Chapter Fifty-Six: Xu Shu's Mother

Seeing the joy on Xu Shu’s face, I nodded and said, “Given your brother’s generosity and the delicious dishes you just cooked, I shouldn’t hold anything against you. Now that you’ve sincerely apologized once more, if I still can’t let it go, my heart must be far too narrow. Don’t worry, I won’t mind it anymore. You and your brother have truly moved me.”

At that moment, Xu Jian strode in from outside, laughing heartily. “Good, good! Since the misunderstanding is resolved, we should have three drinks to celebrate. Brother Tang, come, pour the wine!”

Xu Shu chided, “Three drinks? Brother, I have to catch a plane at noon!”

Xu Jian sat down and replied, “It won’t delay you. After three drinks, you can go take a nap. Brother Tang and I hit it off at first sight—we still need to share a few more.”

I said, “Miss Xu, if you’re not used to drinking, don’t force yourself. You have to fly to America this afternoon; it’s really important.” Xu Jian laughed, “I know her better than anyone! When she was five, she used to sneak my father’s…”

Before he could finish, Xu Shu cut him off in exasperation, “Brother! Say one more word and you’re dead!” Xu Jian stopped, but burst out laughing.

Xu Shu’s face flushed as she gave her brother a fierce glare, then turned to me apologetically, “Sorry, my brother is just blunt—he never knows how to keep things to himself, it’s unbearable! Today is really important to me, and if I drink too much, I’m afraid I’ll mess things up. How about this: I already had two drinks just now, so let’s count those. I’ll toast you one more, Mr. Tang, to make it three as thanks. Is that alright?”

I said, “No problem, whatever you wish, Miss Xu.”

With that, Xu Shu filled her glass again. “After three drinks, Mr. Tang, you’ll be a good friend of mine. I’ll down this one to you!” She tipped her head back and drained the glass. I was moved. Never had I imagined that one day I would become friends with Xu Shu, a famous star. Life is indeed full of surprises. I raised my own glass and finished it in one gulp.

Xu Jian interjected, “Since we’re all friends now, there’s no need for such formalities as ‘Mr. Tang’ and ‘Miss Xu’. Let’s call each other by our names—it’s more comfortable.”

Xu Shu smiled softly and said, “Tang… Tang Qian, I really feel bad that you resigned because of me. How about I explain things to Jingjing and have her let you return to work? Don’t worry, Jingjing and I are best friends—she wouldn’t dare refuse me.”

I hesitated for a moment, thinking: Even if you don’t explain, it would be a simple matter for me to return to work if I wanted. But I’d been quite firm with Hua Jingjing over the phone, and once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. Besides, I can’t break my promise to my girlfriend—so going back isn’t realistic.

I smiled. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about quitting to start something on my own for a while. Xu… Shu, you just helped me make up my mind. I’m a man of my word. Since I said I’d resign, I might as well do it for real. There’s no need to explain to President Hua—otherwise, she’ll think I’m fickle and untrustworthy.”

Xu Shu gave a soft “oh,” lowered her head, and said, “It’s all my fault for costing you your job. How will you manage now?”

I laughed. “I’m a grown man, with two hands and two feet—how could I starve? You don’t need to worry about me.”

The moment the words left my mouth, Xu Shu and I both felt a wave of familiarity and couldn’t help but laugh, each recalling that warm encounter after the concert.

Xu Shu’s expression turned a little wistful. She pulled a pure wool scarf from her pocket and handed it to me. “Here’s your girlfriend’s scarf—I’m returning it to you.”

I reached for it and, at the same time, noticed a trace of complexity in her gaze…

I tucked the scarf away and smiled. “Just the other day, I thought I’d never see this scarf again. I never expected to get it back here today. Well! At least I can give it back now.”

Xu Shu managed a smile and said, “Alright, now that it’s back with its owner, I’ll go rest. Brother, don’t drink too much with Tang Qian—don’t get drunk.” With that, she stood up, didn’t look at us again, and left the room.

Xu Jian gave a puzzled look as he watched his sister leave, then turned to me. “Brother, come on! Let’s continue. We can’t stop until these two bottles of Moutai are finished—pour the wine, pour the wine!”

The Moutai was smooth and fragrant, its aftertaste lingering delightfully. It was exquisite, but its strength…

I don’t know when I finally passed out. When I woke, I found myself lying on Xu Jian’s bed, the room empty. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was past eleven in the morning. I hurriedly got up.

I guessed Xu Shu had long since gone to get ready. It looked like I’d have to take the long-distance bus home. If I left now, I should be able to make it back in time to handle my resignation paperwork at the company this afternoon.

I also remembered I should call home—after all, I’d spent another night away. Thinking back, it seemed I’d been staying out quite a bit lately. Sigh! I pulled out my phone but found it had run out of battery and switched off. Helpless, I put it back in my pocket and went out the door.

The sunlight outside was dazzling—several days had passed since I’d seen such a clear sky. The glare made my eyes ache, so I closed them for a moment before opening them again.

Suddenly, I caught sight of Xu Shu in the yard, her back to me, beating the bedding hung out to dry. I was puzzled—why hadn’t she left yet? Wouldn’t she be late for her flight?

I walked over and asked, “Why are you still here? What time is your flight? Won’t you be late?” Xu Shu turned at my words and looked me up and down.

My vision blurred—I could have sworn Xu Shu seemed suddenly more mature, more alluring. But I realized at once, this wasn’t Xu Shu!

