UD: C34
Wear kimono, watch the cherry blossoms, look at the deer, and eat ramen!
This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)
Every person has the right to chose, and that young woman has made a decision of her own. We, the outsiders, can't actually say anything about such a thing, as she clearly has made this choice of hers.
So now, with Xiao Huaisu hand in mine, we ran after Li You. When we got to her, he pulled off his hat and placed it on her head, saying, "Stop running so quickly, alright? Be careful so you don't fall into the lake."
The day before the new year, Xiao Huaisu had gone on a business trip, so I took Li You back to Lee Moli's to bum a meal. But Lee Moli was also too lazy to cook something as well, so the next day we each dragged our burdensome oil drums over[1] to join in on Zhang Dong's wedding celebrations, with the main purpose of bumming a meal. I only remembered the day after Lee Moli brought it up, thinking: Oh, this new year's day was the big happy day for Zhang Dong.
So in response to his question I replied: "Alright then. I originally wasn't planning to have a second child so soon."
When Li You mentioned it, I thought she had just said it casually, never expecting Xiao Huaisu would've been so attentive so as to see the like in her eyes so clearly. What's more, that he would also wear the kimono along with her to keep her from feeling uneasy.
"I don't think so, though. I heard it was a case of 'getting on the bus then now having to buy ticket'. So I figure by this coming summer, I'll be back here after this shotgun goes off to deliver a gift in celebration of a little one's first month of life."
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
Normally, in light of the collegial relationship between Zhang Dong and myself, I was supposed to offer him a wedding gift. But due to the relationship between his mother and mine, she was the one to offer the gift, so as a younger member of our family, I no longer had to gift one on my own.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
The first thing I showed was a look of shock, but after I noticed this kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu have such an imposing figure along with a majestic air, his handsomeness made it hard for a person to look away. A bit later, I managed to notice there was a men's kimono neatly folded beside me.
N/A
It was a happy affair, really happy.
When she sat on the merry-go-round, there a trace of doubt in her gaze, but when she saw me running beside her, her eyes bent into the shape of a crescent moon as she smiled.
Once we were there, Li You took a seat beside Lee Moli, and I went to the table for Zhang Dong's colleagues. There, as soon as I took my seat, I was greeted with my co-workers kind regards.
Listening to those colleagues of mine chatter away about this and that, the gloomy feeling in the pit of my gut lighten up by a bit. After a few more lines of gossip, the lights within the hall slowly grew dimmer while the notes of soft and moving music filled the air. The bride then walked slowly towards her groom standing at the alter, her arm linked with the one belonging to her dad. As she walked, the bounds of joy within her eyes was clear to see, and coupled with her the delicate makeup she wore, she appeared quite beautiful and lovely. Behind her was a girl carrying her train, and two more were beside her throwing flower petals which were coloured pink. Then, when the master of ceremonies announced for the bride and groom to kiss, everyone stood up and gave a round of applause.
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
While on the plane, Li You was looking at a brochure about Japanese culture. In it, she a saw a man wearing a kimono standing on a road smiling brightly. Pointing at this picture, she then asked me: "Dad, this outfit looks really nice, what's it called?"
"Li Tian, come take a seat over here. Plus, why did you now just arrive?"
Xiao Huaisu's voice was gentle, much like these cherry blossoms that began blooming in March. The soft wind blew against his face, the gentle warmth and joy within it, unable to be concealed. Making it seem as though whatever she asked of him, he would leave all principles aside and respond with a solid "yes".
But, for some reason couldn't put my finger on, this wedding of Zhang Dong's had me feeling kind of sad. So when I answered them, my voice was low as I said: "Oh, I just got up too late."
The day before the new year, Xiao Huaisu had gone on a business trip, so I took Li You back to Lee Moli's to bum a meal. But Lee Moli was also too lazy to cook something as well, so the next day we each dragged our burdensome oil drums over to join in on Zhang Dong's wedding celebrations, with the main purpose of bumming a meal. I only remembered the day after Lee Moli brought it up, thinking: Oh, this new year's day was the big happy day for Zhang Dong.
"Anyway, Zhang Dong and the rest of us were in the same group of recruits, but that guy is moving at light speed. He's something else." Another colleague of ours chimed in admiringly with a click of the tongue.
But, for some reason couldn't put my finger on, this wedding of Zhang Dong's had me feeling kind of sad. So when I answered them, my voice was low as I said: "Oh, I just got up too late."
"I don't think so, though. I heard it was a case of 'getting on the bus then now having to buy ticket'[2]. So I figure by this coming summer, I'll be back here after this shotgun goes off to deliver a gift in celebration of a little one's first month of life."
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
拖油瓶: tuo1 you2 ping2: [lit] dragging the oil drum; [fig] a burden. It's a term to describe a woman who brings along the children of her previous husband into her new marriage. But it apparently came from another term that sounds similar (拖有病: tuo1 you3 bing2: dragging the sick) Turns out, shіt happens, and if you're a guy marrying a widow back in the olden days, it meant your family situation wasn't good. So when shіt happened to the kids of the previous husband, the old husband's family would point fingers at the new husband. So to clear his name, hubby #2 would get someone to write up a note saying the kids came sick from the get-go. That way, if they accidentally went to meet their sky-daddy, hubby #2 can't be blamed for the sick kid going to meet their maker since they were never fine to begin with. Anyway, the term doesn't have to literally mean all this when used nowadays, I just thought a weird term like this would have an interesting backstory, and it did! [] 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding. [] 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do" []^4. 木屐 the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers. Pic below (hopefully). []^5. Nara: Capital City of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer. No pic-->wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara,_Nara. []iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)[] ...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14 which had some stray p-tags running amok (ノへ￣、).
"It's the traditional clothing of Japan called a kimono (Hefu). It does look quite beautiful, but our country's Hanfu is pretty awesome too."
The day before we left, we went to fee Mount Fuji, and that evening we took a dip in the hot spring and drank sake at a hotel below the mountain.
"He's working his аss off, huh?"
"Really?" Someone else remarked with a sigh.
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
Xiao Huaisu's voice was gentle, much like these cherry blossoms that began blooming in March. The soft wind blew against his face, the gentle warmth and joy within it, unable to be concealed. Making it seem as though whatever she asked of him, he would leave all principles aside and respond with a solid "yes".
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
While on the bridge, Li You had already made her way far ahead, prompting me to call out to her, "Don't run so fast, Youyou."
N/A
And upon hearing this myself, I kind of started to understand why her decision to forgive him was so clear-cut.
