Chapter 51
Fang’s mother smiled warmly, clearly very happy. While tending to the flowers, she continued talking to Fang Jing Yao: “I guessed as much. Long Yu has been thoughtful, sending flowers for over half a month. If you’d come back a few days earlier, you could have seen even more. Some of the earlier bouquets didn’t last long. Since I didn’t see you coming back, I gave them to Aunt Du upstairs while they were still fresh.” She paused, then happily added, “I even gave a few to Little He’s mom.”
Fang Jing Yao couldn’t help laughing. “You’re comparing with Little He’s mom?”
Fang’s mother: “Oh, it’s not comparing! It’s called courtesy. Last time, she also gave your dad some Robu tea, saying it was brought specially from Xinjiang by Little He’s partner. She even showed me the big box—it was embarrassing to bring her over. But the flowers Long Yu sent are really lovely.”
Fang Jing Yao teased her, pretending to be stern: “Little He’s mom is ridiculous, making such a fuss over a gift. From today on, don’t go dancing in the square with her.”
Fang’s mother shook her head: “No way. Our old friends already agreed, and we even bought matching uniforms and fans. Hehe.”
Fang Jing Yao knew his mother had a few close friends. Over the years, their bond had grown deep. Though there were occasional small competitions, neighbors often helped each other. The old ladies would quarrel lightly during the day, then still hold hands at night to dance in the square. If one was absent, they would call to check. Fang Jing Yao found them endearing.
Fang’s mother hummed while tending the flowers. Though her face showed signs of aging, her crow’s feet spoke of joy and contentment. At her age, she smiled daily—partly because of her broad mind and calm attitude, partly because her husband and son pampered her. Life was comfortable.
Huangmao wandered near her feet, trying to nibble a leaf. She quickly scooped him up: “Oh, good boy, don’t eat that…”
Fang Jing Yao was a bit shocked. Long Yu’s position in his mother’s heart was so high that even the flowers he sent were off-limits to Huangmao? He used to pamper Huangmao the most. When busy drawing, he didn’t mind if Huangmao nibbled on his keyboard. Now his mother’s care seemed even greater. Could Long Yu’s status in the family surpass Huangmao?
Just as Fang Jing Yao imagined a palace-intrigue-style rise to power, he heard his mother gently scolding Huangmao: “So dirty! This leaf isn’t even cleaned. Wait, Bao’er.”
She grabbed a damp cloth and cleaned the leaf Huangmao wanted, choosing the freshest, greenest one for him.
Curious, Huangmao nibbled a bit, then twisted his body to rub against the flowers, and soon went to his mother for attention again, mewing “mew mew.” He stretched lazily at her feet, rolling over to expose his soft belly, pink paws outstretched, like he was “kneading milk” in the air—adorably delicate.
Fang’s mother massaged Huangmao’s belly, playfully talking to him: “Oh, you missed mommy? Mommy’s good boy, precious little baby!”
With Huangmao’s status secured, Fang Jing Yao felt more at ease and joined in playing with the cat. He brought a small stool to sit next to his mother, helping trim some yellowing leaves. Suddenly, he said: “Mom, Long Yu and I have been thinking these days, and we want to settle our relationship. He suggested coming to our home first, to meet you properly and have a meal.”
Fang’s mother paused, stroking Huangmao, then looked up joyfully at Fang Jing Yao: “So soon you’ve decided?”
Fang Jing Yao nodded: “Yes, haven’t you been urging me?”
She playfully scolded: “I only wanted you to be more proactive. Good conditions aren’t easy to come by. Don’t miss it lightly. But you can think carefully; after all, marriage is a big matter…”
Fang Jing Yao deliberately teased: “Yes, I’ll think about it properly when I get home.”
Fang’s mother laughed at him: “You better come back to me.”
Fang Jing Yao grinned: “I’m not going far!”
She thought for a moment, then told him: “These past few days, a few packages arrived for you from Beijing.”
Fang Jing Yao: “Oh, sent by Yifan, right?”
Fang’s mother shook her head: “No, Luo Yi.”
Fang Jing Yao’s expression didn’t change much. “Then just throw them out.”
Fang’s mother’s smile faded slightly. She knew the name Luo Yi. When Fang Jing Yao mentioned liking boys in college, he brought up Luo Yi. Over the years, their on-and-off relationship wasn’t often discussed again. She had always felt Luo Yi wasn’t reliable. When Zhuo Yifan stayed at their home, he also mentioned him briefly, which made her uneasy.
