The welfare institution was quiet. Children were taking an afternoon nap. Jiang Youyou hadn’t been back for two years. Smelling the sweet fragrant smell of Sophora japonica blooms in the courtyard made Jiang Youyou feel as if she had returned to childhood.
Waiting for such a long time, Fang Ruxiang was so tired that she couldn’t see straight.
This morning a man came to inquire about the orphans, accompanied by Civil Affairs Bureau leaders. He looked through the list of all the orphans since the establishment of the institute, then left after he adopted two three-year-old girl. He had complete adoption procedures. He took a lot of photos and made a donation, which made her busy working for almost half a day. She was a little reluctant to give up the two girls, but she knew it could be a good thing to the two, after all they had got a good destination.
“Are you hungry?” Fang Ruxiang greeted Pu Yuanhui warmly, “My dear girl Youyou is always thoughtful since her childhood. Look, she should bring me so many gifts. I’m really stunning.”
Jiang Youyou picked up food for Pu Yuanhui, “Quick! These are very delicious. My mom’s cookery is so wonderful!”
With a smile Pu Yuanhui listened to Fang Ruxiang telling Jiang Youyou’s funny stories in her childhood. In fact Jiang Youyou was not as obedient as she said she was. She was also quite naughty and had done some nonesuch things, as to hang the shoes of someone living in the apartment on the tree and was cursed all day long
Jiang Youyou interrupted, “OK, that’s because her kids bullied my, and I just beat them at their own game.”
After a slap-up dinner, they were placed in the institution hostel. In the evening they were playing with a bunch of kids, learning to draw, watching cartoons, and so on and so forth, joyfully.
Pu Yuanhui looked at her, kind and amiable, and loved her so much.
She liked children that much, surely she would love her children even more. Pu Yuanhui was on an impulse.
“Where are you going? It is not in good public order outside. So please be back as earlier as possible.” Pu Yuanhui told Jiang Youyou he was going out shopping.
“Don’t forget what I was doing before.” Pu Yuanhui waved to stop a taxi.
And Fang Ruxiang asked from behind, “What did he do before?”
“Well, he was a policeman.” Jiang Youyou stuck her tongue out.
The young kids shared the chocolate and candy brought by Auntie Jiang and were very happy, chattering on and on.
Jiang Youyou recollected her own happy time. Yes, if life could continue this way, it would be perfect.
He came back.
And he knelt down.
He took out a ring, which shone brightly in the lamplight.
“Please marry me, will you?” I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.”
Jiang Youyou was at a loss. Some older kids had seen such plot in TV plays, so they began cheering, saying “Tell him you will!” in babish voice.
Jiang Youyou felt embarrassed, today’s kid knew everything.
“I, I don’t know…”
Pu Yuanhui looked at Fang Yuanhui with the expression for help.
“I will.” Fang Ruxiang nodded.
How awkward. How could she say “I will.”? Jiang Youyou was shocked. Mother Fang should say “I approve of your marriage.”
There was sincerity sparkling in his eyes, as bright as the shine of the diamond ring in his hand.
Jiang Youyou enjoyed the moment heartily. She nodded and took a deep breath. “OK, I will.”
When he picked her up, Pu felt she was putting weight on. That was a happy thing.
They passed these few carefree days. Then Pu Yuanhui was going to take Jiang Youyou home to see his old man. He supposed the old man wouldn’t have any objection. Even if he had objection, he dared not speak out. He would become grandfather, and he might certainly laugh so much that his eyes narrowed. Pu wondered if he like a grandson or a grangdaughter.
Fang Ruxiang also looked very happy. The naughty girl finally got married. The work of the welfare institution shouldn’t stop. They were leaving tomorrow. She had to have the photos developed today. As an outstanding welfare institution in the province, they couldn’t lose face, for there would be visitors from other welfare institutions the day after tomorrow.
Jiang Youyou was still sleeping in. Pu Yuanhui got up early. After breakfast, he saw Fang Ruxiang was terribly busy. He remembered that she was busy cooking and shopping for them, which made her so tired, so he hurriedly went over to try to help.
“OK, then please help me to classify the photos into groups of foreigners and Chinese.”
“They are all child adopters, aren’t they?” As doing the work, Pu Yuanhui chatted with Fang Ruxiang.
“Yes, they are. They are all the people who deserve another good turn. Everything happens for a reason. If one did bad things in his last life, his day of reckoning would come in this life, sooner or later, if not now. Therefor one should perform many good deeds and make good connections. To help others a lot rather than to hurt them.” And Fang Ruxiang always did this.
“Hmm. Thank you for your teaching.” Pu Yuanhui smiled.