Chapter Sixteen: Opening One's Heart

(1/3)

(1) As dusk fell, Fu Xin woke up.

Surveying the unfamiliar room, he forced himself to remember and recalled that this was Bian Xiaoqi’s home. He had gotten drunk at noon and slept the entire afternoon at her place. He deeply regretted his disgraceful behavior at the drinking table, fearing it would only make Bian Xiaoqi look down on him further. The mere thought of her gave him a headache again.

He truly liked Bian Xiaoqi, having done so since childhood. She was always so beautiful, elegant, and intelligent; every smile and frown tugged at his heart. He had admired her for so many years, yet her gaze toward him was always calm and indifferent. In her presence, he felt inferior and dared not meet her eyes. He struggled to let go but was too afraid to confess, fearing rejection and, even more, losing her friendship.

Thanks to his father, Fu Tianyue’s help, he had the fortune of becoming Professor Bian Guoning’s pupil. He worked diligently, hoping to earn Bian Guoning’s recognition and, through that, win Bian Xiaoqi’s favor. Today, when Jiang Sumei invited him over, he thought he had finally gained Bian Xiaoqi’s approval, so he came happily bearing gifts. He did not expect to encounter Qin Ke, nor that Qin Ke, a science and engineering type, would possess an eidetic memory and an eloquence that surpassed his own, with an impromptu poetic talent far beyond his reach. Bian Xiaoqi looked at Qin Ke with warmth and tender affection—eyes she had never given to him. Bian Guoning and Jiang Sumei also regarded Qin Ke with high regard, clearly acknowledging him.

Jealous and unwilling to lose, Fu Xin, emboldened by alcohol, gathered courage and confessed his feelings to Bian Xiaoqi in front of everyone. As expected, the bloom was willing, but the flowing water was indifferent; Bian Xiaoqi rejected him without hesitation, giving him no chance.

Thinking of this, his headache worsened. What to do? If he insisted, he would lose even the status of a mere friend with Bian Xiaoqi. He would still have to face Bian Guoning every day; if the relationship soured, his master’s studies might be jeopardized. It seemed he could only bury his feelings deep in his heart and cherish her in dreams. After much contemplation, he sighed heavily. After languishing for over ten minutes, seeing the sky darken outside, he sluggishly left the room.

The living room was brightly lit. Bian Guoning and Jiang Sumei sat on the sofa, apparently waiting for him. He quickened his steps and stood awkwardly before the elderly couple.

Jiang Sumei did not treat him coldly but kindly said, “Fu Xin, you’re awake? Are you feeling better? Here, drink some warm water—it’s good for your stomach. Please don’t drink so much in the future; it’s bad for your health.”

He apologized to Jiang Sumei and Bian Guoning, “Professor Bian, Mrs. Jiang, I’m sorry for my behavior today.”

Jiang Sumei smiled gently, “Fu Xin, it’s alright. It’s best to be open about things. Your teacher and I don’t blame you. You and Xiaoqi have been friends for years, and you want her to be happy, right?”

“Mrs. Jiang, I have always liked Xiaoqi. Since Xiaoqi has someone she likes, I will just wish her well.” As he spoke, tears streamed down his face again.

Bian Guoning said, “Fu Xin, I’m glad you’ve come to terms with it. This won’t affect our teacher-student relationship. There are many beautiful girls in the world; one will surely like you, and you will like her.”

Jiang Sumei added, “Fu Xin, when you go home, be sure to explain everything clearly to your parents. I believe they will understand.”

“Please rest assured, Professor Bian and Mrs. Jiang, I will tell my parents clearly.” Saying this, he prepared to leave.

At that moment, Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Ke entered the house from the courtyard, one after the other. Jiang Sumei said to Bian Xiaoqi, “Xiaoqi, you and Qin Ke must see Fu Xin off and make sure he gets home safely.”

Fu Xin hurriedly said, “Mrs. Jiang, there’s no need for Xiaoqi to escort me. I can walk home myself.”

Bian Xiaoqi immediately understood her mother’s meaning and smiled at Fu Xin, “Fu Xin, don’t you consider me a friend anymore?”

Fu Xin dared not meet her eyes and lowered his head, “Xiaoqi, I’m sorry. I sincerely wish you happiness. I hope we can still be friends.”

“Fu Xin, don’t say sorry. We were friends, and we will continue to be friends.” Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Watching the three young people walk out, Jiang Sumei said to Bian Guoning, “Fu Xin is a good boy but lacks something; he’s not worthy of Xiaoqi. In contrast, Qin Ke is not only talented but also calm, optimistic, and confident.”

