They had been together for almost eleven months, but still hadn’t formally met each other’s parents.
Oh, wait, Chi Shuo had met He Lindi’s father, but that didn’t really count. They barely exchanged a few words, nothing formal. As for He Lindi’s grandfather, Chi Shuo… wasn’t eager to meet him.
She just wanted her and He Lindi’s families to tacitly accept their relationship and leave them undisturbed. That kind of life felt very freeing. But eventually, it was unavoidable. Before that happened, Chi Shuo decided to bring He Lindi to meet her mother first.
When Chi Shuo and her mother were buying the house, He Lindi had helped, but they hadn’t met then because He Lindi said she wasn’t psychologically prepared, that she didn’t dare. Chi Shuo hadn’t pushed her, figuring it didn’t matter if they met or not.
But recently, whenever she went home, her mother often asked about He Lindi, the main theme being when she would bring He Lindi over. Chi Shuo initially refused directly, saying He Lindi was shy. Later, she hesitated and found an opportunity to ask He Lindi, “Didi Mei Mei, my mom wants to meet you. She asked if you’re psychologically ready this time.”
He Lindi, who had been playing a game, immediately froze, her lips trembling slightly. “What?” She looked at Chi Shuo. “Auntie wants to see me again?”
The emphasis on “again” was telling.
Chi Shuo’s lips curved into a smile. She leaned down and kissed He Lindi, nodding. “Yes.” She kissed her again. “My mom said she didn’t get to see you when we bought the house. It’s almost the end of the year, and if she still hasn’t met you, she’ll feel regretful.”
He Lindi swallowed, nervously clutching Chi Shuo’s hand. “Let me think about it.”
Chi Shuo tried to ease her nerves. “My mom isn’t scary. The scariest she ever was, she only directed it at me. She’s gentler now, she definitely won’t be fierce towards you, don’t worry. My mom…”
Before Chi Shuo could finish, He Lindi had already propped herself up and silenced her with a kiss, though it was just a light press of lips. She pulled back two seconds later.
He Lindi said, “I was thinking about what gift I should buy.” She patted Chi Shuo’s shoulder. “What does Auntie like? Why haven’t you told me yet?”
Chi Shuo chuckled. “Okay, I’ll tell you.” She was still curious. “Why did you decide to meet this time?”
He Lindi sighed softly. “I’ll have to meet her sooner or later. I can’t escape it.”
“True.”
The meeting time was quickly set for a Saturday in mid-December, at the new house Chi Shuo’s mother bought. Just the three of them.
Since it was already winter, He Lindi’s old injury hadn’t fully healed. She still had to wear thick, fleece-lined pants when going out; otherwise, the cold would make her legs ache. Chi Shuo also wore her gloves; after almost getting chilblains last year, she wouldn’t risk it this year.
The car parked in the lot. The heater was still running warmly inside.
Neither was in a hurry to get out, or more accurately, only He Lindi wasn’t, because she was too nervous.
She took several deep breaths, her palms sweating, and kept drinking water.
Chi Shuo unbuckled her seatbelt from the side and chuckled. “Drinking so much water, planning to move into my house’s bathroom?”
He Lindi snorted softly. “What do you know? When meeting parents, the bathroom is the safe zone. I’d rather make more trips to the bathroom.”
Chi Shuo raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
He Lindi couldn’t stand her teasing tone anymore and patted Chi Shuo’s shoulder. “No laughing.” She opened the car door. “Getting out.”
Chi Shuo replied, “Coming.”
They went to the trunk, which held the gifts He Lindi wanted to give Chi Shuo’s mother—green tea and a massage device.
Initially, He Lindi had wanted to give expensive jade or something similar. Chi Shuo, startled by her extravagance, offered her own suggestions, leading to the current gifts. Otherwise, Chi Shuo’s mother might very well refuse them for being too valuable.
“I already bought her skincare products at the beginning of the year. Otherwise, skincare would have been better. My mom used to care a lot about her appearance when she was young, only later becoming a… feet-picking auntie.”
In the elevator, just the two of them, Chi Shuo teased her mother.
