Chapter 45

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Their first weekend as a couple rolled round and Yin Ting andZhengqing would have loved to spend the days together but Yin Ting had otherplans; because on Sat.u.r.day, Queen YuFei summoned Yin Ting to accompany her. Andon Sunday, the pair was going to see Huizhu.

Yufei was now pregnant, and was also preparing for herwedding, so she needed the a.s.sistance of her friends. Although Yufei had toremind Yin Ting that she was now always with Zhengqing, Yin Ting compliedhappily.

But Zhengqing was unhappy with this, he thought Yufei wastroublesome. The reason being that YuFei was on leave due to tiredness fromher pregnancy, during the working day Yin Ting could always pop round to see her,but she did not pick a working day, she just had to chose a weekend. She wasclearly trying to prove something.

But Yin Ting said brightly to him, ‘The fact that she iswilling to bother me is nice. Can someone who doesn’t seem inclined to botheror manage you be called a friend?’ (Zuben: I’m not inclined to bother or managepeople so…)

Yes, his little girlfriend knew how to comfort the heart.

Therefore, they arranged to have breakfast together, and thenZhengqing drove Yin Ting to Yufei’s house after which he went to the gym totake care of his old body. After that he would pick up Yin Ting and they wouldgo food shopping together, then back to his place to have light snack and atidy up, then in the evening he would drive her home to have dinner with herfather.

During the week, Yin Ting had breakfast and lunch with herfather then had dinner with Zhengqing. But on the weekend, being out all day,it was only right she had dinner with her father. She didn’t want him tobelieve that Zhengqing was keeping her from spending time with him. Therefore,would have a poor impression of Zhengqing.

Zhengqing did not dare quibble, he was rather apprehensiveabout Yin Guohao. He was his future wife’s father. When Qin Wenyi told him hewould put in a good word with Guohao at their tea, Zhengqing instinctively feltapprehensive. Also he realised that Yin Ting had many methods of keeping him inline while also coping with her father.

When he spoke to Yin Ting about this, she put her nose up inthe air c.o.c.kily and said, ‘Of course, it’s only natural. My mother wanted me tolive well and be happy my whole life. So I have been preparing very diligentlyfor that.’

Zhengqing realised that all the reviews on restaurants andplaces might be her love collection. He realised she derived joy from havingmany experiences. For instance, he derived joy from working and making money,but Yin Ting was the type to seek and share new experiences and she wouldhappily spend a lot of time and energy on that. As he began to understand her,he realised he was now deriving half his joy from her happiness. But if shegave him half his joy, how much joy did he give her? He wondered.

‘Only half?’ she said when he told her, ‘It seems I must workharder,’ (Zuben: Half at this early stage is really good, dear)

‘Why?’ he asked incredulous,

‘Well, half isn’t absolute dominance in your heart.’

Zhengqing was mollified, ‘Owning half is really good inbusiness,’

Yin Ting smiled at his expression, she pecked him on the lipsand said, ‘Your seriousness is so cute!’

But he was serious, half the equity plus the right to operatewas a great deal! The terms of the contract are paramount.

She brought it up when she saw Yufei on the weekend whoreplied a little ill humoured, ‘Your happiness still loses before the pregnantabout to be married woman.’ (Zuben: Is that so? I’d like to know what thatwould turn into when the baby is keeping you up at night)

‘Who is comparing with you,’ Yin Ting replied. Though, in herheart she didn’t think her love would lose to Yufei.

‘So how are things?’ Yufei asked, she never worried abouttheir other friends, just this silly Xiaoting.

‘Nothing serious, as you know we just started. He only cameback a few days ago. However, we reached an agreement. I accompany him forsupper every evening; he gets off work early as much as possible. I have arranged time to see him so he cannot tell me he’s working late. We arranged his arrival with the traffic. He gave me money because I am responsible for buying our meals.’ Yin Ting recounted happily.

‘Have you been married for ten years?’ Yufei asked somewhatdumbfounded, home arrival time with rush hour calculations?

Yin Ting wrinkled her nose, ‘I hope I can be married for tenyears with this pleasant feeling.’

Yufei bit her lip and c.o.c.ked her head in thought, ‘I can’timagine what Yingjie would be like in a decade.’

‘I can imagine!’ Yin Ting said with her hand up,

‘Well I guess your imagination must be very good,’ Yufeireplied. She had no doubt that in Yin Ting’s mind everything was beautiful.‘Of course, you have two children, we have two children. They are having fun together.’

‘…’ Qin Yufei reacted little, ‘Two children, eh? Well I haveone now. But your love is new, how are you going to join in the fun?’

‘I must have two,’ Yin Ting said energetically, ‘Familieswith two children are always lively.’

‘…’ It seemed to Qin Yufei that marriage was not far from YinTing’s heart, ‘So are you determined to marry him? Does he share this thought?’

