if you change your mind. But Xiaoying can’t.”
“He…” she paused, her hands trembling. She clasped them tightly. “Since you’re his boyfriend, you must know about his situation. He’s all alone. He lost his parents, his sister… and then his illness. He told me he didn’t want to live when he received the diagnosis. I understand why. I know how much he’s suffered. But then he said… you gave him a reason to live. I’m grateful for that.”
She smiled sadly. “But Xiaoying doesn’t have many people to rely on. What if you abandon him? Who will be there for him then? I don’t want you to be the one who pulls him out of the darkness, only to push him back in later. He’s not your only option, but Xiaoying is devoted to you. He refuses to break up with you. He’s chosen you. I’m afraid. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Pei Songji said softly.
“Good. I know I’m just his aunt. It’s not my place to say these things, but I’m all he has left. I watched him grow up. He’s suffered enough. I just want him to be happy, to have a peaceful life.”
“I understand,” Pei Songji repeated. “I understand your concerns. But, Aunt…”
He looked at her intently. “How do you know he’s not my only one?”
She was taken aback, staring at him, speechless.
He stood up. “Aunt, please come with me to my office. I want to show you something.”
She followed him, intrigued.
Jing Ciying arrived home to find the living room dark, the only light coming from the kitchen, where his aunt was making dumplings.
He paused at the doorway, not wanting to disturb the peaceful, familiar scene.
His aunt turned, noticing him.
“Aunt, still making dumplings?”
“I’ve finished the ones for us. I’m making extra for you to freeze.”
He looked at the neatly arranged dumplings, his eyes stinging. He quickly composed himself. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Let me help.”
“No need. Go wash your hands. Dinner will be ready soon.” She shooed him out of the kitchen.
He washed his hands and prepared the dipping sauce.
She served the dumplings, and he turned on the lights, the warm glow illuminating the steaming food.
“Come and eat,” she said, handing him chopsticks.
He took a dumpling, burning his mouth.
“Slow down,” she chuckled, getting him a glass of water.
He drank the water gratefully.
“Delicious. I haven’t had your dumplings in so long.”
“Of course. Those frozen ones can’t compare. I’ll make more next time.”
“You’re the best, Aunt,” he said sincerely.
She smiled, then looked away, urging him to eat.
He ate two plates of dumplings, unable to stop.
He put down his chopsticks, satisfied. “Aunt, I’m going to gain weight if you keep feeding me like this.”
“Gain weight? You’re too thin! You need more nourishment.”
“I’ve been eating well. I’ve gained weight.”
“This is ‘gaining weight’? Look at Ruoruo’s arms.”
“Aunt, don’t be mean to Ruoruo,” he teased.
“I’m only saying it to you.”
“She’s still growing.”
“And so are you. Eat more.”
“Aunt,” he chuckled, “I’m almost thirty.”
“You’ll always be a child to me.”
He thought of the dinner with Pei Songji tomorrow. “Aunt, thank you for everything. My… friend wants to treat us to dinner before you leave. Would you like to join us?”
He had expected her to be displeased at the mention of Pei Songji, but she just raised an eyebrow.
“Your… friend?”
“Yes, my… friend.”
He still felt awkward referring to Pei Songji as his boyfriend in front of his aunt.
But she surprised him. “Your… boyfriend?” she said, then grimaced. “Ugh, that still sounds weird.”
She started clearing the table.
“I’ll do it, Aunt. You go and rest.”
She didn’t argue, handing him the dishes.
He washed the dishes, then brought two apples, offering one to his aunt.
They sat there, eating apples in comfortable silence.
He knew he had to be patient, so he didn’t mention the dinner again, just enjoyed the quiet companionship.
But she brought it up herself. “My train is at 8:00 am tomorrow.”
“What?” he asked, confused.
“I have to be at the station by 7:00. I’m free before then.”
He finally understood. “You agreed!”
“I agreed to dinner,” she clarified.
“Yes, yes, whatever. You agreed! That’s all that matters.”
“Is my approval that important?” she asked, turning to look at him.
“Of course! You’re my favorite aunt. Your opinion matters as much as my mother’s would have.”
She was touched by his words, hitting him playfully. “You’re such a smooth talker.” But her eyes reddened.