Bian Guoning said, “Sumei, you’re right. Fu Xin is timid and lacks confidence; his talent is indeed inferior, but he’s kind-hearted. Being ordinary friends with Xiaoqi is fine. Now that he’s accepted it, I’m relieved—I was worried that old Fu and his wife might not.”

Jiang Sumei said, “Xin Lifang might take it hard for a while, but Fu Tianyue is sensible; he knows how to handle this.”

Bian Guoning added, “Qin Ke is extremely intelligent; he reminds me of myself when I was young. If I had met him earlier, I would have taken him as my student.”

Jiang Sumei said, “In terms of intelligence and talent, Qin Ke and Xiaoqi are well matched. I believe character is more important; time will tell. We need to observe for a few more years.”

(2)

Bian Xiaoqi and Qin Ke saw Fu Xin home. His mother, Xin Lifang, opened the door and, upon seeing Bian Xiaoqi, quickly invited her inside. Bian Xiaoqi politely smiled, “Aunt Xin, no, we have other matters; another day then.”

Xin Lifang noticed Qin Ke standing behind Bian Xiaoqi and casually asked, “Xiaoqi, who is this young man?”

Bian Xiaoqi was unembarrassed and straightforward, “Aunt Xin, this is Qin Ke, my boyfriend.”

“Ah?” Upon hearing this, the smile on Xin Lifang’s face vanished immediately. She stood at the doorway stunned, mouth agape, unsure whether to let Bian Xiaoqi in.

“Aunt Xin, goodbye,” Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said.

Without hesitation, she took Qin Ke’s hand and turned to leave. Xin Lifang stared after them, dazed for a long while.

Closing the door, she saw Fu Xin sitting listlessly in the living room and anxiously asked, “Fu Xin, you’re supposed to be Bian Xiaoqi’s boyfriend. What’s going on? When did Xiaoqi start liking someone else? Mrs. Jiang never mentioned this to me.”

Fu Xin sobbed, “Mom, Xiaoqi never saw me as her boyfriend. We’re just ordinary friends. She told me that herself today, in front of many people.”

Xin Lifang grew agitated, “No, I’m going to find Mrs. Jiang and get to the bottom of this. Her daughter can’t be so fickle.”

Fu Xin also became anxious, “Mom, this is my matter; you don’t need to interfere! Don’t make things worse or embarrass me. If you go to Mrs. Jiang’s house and cause a scene, Xiaoqi and I won’t even be friends anymore. I beg you, please don’t.”

Xin Lifang looked at her son’s pitiful state and sighed in frustration.

Fu Tianyue came out of the study, “Lifang, Fu Xin is right. I see Bian Guoning and Jiang Sumei every day at West State University; we can’t afford to sour this relationship. Besides, Bian Guoning is Fu Xin’s mentor. If you cause trouble, how will he face Professor Bian in the future?”

Xin Lifang was unwilling, angrily saying, “Jiang Sumei and Bian Guoning are being inconsistent. I can’t swallow this grievance.”

Fu Tianyue patiently explained, “Lifang, Jiang Sumei never admitted to us that Fu Xin was Xiaoqi’s boyfriend. They always said they would respect Xiaoqi’s wishes. I thought since our families were well-matched, a marriage between our children was a foregone conclusion. Apparently, it was just wishful thinking on our part. Xiaoqi is smart and beautiful; I like her very much, but unfortunately, Fu Xin and she are not meant to be.”

Fu Tianyue sighed; Xin Lifang sighed; Fu Xin sat dejectedly. The three sat silently in the living room.

Walking home, Qin Ke said, “Xiaoqi, do you think I shouldn’t have come? I was a bit worried seeing Aunt Xin’s reaction.”

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, “No, you should have appeared promptly to break Aunt Xin’s illusions. When things happen, I prefer to act decisively, without hiding or pretending reluctance. This way is responsible to both oneself and others.”

“Professor Jiang seems refined but is actually very rational and decisive,” Qin Ke laughed.

“My father is more romantic and idealistic as an intellectual, while my mother is steadier and more rational, probably related to their professions. After decades, their personalities complement each other well, and they get along harmoniously.”

“I really envy the respectful relationship between your parents,” Qin Ke said.

“How do you think we will get along in the future? What do you think?” Bian Xiaoqi asked with a smile.