‘There is no need to determine, ah,’ Yin Ting said, ‘We loveeach other, naturally it will go down that route. The rest is that we managethe sentiment and life. What is there to determine, I love this persontherefore it has all been arranged. All we need is to ship the order.’

‘…’ ship the order? She was beginning to sound like Zhengqing.Her family’s Xiaoting has been brainwashed! It seems Zhengqing was teaching herall this management nonsense.

Yin Ting ignored Yufei’s dumbfounded expression andcontinued, ‘I told you I have laid down rules, I told him the day beforeyesterday he had to come back home on time. So the next day, I did not call himto remind him and he came back on time himself.’

‘What is this?’

‘Not for the sake of others, but for the sake of Justice(Zuben:?), but it was necessary to adjust his habit."

‘So you’re congratulating yourself after one day? Wait two orthree months, see if he doesn’t revert.’

‘Two or three months is short. My goal is two or three years,so he can learn to relax and gave a good work-life balance.’

‘It would be too difficult,’ Yufei said, ‘Some people arejust workaholics, Zhengqing is one. And he expects people to follow his exampletoo.’(Zuben: When did he ask you to follow his example?)

‘Therefore, someone needs to be there to care for him,’ shesaid pa.s.sionately, ‘Yufei, in his confession to me outlined his plan for ourrelationship. You may not be sure of him because you don’t know him, and youthink I am reckless, but I have confidence in him. He’s not after a girlfriend.He has a plan for the future, including pre marital agreements, how manychildren, even housework. He wants a home, Yufei, not just love. He wants afamily. And I want to give him that. I know I have money, but he is responsiblefor our care. I want to do what I can for him and he does what he can for me.He is so practical. His words were so touching.’ She finished with a sweetsigh.

Yufei did not say anything for a while; Yin Ting looked ather curiously and said, ‘Quickly ask me what he said,’

‘You’re so annoying,’ Yufei snapped (Zuben: It’s the both ofyou), ‘What? What did he say?’

‘He said as long as we both like each other, and we both workhard together that we can last a long time,’

Yufei blinked, ‘What is so moving about that?’

Yin Ting looked like she had been shot, and wailed inprotest, ‘You don’t get it!’

‘I felt that it was very hard for him to write those words.He thought about it seriously. He’s not the kind to be moved by beauty. See acute girl and want to chase chase chase!’

‘Are you talking about players?’

‘You have to admit that there are so many useless guys in theworld.’

‘Ah yes, he is very handsome, very gentle eyes, veryconsiderate. I want to chase chase chase!’ Yufei said mimicking Yin Ting.

Yin Ting glared at her, ‘Female rouge!’ she said withoutmalice.

Yin Ting froze, recalling something, ‘Yes oh!’ she jumped atYufei and shook her shoulder, ‘But now I have been reborn. I have now learnedto be serious, so serious!’

‘Wait a minute! I am a pregnant woman,’

‘Oh!’ Yin Ting stopped and patted Yufei’s tummy, ‘Are youalright?’

‘Ah let go,’ Yufei said shooing Yin Ting’s hand, ‘I’m justworried that you have been turned silly by him. Look at you talking about loveand foolishness,’

‘I am not silly; I only lack inspiration in this aspect.’ YinTing said softly, ‘That’s not right – it’s not that I lack inspiration; it isthat my inspiration has never had the chance to express itself. My routines areflexible. He is very easy to understand, and I can understand him.’ She restedher head on Yufei’s shoulder, ‘Don’t worry, Yufei, I have never been soconfident.’

While Yufei and Yin Ting were having their girl talk, QinWenyi and Yin Guhao were meeting for tea. They were also chatting about YinTing and Qiu Zhengqing,

‘Zhengqing is very good ah,’ Wen Yi said to Guohao, ‘I spenta lot of time trying to convince him to join my company. He is a very cautiousman. Very rational and is not enamoured with momentary gain.’

Guohao smiled and ate a piece of sweet but did not speak,

‘I really wanted him and Yufei to get along, but it did notwork out. Who would have thought it was your Xiaoting that would get caught.’

Guohao drank some tea and replied, ‘Even then, who knows whatwould happen,’

‘Children and grandchildren. You see Yufei and Yingjie, wedid not expect it, but now they are married.’

Guohao did not speak for a time, then he said, ‘Honestly, Iwould have preferred Yingjie,’

Wen Yi stared in mock horror, ‘Why are you after my son-in-law?’

Guohao laughed and poured Wen Yi more tea.

At that time, Zhengqing was at the cemetery.

He paid obeisance to his parents. With Yin Ting away, he’dfelt agitated. He did not have the desire to look at his work either. So hesimply came to see his parents. He took a bouquet of flowers to Yin Ting’smother’s grave. He stood at the head stone somewhat nervously.