Jeez... that little devil.
While on the plane, Li You was looking at a brochure about Japanese culture. In it, she a saw a man wearing a kimono standing on a road smiling brightly. Pointing at this picture, she then asked me: "Dad, this outfit looks really nice, what's it called?"
Seeing her frightened appearance, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. As Li You then reached out to Xiao Huaisu and said, "I don't want to be by dad."
"That kid's moving as quick as rain. I even heard Manager Lin handed over the responsibility of one his projects to him."
A gust of wind blew just then, causing the cherry blossoms to all dance in the sky, its light pink blossoms gently swaying, while its lost petals swirl madly in the open sky. This scene instantly allowed them to soar well ast their original level of beauty, to become one reminiscent of a fairyland.
拖油瓶: tuo1 you2 ping2: [lit] dragging the oil drum; [fig] a burden. It's a term to describe a woman who brings along the children of her previous husband into her new marriage. But it apparently came from another term that sounds similar (拖有病: tuo1 you3 bing2: dragging the sick) Turns out, shіt happens, and if you're a guy marrying a widow back in the olden days, it meant your family situation wasn't good. So when shіt happened to the kids of the previous husband, the old husband's family would point fingers at the new husband. So to clear his name, hubby #2 would get someone to write up a note saying the kids came sick from the get-go. That way, if they accidentally went to meet their sky-daddy, hubby #2 can't be blamed for the sick kid going to meet their maker since they were never fine to begin with. Anyway, the term doesn't have to literally mean all this when used nowadays, I just thought a weird term like this would have an interesting backstory, and it did! [] 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding. [] 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do" []^4. 木屐 the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers. Pic below (hopefully). []^5. Nara: Capital City of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer. No pic-->wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara,_Nara. []iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)[] ...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14 which had some stray p-tags running amok (ノへ￣、).
N/A
"He's working his аss off, huh?"
Li You climbed onto the fence, reaching out to lift the hat while staring out at the lake filled to the brim with petals as she marvelled, "This place is so pretty, even if you fall into a place like this you'll still be very happy."
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
After taking a few pictures, the stranger smiled as he said: "Let's change up the poses and take some more pictures."
"When you have a family to support, who's not going to put it all on the line? It's not like it is for us single guys where one mouth being full means the entire family won't be hungry."
His little companion also shared the same sentiments, adding: "The little girl was very adorable too!"
The day before the new year, Xiao Huaisu had gone on a business trip, so I took Li You back to Lee Moli's to bum a meal. But Lee Moli was also too lazy to cook something as well, so the next day we each dragged our burdensome oil drums over to join in on Zhang Dong's wedding celebrations, with the main purpose of bumming a meal. I only remembered the day after Lee Moli brought it up, thinking: Oh, this new year's day was the big happy day for Zhang Dong.
Every person has the right to chose, and that young woman has made a decision of her own. We, the outsiders, can't actually say anything about such a thing, as she clearly has made this choice of hers.
So in response to his question I replied: "Alright then. I originally wasn't planning to have a second child so soon."
A gust of wind blew just then, causing the cherry blossoms to all dance in the sky, its light pink blossoms gently swaying, while its lost petals swirl madly in the open sky. This scene instantly allowed them to soar well ast their original level of beauty, to become one reminiscent of a fairyland.
"Hahaha... Yeah, you're right, that is true..."
When she sat on the merry-go-round, there a trace of doubt in her gaze, but when she saw me running beside her, her eyes bent into the shape of a crescent moon as she smiled.
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
Every person has the right to chose, and that young woman has made a decision of her own. We, the outsiders, can't actually say anything about such a thing, as she clearly has made this choice of hers.
Since that day in the snow where she yelled it by mistake, this was the first time Li You had called Xiao Huaisu dad. I looked at Xiao Huaisu, whose body now shook, all him left stunned in that instant. But not too long after, his lips curved into a smile in response.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
Listening to those colleagues of mine chatter away about this and that, the gloomy feeling in the pit of my gut lighten up by a bit. After a few more lines of gossip, the lights within the hall slowly grew dimmer while the notes of soft and moving music filled the air. The bride then walked slowly towards her groom standing at the alter, her arm linked with the one belonging to her dad. As she walked, the bounds of joy within her eyes was clear to see, and coupled with her the delicate makeup she wore, she appeared quite beautiful and lovely. Behind her was a girl carrying her train, and two more were beside her throwing flower petals which were coloured pink. Then, when the master of ceremonies announced for the bride and groom to kiss, everyone stood up and gave a round of applause.
Since that day in the snow where she yelled it by mistake, this was the first time Li You had called Xiao Huaisu dad. I looked at Xiao Huaisu, whose body now shook, all him left stunned in that instant. But not too long after, his lips curved into a smile in response.
Listening to those colleagues of mine chatter away about this and that, the gloomy feeling in the pit of my gut lighten up by a bit. After a few more lines of gossip, the lights within the hall slowly grew dimmer while the notes of soft and moving music filled the air. The bride then walked slowly towards her groom standing at the alter, her arm linked with the one belonging to her dad. As she walked, the bounds of joy within her eyes was clear to see, and coupled with her the delicate makeup she wore, she appeared quite beautiful and lovely. Behind her was a girl carrying her train, and two more were beside her throwing flower petals which were coloured pink. Then, when the master of ceremonies announced for the bride and groom to kiss, everyone stood up and gave a round of applause.
"Really?" Someone else remarked with a sigh.
Unable to stop myself from chuckling, I asked: "When in Rome?"
The picture was of two butterflies, a few rocks and a flower, all expressed using very few simple strokes, making it quite charming.
It was a happy affair, really happy.
Seeing me looking at him, he turned to me and lifted his camera, snapping a pic.
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
Having practised and practised, I had long gotten used to practising. I even remember that on New Year's Day after I got back home with Li You, with relatively nothing to say, I actually suggested for us to go practise our calligraphy...... Isn't that just scary? Habit can even make a lazy person seem not so lazy.
After eating, I took Li You with me and left first. This was because Li Moli and Aunty Huo were good friends, so was a given she would stay there for a bit longer.
After letting out a laugh and snapping a couple pictures, Xiao Huaisu saw a passers-by, then following the exchange of a few words with them, he handed over his camera before making his way towards us.
When the new year can to an end, the Spring Festival was also not too far away. But because Xiao Huaisu's family had senior members back in France, Papa and Mama Xiao had no plans of spending the Lunar New Year in the country, so they had already took a flight back a couple days ago, telling us to come visit them there when we had the time.