Fang’s mother sighed, sitting down to talk to her son: “Jing Yao, I have something to say.”
Fang Jing Yao looked up at her, handsome and charming, with gentle eyes that could melt anyone’s heart.
She ruffled his hair: “When you were little, you were very likable. The first time I was called to your kindergarten, the little girls were fighting for the flowers in your hand. When I got there, you three little ones cried like little potatoes, so aggrieved. I thought then, when you grow up, it wouldn’t be hard for you to get a wife.”
Fang Jing Yao gently nudged her hand with his head, smiling with his eyes.
“Later, when you said you liked boys, I didn’t understand at first, but I didn’t stop you. The books say it’s natural, not an illness. Nowadays, with science, having children isn’t hard. Even if you don’t want kids, I don’t care. As long as I can raise you well, I’m satisfied.” She pinched his face, smiling. “Who you love doesn’t matter. Remember our family rules. How did I always teach you?”
Fang Jing Yao: “I know. Be an upright person.”
Fang’s mother playfully smacked him: “Not just upright, be proper. I always raised you like a good child. Good means doing nothing shameful, speaking up when needed, never letting anyone poke fun at you, and protecting our family’s honor.”
Fang Jing Yao laughed and nodded.
She looked at him, slightly concerned: “What about Luo Yi? How do you feel?”
Fang Jing Yao: “Mom, don’t you know me? If I really liked him, I wouldn’t have let go. But since I did, I feel nothing. I’m very happy now. With Long Yu by my side, he really treats me well. I like him a lot.”
Fang’s mother said: “Jing Yao, remember, before marriage, consider your feelings carefully. After marriage, like everyone else, you can only be devoted to one person. Promises must be kept. If you choose Long Yu, you cannot wrong him.”
Fang Jing Yao smiled: “Okay.”
She patted his shoulder, tidied his hair, and advised: “Don’t make life hard for yourself. I and your dad are old, have pensions, and don’t expect you to take care of us. We just want you to have someone by your side, not be lonely. Youth is for fun, but after your thirties or forties, it’s nice to have someone. If we’re gone one day… we’ll be at ease.”
Fang Jing Yao hugged her, teasing softly: “Okay.”
She smacked him lightly: “You just act cute with me. If I find out you’re with someone else, looking for another, I’ll break your legs with a stick. I’m serious! Our family doesn’t produce morally corrupt people! Got it?”
Fang Jing Yao raised his right hand, swearing seriously: “Got it, Mom. Don’t worry. I’ve decided. I’ll spend my life with Long Yu.”
Fang’s mother finally smiled again: “When is Long Yu coming? Your dad and I are free; we’ll work around your schedule.”
Fang Jing Yao thought: “Saturday? He’s busy on weekdays, only weekends free. How about noon this Saturday?”
Fang’s mother nodded, pleased, repeatedly reminding him not to rush, to rest more, and to take care of Long Yu. “He seems refined and introverted; you need to be considerate. Once married, you must treat your wife well. Understand?”
Fang Jing Yao looked at her with a strange expression. He felt his mother might have misunderstood something, but at the same time, it gave his ego a small boost. He quickly promised, “Don’t worry, I’ll treat my wife well, really pamper him!”
Fang’s mother beamed with happiness. When Fang Jing Yao was about to leave, she picked out a big bouquet for him to take along. “Take this back for Long Yu. Who cares about flowers for men or women? He made the first move, so don’t be shy. He’ll be happy when he sees it.”
Fang Jing Yao carried the large bouquet back home. Joyful and in high spirits, his already handsome face seemed even more attractive. Smiling and holding the flowers, he walked down the street, drawing glances from several passing girls.
Passing by a cake shop, Fang Jing Yao went in to pick a cake for Long Yu, planning for them to celebrate that evening. He bent over to carefully select a cake, finally tapping on a rustic berry cream cake behind the glass display: “This one, please. Add a chocolate message, pack it to go. Thank you!”
The salesgirl asked, “Sure! What do you want it to say?”
Fang Jing Yao thought for a moment, smiling a little embarrassed: “Hmm… just something simple, ‘I love you.’”
The sweetness and happiness radiating from him were almost sweeter than the cake itself. The salesgirl smiled and packaged it for him, while Fang Jing Yao hummed softly, eyes tracking the cake as if it carried little stars in them.
A few girls buying cakes nearby blushed at the sight. One bold girl sneaked a blurry photo of his side profile. Soon, Fang Jing Yao’s cake was ready; he took it and left quickly, as if rushing to meet the person he missed the most.
