161 The Family Business 3 (2/2)
”You're welcome, Mr.”
'Well, you can't say they're not polite.' Lin Kang observed as he turned to walk towards Xiu Ling's childhood home. Lin Kang knocked on the front door and a familiar voice that he had not heard for quite some time drifted out from within. ”Please wait for a minute. Coming.”
”Yes, good afternoon. How can I help...” The words froze on Mrs. Xiu's lips. Her eyes that landed on Lin Kang's face turned from friendliness to caution in mere seconds. In a more guarded tone, she asked, ”Why are you here?”
”Good afternoon, mother...” Lin Kang began to say when he was interrupted by Mrs. Xiu, ”Wait a minute, who are you calling mother, Mrs. Xiu will do just fine.”
”But Madam Xiu, you are Xiu Ling's mother and thus my mother-in-law so it is only right that I refer to you as...” Once again Lin Kang got cut off by Mrs. Xiu. The elderly woman scoffed, ”I have never acknowledged you as my son-in-law so like I said earlier, Mrs. Xiu will do just fine.”
The scoff rested uneasily on Mrs. Xiu's face like it was not an expression that the old lady used commonly. It felt like her facial muscle had a hard time moving into place to express the feeling of disdain that Mrs. Xiu tried to show.
Mrs. Xiu welcomed the world and everyone that she met with friendliness and kindness. She often greeted them with a smile. The only exception she had was Lin Kang because this was the man who cruelly kicked her out of his house and forbade her from seeing her own daughter and only grandson. It was already kind enough on Mrs. Xiu's part that she did not chase Lin Kang out with a broom directly. After all, it would only be fair to do so. He chased her out once and she was more than allowed to return the favor.
However, Mrs. Xiu's cordial nature compelled her to give Lin Kang a slight window to explain himself before chasing him out, ”So, why are you here. Say what you have to say and leave before I go and get the broom.”
Lin Kang knew things would not be so easy before he arrived. Then again, this was his own mistake. He was merely reaping the reward of the effort he sowed. Lin Kang had no one to blame but himself for Mrs. Xiu's aggression.
Lin Kang knew Mrs. Xiu would not hesitate to throw him out if he tried to feed her a long story to persuade her of his stance so he cut right to the point, ”Mother, I'm here today because I want to ask you for your blessing for me to be together with Xiu Ling. I've been...”
Once again, before Lin Kang could finish his sentence, Mrs. Xiu cut him off but this time not only with her words but also with her action.
”Never!” Mrs. Xiu slammed the door close.