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
Seeing her frightened appearance, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. As Li You then reached out to Xiao Huaisu and said, "I don't want to be by dad."
Li You was one who rarely witnessed such a sight, so she stood on the tips of her toes while trying to catch those fluttering petals. Once she heard me calling out to her, her tiny body turned to us, waving us towards her in haste, "Dad, quickly, come here! This is so pretty——" After saying this, she then looked to Xiao Huaisu and called out: "Dad, you too! Come quickly!"
When the new year can to an end, the Spring Festival was also not too far away. But because Xiao Huaisu's family had senior members back in France, Papa and Mama Xiao had no plans of spending the Lunar New Year in the country, so they had already took a flight back a couple days ago, telling us to come visit them there when we had the time.
I asked her why, because the other kids liked it very much.
"I don't think so, though. I heard it was a case of 'getting on the bus then now having to buy ticket'. So I figure by this coming summer, I'll be back here after this shotgun goes off to deliver a gift in celebration of a little one's first month of life."
Normally, in light of the collegial relationship between Zhang Dong and myself, I was supposed to offer him a wedding gift. But due to the relationship between his mother and mine, she was the one to offer the gift, so as a younger member of our family, I no longer had to gift one on my own.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
Anyway, when it somewhere in the middle of March, Xiao Huaisu finally got some time to spare. I don't know if it was because he felt as though he was too busy before that and wasn't spending enough time with us. But, all of sudden, he decided to take us on a trip over to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
Listening to those colleagues of mine chatter away about this and that, the gloomy feeling in the pit of my gut lighten up by a bit. After a few more lines of gossip, the lights within the hall slowly grew dimmer while the notes of soft and moving music filled the air. The bride then walked slowly towards her groom standing at the alter, her arm linked with the one belonging to her dad. As she walked, the bounds of joy within her eyes was clear to see, and coupled with her the delicate makeup she wore, she appeared quite beautiful and lovely. Behind her was a girl carrying her train, and two more were beside her throwing flower petals which were coloured pink. Then, when the master of ceremonies announced for the bride and groom to kiss, everyone stood up and gave a round of applause.
Having practised and practised, I had long gotten used to practising. I even remember that on New Year's Day after I got back home with Li You, with relatively nothing to say, I actually suggested for us to go practise our calligraphy...... Isn't that just scary? Habit can even make a lazy person seem not so lazy.
"That kid's moving as quick as rain. I even heard Manager Lin handed over the responsibility of one his projects to him."
After practising for the entire afternoon, Li You also drew a little picture. Using the seal Xiao Huaisu had carved for her, she made a decent trace, writing her own name.
Like this, we spent over ten days in Japan before returning home.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
The picture was of two butterflies, a few rocks and a flower, all expressed using very few simple strokes, making it quite charming.
"He's working his аss off, huh?"
After Xiao Huaisu returned from his business trip and saw the painting, he went out his way to get someone to frame it, then hung it in the most prominent area of his study. But with my painting of two chickens pecking at some rice, all it got was rolled up and tossed into some vase. This treatment...
"Li Tian, come take a seat over here. Plus, why did you now just arrive?"
My position in this family, was one easy for anyone to see, and could make a person cry.
I thought back to when Li You was younger, a time where I had to start back school not long after have given birth. I put everything I had into my studies, so I didn't have much time to spend solely with her. After two year had passes, apart from weekends, it was mostly Lee Moli and Li Zhi who helped me raise her. There was even a period where I was so busy I hadn't seen her for two months. When I finally saw her after that, I was struck with the realisation that little girl of mine could actually stand. Holding onto her little chair, I looked at her standing up, trying to make her two me on a pair of wobbly legs. The sight caused a burn to ensnare my eyes, the sorry I felt towards her growing. Falling to my knees, I reached out to my little girl and took her into my arms.
Li You climbed onto the fence, reaching out to lift the hat while staring out at the lake filled to the brim with petals as she marvelled, "This place is so pretty, even if you fall into a place like this you'll still be very happy."
He chuckled, moving to hold me, as he spoke with a sigh: "Are you afraid we won't be able to treat her as wholeheartedly as we do right now? But, during those years, I wasn't by your sides." There was regret in his tone, one so thick it made me silent in return.
You know, I'm starting to get the feeling that little guy was just pretending to be scared all along...
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
Anyway, when it somewhere in the middle of March, Xiao Huaisu finally got some time to spare. I don't know if it was because he felt as though he was too busy before that and wasn't spending enough time with us. But, all of sudden, he decided to take us on a trip over to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
N/A
After watching the sakura blossoms that day, we spent the next going to Nara[5] to watching the deer.
He chuckled, moving to hold me, as he spoke with a sigh: "Are you afraid we won't be able to treat her as wholeheartedly as we do right now? But, during those years, I wasn't by your sides." There was regret in his tone, one so thick it made me silent in return.
Seeing me looking at him, he turned to me and lifted his camera, snapping a pic.
The picture was of two butterflies, a few rocks and a flower, all expressed using very few simple strokes, making it quite charming.
While on the plane, Li You was looking at a brochure about Japanese culture. In it, she a saw a man wearing a kimono standing on a road smiling brightly. Pointing at this picture, she then asked me: "Dad, this outfit looks really nice, what's it called?"
My position in this family, was one easy for anyone to see, and could make a person cry.
"When you have a family to support, who's not going to put it all on the line? It's not like it is for us single guys where one mouth being full means the entire family won't be hungry."
I asked her why, because the other kids liked it very much.
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
Wear kimono, watch the cherry blossoms, look at the deer, and eat ramen!
"It's the traditional clothing of Japan called a kimono (Hefu). It does look quite beautiful, but our country's Hanfu is pretty awesome too."
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
Hearing this, I picked Li You up, pretending as if I was going to throw her in, making her cry out as she grabbed onto my neck like a vice and complained: "Dad!"
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
"Anyway, Zhang Dong and the rest of us were in the same group of recruits, but that guy is moving at light speed. He's something else." Another colleague of ours chimed in admiringly with a click of the tongue.
After watching the sakura blossoms that day, we spent the next going to Nara[5] to watching the deer.
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
At that time, I didn't give hi an answer, only blurting out a "why". After thinking abut why he suddenly asked this, I further added: "Who wants to give you a second child, huh?" With a roll of my eyes.
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
But, for some reason couldn't put my finger on, this wedding of Zhang Dong's had me feeling kind of sad. So when I answered them, my voice was low as I said: "Oh, I just got up too late."