“Xiaoqi, you’ve inherited the best qualities of Professor Bian and Mrs. Jiang. To me, you’re a perfect girl. As long as you don’t leave me, I will never leave you. Just thinking about growing old together over the next decades excites me. Let’s have a child, preferably a daughter, as beautiful, clever, and spirited as you.” Qin Ke looked at Bian Xiaoqi with longing.

“What are you thinking? I haven’t even decided to marry you yet.” Bian Xiaoqi blushed.

“Xiaoqi, I love you.” Qin Ke cupped her shy face, gazed into her clear eyes, and tenderly kissed her lips.

“Qin Ke, I love you too.” Bian Xiaoqi closed her eyes and warmly returned his passionate kiss.

The moon seemed to hold still; the birds ceased their singing. In the night’s embrace, only their whispered words remained.

(3)

“Xiaoqi,” Qin Ke whispered.

“Mm,” Bian Xiaoqi murmured, still lost in the passion of their kiss.

“I want to talk to you about that woman you mentioned,” Qin Ke said, stumbling over his words.

“Mm,” Bian Xiaoqi seemed unconcerned but had perked up.

“You overheard the conversation between Zhou Pinyi and me at the office that morning, right?” Qin Ke asked.

“Mm,” Bian Xiaoqi did not deny it.

“That’s one of your good qualities—you heard but didn’t say a word. You understood but didn’t expose it. So considerate, yet you always make people spill their hearts.” Qin Ke looked at her with affection.

Her name is Lu Juan, from Haiyuan City. She’s a doctor at Haiyuan Municipal Hospital and works in the same unit as Du Yufen, the lover of Manager Zhou Pinyi.

Hospitals have more women than men. Dr. Du, a warm-hearted person, asked Zhou Pinyi to help find a match for the single female doctors at her workplace. Zhou wasn’t keen on matchmaking but gave in after Du’s daily urging.

I’m Zhou Pinyi’s capable subordinate and single, so he thought of me first. A few months ago, one evening, he invited me to his home without mentioning it was a blind date. Since I had a good personal relationship with him and often visited his home for food and drink, I happily went without refusal.

At Zhou’s home, I saw a girl present. Dr. Du said she was a colleague named Lu Juan, also single, invited to dinner as well. I paid no attention and drank and chatted with Zhou, ignoring Lu Juan.

Later, Zhou asked how I felt about Lu Juan. To be honest, she left no impression—neither pretty nor ugly, just quiet and stiff. I told Zhou I wasn’t interested, but he said Lu Juan liked me and wanted to date me. Only then did I realize that night was a blind date. Dr. Du said since I was single, I should spend some time with Lu Juan; maybe sparks would fly.

Lu Juan lives in Haiyuan City; my home is in a rural town of another city. On days off, out of respect for Dr. Du, I tried seeing Lu Juan again. We had nothing to talk about, and I eventually said we were incompatible and parted unhappily.

My job requires frequent travel, so I thought that was the end of it. But upon returning to Haiyuan after a trip, Lu Juan’s mother came to my company, claiming I had kissed Lu Juan and demanding I marry her. I said we had only met twice and never even held hands; kissing was nonsense. Her mother didn’t believe me, saying Lu Juan herself told her. She had disapproved of me because of my rural background but said since Lu Juan was willing, I had to take responsibility.

I asked Zhou to help end things with Dr. Du and Lu Juan. Dr. Du talked to Lu Juan, but instead of calming down, Lu Juan threatened to harm herself. The affair caused a scandal at Company A, making me look like a villain.

Lu Juan’s mother is an unreasonable laid-off worker; I can forgive her, but Lu Juan, a formally trained doctor, is obstinate. I believe she has a character flaw and must be avoided.

That morning, I called Zhou, asking him to have Dr. Du tell Lu Juan again that I wouldn’t meet her anymore. If asked why, say I have someone I truly like now. Zhou, however, insisted I speak to Lu Juan myself. I was troubled by this.

Listening to Qin Ke’s story, Bian Xiaoqi was surprised, “Qin Ke, I believe you. I think you and Lu Juan never truly started anything, so there’s no breakup. You should not see her again. Once you do, you’ll be tangled by such an unreasonable person. We won’t harm others but won’t allow others to harm us. Don’t you agree?”

Qin Ke was enlightened by Bian Xiaoqi’s words, “The one involved is confused, the onlooker sees clearly. Xiaoqi, you’re absolutely right. I like to finish what I start, so I’ll make my firm stance clear to Zhou again. After all, he and Dr. Du mean well.”

