Chapter 18 (2/2)

“I thought you had at least a little love for me.”

“I’m just an ordinary person. For a boy of your calibre to like me, I may one day look back on this and feel very privileged. But it’s so hard for me right now. What I want is to be in love with an equal but you don’t even respect me. Ju An was right, I don’t dare love you. That day you asked me if there was any possibility between us if you changed your temper. My reply is you don’t have to change for me. You’re wonderful in your own way; it’s just that you’re not my type. If you were to get together with someone compatible, someone like Meng Xue or anyone else really, you would definitely be happy.”

“What nonsense!” Cheng Zheng laughed bitterly although his face was stiff. “What do you mean you don’t dare to love me? You’re just afraid of giving yourself to this relations.h.i.+p so you don’t want to try. You’re so selfis.h.!.+”

Yun Jin nodded “You’re right; I am a selfish person by nature so I won’t try. I’m glad you know this.”

The ceremony was a simple but joyous affair. Friends and family of both sides all made it a point to attend and the venue was filled with a joyous atmosphere. No one sensed a young boy and girl growing further apart.

In his role as Yun Jin’s boyfriend, Cheng Zheng naturally won the compliments of the guests. But no one was more enamoured with him than Yun Jin’s eighty-year-old maternal great-grandmother who held tightly onto his hand and refused to let go. Throughout the ceremony, Cheng Zheng refused to interact with Yun Jin but concentrated on lapping up the atmosphere and praises. Who knew that the old lady would send for Yun Jin? Clasping their hands respectively in hers, she told Yun Jin repeatedly, “Ah Jin, this guy is not bad.”

Yun Jin didn’t know if she should laugh at the absurdity of it all or cry in indignation. The old lady had cataracts for a few years now and was unable to see anyone’s features, how would she know he was any good? So she knelt next to her and asked “Granny, tell me exactly which aspect of him is good?”

The matriarch replied benevolently “Isn’t he Chen Zhen? Chen Zhen is a good man, he helped Huo Yuan Jia defeat the j.a.panese …”

On hearing this, Yun Jin couldn’t help but burst into laughter. On the other hand, Cheng Zheng could only stare agape and was completely dumbfounded. Laughter aside, granny solemnly brought their two hands together and said “I’m old now and I don’t know how much longer I can live. If you two get married and I’m still around, you must personally come to inform me.”

Cheng Zheng looked over at Yun Jin who said nothing. Then, Yun Jin used her free hand to pat the old lady rea.s.suringly on her arm and promised good-naturedly “Don’t worry granny, this I promise you.” Seeing the old lady break out into a wide smile, Yun Jin apologized internally I’m sorry granny. I’m afraid there’ll never be this day.

The day after the wedding, Cheng Zheng returned home. Not long after, Yun Jin returned to school as well. Her mother had naturally moved over to uncle’s place and Yun Jin had stayed there a couple of days.

His residence was far better than their simple flat and he was very warm and considerate towards Yun Jin although there was a hint of carefulness in his every action. Yun Jin sensed she was being subconsciously treated as a guest. Since she was a guest, then she should not outstay her welcome.

When her third year commenced, her young tutee also entered high school and no longer sought tuition from her. Both uncle and her mother objected to her applying for a school bursary and had insisted on paying for her living expenses and school fees. Initially Yun Jin had rejected their goodwill but that only made her mother cry.

“Yun Jin, take it that you’re easing my guilt.”

Yun Jin was not inflexible; she knew accepting their offer would make everyone feel better so she relented.

Now that she did not have to worry about her finances, Yun Jin had a surplus of free time. Since helping out at the administrative department had become second nature to her, she decided to continue with it. However, she no longer saw the person and his familiar, rea.s.suring smile. She heard that he had successfully settled into life at Yong Kai. The person she once thought she could spend eternity with, now no longer had anything to do with her.

As for Cheng Zheng, she never saw him again that year. The little she learnt about him came from Yu Hua and talk mostly revolved around him winning more compet.i.tions.

He had always been outstanding. After they kept their distance, he was still the capable Cheng Zheng. Perhaps, he would slowly forget about the girl he once loved who had let him down.

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