He Lindi gave her a look. “You can’t talk about Auntie like that.”
“What’s this? I’m your girlfriend, yet you’re siding with her.”
“Precisely because she’s my girlfriend’s mom, you shouldn’t talk like that.”
Chi Shuo surrendered. “Fine.”
Each carried a bag. The closer they got to the floor, the more nervous He Lindi became. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze fixed straight ahead, like a tiger preparing to hunt.
Exiting the elevator, He Lindi straightened her back. “I’m done for, I feel like I can’t breathe.”
Chi Shuo couldn’t help laughing. “Is it that exaggerated?” She remembered He Wenkang. “When I met your dad, I wasn’t like this.”
“My dad needed something from me that time.”
“Besides, did you even ‘meet’ him? Did you give my dad a gift? Did you even talk to him for ten minutes?”
“…No.”
“See?” He Lindi finally scored a point, relaxing slightly.
The distance from the elevator to the door was very short. They reached it in just a few steps, both lightening their tread as they stood outside.
Chi Shuo turned to look at He Lindi. “You ring the doorbell?”
“I won’t.” He Lindi even shifted positions. She had been standing where she’d be immediately visible when the door opened. Realizing this, she quickly moved to Chi Shuo’s left.
Chi Shuo raised an eyebrow but said nothing, inserting the key into the lock with a smile.
He Lindi: “…You had a key, why didn’t you say so earlier.”
Chi Shuo turned the handle. “Would knowing have made you less nervous?”
He Lindi shut her mouth, silently tightening her grip on the bag. She was truly too nervous, feeling like breathing was difficult now.
As the door opened, He Lindi heard a gentle voice. “Shuo Shuo, you’re here.”
Chi Shuo acted very naturally. “Yes, Mom, I brought Didi.”
Immediately cued, He Lindi’s heart pounded faster, but she forced a smile towards Chi Shuo’s mother a few meters away. She even bowed slightly. “Hello, Auntie. My name is He Lindi. I’m almost twenty-five. I’ve known Chi Shuo since high school.”
She deliberately added a year to her actual age, wanting to seem more mature. And mentioning knowing Chi Shuo since high school was also a subtle move—Auntie, I’ve known your daughter for a long time; our relationship of many years won’t just disappear.
Chi Shuo chuckled hearing this. Her mother’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Good, that’s really good.”
Repeating “good” twice, the boulder in He Lindi’s heart finally lightened slightly. She secretly exhaled and put on the slippers Chi Shuo handed her.
“Auntie, this is a small meeting gift I bought for you. I hope you like it.” He Lindi addressed her respectfully with “you” (您 | Formal ‘you’), very formally. Before leaving today, she had even said if it weren’t winter, she might have worn a business suit.
Chi Shuo had laughed at her. “Why wear that? Are you negotiating? Negotiating with my mom about luring away me, her daughter?”
He Lindi: “…”
He Lindi wore a down jacket with a low-neck sweater underneath, accessorized with a delicate necklace. Standing there, she looked exceptionally elegant. Coupled with her beauty, Chi Shuo, the involved party, was very satisfied.
Chi Shuo’s mother didn’t refuse, accepting the gifts with a smile like a spring breeze. “Next time you come, don’t bring anything. Quick, sit down.”
He Lindi grinned and replied, “Okay, okay.”
Chi Shuo rolled up her sleeves. “Mom, I’ll help you in the kitchen.”
Her mother glanced at her. Chi Shuo thought her mother would tell her to go keep He Lindi company, but unexpectedly, her mother immediately took off her apron and handed it to her. “Then go finish the last dish. I’ll make Xiao Di a cup of tea here.”
He Lindi quickly bent down. “Auntie, no need, I can do it myself.”
She finished speaking and glanced at Chi Shuo, her eyes clearly saying: Save me.
Chi Shuo, tying the apron, shook her head, her reply just as clear: Can’t save you.
Chi Shuo went into the kitchen to work on the last dish. He Lindi sat on the sofa, somewhat nervous and uneasy. She was terrified of meeting parents, even though this was her first time.
