Su Chenghui suddenly looked pensive. He looked on as both Huo Jinyao and Xiang Caiping were putting food into Su Qingsangâs bowl.
He listened to Shi Mengwanâs recount of the interesting happenings that occurred during Su Qingsangâs time in college and as a post-graduate student.
He also got to know about some notable things that happened to Su Qingsang when she was working in the hospital. He suddenly realized how, despite his close proximity to his daughter, it was the first time he felt he had an in-depth understanding of her.
Prior to this, he had been so much closer to Su Peizhen.
He remembered vividly when Su Peizhen first teethed, spoke, learned to walk, went to kindergarten, attended college, and even when she first received a love letter from her classmate.
However, what about Su Qingsang? He could not recall anything at all.
He remained silent, and no one talked to him.
From time to time, Huo Jinyao would ask him briefly about work-related matters. He answered a little distractedly.
He thought about his purpose in coming here today and his gaze fell on Xiang Caiping. She was looking at Su Qingsang at the moment and listening to her description of some interesting interns in the hospital she worked in.
The edges of her eyes crinkled as she smiled benignly. She could only see her daughter and was giving her whole-hearted attention.
âIâm so full.â Shi Mengwan patted her stomach. âWoe is me. Iâm going to be two kilograms heavier tomorrow.â
âJudging by your figure, you can afford to put on even five kilograms.â Shi Mengwan was not skinny, but she was definitely not plump.
âDonât say that. The weather is turning frosty, and I can feel that Iâm gaining weight around my waist. I will have to go on a diet if I continue eating like this.â
âYoung lady, what diet are you talking about? You donât need it.â Xiang Caiping gazed at both women. âNeither of you is allowed to go on any diet. Your health is of the utmost importance. Mengwan, especially you. Iâll whip up some nice dishes the next time you come over.â
âAuntie, youâre going to fatten me up like a pig if you keep up with this.â
âNo pig could be so beautiful.â Xiang Caipingâs amusing banter caused Shi Mengwan to erupt into laughter. The traces of a smile on Su Qingsangâs face also became more apparent.
âIâm feeling full too.â
Su Qingsang stood upright and noticed that Su Chenghui was still in his seat. She switched her gaze to Huo Jinyao.
âWell, shall we go for a walk and try to digest some of our hearty meal?â
âIâll go too.â Shi Mengwan stood up as well. âLetâs go together. Do you mind me being the third wheel?â
âI do mind.â
âI donât mind.â
Su Qingsang could not help but glare at Huo Jinyao. âWhatâs up with you?â
Huo Jinyao cleared his throat. âItâs getting late, so Mengwan must be going to head back to rest.â
Shi Mengwan blinked and turned to look in Xiang Caipingâs direction. âAuntie, look. Iâm being ostracised.â
âAuntie will not neglect you. Stay and keep me company.â
âThank you, Auntie.â Shi Mengwan placed a palm over her chest and kept her mock look of hurt on her face. âHowever, Iâve been injured, so Iâm going to head home and nurse this bruised heart of mine alone.ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âMengwan...â
âMother, weâll head down first.â
Su Qingsang could not bear to stay around any longer. She could see that Su Chenghui had something to say to Xiang Caiping about. It was better to give them some privacy.
âQingsang.â
âMother,â Su Qingsang placed her hand over Xiang Caipingâs and pulled herself away. âWeâll just take a walk in the neighborhood. Itâs alright.â
âI...â
âAuntie, Iâll be leaving too.â Shi Mengwan stood up. âActually, I canât bear to be the third wheel. I still have to head home to continue with my sketches.â
The three young people left. Sister Lu deftly cleared the dishes, washed them and left too.
Within thirty minutes, only Su Chenghui and Xiang Caiping were left in the apartment.