After we got off the plane, we rested for the rest of the day, then went to a night market that evening. The next day, when I opened my eyes, I didn't feel anyone on the bed beside me. But, after sitting up, I saw a kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu with his hands tucked into his sleeves by the head of our bed, planning to call me.
Right after uttering a confused "oh, yeah", I turned my gaze to the camera.
The first thing I showed was a look of shock, but after I noticed this kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu have such an imposing figure along with a majestic air, his handsomeness made it hard for a person to look away. A bit later, I managed to notice there was a men's kimono neatly folded beside me.
When Li You mentioned it, I thought she had just said it casually, never expecting Xiao Huaisu would've been so attentive so as to see the like in her eyes so clearly. What's more, that he would also wear the kimono along with her to keep her from feeling uneasy.
Wear kimono, watch the cherry blossoms, look at the deer, and eat ramen!
At that time, I didn't give hi an answer, only blurting out a "why". After thinking abut why he suddenly asked this, I further added: "Who wants to give you a second child, huh?" With a roll of my eyes.
Unable to stop myself from chuckling, I asked: "When in Rome?"[3]
拖油瓶: tuo1 you2 ping2: [lit] dragging the oil drum; [fig] a burden. It's a term to describe a woman who brings along the children of her previous husband into her new marriage. But it apparently came from another term that sounds similar (拖有病: tuo1 you3 bing2: dragging the sick) Turns out, shіt happens, and if you're a guy marrying a widow back in the olden days, it meant your family situation wasn't good. So when shіt happened to the kids of the previous husband, the old husband's family would point fingers at the new husband. So to clear his name, hubby #2 would get someone to write up a note saying the kids came sick from the get-go. That way, if they accidentally went to meet their sky-daddy, hubby #2 can't be blamed for the sick kid going to meet their maker since they were never fine to begin with. Anyway, the term doesn't have to literally mean all this when used nowadays, I just thought a weird term like this would have an interesting backstory, and it did! [] 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding. [] 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do" []^4. 木屐 the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers. Pic below (hopefully). []^5. Nara: Capital City of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer. No pic-->wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara,_Nara. []iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)[] ...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14 which had some stray p-tags running amok (ノへ￣、).
"Li You wanted to try it. I went along with her to keep from from feeling embarrassed."
After giving our thanks, he didn't leave when we looked through the pictures, staying to look at them with us. Then with a satisfied sigh he added: "As expected, if you want to take good pictures, as long as the models are good-looking they'll turn out great."
Jeez... that little devil.
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
After taking a few pictures, the stranger smiled as he said: "Let's change up the poses and take some more pictures."
When Li You mentioned it, I thought she had just said it casually, never expecting Xiao Huaisu would've been so attentive so as to see the like in her eyes so clearly. What's more, that he would also wear the kimono along with her to keep her from feeling uneasy.
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
拖油瓶: tuo1 you2 ping2: [lit] dragging the oil drum; [fig] a burden. It's a term to describe a woman who brings along the children of her previous husband into her new marriage. But it apparently came from another term that sounds similar (拖有病: tuo1 you3 bing2: dragging the sick) Turns out, shіt happens, and if you're a guy marrying a widow back in the olden days, it meant your family situation wasn't good. So when shіt happened to the kids of the previous husband, the old husband's family would point fingers at the new husband. So to clear his name, hubby #2 would get someone to write up a note saying the kids came sick from the get-go. That way, if they accidentally went to meet their sky-daddy, hubby #2 can't be blamed for the sick kid going to meet their maker since they were never fine to begin with. Anyway, the term doesn't have to literally mean all this when used nowadays, I just thought a weird term like this would have an interesting backstory, and it did! [] 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding. [] 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do" []^4. 木屐 the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers. Pic below (hopefully). []^5. Nara: Capital City of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer. No pic-->wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara,_Nara. []iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)[] ...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14 which had some stray p-tags running amok (ノへ￣、).
Because Li You had finally grown used to calling Xiao Huaisu dad by then, even though it many days had passed since we had gotten back to the country, Xiao Huaisu still couldn't secretly hide his joy at her saying it. One night, as we were lying in bed, with his hands trailing across my stomach he asked: "How about we have a second child in a couple of years?"
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[4] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
When Li You mentioned it, I thought she had just said it casually, never expecting Xiao Huaisu would've been so attentive so as to see the like in her eyes so clearly. What's more, that he would also wear the kimono along with her to keep her from feeling uneasy.
"Hahaha... Yeah, you're right, that is true..."
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
Because Li You had finally grown used to calling Xiao Huaisu dad by then, even though it many days had passed since we had gotten back to the country, Xiao Huaisu still couldn't secretly hide his joy at her saying it. One night, as we were lying in bed, with his hands trailing across my stomach he asked: "How about we have a second child in a couple of years?"
Seeing me looking at him, he turned to me and lifted his camera, snapping a pic.
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
A gust of wind blew just then, causing the cherry blossoms to all dance in the sky, its light pink blossoms gently swaying, while its lost petals swirl madly in the open sky. This scene instantly allowed them to soar well ast their original level of beauty, to become one reminiscent of a fairyland.
Li You climbed onto the fence, reaching out to lift the hat while staring out at the lake filled to the brim with petals as she marvelled, "This place is so pretty, even if you fall into a place like this you'll still be very happy."
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
"It's the traditional clothing of Japan called a kimono (Hefu). It does look quite beautiful, but our country's Hanfu is pretty awesome too."
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
Unable to stop myself from chuckling, I asked: "When in Rome?"
After letting out a laugh and snapping a couple pictures, Xiao Huaisu saw a passers-by, then following the exchange of a few words with them, he handed over his camera before making his way towards us.
Li You was one who rarely witnessed such a sight, so she stood on the tips of her toes while trying to catch those fluttering petals. Once she heard me calling out to her, her tiny body turned to us, waving us towards her in haste, "Dad, quickly, come here! This is so pretty——" After saying this, she then looked to Xiao Huaisu and called out: "Dad, you too! Come quickly!"
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
She whispered softly, so softly it made one's heart ache.
A gust of wind blew just then, causing the cherry blossoms to all dance in the sky, its light pink blossoms gently swaying, while its lost petals swirl madly in the open sky. This scene instantly allowed them to soar well ast their original level of beauty, to become one reminiscent of a fairyland.
Jeez... that little devil.
"It's the traditional clothing of Japan called a kimono (Hefu). It does look quite beautiful, but our country's Hanfu is pretty awesome too."