The picture of Yin Ting’s mother on the head stone was ratheryouthful looking. She looked like Yin Ting. (Zuben: Insert random Chineseproverb about parents and their offspring involving elephants here)

Zhengqing cleared his throat wondering what to say. He didnot know how to talk to elders for his parents died when he was young. After alittle while he said, ‘Aunt, my name is Qiu Zhengqing, I am Xiaoting’sboyfriend. I love her very much. Thank you.’

Chapter 46

That evening, Yin Ting went home tohave dinner with her father.

‘Not having a date, tonight?’

‘I do,’ Yin Ting said with a brightsmile, ‘I dumped my boyfriend to have a date with daddy.’

Yin Guohao smiled, ‘Flatterer,’

Yin Ting was happy, he fatherlooked for relaxed and happy today. ‘Did you have a nice time with Uncle Qin attea? Did he invite you to Yufei’s wedding?’

‘Yes,’

‘Yufei asked me to be maid of honour,’Yin Ting said joyfully, ‘I told her I would agree if she threw the bouquet tome,’ hoping that her father would understand the implication.

‘Well, to get the bouquet you haveto start practising your skills, but you can’t be like Yufei, getting pregnantto get me to approve of you two. I will only break the b.a.s.t.a.r.d’s legs and Iwill raise my grandchild.’ He said casually

Yin Ting’s face flushed, ‘How couldthat…? How would it….?’ She and Zhengqing were just starting and were stilljust at the kissing stage. If he was thinking about that…Yin Ting’s face wenteven redder and she ducked her head into her bowl.

Guohao’s expression was dark, andhe coughed. He really had not realised his daughter was this deeply in love.

Later that even, Guohao went to YinTing’s room to check on her and tell her goodnight. He found at her desk with apile of photos before her immersed in what she was doing.

‘What are you up to?’ he asked.

‘Making a gift for my boyfriend,’

‘…’ Guohao did not reply. Hewatched her glance at the electronic photo frame. He knew it was a gift fromZhengqing, and it was something that he had written and Yin Ting treasured it.She held it gently while smiling foolishly, and stroking the frame.

Guohao thought of Wen Yi’sevaluation of Zhengqing. He had only met the younger man once; he seemed matureand serious and had an air of experience. He was completely different from thetype his daughter had pursued before, so such a feeling of love must havehappened suddenly. Seeing that photo frame he understood; when a man waspursuing a woman his intelligence quotient went up a few notches. Guohao hadalso been like this. Like her mother before her, Yin Ting was a romantic.

Guohao did not make any commentsbut asked his daughter to get some rest and bid her goodnight.

The next day, Yin Ting andZhengqing met again. He asked if her father spoke of him, ‘Qin Zong said hewould be having tea with your father, did they talk about me?’

‘…’ Yin Tin was reminded offather’s words, and they had just been kissing. She could feel Zhengqing’sexcitement as he touched her. She had not stopped him, but he had held back.After they were calm, he started the car and drove on.

He turned to Yin Ting and noticedher blushing, ‘What happened? Why are you blushing?’ Then he remembered theirenthusiasm kissing earlier, he coughed and said, ‘Next time, just push meaway.’

Why would she do that? She did nothate him. But decided to tell him what her father said,

‘Dad said if I bring a big bellyback home, he would break your legs.’

Zhengqing almost lost control ofthe car. When he got himself together, ‘What did you say that gave him such animpression?’

‘I didn’t say anything,’ Yin Tinreplied giving him a comforting pat, ‘You men have a common incorrigibility,therefore, my father was just warning me in advance,’ (Zuben: c.o.c.kblocking)

Zhengqing was unable to refute. Butsuch a feeling was normal in a relationship. Of course he desired Tingting, butthat was normal and he was really restrained. Could he really not do the naughty?

He got a bit cranky. (Zuben: Unlessyou’re planning on taking out a full page ad in the newspaper about yourcopulation, Yue Zhang Ren doesn’t have to know)

The car drove past a hospital, ‘Ah,after the New Year,’ Yin Ting said suddenly remembering, ‘we should find timeto take Miao-dada to the vet.’

Zhengqing frowned worried, ‘Why?’His dada was very healthy, strong and magnificent (Zuben: LOL) He ate well, hada chubby body, and slept well. What did he need surgery for?

‘Sterilisation, ah,’ Yin Ting saidblinking, ‘aka castration. You understand, don’t you?’

‘…’ he did (Zuben: What did youunderstand?)

‘It needs to be done after seven oreight months, dada is old enough now. If it isn’t done, he’d going to bemarking his territory everywhere at home, and then he could get destructive. Iasked the vet initially when dada was still straying and he told me not to doit; he could get bullied by another tomcats otherwise. But now that he has ahome, he can be safe and cared for while he is recuperating.’

