The night was the peak time for the barbecue stall. After three full hours, the crowd gradually thinned out, and Mrs. Hall finally had the opportunity to approach Robin, casually striking up a conversation: “Young man, what do you do?”
Robin was taken aback. What did he do? Should he tell her that he was Primus, the commander-in-chief of the national forces, the man who had nearly destroyed South Vietnam and shaken the world a few days ago? But he hesitated, realizing that he couldn’t say that. After all, he had stepped down from the position of Primus. He replied, “Auntie, I just returned from military service and haven’t found a job yet.”
That was the truth. That’s what he had said when he returned to Stillwater.
“Returned from military service, huh? That’s good, that’s good,” Mrs. Hall said. Hearing that he had served in the military, a hint of delight flashed in her eyes. She admired young men who served in the military-they were reliable, hardworking, responsible, and could protect their loved ones. The fact that he had served in the military made her feel relieved.
She was afraid he might be like Joe Braton.
But Mrs. Hall continued, “Um, by the way, dear… no, what do your parents do?”
Robin’s gaze became a bit strange. Wasn’t this question a bit too much? He was just here to help out, but seeing the kind and gentle expression on Auntie’s face, he still answered, “My parents passed away. I’m an orphan now.”
His mother had died. His father, he might as well be dead too. He couldn’t possibly reach the heights of his invincible father.
“Oh, my condolences,” Mrs. Hall sighed. She had to maintain appearances, but deep down, she was actually quite happy. A young man who had returned from military service, unemployed, and with deceased parents-there was only Kiki, their daughter, in their family. It would be perfect to directly welcome him as a son-in-law. Moreover, their family didn’t have much money, so they wouldn’t be harsh to this son-in-law. They would treat him as their own son and help him expand and strengthen the barbecue stall, eventually opening a shop.
The more she thought about it, the more delighted she became.
Carrying a plate of barbecue, Mrs. Hall quietly approached Mr. Hall and nudged him, saying, “Old man, take a look. How about that young man? Our daughter fancies him. He’s returned from military service and…”
She went on for a while.
Normally, Mr. Hall, as a father, should have been hostile towards the person his daughter liked. But after hearing her words, he didn’t show any hostility. On the contrary, he smiled happily. His animosity stemmed from the fact that once his daughter got married, she would leave him. After all, a daughter who got married was like water thrown away. He couldn’t bear to see her leave. However, this young man with an orphan background was different. He came straight to their doorstep, so their daughter wouldn’t leave, and there wouldn’t be any in-laws to deal with. Moreover, he had served in the military, so his character must be good. His recent performance had also been diligent and suitable. Mr. Hall was in favor of him.
After a while, when there were hardly any customers left and not many orders were placed, Kimi Hall finally had her hands free. She approached Mr. Hall and said, “Dad, let’s have some delicious barbecue. I want to treat someone.”
“I know, I know. We’re a family,” Mr. Hall gave Kimi Hall a knowing look.
A family? Kimi Hall was momentarily stunned, but then she understood. She and her dad were indeed a family. So her dad wanted her to rest assured that he would take care of everything.
“You must be exhausted. Have a seat, have a seat,” Kimi Hall said as she approached Robin and cleared a spot for him. “I’m really sorry. I originally wanted to treat you, but now you’re working for us. How about this? I’ll pay you today.”
“Pay? With your 32. 5 yuan?” Robin teased.
Kimi Hall blushed instantly, but she muttered, “32. 5 yuan is my weekly allowance.”
“No need. I’ve just retired from military service, and my pension is quite substantial. I don’t need your 32. 5 yuan,” Robin waved his hand.
He sat down and waited for the barbecue.
However, Mrs. Hall, who happened to be passing by, overheard that statement and became even happier. Retirement pension, she knew that serving in the military had great benefits nowadays, and the pension must be substantial. She wasn’t interested in the pension per se, but a substantial pension meant thatthis person had abilities. The more she looked at Robin, the more she liked him.
After a while, Mrs. Hall brought Robin’s barbecue-a large and fragrant plate. Kimi Hall nodded in approval and picked up a skewer, saying, “The taste is good. It seems like my dad has shown his true skills. Have some too.”
While they were enjoying the barbecue together, Mrs. Hall didn’t leave as she usually would after serving the food. Instead, she sat down next to Kimi Hall and said meaningfully, “Your dad and I have discussed it and agreed to your relationship. When are you two planning to get married?”
“Married!” Kimi Hall, who was eating barbecue, was suddenly stunned. Get married?
“Yes, when will the wedding be? We fully support it,” Mrs. Hall said kindly.
“The wedding… cough…,” Kimi Hall wanted to retort but ended up choking on the barbecue. She coughed uncontrollably. Mrs. Hall patted her back while scolding with a laugh, “I know you’re happy and excited, but even if you’re excited, you still need to eat slowly. A young lady should be reserved. Is there any rush to get married? Really.”
Her words made Kimi Hall choke even more.
What happiness? Excitement? What a mismatch.
After she finally managed to swallow the barbecue, she hurriedly explained, “Mom, it’s not what you think.”
“Spoiled girl, I scolded you a bit, and now you’re acting reserved. It’s not what we imagined? I used to say the same thing when I was young. When your dad pursued me, he even came to my house. At that time, I told my parents that it wasn’t what they imagined. Don’t worry, you’re all grown up now, I won’t scold you,” Mrs. Hall looked at the departing crowd as if reminiscing about her lost youth.
“It really isn’t what you imagine,” Kimi Hall explained again.
But Mrs. Hall nodded, “Yes, yes, it really isn’t what we imagine. I mean it. Alright, I’ll give you some space to be alone. I’ll go and take care of things. Get along well, Patrick. My daughter is good.”
In that moment, she had figured out Robin’s name.
Patrick Bailey.
That name was good. It sounded like the name of her future son-in-law.
After Mrs. Hall left, Kimi Hall was at a loss. Why did she leave? I need to explain to her that Robin and I aren’t really a thing. But Kimi Hall soon realized that even if she explained, her mother wouldn’t believe her. She thought it was just her daughter’s reserved nature.
“Oh dear, it’s impossible to explain now. It’s impossible to clear things up,” Kimi Hall covered her face and sighed. But as she covered her face, she secretly opened two fingers and peeked at Robin sitting across from her. His appearance was indeed quite strong and sharp. She wondered if he had a girlfriend. Oh dear, Kimi Hall, what are you thinking?