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
Right after uttering a confused "oh, yeah", I turned my gaze to the camera.
He chuckled, moving to hold me, as he spoke with a sigh: "Are you afraid we won't be able to treat her as wholeheartedly as we do right now? But, during those years, I wasn't by your sides." There was regret in his tone, one so thick it made me silent in return.
After taking a few pictures, the stranger smiled as he said: "Let's change up the poses and take some more pictures."
After watching the sakura blossoms that day, we spent the next going to Nara[5] to watching the deer.
I laughed heartily, pulling him along by the hand, saying, "Why are you still frozen in place? f we don't catch up with her, that girl will run away and leave us here. Let's go."
Since that day in the snow where she yelled it by mistake, this was the first time Li You had called Xiao Huaisu dad. I looked at Xiao Huaisu, whose body now shook, all him left stunned in that instant. But not too long after, his lips curved into a smile in response.
Like this, under their direction we changed our three poses and in the end struck some silly poses. Having taken more than a dozen pictures, the kind stranger reluctantly said: "Okay then. Let's have a quick look at how I did."
While on the bridge, Li You had already made her way far ahead, prompting me to call out to her, "Don't run so fast, Youyou."
"Anyway, Zhang Dong and the rest of us were in the same group of recruits, but that guy is moving at light speed. He's something else." Another colleague of ours chimed in admiringly with a click of the tongue.
Since that day in the snow where she yelled it by mistake, this was the first time Li You had called Xiao Huaisu dad. I looked at Xiao Huaisu, whose body now shook, all him left stunned in that instant. But not too long after, his lips curved into a smile in response.
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
I thought back to when Li You was younger, a time where I had to start back school not long after have given birth. I put everything I had into my studies, so I didn't have much time to spend solely with her. After two year had passes, apart from weekends, it was mostly Lee Moli and Li Zhi who helped me raise her. There was even a period where I was so busy I hadn't seen her for two months. When I finally saw her after that, I was struck with the realisation that little girl of mine could actually stand. Holding onto her little chair, I looked at her standing up, trying to make her two me on a pair of wobbly legs. The sight caused a burn to ensnare my eyes, the sorry I felt towards her growing. Falling to my knees, I reached out to my little girl and took her into my arms.
After giving our thanks, he didn't leave when we looked through the pictures, staying to look at them with us. Then with a satisfied sigh he added: "As expected, if you want to take good pictures, as long as the models are good-looking they'll turn out great."
The picture was of two butterflies, a few rocks and a flower, all expressed using very few simple strokes, making it quite charming.
"Really?" Someone else remarked with a sigh.
When she sat on the merry-go-round, there a trace of doubt in her gaze, but when she saw me running beside her, her eyes bent into the shape of a crescent moon as she smiled.
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
"I'm scared will disappear." After saying this, she held onto my hand tightly, lifting her head to look at me and say, "I want dad to come with me too."
"Thank you..." Was that a compliment? Ha...
All I felt right then, was my heart shaking without end. But with a smile on my face, I consoled her, saying: "How could dad just disappear? I'll come with you, okay? Dad will be running right there beside you, so I won't disappear."
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
While on the bridge, Li You had already made her way far ahead, prompting me to call out to her, "Don't run so fast, Youyou."
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
Recalling this, an acrid feeling exploded in my chest. I didn't say it to Xiao Huaisu, but it seem as though I haven't spent that much time with her too.
His little companion also shared the same sentiments, adding: "The little girl was very adorable too!"
"Thank you..." Was that a compliment? Ha...
"Yep. Absolutely!"
"I don't think so, though. I heard it was a case of 'getting on the bus then now having to buy ticket'. So I figure by this coming summer, I'll be back here after this shotgun goes off to deliver a gift in celebration of a little one's first month of life."
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
While on the plane, Li You was looking at a brochure about Japanese culture. In it, she a saw a man wearing a kimono standing on a road smiling brightly. Pointing at this picture, she then asked me: "Dad, this outfit looks really nice, what's it called?"
While on the bridge, Li You had already made her way far ahead, prompting me to call out to her, "Don't run so fast, Youyou."
"When you have a family to support, who's not going to put it all on the line? It's not like it is for us single guys where one mouth being full means the entire family won't be hungry."
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
"Yep. Absolutely!"
"I don't think so, though. I heard it was a case of 'getting on the bus then now having to buy ticket'. So I figure by this coming summer, I'll be back here after this shotgun goes off to deliver a gift in celebration of a little one's first month of life."
A gust of wind blew just then, causing the cherry blossoms to all dance in the sky, its light pink blossoms gently swaying, while its lost petals swirl madly in the open sky. This scene instantly allowed them to soar well ast their original level of beauty, to become one reminiscent of a fairyland.
I laughed heartily, pulling him along by the hand, saying, "Why are you still frozen in place? f we don't catch up with her, that girl will run away and leave us here. Let's go."
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
Like this, under their direction we changed our three poses and in the end struck some silly poses. Having taken more than a dozen pictures, the kind stranger reluctantly said: "Okay then. Let's have a quick look at how I did."
Li You was one who rarely witnessed such a sight, so she stood on the tips of her toes while trying to catch those fluttering petals. Once she heard me calling out to her, her tiny body turned to us, waving us towards her in haste, "Dad, quickly, come here! This is so pretty——" After saying this, she then looked to Xiao Huaisu and called out: "Dad, you too! Come quickly!"
Seeing her frightened appearance, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. As Li You then reached out to Xiao Huaisu and said, "I don't want to be by dad."
My position in this family, was one easy for anyone to see, and could make a person cry.
It was a happy affair, really happy.
Since that day in the snow where she yelled it by mistake, this was the first time Li You had called Xiao Huaisu dad. I looked at Xiao Huaisu, whose body now shook, all him left stunned in that instant. But not too long after, his lips curved into a smile in response.
The day before we left, we went to fee Mount Fuji, and that evening we took a dip in the hot spring and drank sake at a hotel below the mountain.
Li You was one who rarely witnessed such a sight, so she stood on the tips of her toes while trying to catch those fluttering petals. Once she heard me calling out to her, her tiny body turned to us, waving us towards her in haste, "Dad, quickly, come here! This is so pretty——" After saying this, she then looked to Xiao Huaisu and called out: "Dad, you too! Come quickly!"
"Li Tian, come take a seat over here. Plus, why did you now just arrive?"
Unable to stop myself from chuckling, I asked: "When in Rome?"