She quickly turned away, hiding her emotions. “It’s getting colder. Dress warmly. Your down jacket is too thin. And eat breakfast! Don’t skip meals! You’re not as strong as you used to be. And don’t stay up late! You young people are always burning the candle at both ends. Work isn’t that important. Your health is more important than anything.”
“I know, Aunt,” he said, smiling.
“Good.”
Pei Songji arrived early the next morning to pick them up.
He had chosen a traditional Cantonese restaurant, catering to his aunt’s preferences.
His aunt, perhaps not wanting to embarrass him, had bought a new outfit and dressed up.
She looked at herself in the mirror, suddenly unsure. “Do I look… strange?”
“Strange? You look beautiful!”
She blushed, checking her reflection again. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
The dinner went surprisingly well.
Although his aunt still seemed to struggle with their relationship, she wasn’t as hostile as before, treating Pei Songji like a friend, rather than a… threat.
Although she didn’t explicitly express her approval, the relaxed atmosphere was a huge improvement.
Jing Ciying was satisfied.
They took her to the train station.
She lingered at the entrance, her face filled with reluctance, then waved goodbye, urging them to go home.
“Goodbye, Aunt,” Jing Ciying said, waving back.
Although she was far away, he still heard her final words.
“Goodbye. Take care of yourself.”
He felt a strange sense of emptiness after his aunt left, a “separation anxiety” he hadn’t anticipated.
Even Pei Songji’s constant presence couldn’t fill the void.
Pei Songji was worried, trying everything to cheer him up, but nothing worked, until he finally resorted to his ultimate weapon.
“If you’re still like this when you see my grandfather, he’ll think you don’t like him.”
The reminder of their upcoming meeting with Elder Pei jolted him back to reality.
He had almost forgotten.
And it was the day after tomorrow.
His sadness was replaced by anxiety.
The anxiety persisted until the day of their visit to the Pei family residence.
Despite Pei Songji’s reassurances, he was still nervous about meeting his grandparents in this new context.
Pei Songji, knowing words were useless, held his hand tightly throughout the journey, reluctant to let go even after they arrived, finally releasing his grip only when Jing Ciying insisted.
They carried their gifts inside.
Elder Pei was practicing calligraphy in the living room, and Pei Songji’s grandmother was sitting on the sofa, admiring herself in a hand mirror.
They both looked up as Jing Ciying and Pei Songji entered.
Elder Pei glanced at them, then returned to his calligraphy. Pei Songji’s grandmother, however, greeted them warmly, standing up and approaching them. “You’re back.”
“Hello, Madam Pei,” Jing Ciying said politely. Although elderly, she was still elegant, her eyes hinting at her former beauty.
“Hello, Xiaoying.”
She cleared her throat, and Elder Pei finally put down his brush and approached them.
“You’re here,” he said gruffly.
“Hello, Chairman,” Jing Ciying said quickly.
“No need for formalities today. It’s a family dinner. Come, sit down,” Madam Pei said warmly.
Elder Pei echoed her invitation. “Put your things down and let’s eat.”
“Okay.”
Jing Ciying, seeing the situation was better than he had anticipated, relaxed slightly.
Although Elder Pei still seemed somewhat reserved, he wasn’t hostile. As the dinner progressed, Jing Ciying felt more at ease.
Madam Pei insisted he call her “Grandma.”
He felt awkward, but he complied. “Grandma.”
“Good boy,” she said, taking a beautiful jade bracelet from her wrist.
“This is our family heirloom, passed down to the daughters-in-law. Songji’s mother should have given this to you, but… you know. So I’ll do it. It’s not exactly suitable for a… young man, but this is our tradition. We don’t have any heirloom watches or anything. So, this is all I can give you. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, no, of course not, but this is too valuable. I can’t accept it,” he said, flustered.
But she insisted, taking his hand and placing the bracelet on his wrist.
“You can keep it even if you don’t wear it. It’s a symbol of our acceptance.”
“Acceptance?”
“Yes.” She looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth. “Songji truly loves you, and so do I.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” he said, touched by her sincerity, the word “Grandma” now feeling less awkward.
“Good boy,” she said, smiling.
He glanced at Elder Pei, who simply grunted in acknowledgment.
It wasn’t enthusiastic, but it was acceptance.
He looked at Pei Songji, and they exchanged smiles.