Looking closely, I saw that this woman was the same height and had the same features as Xu Shu, but her charm was entirely different. Xu Shu sometimes looked pure and angelic, while this woman’s eyes brimmed with coquettish allure. She appeared ageless, yet clearly was no longer young.

My mind raced. She must be either Xu Shu’s elder sister or her mother—such resemblance could only exist among close kin.

The woman, who so resembled Xu Shu, looked me up and down with enchanting eyes and smiled faintly. “You’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m Xiao Shu’s mother. Are you Mr. Tang? Xiao Shu said before she left that we should treat you well.”

So this was Xu Shu’s mother—she looked so young! I’d thought she would be a middle-aged lady at the very least, but she looked more like Xu Shu’s sister.

Embarrassed by my blunder, I scratched my head and said, “I’m sorry! You look so much alike, I really didn’t notice. Please forgive me, ma’am!”

Xu Shu’s mother covered her mouth and laughed, her laughter like a blossoming flower. After a while, she glanced at me with liquid eyes and asked, “Do I look very old to you?”

“Not at all! At first glance, I thought you were Xu Shu herself; with a second look, I’d have guessed you were her sister.”

She seemed quite satisfied, withdrawing her dazzling gaze as she said, “Mr. Tang, you’re quite the charmer. Please, come in and have a seat.”

I hurriedly declined, “Thank you, ma’am, but it’s getting late. I have some business today and really must be going. I’ll visit you another time.”

Xu Shu’s mother replied, “No matter how urgent, you should at least stay for lunch. It’ll take you nearly two hours to get back to City B, and you’ll need to find the station. Why not eat here first, and I’ll have my husband’s driver take you back? Wouldn’t that be better?”

I said, “That would be very nice, but it’s too much trouble for you. I’d feel bad imposing—please let me go on my own.”

Xu Shu’s mother insisted, “Xiao Shu asked us to make sure you’re well taken care of. If you leave just like this, how can I explain it to her? Don’t stand on ceremony. You look half-asleep—come wash your face.”

Left with no choice, I followed her inside, still protesting, “I really feel bad about this!” Xu Shu’s mother smiled and called toward the inner room, “Aunt Wu! Bring Mr. Tang a basin of hot water—and find him a clean towel to wash up.”

A woman, busy with chores, responded and went to the kitchen for water. Xu Shu’s mother pointed to a chair. “Please sit down, Mr. Tang. Let’s chat a bit?”

I had no choice but to sit. “You’re too kind, ma’am.”

Soon, Aunt Wu brought in a basin of hot water and a new towel. I splashed my face, making a show of washing up. Then she brought me a cup of hot tea, which I gratefully accepted, thinking: This family of a commander certainly knows how to treat their guests.

Xu Shu’s mother told Aunt Wu, “Start lunch early. Mr. Tang is in a hurry and needs to leave soon.” Aunt Wu agreed and took the basin back to the kitchen.

I expressed my gratitude. “Ma’am, you really don’t need to go to all this trouble—anything simple will do.”

She smiled and said, “Mr. Tang, have some tea.”

I could only sip my tea. I’d barely taken two sips before she began her inquiries: “Mr. Tang, you’re the first man my daughter has brought home in so many years. She must think highly of you. Where do you work? How did you two meet?”

My heart skipped a beat. So this was why she was being so courteous—she’d mistaken me for Xu Shu’s boyfriend. Ah! It’s so easy for a man to be misunderstood when visiting a woman’s home.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, I told the truth. “You’re mistaken, ma’am. Xu Shu and I are just ordinary friends. Your daughter is a famous star in the music industry, while I’m an unemployed nobody—how could I dream of such a match?”

Xu Shu’s mother was momentarily taken aback. “You don’t have a job? Then how do you support yourself? Oh, perhaps you’re in business for yourself?”

I replied honestly, “I used to work as a junior employee at a company, but I just resigned recently. I do want to start something of my own, but I haven’t begun yet.”

“And… your father, is he a high-ranking official? In the government or the military?”

“An official? No, my father is just an ordinary worker, retired at home for health reasons.”

Xu Shu’s mother could not conceal her shock and disappointment. After a moment of silence, she said coolly, “Excuse me, Mr. Tang, please sit here. I have something to attend to and won’t be able to keep you company.” With that, she stood up, let out a cold snort, and walked into the inner room.

I was amazed by the abrupt change in her attitude. On second thought, it was clear—Xu Shu’s mother was someone who looked down on the poor and worshipped the rich. As soon as she learned I was neither a business tycoon nor the son of a high official, she immediately lost interest and couldn’t be bothered with me.

I recalled how Xu Jian had once said to Xu Shu, “Don’t be like Mom—so selfish and vain.” Apparently, even her own family found her hard to bear.

I set down my teacup with a cold laugh. Thankfully, I wasn’t pursuing her daughter, or I’d be in for real trouble with a mother like that. I stood up. Since I was no longer welcome, why should I stay and make myself unwelcome? I was about to slip out quietly when the sound of a car came from the yard. Then a clear, musical young voice called out, “Thank you, Uncle Xiao Li! Goodbye!”

Three seconds later, a whirlwind burst into the house—a girl of sixteen or seventeen, in a school uniform, beautiful beyond belief. She stopped the moment she saw me, her bright eyes roaming up and down, and then she smiled sweetly, “You must be the owner of that scarf—Tang Qian, right?”