“You’re right; we must handle things openly and honestly,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

(4)

Hand in hand, Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi walked slowly along the lamplit path under the dappled shadows of trees.

“Qin Ke, tell me about your family. I can’t tell you’re from the countryside, and I’m curious,” Bian Xiaoqi asked.

“My family has farmed for three generations. Compared to your scholarly lineage, there’s really nothing special to say. I’ll take you to my hometown someday, and you’ll understand everything. Besides my parents, I have a younger sister,” Qin Ke smiled.

“No, I want you to tell me now. I’m eager to hear it,” Bian Xiaoqi coaxed.

Seeing her eager to listen, Qin Ke laughed, “Xiaoqi, since you want to hear, I’ll tell you. Before the Reform and Opening-up, the countryside was poor; even having enough food was a problem. My parents scrimped and saved to support my education. Though uneducated, they believed reading could change fate. I didn’t disappoint them, always ranking top academically. My parents were farmers all their lives, kind, hardworking, optimistic, and filial. These qualities shaped how I treat people and influenced my academic path.”

“What motivated you to enter university?” Bian Xiaoqi asked.

“Xiaoqi, I’m embarrassed to say my motivation was simply to avoid farming and eat steamed buns every day. I had no clear goal initially, just wanted to get into any university. Bin University was chosen by my teachers; I picked my major because the name sounded pleasant. You think that’s funny? But it’s true,” Qin Ke chuckled.

“Why did you study science? With your memory, I think you’d be better at the arts,” Bian Xiaoqi pressed.

“In sophomore year, I started memorizing Su Shi’s ‘Stone Bell Mountain Record’ and could recite it in ten minutes. So today, I dared to memorize the ‘Biography of General Li’ from the Records of the Grand Historian, assigned by Professor Bian. For geography and history exams, I usually scored full marks. But teachers said arts were for those who did poorly in science, and since my science scores were good, they made me study science. I heard that mastering science makes one fearless worldwide and that arts graduates struggle to find jobs, so I went with the flow. I wasn’t conflicted then because my only goal was to get into university.” Qin Ke shared his college entrance experience.

“Your teacher was too arbitrary. The world gained an engineer but lost a literary talent,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“Xiaoqi, you’re lucky to have scholarly parents guiding you, avoiding detours. After university, I realized I wasn’t interested in science but grew increasingly fond of literature, history, and philosophy. If I had known Professor Bian earlier, maybe I’d have chosen arts,” Qin Ke smiled.

“If you had chosen arts, you probably would have been admitted to P University. Do you regret it?” Bian Xiaoqi asked.

“No, not at all,” Qin Ke replied.

“Why not?” Bian Xiaoqi pressed.

“Because then I wouldn’t have met you,” Qin Ke said passionately, embracing her.

“Is this what people call fate?” Bian Xiaoqi nestled in his arms and murmured.

“Yes, definitely,” Qin Ke held her tighter.

“You said you have a sister. What’s her name? What does she do? Is she also smart?” Bian Xiaoqi asked.

“My sister’s name is Qin Yan. She’s taking the college entrance exam this year. Unlike me, she prefers science. Her goal is T University. The results will be announced at the end of this month, and I think she has a good chance of getting in,” Qin Ke said.

“I want to meet Qin Yan,” Bian Xiaoqi said happily upon hearing about her sister’s intelligence.

“In a little over a month, Qin Yan will start university. I want to go home to see her off. Would you like to come with me to my hometown? Meet my parents—they will like you, and my sister will too,” Qin Ke said expectantly.

“Next month, I have to return to the company for a work report. We can go to Haiyuan together and then head to your hometown,” Bian Xiaoqi said.

“Xiaoqi, starting next month, I’ll bear part of my sister’s tuition, so…” Qin Ke began.

Before he could finish, Bian Xiaoqi covered his mouth and sincerely said, “Qin Ke, don’t say more. You’re her brother; this is your responsibility. I understand fully. My parents gave me a comfortable life and a good upbringing but never spoiled me, whether academically or in arts like music and calligraphy. They were strict from childhood. Although I haven’t suffered like you, I can imagine. So, you don’t need to worry about me.”

Bian Xiaoqi’s eyes were bright and resolute as she said, “Qin Ke, poverty and wealth are never permanent. I believe that with our intelligence and diligence, we will have a bright future.”

“Xiaoqi, you’re so kind and understanding. I love you so much.” Qin Ke, moved by her words, kissed her passionately again.