Chi Shuo’s mother poured He Lindi a cup of hot tea. Drinking tea was one of her mother’s hobbies, which was why Chi Shuo had suggested He Lindi gift green tea.
Tea leaves floated up and down in the cup, steam slowly rising. He Lindi swallowed and proactively initiated conversation. “Auntie, your cooking must be delicious.”
Chi Shuo’s mother watched her with smiling eyes. Hearing the compliment, she asked, “Are you hungry?” She said, “Why don’t you eat some first? Anyway, Shuo Shuo is just stir-frying the last dish, just some vegetables, it’ll be quick.”
He Lindi shook her head, replying somewhat shyly, “Since you put it that way, waiting a little longer is no problem.”
Her mother picked up her own cup and took a sip. She said, “Shuo Shuo started cooking in junior high. Back then, her dad and I didn’t pay much attention to her. She stayed home researching recipes herself. Later, when we came home, she stir-fried a dish for us, and it was quite tasty.”
He Lindi strongly agreed. “Her cooking is indeed very delicious.”
Chi Shuo’s mother switched topics. “Xiao Di, can you cook?”
The sudden question stunned He Lindi for two seconds before she calmly replied, “A little, not as good as her. I usually just help out.”
She wasn’t lying. She hadn’t known how to cook before, but after getting together with Chi Shuo, she suddenly got interested one day and asked Chi Shuo to teach her some basics. Now she could stir-fry simple dishes.
Her mother seemed quite satisfied with this answer and asked again, “What about washing dishes?”
“…” He Lindi looked somewhat embarrassed. “We bought a dishwasher at home, we don’t need to wash.”
Her mother still seemed pleased with this answer. She remarked, “Exactly, you have to know how to use tools. I hate washing dishes. Maybe I should buy a dishwasher later too.”
He Lindi paused. She had thought her mother might say young people wasted money, but received such an unexpected answer. He Lindi finally relaxed considerably, the smile on her face less stiff.
The last dish was stir-fried water spinach. Soon, Chi Shuo brought the plate to the table. He Lindi saw this, stood up, and pointed towards the kitchen. “Auntie, I’ll go get the rice.”
Her mother didn’t get up, just nodded. “Go ahead.”
He Lindi felt liberated and went into the kitchen.
Chi Shuo was already scooping rice into bowls. The rice in the cooker was steamed perfectly, each grain plump.
Chi Shuo filled a bowl. He Lindi took it, tilted her head slightly, and calmed her breathing. “Too scary, Shuo Shuo.”
Chi Shuo continued scooping rice. “What’s wrong?”
“How can she switch topics from you to me in the next second? Talking to older people is so scary.”
Chi Shuo glanced at her and chuckled. “Scared?”
“Not really, Auntie is very nice. I’m just nervous.”
“But the tea on the table is hot. I was so nervous I wanted to drink water, but couldn’t. The cup was scalding.”
Chi Shuo picked up the chopsticks. “It’s okay, I got Sprite ready for you. You can chug it at the table later.”
He Lindi’s eyes lit up. “Okay!”
Before leaving the kitchen, Chi Shuo leaned her head closer and pressed a kiss onto He Lindi’s lips. “Good luck.”
He Lindi’s ears flushed. She lowered her voice. “Your mom is right outside!”
“She can’t see.”
He Lindi replied with an “Oh.” “True.”
“You really were too nervous.”
This meal was clearly prepared with care—cold dishes, stir-fries, braised dishes, and soup were all present. There was a refrigerator outside, and her mother had already taken out drinks.
She placed a can of Sprite in front of He Lindi. “Shuo Shuo said you like this. Need a glass?”
He Lindi shook her head. “No need, Auntie. Drinking it like this is refreshing.”
Her mother opened her own can; she also had Sprite. “Let me try it.”
And in front of Chi Shuo was… bubble tea.
She had ordered takeout before arriving. It was still slightly warm. Before ordering, Chi Shuo had asked He Lindi if she wanted their usual brand, but He Lindi refused, afraid Chi Shuo’s mother would think she spent money recklessly.
Chi Shuo: “…”
Just a cup of bubble tea.
