“How much was the dowry?” Spencer asked, keeping it real.
The wooden door creaked open, and Mr. Campell glanced at him, “Five hundred.”
“Next year, when we have our child’s full-month celebration, he’ll return the favor,” Spencer chuckled and stepped into the room. “Dad, I brought you some liquor!”
He moved around as if he were in his own home.
“You shouldn’t drink!” Mrs. Campell entered as well, “You have a bad stomach, Summer even called to remind me.”
“How did she know I was coming?” Spencer was surprised and a bit panicked; he hoped she wasn’t about to arrive just after him.
Mrs. Campell replied, “She probably knows you too well. Look, her message is still warm, and here you are.”
“I came today for something important,” Spencer told her. “I assume you’ve had dinner already, so I won’t impose for food or drink. Let’s have some tea and talk.”
“I can make you some fried rice with eggs,” Mrs. Campell offered. “If you don’t mind, we didn’t eat at home for lunch and didn’t prepare much.”
“Of course, I don’t mind! I won’t be shy then! Thank you, Mom!”
Mrs. Campell then went into the kitchen and quickly got busy.
Mr. Campell went to make tea.
Spencer rarely felt this kind of family warmth; this must be what having parents feels like.
“Dad, keep this liquor for now; although your stomach is fine, drinking too much is harmful. Don’t indulge too much or Summer will blame me for bringing you liquor.”
“Alright,” Mr. Campell happily accepted it and then brought over a pot of tea.
This was a flavor of liquor he particularly liked.
Spencer was clever; he had specifically inquired about it.
Soon, Mrs. Campell’s egg fried rice was ready, a full plate brought steaming to him with an extra egg added for good measure.
Spencer took the chopsticks from Mrs. Campell’s hands, “Thank you, Mom!” He was moved.
His casual mentions of ‘Dad’ and ‘Mom’ delighted the elderly couple.
While eating, Spencer started the conversation, “I came today mainly to discuss our wedding plans with you both.”
“A traditional wedding soon, any dowry is fine, we agree to your marriage as long as you’re happy,” Mr. Campell stated again. “What else do you want to discuss?”
“The most crucial part hasn’t been discussed yet,” Spencer shared his thoughts. “Your house is about to be demolished; do you still plan to keep running the flower shop?”
Sitting at the table with him, Mr. and Mrs. Campell exchanged glances over their tea cups; how did the conversation turn to their future?
“Yes, we’re considering it,” Mr. Campell said. “Though small, the flower shop is quite profitable enough for us to sustain ourselves without burdening you as we’re not old yet.”
“My idea is this,” Spencer put down his chopsticks and spoke sincerely. “I know you love flowers; my place has two large yards front and back. How about we close the flower shop? You can plant whatever flowers you like there and also help us look after our child occasionally.”
Hearing this, the elders exchanged another glance.
“Is Summer pregnant?!” Mrs. Campell exclaimed wide-eyed.
“No, no,” Spencer quickly clarified. “But we definitely plan to start trying after getting married.”
Mrs. Campell breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully it wasn’t a case of pregnancy before marriage-older generations tend to be traditional in their thinking.
Spencer continued, “Neither Summer nor I would feel comfortable having someone else look after our child; surely you wouldn’t either.”