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
I laughed heartily, pulling him along by the hand, saying, "Why are you still frozen in place? f we don't catch up with her, that girl will run away and leave us here. Let's go."
"Anyway, Zhang Dong and the rest of us were in the same group of recruits, but that guy is moving at light speed. He's something else." Another colleague of ours chimed in admiringly with a click of the tongue.
Anyway, when it somewhere in the middle of March, Xiao Huaisu finally got some time to spare. I don't know if it was because he felt as though he was too busy before that and wasn't spending enough time with us. But, all of sudden, he decided to take us on a trip over to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
But, for some reason couldn't put my finger on, this wedding of Zhang Dong's had me feeling kind of sad. So when I answered them, my voice was low as I said: "Oh, I just got up too late."
I laughed heartily, pulling him along by the hand, saying, "Why are you still frozen in place? f we don't catch up with her, that girl will run away and leave us here. Let's go."
"That kid's moving as quick as rain. I even heard Manager Lin handed over the responsibility of one his projects to him."
So now, with Xiao Huaisu hand in mine, we ran after Li You. When we got to her, he pulled off his hat and placed it on her head, saying, "Stop running so quickly, alright? Be careful so you don't fall into the lake."
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
Xiao Huaisu, seeing what I was just doing, took Li You from my arms and said: "Why are you trying to scare her?" Criticising me seriously.
I asked her why, because the other kids liked it very much.
Li You climbed onto the fence, reaching out to lift the hat while staring out at the lake filled to the brim with petals as she marvelled, "This place is so pretty, even if you fall into a place like this you'll still be very happy."
When the new year can to an end, the Spring Festival was also not too far away. But because Xiao Huaisu's family had senior members back in France, Papa and Mama Xiao had no plans of spending the Lunar New Year in the country, so they had already took a flight back a couple days ago, telling us to come visit them there when we had the time.
Hearing this, I picked Li You up, pretending as if I was going to throw her in, making her cry out as she grabbed onto my neck like a vice and complained: "Dad!"
Once we were there, Li You took a seat beside Lee Moli, and I went to the table for Zhang Dong's colleagues. There, as soon as I took my seat, I was greeted with my co-workers kind regards.
Seeing her frightened appearance, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. As Li You then reached out to Xiao Huaisu and said, "I don't want to be by dad."
Every person has the right to chose, and that young woman has made a decision of her own. We, the outsiders, can't can't actually say anything about such a thing, as she clearly has made this choice of hers.
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
I thought back to when Li You was younger, a time where I had to start back school not long after have given birth. I put everything I had into my studies, so I didn't have much time to spend solely with her. After two year had passes, apart from weekends, it was mostly Lee Moli and Li Zhi who helped me raise her. There was even a period where I was so busy I hadn't seen her for two months. When I finally saw her after that, I was struck with the realisation that little girl of mine could actually stand. Holding onto her little chair, I looked at her standing up, trying to make her two me on a pair of wobbly legs. The sight caused a burn to ensnare my eyes, the sorry I felt towards her growing. Falling to my knees, I reached out to my little girl and took her into my arms.
Xiao Huaisu's voice was gentle, much like these cherry blossoms that began blooming in March. The soft wind blew against his face, the gentle warmth and joy within it, unable to be concealed. Making it seem as though whatever she asked of him, he would leave all principles aside and respond with a solid "yes".
Xiao Huaisu's voice was gentle, much like these cherry blossoms that began blooming in March. The soft wind blew against his face, the gentle warmth and joy within it, unable to be concealed. Making it seem as though whatever she asked of him, he would leave all principles aside and respond with a solid "yes".
Xiao Huaisu, seeing what I was just doing, took Li You from my arms and said: "Why are you trying to scare her?" Criticising me seriously.
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
When Li You mentioned it, I thought she had just said it casually, never expecting Xiao Huaisu would've been so attentive so as to see the like in her eyes so clearly. What's more, that he would also wear the kimono along with her to keep her from feeling uneasy.
"I'm scared will disappear." After saying this, she held onto my hand tightly, lifting her head to look at me and say, "I want dad to come with me too."
Nodding, she then looked back down and continued flipping through the pages. When she came upon another page where a little girl was wearing a blue kimono, she looked at it a couple times, but this time around said nothing.
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
You know, I'm starting to get the feeling that little guy was just pretending to be scared all along...
Normally, in light of the collegial relationship between Zhang Dong and myself, I was supposed to offer him a wedding gift. But due to the relationship between his mother and mine, she was the one to offer the gift, so as a younger member of our family, I no longer had to gift one on my own.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
Xiao Huaisu, seeing what I was just doing, took Li You from my arms and said: "Why are you trying to scare her?" Criticising me seriously.
Jeez... that little devil.
"Yep. Absolutely!"
Every person has the right to chose, and that young woman has made a decision of her own. We, the outsiders, can't can't actually say anything about such a thing, as she clearly has made this choice of hers.
Li You was one who rarely witnessed such a sight, so she stood on the tips of her toes while trying to catch those fluttering petals. Once she heard me calling out to her, her tiny body turned to us, waving us towards her in haste, "Dad, quickly, come here! This is so pretty——" After saying this, she then looked to Xiao Huaisu and called out: "Dad, you too! Come quickly!"
Li You then asked Xiao Huaisu: "Dad, what are we going to eat later? Can we eat ramen like we did last night?"
After taking a few pictures, the stranger smiled as he said: "Let's change up the poses and take some more pictures."
Pinching my nose, I dejectedly followed behind Xiao Huaisu, while Li You made faces at me.
"It's the traditional clothing of Japan called a kimono (Hefu). It does look quite beautiful, but our country's Hanfu is pretty awesome too."
After watching the sakura blossoms that day, we spent the next going to Nara[5] to watching the deer.
On the eve of the new lunar year, Xiao Huaisu carried Li You in his arm, while both lugged suitcases, both large and small, over to her grandparent's house. Even though we were just at Lee Moli's the day before, because we usually stayed at Xiao Huaisu's duplex after confirming our relationship since it was closer to our company and we could go there if we ever got off work late. Apart from the weekends, when Li You would go over to my parents' house, she would normally stay with us. When it came to her homework or her hobbies, those were all personally taken care of by Xiao Huaisu. After he got off work, he practically threw himself at the chance to tutor Li You, teaching her calligraphy as well as painting which she really liked to do. When he taught Li You calligraphy, he must've notice I had too much time to spare, only eating and sleeping my time away. So as to not let this rub off on Li You, I was compelled to learn calligraphy under his tutelage just like Li You.