But it also proved He Lindi had taken this matter seriously, considering every detail carefully. This also showed, from the side, how much she cared about Chi Shuo.
Thinking this, Chi Shuo picked up a piece of pork rib and placed it in He Lindi’s bowl. “My mom’s pork ribs are delicious, much better than mine.”
Her mother chuckled from the side. “I had you in my twenties, I have more cooking experience than you. If you say that, Xiao Di might blame me for bullying the young later.”
He Lindi quickly waved her hands. “Auntie, I understand.” She finished speaking, took a bite of the rib, swallowed, and started flattering her. “Auntie, Shuo Shuo is right. Yours really is a bit tastier than hers.”
Her mother’s smile never left her face. “Is that so?”
“Yes!”
Their conversation seemed quite pleasant. Chi Shuo relaxed. She had been worried He Lindi’s performance would be unnatural or abnormal. She had even been watching them from the kitchen earlier. Now it seemed her worries were unfounded.
How could He Lindi possibly mess this up?
Later, only Chi Shuo was seriously eating. She was truly hungry. She listened to her girlfriend and mother chatting while eating.
“Mahjong? I know how to play. Learned in high school. Haven’t lost yet.”
“Then maybe we can play together sometime?” her mother invited.
“Okay, Auntie.”
“How about New Year’s Day? I’ll come find you to play mahjong then?”
“Okay!”
“I’ll call my two mahjong buddies!”
Chi Shuo: “…”
Chi Shuo was a bit stunned. How did she not know He Lindi played mahjong? She wasn’t even very good at Landlord before. Was she serious about never losing at mahjong?
Chi Shuo’s eyes held suspicion. She met He Lindi’s gaze, and He Lindi winked at her.
Chi Shuo understood: I’ll learn when I get back, just deal with this for now.
Chi Shuo pretended to touch her hair, gave He Lindi an “OK” sign back. He Lindi saw it, they exchanged another glance, and both curved their lips slightly.
This meal was very enjoyable, but Chi Shuo didn’t have much involvement in the conversation. She didn’t need to; He Lindi could handle it freely.
The tea He Lindi had on the coffee table had cooled. Her mother wanted to change it, but He Lindi stopped her. “Auntie, no need. Let me drink this first, then you can pour more.”
“Okay.”
He Lindi glanced at the dining table and asked, “Auntie, are the detergent and things in the kitchen? Then I’ll go wash the dishes.”
She finished speaking and, like a gust of wind, took off Chi Shuo’s apron and went into the kitchen.
Chi Shuo and her mother looked at each other.
Chi Shuo spoke first. “Mom, isn’t she quite nice?”
“I can tell. She’s much more likable than someone who gets nervous.” Her mother chuckled. “Never lost at mahjong? Either she doesn’t know how, or she hasn’t played much. Someone like me, an old hand, is already indifferent to winning or losing.”
Chi Shuo touched her hair. “You saw through her?” She decided to confess for He Lindi. “She doesn’t know how at all.”
Her mother looked towards the kitchen. “Then on New Year’s Day…?”
“I’ll teach her in the next half month.” Chi Shuo couldn’t help smiling. “When she comes to beat you then, don’t blame me for teaching her.”
Her mother “hmphed.” “Bring it on.”
Chi Shuo pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and asked, “Mom, did you meet her family?”
After guessing this outcome for over half a year, they hadn’t verified it. Now that He Lindi had finally met her mother, Chi Shuo felt it was better to ask.
Her mother nodded. “Met her grandfather.” She grinned. “That old master is really stubborn, stubborn and feudalistic. Said you two girls being together isn’t appropriate, said our family’s condition isn’t good enough, and so on.”
“And then?”
“Then I argued with him. I said he meddled too much, said he never considered Xiao Di’s feelings, said a whole lot.”
“Finally, the old master stormed off, probably never met a shrew like me before.”
Hearing her mother belittle herself, Chi Shuo couldn’t help saying, “You’re not a shrew, you were very reasonable.”
Just then, the kitchen door opened, and He Lindi emerged. She said, “Auntie, do you know how to play Landlord? I’m quite good at that.”