Though Yin Ting was explainingearnestly, it took a different meaning in Zhengqing’s head. She was justconveying father-in-law’s warning,

‘I’ll think about it,’ Dada was hiscat; he had to fight for him as its master. They were both men, he needed tohelp Dada (Zuben: Gotta fight for your right to partay!)

Yin Ting turned to him and said,‘The cat is not the same as the man, you know that right? I have information onit and a few cat care books, I will show you.’

‘Fine,’ he realised quickly thatMiao-Dada could not escape his destiny. He sympathised.

‘Why do you have that expression?’Yin Ting said looking at him, ‘My father would not do that to you.’ shelaughed.

Thank you, my angel, you comfort myheart.

They arrived at Huizhi’s offices.It was to sign the contract between Huizhu and Yin Ting. Yin Ting owned 40% ofthe shares, and the contract outlined responsibilities and rights amongst otherthings. Zhengqing was very thorough in this aspect, not just because Huizhu washis friend.

They toured the new offices. YinTing had been several times, but it was Zhengqing’s first time. The s.p.a.ce wastastefully decorated and looked very fashionable. Huizhu told him Yin Tinghelped with the interior decoration, and her eye for colour was good. Yin Tingsmiled happily at her praise. As Huizhu led them around, they walked a fewpaces behind her,

Yin Ting preened and said, ‘Youagree that the kitchen and living room are more beautiful.’

Zhengqing reluctantly agreed but hesaid, ‘Don’t remind me why it all had to be changed.’

‘I would like to change the studyand the bedroom too,’

‘Would you also like to trade g1?’

Yin Ting coloured and said, ‘Yousaid something naughty,’

Zhengqing was startled; he blurtedhis naughty thoughts out. Now she knew he was a pervert. (Zuben: Calm downdear) He had been imagining Xiaoting in his bed…he wondered about his father inlaw expression if he could see his thoughts. Zhengqing put on a straight faceand said, ‘Why does the furniture colour need to change?’

Ying Ting laughed and said, ‘You’requite bothersome,’ she pulled his head closer to her and whispered, ‘Does yourbed squeak?’ (Zuben: If it doesn’t now, it will eventually)

Zhengqing almost tripped on his ownfeet, ‘Miss Yin Ting,’ he growled.

Yin Ting giggled.

‘Don’t hara.s.s your boyfriend.’

‘You two,’ Huizhu said calling backto them, ‘can you please consider the feelings of us single people and stopflirting?’

Yin Ting bounced forward,‘Reprimand him, he’s being bad.’

Zhengqing stared in surprise, hewas innocent. He wasn’t the one asking what colour and the squeakiness of hisbed. She had been provoking him.

Huizhu and Zhengqing talked aboutbusiness and Yin Ting went to make tea. Huizhu took the opportunity to talk toZhengqing,

‘Well done for picking Yin Ting.Picking her was a smart thing,’ (Zuben: Was it?)

‘Thank you,’ he replied softly. Healso felt that he had made a wise choice.

‘I imagine that if we had gottogether, all we would do is talk about work and barely see each other because weare working long hours. And we would always sleep late.’

Zhengqing laughed. Originally, thethought would not have bothered him, but now, things were different.

‘You’re really lucky. I envy you,’

‘You’ll also meet someone right foryou,’

‘Will I? I am a woman and pastthirty. The pool is small.’ She said with a shrug, ‘These days, I don’t thinkthere is anything wrong with being single.’

‘We are similar people. I alwaysthought the same. But now, I think that having someone is really good. At firstI didn’t know what I was missing, but now my thoughts are different.’

‘Are you trying to say, I don’thave it so I would not know?’

‘I was referring to myself,’

‘I feel like I am looking in themirror when I look at you,’ she said, ‘but I probably would not be like you,everyone’s luck is different.’

Was it? Zhengqing asked, thinkingof what Yin Ting said about Wu Fei being interested in Huizhu. He did not knowif it was true, even if it was true, he could not guess how it would turn outfor both of them. Zhengqing suddenly found himself not the same as before. Henever used to care about anything outside of work, but now in his old age,he seemed to be worried about the feelings of others.

But he really could not afford tothink about other people’s hearts, his heart wasn’t settled.

It was late in the night and hehadn’t fallen asleep. His future father-in-law and his future wife were on hismind on repeat. His heart was not settled. Then he found himself wondering ifhis bed was squeaky. He rocked the bed a few times as he lay there, the actionmade him think of Yin Ting. He felt himself harden. He tried to calm himselfdown, but to no avail. Finally he got out of bed and went to the bathroom.Should he take a cold unhealthy shower? Doing that was healthy right? (Zuben:Cold showers don’t work for me)

[1] g – the p.e.n.i.s.

Index ❀ Chapter 47 & 48...

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