Xiao Huaisu's voice was gentle, much like these cherry blossoms that began blooming in March. The soft wind blew against his face, the gentle warmth and joy within it, unable to be concealed. Making it seem as though whatever she asked of him, he would leave all principles aside and respond with a solid "yes".
After Xiao Huaisu returned from his business trip and saw the painting, he went out his way to get someone to frame it, then hung it in the most prominent area of his study. But with my painting of two chickens pecking at some rice, all it got was rolled up and tossed into some vase. This treatment...
"That kid's moving as quick as rain. I even heard Manager Lin handed over the responsibility of one his projects to him."
Like this, we spent over ten days in Japan before returning home.
After watching the sakura blossoms that day, we spent the next going to Nara[5] to watching the deer.
Like this, under their direction we changed our three poses and in the end struck some silly poses. Having taken more than a dozen pictures, the kind stranger reluctantly said: "Okay then. Let's have a quick look at how I did."
The day before we left, we went to fee Mount Fuji, and that evening we took a dip in the hot spring and drank sake at a hotel below the mountain.
Because Li You had finally grown used to calling Xiao Huaisu dad by then, even though it many days had passed since we had gotten back to the country, Xiao Huaisu still couldn't secretly hide his joy at her saying it. One night, as we were lying in bed, with his hands trailing across my stomach he asked: "How about we have a second child in a couple of years?"
Like this, we spent over ten days in Japan before returning home.
Wear kimono, watch the cherry blossoms, look at the deer, and eat ramen!
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
It was a happy affair, really happy.
Listening to those colleagues of mine chatter away about this and that, the gloomy feeling in the pit of my gut lighten up by a bit. After a few more lines of gossip, the lights within the hall slowly grew dimmer while the notes of soft and moving music filled the air. The bride then walked slowly towards her groom standing at the alter, her arm linked with the one belonging to her dad. As she walked, the bounds of joy within her eyes was clear to see, and coupled with her the delicate makeup she wore, she appeared quite beautiful and lovely. Behind her was a girl carrying her train, and two more were beside her throwing flower petals which were coloured pink. Then, when the master of ceremonies announced for the bride and groom to kiss, everyone stood up and gave a round of applause.
"When you have a family to support, who's not going to put it all on the line? It's not like it is for us single guys where one mouth being full means the entire family won't be hungry."
Because Li You had finally grown used to calling Xiao Huaisu dad by then, even though it many days had passed since we had gotten back to the country, Xiao Huaisu still couldn't secretly hide his joy at her saying it. One night, as we were lying in bed, with his hands trailing across my stomach he asked: "How about we have a second child in a couple of years?"
It was a happy affair, really happy.
So in response to his question I replied: "Alright then. I originally wasn't planning to have a second child so soon."
拖油瓶: tuo1 you2 ping2: [lit] dragging the oil drum; [fig] a burden. It's a term to describe a woman who brings along the children of her previous husband into her new marriage. But it apparently came from another term that sounds similar (拖有病: tuo1 you3 bing2: dragging the sick) Turns out, shіt happens, and if you're a guy marrying a widow back in the olden days, it meant your family situation wasn't good. So when shіt happened to the kids of the previous husband, the old husband's family would point fingers at the new husband. So to clear his name, hubby #2 would get someone to write up a note saying the kids came sick from the get-go. That way, if they accidentally went to meet their sky-daddy, hubby #2 can't be blamed for the sick kid going to meet their maker since they were never fine to begin with. Anyway, the term doesn't have to literally mean all this when used nowadays, I just thought a weird term like this would have an interesting backstory, and it did! [] 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding. [] 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do" []^4. 木屐 the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers. Pic below (hopefully). []^5. Nara: Capital City of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer. No pic-->wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nara,_Nara. []iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)[] ...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14 which had some stray p-tags running amok (ノへ￣、).
At that time, I didn't give hi an answer, only blurting out a "why". After thinking abut why he suddenly asked this, I further added: "Who wants to give you a second child, huh?" With a roll of my eyes.
Xiao Huaisu, seeing what I was just doing, took Li You from my arms and said: "Why are you trying to scare her?" Criticising me seriously.
Done looking through all the pictures, he left with his companion. While leaving, from behind, they had a skip in their step, seeming very happy. Occasionally, a few of his words would float our way: "Those two were so incredibly handsome that the even managed to make me—a guy—feel all dazzled."
Wear kimono, watch the cherry blossoms, look at the deer, and eat ramen!
And upon hearing this myself, I kind of started to understand why her decision to forgive him was so clear-cut.
But, for some reason couldn't put my finger on, this wedding of Zhang Dong's had me feeling kind of sad. So when I answered them, my voice was low as I said: "Oh, I just got up too late."
He chuckled, moving to hold me, as he spoke with a sigh: "Are you afraid we won't be able to treat her as wholeheartedly as we do right now? But, during those years, I wasn't by your sides." There was regret in his tone, one so thick it made me silent in return.
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
And upon hearing this myself, I kind of started to understand why her decision to forgive him was so clear-cut.
Hearing this, I picked Li You up, pretending as if I was going to throw her in, making her cry out as she grabbed onto my neck like a vice and complained: "Dad!"
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
Having practised and practised, I had long gotten used to practising. I even remember that on New Year's Day after I got back home with Li You, with relatively nothing to say, I actually suggested for us to go practise our calligraphy...... Isn't that just scary? Habit can even make a lazy person seem not so lazy.
I thought back to when Li You was younger, a time where I had to start back school not long after have given birth. I put everything I had into my studies, so I didn't have much time to spend solely with her. After two year had passes, apart from weekends, it was mostly Lee Moli and Li Zhi who helped me raise her. There was even a period where I was so busy I hadn't seen her for two months. When I finally saw her after that, I was struck with the realisation that little girl of mine could actually stand. Holding onto her little chair, I looked at her standing up, trying to make her two me on a pair of wobbly legs. The sight caused a burn to ensnare my eyes, the sorry I felt towards her growing. Falling to my knees, I reached out to my little girl and took her into my arms.
The first thing I showed was a look of shock, but after I noticed this kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu have such an imposing figure along with a majestic air, his handsomeness made it hard for a person to look away. A bit later, I managed to notice there was a men's kimono neatly folded beside me.
The first thing I showed was a look of shock, but after I noticed this kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu have such an imposing figure along with a majestic air, his handsomeness made it hard for a person to look away. A bit later, I managed to notice there was a men's kimono neatly folded beside me.
