Conversation, Waiting

Jing Qingxin listened earnestly and quietly to her mother’s guidance, responding softly, “I understand! Mom, have you ever made mistakes yourself? I don’t recall you or Dad ever mentioning any.”

Her mother chuckled, “Of course, I’ve made mistakes too! That was a very long time ago.” So long ago, in fact, that she nearly forgot she once endured such a bitter period.

“How did you know for sure that Dad was the person you could trust with your whole life?” Jing Qingxin asked, curiosity glimmering in her eyes.

Speaking of her husband, Mother Jing’s gaze overflowed with tender affection. “Your father seems rather reserved and stern at first glance, but that’s the result of years of military training and the nature of his work. He doesn’t say much in the way of sweet words, but he expresses his feelings through countless actions. He cares deeply about how I feel, listens to every word I say, and keeps everything about me close to his heart. Yuanyuan, you must remember this—no matter how sweetly a man speaks, if he doesn’t act accordingly or doesn’t care about your feelings or respect your wishes, he is not someone worthy of your sincere devotion.”

Jing Qingxin fell silent, then softly asked, “So, Mom, did you choose Dad because he shows his love through actions rather than words?”

“That’s one reason. Your father gives me a profound sense of security. I feel that his broad shoulders can shield me from all storms. With him, I feel safe and grounded. But most importantly, he loves me and I love him. We love each other. The most beautiful love in this world is mutual affection—a constant heartbeat, a flutter for each other that never fades.” Her mother’s lips curved into a blissful smile, her voice gentle; for a moment, she seemed wrapped in a warm, radiant glow—pure and lovely.

Jing Qingxin gazed at her mother, and in that moment, her understanding of life, love, and happiness gained a new definition and perception.

“Yes, I understand! Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll work hard to create my own happiness,” Jing Qingxin beamed a bright smile at her mother.

Mother Jing smiled in relief. Her children had always been considerate, intelligent, and exceptional, filling her with pride. Suddenly, recalling something, she asked with a smile, “Earlier this afternoon, Mingyu brought two bags, saying you had forgotten them in his car last night.”

“Yes, they’re mine. He didn’t say anything else, did he?” Jing Qingxin asked nonchalantly.

“He didn’t. He just dropped them off, said a few words, and left. Yuanyuan, are you really not interested in Mingyu?” Although she never interfered in her children’s affairs, Mother Jing couldn’t help but ask.

She knew her daughter well. Moreover, as someone who’d lived through it, she could see that Jing Qingxin had no romantic feelings for Mingyu. But she also knew that Mingyu truly loved her daughter and had persisted for many years.

“Mom…” Jing Qingxin pouted and glanced sidelong.

“Don’t worry, I won’t meddle. Just asking.” Seeing her daughter’s slight irritation, her mother quickly soothed her.

Suddenly, an image of Gao Shen flashed in Jing Qingxin’s mind, and she sighed inwardly, her mood sinking. She asked softly, “Mom, no matter what kind of person I choose, will you and Dad support me?”

“My silly girl, as long as he sincerely cherishes you and can take good care of you, we’ll naturally support you. Everything else is secondary,” Mother Jing replied candidly.

“Aren’t you worried I might pick someone unattractive, poor, or much older?” Jing Qingxin teased.

“We trust your judgment. As for poverty, that’s nothing—creativity and effort can overcome anything. And as for age, surely you wouldn’t choose someone older than your parents!” Her mother laughed.

“That’s not certain!” Jing Qingxin laughed playfully and ran inside.

If history was anything to go by, Gao Shen was indeed older than her parents! Jing Qingxin thought gleefully to herself, ignoring the most crucial issue.

But in the next moment, Jing Qingxin’s cheerful expression faded. What should she do? She lowered her head to look at the ancient ink jade pendant, falling once again into distress.

All day, Gao Shen’s heart was filled with anticipation and excitement, longing for nightfall so he could see her again.

He finished dinner early, washed up, and, before the night had fully descended, was already sitting by his bed, waiting.

Time gradually slipped away, darkness enveloped the earth, and Gao Shen had lost count of how many times he glanced at his watch. His initial joy and hope slowly gave way to anxiety as the hours ticked by.

He tried to calm his restless heart, his eyes fixed on the empty room, ears alert to every sound around him. The room was silent except for his soft breathing, and once more, Gao Shen felt the solitude of being alone in the world. Even his favorite books could not hold his interest now.

Thus, Gao Shen sat dazed by the bed, feeling the relentless passage of time.

As the clock hands crept past midnight, his anxiety grew. Why hadn’t she arrived? Had something happened?

The last two times, hadn’t she come before midnight? Now, it was well past twelve, and still no sign of her. His usually composed and cool demeanor revealed unease and confusion.

Gao Shen’s mind was full of questions, but he dared not think deeply, suddenly lacking the courage to face the answers those thoughts might bring.

He clenched his fists tightly, veins standing out on his forearms. Gao Shen took several deep breaths, trying to adjust his mood, to comfort himself: perhaps she was just delayed, maybe she would arrive soon.

At some point, the crowing of roosters echoed from outside, signaling the end of night and the gentle arrival of dawn.

Gao Shen blinked, seeking a brief respite for his tired, dry eyes. He had waited the entire night, yet the beautiful figure he longed for never appeared.

All night, Gao Shen tried to convince himself, conjuring countless explanations, refusing to believe or admit that she simply did not want to come. He believed she would come.

But when Jing Qingxin never appeared, Gao Shen lost all motivation—he had no desire to read, eat, or even apply his medicine. He just sat by the bed, waiting in a daze.

He held the ancient ink jade pendant, feeling dejected and annoyed. Unable to restrain himself, he punched the bedside cabinet, blood trickling from his knuckles. Gao Shen couldn’t understand: why could she bring the jade pendant and come to him, yet he could not go to her? Why was he forced to wait, so helpless?

After his outburst, Gao Shen’s heart sank into a deep gloom, the pain in his hand unnoticed.

He gently stroked the jade pendant, the only thing intimately connecting him to her, and whispered hoarsely, “Jing Qingxin… Qingxin… where are you? I’m waiting for you.”

– Author’s Note –

Waiting is happiness, and it is also bitterness.

This novel was first published by Xiaoxiang Book House. Please do not repost.