Chapter 17 (2/2)

Now that Yun Jin had given her blessings, there was nothing else in the way of the couple and so the matrimonial preparations went underway. Originally, her mother intended to make it a simple affair with a straightforward solemnization at the city hall but he had insisted on giving her a ceremony however simple it may be. Regarding this point, Yun Jin was of one mind with him. Thus, she a.s.sisted her mother in the busy preparations.

Two days before the wedding, Yun Jin and her mother were returning home with bags and bags of stuff when their neighbour called out with a huge smile on her face “Yun Jin! Look who’s here.”

Just as she was wrapping her head around the fact that someone had come to see her, a familiar figure walked out of her neighbour’s place.

Yun Jin sighed “What are you doing here?”

“To see you of course.” He smiled and replied matter-of-factly.

“Oh Yun Jin, that’s not the way to treat your boyfriend! You should have been home to receive him; he’s been waiting for you the entire morning.”

“That’s a small matter aunty. It’s only right that I should wait for her. Besides, if it weren’t for her coming back late, how would I have the opportunity to drink such fine tea at your place?”

Her neighbor was pleased at the compliment and smiled widely.

Yun Jin observed this ridiculous scene in silence. This fellow was getting out of hand! How did he manage to get the sternest neighbor in the entire block eating out of the palm of his hand? Her neighbor even called him an endearing “Ah Zheng” which sent s.h.i.+vers down her spine.

“Yun Jin, this is …?” Her mother hesitated as she studied Cheng Zheng carefully.

“h.e.l.lo aunty! I’m Yun Jin’s … senior high cla.s.smate!” Cheng Zheng was quick to introduce himself. Although this was the truth, the sly hesitation in his words made it seem like he was hinting at something more between them.

Her neighbour laughed with mirth. “My, he’s shy isn’t he? I say, Mdm Su, your Yun Jin has really landed herself a good catch. Casting Ah Zheng’s good looks and temper aside, he’s also a brilliant student!”

Her mother’s eyes brightened at the mention. Cheng Zheng’s handsome features and good manners had already given her a wonderful first impression. With the welcoming news that he was also very smart, she would be a fool to reject such an ideal son-in-law.

If looks could kills, Cheng Zheng would have long been vaporized by Yun Jin’s glare. He smiled smugly back at her, all try causing a scene if you dare.

“Let’s talk at home.” Seeing the look on her mother’s face, she knew that the unspoken exchange between Cheng Zheng and her was misinterpreted as affectionate.

After Cheng Zheng had cheerily bid her nieghbour goodbye, she trudged home with him close behind.

Back home, just as she was pouring him some tea, her mother quickly maneuvered her into the kitchen. “Yun Jin, why haven’t you mention your boyfriend before?” her mother asked in a low voice.

Yun Jin rolled her eyes, “He’s already said he’s my senior high cla.s.smate.”

“Don’t you lie to me! Since when has a cla.s.smate ever travelled all this way to visit?” While her mother’s tone was harsh, it belied the satisfied smile on her face. “But this is also for the best. I always felt that I’ve let you down and was worried you’ll feel alone. Now that someone’s looking out for you, I can relax a little.” She continued.

Yun Jin remained silent. She initially wanted to deny and air her grievances with that awful fellow but after her mom’s heartfelt speech, she no longer had the heart to do so.

Walking back to the living room, she spied Cheng Zheng looking intently around him. Yun Jin set a cup of tea in front of him huffily and said “You’re so used to living in luxury; I bet you’ve never seen such a bare place.”

Cheng Zheng took a sip of tea and replied “I don’t find it bare. I’ve lived in a flat before you know, back when I was younger. Your house is really neat and tidy. I can tell aunty puts in a lot of effort.”

“Oh it’s nothing much.” Yun Jin’s mother was both happy and bashful. “You two sit here and chat, I’ll go make dinner.”

Once her mother disappeared into the kitchen, Yun Jin said firmly in a low voice “Okay, you’ve acted all you want. Will you please leave now?”

Cheng Zheng replied “Why … is your house plastered with those matrimonial decorations? Could it be that aunty knew I was coming and wants us to quickly consummate our marriage?”

If not for fear of attracting her mother’s attention, Yun Jin would have flung the hot tea at Cheng Zheng’s annoying face. Her jaw clenched “It’s for my mom. She’s getting married again.”

Although she had prepared herself for Cheng Zheng’s teasing, none came at all much to her surprise.

Her mother served dinner in no time and it was a more thoughtful fare than usual. She was even attentive to Cheng Zheng and continuously placed more food in his dish.

Yun Jin had no appet.i.te. After a few mouthfuls she said to Cheng Zheng “You better hurry and eat. There’s only one bus back to the city; you’ll miss it if you take any longer.”

On hearing this, Cheng Zheng placed his chopsticks down and turned to aunty sincerely “Aunty, since I happen to be here, I was wondering if I could attend your wedding?” He quickly tucked his foot under his chair to avoid any indignant kicking.

Yun Jin’s mother blushed furiously and replied “You’re more than welcome to! We don’t have many relatives anyway so it would be nice to have you as a guest. I wouldn’t mind you staying here till the big day either except that our house is very plain. I’m afraid you won’t be used to it.”

“Of course not aunty! I like your house!” Cheng Zheng got what he asked for and was grinning like a Ches.h.i.+re cat. When her mother was not paying attention, he stuck out his tongue at Yun Jin in triumph.

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