I shouted: "You're so close to me all you got is a picture of my face!" After yelling this I skipped my way over to Li You. "Here, take a few pictures of Li You and me, and make sure to make me look handsome!" After getting to Li You, without giving her any explanation, I scooped her into my arms, holding her in one hand while putting on what I thought was a dashing pose.
You know, I'm starting to get the feeling that little guy was just pretending to be scared all along...
Recalling this, an acrid feeling exploded in my chest. I didn't say it to Xiao Huaisu, but it seem as though I haven't spent that much time with her too.
After two more years passed, she would then sit quietly on the floor without anyone disturbing her. She neither cried, nor made a fuss, simply sitting quietly by herself and able to play like this for a long time. When I went back to my parent's place on the weekends, I used to take her to the amusement park to play on the merry-go-round. But when I asked her if she wanted to sit on the pony, she would shake her head and say, "Don't wanna sit."
Hearing this, I picked Li You up, pretending as if I was going to throw her in, making her cry out as she grabbed onto my neck like a vice and complained: "Dad!"
I asked her why, because the other kids liked it very much.
"Really?" Someone else remarked with a sigh.
When she saw us wearing them, Li You didn't feel any shyness at all while she wore the the pink kimono Xiao Huaisu had prepared for her. The hotel had this kind of kimono sale and rental service, so she was taken to comb her hair in a bun as well as decorating it with accessories. Seeing her walking around happily in her geta sandals[5] under the cherry blossoms, I turned to look at Xiao Huaisu beside me, who had taken out a camera and took a couple pictures of Li You from time to time.
She whispered softly, so softly it made one's heart ache.
After giving our thanks, he didn't leave when we looked through the pictures, staying to look at them with us. Then with a satisfied sigh he added: "As expected, if you want to take good pictures, as long as the models are good-looking they'll turn out great."
Anyway, when it somewhere in the middle of March, Xiao Huaisu finally got some time to spare. I don't know if it was because he felt as though he was too busy before that and wasn't spending enough time with us. But, all of sudden, he decided to take us on a trip over to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
She whispered softly, so softly it made one's heart ache.
"I'm scared will disappear." After saying this, she held onto my hand tightly, lifting her head to look at me and say, "I want dad to come with me too."
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
Li You climbed onto the fence, reaching out to lift the hat while staring out at the lake filled to the brim with petals as she marvelled, "This place is so pretty, even if you fall into a place like this you'll still be very happy."
Like this, under their direction we changed our three poses and in the end struck some silly poses. Having taken more than a dozen pictures, the kind stranger reluctantly said: "Okay then. Let's have a quick look at how I did."
My position in this family, was one easy for anyone to see, and could make a person cry.
"I'm scared will disappear." After saying this, she held onto my hand tightly, lifting her head to look at me and say, "I want dad to come with me too."
Unable to stop myself from chuckling, I asked: "When in Rome?"
All I felt right then, was my heart shaking without end. But with a smile on my face, I consoled her, saying: "How could dad just disappear? I'll come with you, okay? Dad will be running right there beside you, so I won't disappear."
After practising for the entire afternoon, Li You also drew a little picture. Using the seal Xiao Huaisu had carved for her, she made a decent trace, writing her own name.
When she sat on the merry-go-round, there a trace of doubt in her gaze, but when she saw me running beside her, her eyes bent into the shape of a crescent moon as she smiled.
"Li You wanted to try it. I went along with her to keep from from feeling embarrassed."
After giving our thanks, he didn't leave when we looked through the pictures, staying to look at them with us. Then with a satisfied sigh he added: "As expected, if you want to take good pictures, as long as the models are good-looking they'll turn out great."
When she sat on the merry-go-round, there a trace of doubt in her gaze, but when she saw me running beside her, her eyes bent into the shape of a crescent moon as she smiled.
Now standing to my right, he draped his arm over my shoulder naturally, then looked at the stranger, saying to me: "Eyes on the camera. Don't look so spaced out."
"Really?" Someone else remarked with a sigh.
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
After eating, I took Li You with me and left first. This was because Li Moli and Aunty Huo were good friends, so was a given she would stay there for a bit longer.
That little girl, who was only two to three years old, who didn't even know her days of the week as yet, clearly understood in her heart, that this was the day her father would come back to see her. Knowing he returned before the door was even opened by the mere sound of his footsteps.
While on the plane, Li You was looking at a brochure about Japanese culture. In it, she a saw a man wearing a kimono standing on a road smiling brightly. Pointing at this picture, she then asked me: "Dad, this outfit looks really nice, what's it called?"
Recalling this, an acrid feeling exploded in my chest. I didn't say it to Xiao Huaisu, but it seem as though I haven't spent that much time with her too.
After we got off the plane, we rested for the rest of the day, then went to a night market that evening. The next day, when I opened my eyes, I didn't feel anyone on the bed beside me. But, after sitting up, I saw a kimono wearing Xiao Huaisu with his hands tucked into his sleeves by the head of our bed, planning to call me.
So in response to his question I replied: "Alright then. I originally wasn't planning to have a second child so soon."
"Hahaha... Yeah, you're right, that is true..."
According to Lee Moli, this girl of mine usually disliked going downstairs to play with the other children and never begs her to go play. Every single time, it was she who had to be the one to tell Li You to go talk a walk with her, of just think about going downstairs. The only time Li Yu ever took the initiative was when the weekend came around. Like this, she would run to Li Zhi and say: "Dad's coming to pick me up! Dad's coming back to pick me up!" And like this, I slowly got to know the pattern.
Having practised and practised, I had long gotten used to practising. I even remember that on New Year's Day after I got back home with Li You, with relatively nothing to say, I actually suggested for us to go practise our calligraphy...... Isn't that just scary? Habit can even make a lazy person seem not so lazy.
Author's Note:
Notes:
^2. 先上车后补票: it can literally be used as is, but it's also code for a shotgun wedding.
^3. 入乡随俗: rù xiāng suí sú. It means the same thing as "When in Rome, do as Romans do"
^4. 木屐: the two "teeth" slippers that pops into your head when you think Japanese slippers, but the teeth are optional.
Pic
^5. Nara: Capital city of the Nara prefecture in Japan. It has deer there;) No pic-->wikipedia link.
iana: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! She called Xiao Huaisu dad for real! Tears crusted my eyes every time I read it! So cute! So cute! So freaking cute!!!! And the end broke then healed my heart too. I love this novel (*/ω＼*)
...and I fixed chapter 3 and 14, sorry about that (ノへ￣、).
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