Although Elder Pei remained somewhat distant throughout the dinner, his acceptance was clear, and Jing Ciying was happy, carefully holding the precious bracelet, afraid of breaking it.
“So, your family approves of me now?” he asked, although he already knew the answer.
Pei Songji chuckled. “They gave you the family heirloom.”
He thought of Pei Songji’s grandmother. “Your grandmother is very open-minded.”
“Yes, she’s a modern woman. She studied abroad. Much more progressive than my grandfather.”
“I see.” He carefully put away the bracelet. “Now we just need my aunt’s approval.”
Pei Songji smiled but didn’t respond.
Jing Ciying was thinking about how to convince his aunt when his phone rang. It was his aunt.
“Speak of the devil,” he said, showing Pei Songji the caller ID before answering. “Hello, Aunt? What’s up?”
“Nothing,” she said. “Just wanted to ask if you’ve eaten.”
“Yes. You?”
“Yes.”
“Aunt,” he said, still worried about her reaction, “are you sure everything’s alright? Please tell me if something’s wrong…”
“Everything’s fine,” she said quickly, sensing his anxiety. “Ruoruo just said she misses you.”
He was relieved. “I miss her too. And you and Uncle.”
“Come home for the New Year, then,” she said, finally revealing her purpose.
“I will, Aunt. I promise.”
“Good.” She fell silent.
He thought she was about to hang up when she spoke again. “Bring… that someone with you.”
He was stunned, then overjoyed, but he tried to hide his excitement. “That someone?” he teased.
“Yes, that someone. Goodbye,” she said, quickly hanging up before he could tease her further.
He chuckled, unable to contain his happiness.
“What’s so funny?” Pei Songji asked.
“Guess.”
“Did your aunt say something?”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
“Guess.”
“I can’t guess,” Pei Songji said, playing along.
“Okay, okay,” he said, unable to contain his excitement any longer. “Mr. Pei, congratulations on your impending promotion to… boyfriend.”
He had expected Pei Songji to be equally thrilled, but he just smiled and continued walking.
Jing Ciying suddenly realized something. “Did you already know?” he asked, hurrying after him.
“Guess.”
Jing Ciying: “…”
Pei Songji’s casual response confirmed his suspicions. He must have done something behind his back.
“You must have bribed her.”
“Like?”
“Offered her five million yuan to approve of our relationship.”
“Good idea.”
Jing Ciying: “…”
“Seriously, though, what did you do?” The more evasive Pei Songji was, the more curious he became.
Pei Songji stopped, turning to face him. “Do you really want to know?”
“Yes! Tell me!”
Pei Songji grinned mischievously. “I’m not telling.”
“Pei Songji!” he exclaimed, wanting to bite him.
Pei Songji looked up. “It’s snowing.”
Jing Ciying looked up and saw snowflakes falling from the darkening sky.
But he wasn’t in the mood to admire the scenery. “Tell me, or I’ll freeze to death here.”
“I love you,” Pei Songji said softly.
“You…” He was flustered by the sudden confession, realizing they were still within the Pei family estate. Although his grandparents weren’t around, it still felt… inappropriate. He wanted to hide his face.
But before he could, he replied, “I love you too.”
Pei Songji and Jing Luomei arrived at his office.
He went to a filing cabinet, unlocked it, and retrieved a document, handing it to her.
“Aunt, please take a look at this.”
She opened it, puzzled. It was a notarized document.
She studied it carefully, finally understanding its contents.
It was a list of Pei Songji’s assets, all of which he had transferred to… Jing Ciying.
“What is this?” she asked, the weight of the document suddenly feeling heavy in her hands.
How could he do this?
But Pei Songji seemed unconcerned, stepping closer, his gaze sincere. “I know you’re worried about Xiaoying, and I know this isn’t what you want for him. This is my decision. This is everything I own. I’m giving it all to him. This is my… commitment. I’m entrusting everything to him.”
She was stunned, then she noticed the date on the document. Two months ago.
Two months ago… around the time they had started dating.
She was speechless, just repeating, “But… but…”
Pei Songji knew this wouldn’t completely allay her concerns. “And, Aunt, you were wrong about one thing. We can get married. I will marry him.”
“Married?” she was even more shocked.
“Yes. Same-sex marriage is legal in some countries. We’ll get married.”
“He’s my only one. I’ll love him forever, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.”
