Chapter Sixty-Nine: Destruction

I said to the little witch, “You don’t need to thank me. You should thank my girlfriend instead. If she hadn’t suggested letting you have a drink, I would never have agreed to let a minor touch alcohol.”

At that moment, Qiu Jieqin fetched a third wine glass, personally took the bottle from my hand, and poured about a third of a glass. She gently slid the glass toward the girl, offering a friendly smile. “Your name is Xu Xin, isn’t it? What a lovely name. I’m Qiu Jieqin. Just call me Sister Qiu.”

Xu Xin reached for the glass, but didn’t thank Qiu Jieqin or even offer her a smile. With a blank expression, she simply placed the glass in front of herself. Qiu Jieqin looked a little disappointed, glancing at me with mild reproach. I had no idea why the little witch took such a dislike to Qiu Jieqin, nor did I have any way to mend things. Frankly, I was already grateful enough that she wasn’t stirring up trouble—I couldn’t expect more from her.

Left with no other option, I picked up my chopsticks and said to Qiu Jieqin, “Come, let me try this yellow croaker you made. I want to see how it tastes.” I picked up a piece of fish and placed it in my mouth. The moment I chewed, I was struck by its exquisite flavor—unparalleled, really. I couldn’t help but praise her. “Delicious! Jieqin, I never expected you were this skilled. This braised yellow croaker is truly outstanding! Honestly, it’s even better than what a top chef at a big restaurant could make—no, it’s much better.”

Qiu Jieqin beamed with delight at my praise. “Really? This is my specialty. I can’t cook other dishes quite as well, but if you like it, have as much as you want.”

So, I kept serving myself more fish as she suggested. Qiu Jieqin just watched me happily. After my fifth bite, I noticed she still hadn’t started eating. “You should eat too,” I urged her. “Why are you just staring at me?”

She smiled contentedly and said softly, “From now on, I’ll cook delicious meals for you every day, capture your heart through your stomach, and make sure you can never leave me.”

Her words, so full of tenderness and affection, filled me with warmth. Indeed, with a woman who loves me so much, what more could a man wish for? I felt ashamed for holding onto grievances about her past. Just as I was about to say something moving to her, Xu Xin, seated across from us, let out a cough. The little witch seemed unable to stomach our sentimental display and had to cause some mischief. She raised her glass and said, “Brother Tang Qian, and this lady, thank you for your hospitality. I’d like to propose a toast to you both.”

I was so startled by her words that I nearly swallowed a fish bone, while Qiu Jieqin flushed with anger, her almond-shaped eyes wide with indignation.

If calling her “auntie” earlier could be dismissed as a prank, this time, after I’d already made my relationship with Qiu Jieqin clear and warned Xu Xin, her repeating it was pure provocation.

Qiu Jieqin, considering Xu Xin was my guest, couldn’t lose her temper and could only glare at me in silent frustration. I spat out the fish bone, stood up, and said sternly to the little witch, “You, come here.”

Sensing trouble, the little witch quickly set down her glass and, grinning cheekily, followed me to the sofa. I lowered my voice and said threateningly, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you? She’s my girlfriend—why call me brother and her auntie? Weren’t you the one who promised not to make trouble? Was your word just empty air?”

She put on a look of aggrieved innocence. “What did I do? That woman looks so old; calling her ‘auntie’ is already generous. I just can’t bring myself to call her ‘sister.’”

I retorted, “Then why do you call me ‘brother’? I’m the same age as she is. You’re just being difficult!”

“That’s different. You’re a friend of my brother and sister, so I should call you ‘brother.’ Besides, you look much younger, so it’s easier to call you ‘brother.’ Hehe!”

I was exasperated, half amused. “A child should know how to be polite. Sister Qiu has been so good to you—she even persuaded me to let you have some wine. Treating her like that could really hurt her feelings. I’m letting you off because you’re young, but you need to apologize right away, and we’ll forget this happened. Otherwise, I’ll call the police and have them take you away.”

The little witch glared at me. “There you go again! Can’t you come up with anything new? I haven’t done anything wrong, so why should I apologize? If you don’t like me calling her ‘auntie,’ I just won’t call her anything. But always threatening me with the police—what kind of hero does that make you? And stop calling me a child! I’m not one anymore, and I’m sick of your lectures.”

“If you weren’t so mischievous, why would I have to lecture you? You say you’re not a child, but you haven’t grown up at all. If you won’t apologize, then just keep your mouth shut and eat quietly. If you make trouble again, I can tolerate it once or twice, but there won’t be a third time. I’ll make good on my word and call the police. Understood?”

Xu Xin protested, “Impossible! You want me to shut up and eat at the same time? That’s too hard—I can’t do it!” She burst out laughing at her own words.

Her mischief made me laugh, too. I reached out and lightly tapped her on the head, saying, “You little imp! Alright, it’s settled. Let’s eat.”

Xu Xin cradled her head, protesting, “You hit me again! If you keep this up, I’ll really get angry! I’m supposed to be the fearsome little witch, invincible and dreaded by all. If word gets out that I’m being bullied like this, how will I keep my reputation?”

I ignored her and returned to the table. “I’ve scolded her,” I said to Qiu Jieqin. “She won’t dare be so rude again. Don’t be too upset, after all she’s just a kid. Come on, the food’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Qiu Jieqin hadn’t heard what I whispered to Xu Xin, but she had seen me tap her on the head. Hearing my explanation, she could only let it go. Still, the earlier warmth had been spoiled by the little witch’s antics, and the atmosphere couldn’t be revived.

The little witch returned to her seat without a word, picked up her glass, and downed a large gulp of wine. Apparently still not satisfied, she took another big drink, emptying her glass.

Qiu Jieqin and I ate in silence for a while. Suddenly I remembered she’d said on the phone that she had something to tell me. “By the way, Jieqin, didn’t you say you had something to discuss before I came? What is it?”

Qiu Jieqin glanced at Xu Xin and replied peevishly, “Nothing. I have nothing to say.”

Surprised, I said, “Really? But you mentioned it on the phone and said you’d tell me tonight. Did you forget?”

She forced a smile. “No, I just wanted to see you, so I made it up.”

“Is that so?” I was puzzled, but didn’t dwell on it. The romantic dinner Qiu Jieqin had so carefully arranged had been ruined by the presence of an outsider—and not just any outsider, but one who misbehaved outrageously and soured her mood completely.

So Xu Xin was forbidden to speak, Qiu Jieqin had no desire to talk, and I had nothing to say. The meal proceeded in a chilly silence. When we’d finished, as Qiu Jieqin cleared the table and went to wash the dishes, I followed her quietly and said, “Jieqin, I’m sorry. I know I disappointed you tonight, but I really had no choice. Once I’ve sent her away, could you make braised yellow croaker for me again?”

She nodded, turning to me with gentle words. “I told you, I’d be happy to cook for you my whole life, as long as you love my food. But as for guests like her, try not to bring them along next time.”

I reached out to stroke her cheek, promising softly, “Jieqin, I’ll make sure to spend more time with you in the future so you won’t feel so lonely.”

“Alright, I’ll remember your words and see if you keep your promise,” she said with a small smile, tilting her face into my hand. “By the way, did you have any luck looking for a job today?”

I shook my head. “No, there really aren’t many jobs suitable for me right now. I spent all day searching and found nothing.”

“I have some friends who might be able to help. Would you like me to ask them to find you a well-paid, easy job?”

“A well-paid job that’s not too demanding? There’s no such thing. Never mind, I want to find a job with prospects, something where I can use my talents. Besides, I’m not in a rush. I’ll find something in time. You should trust me.”

“I do trust you. I’ve never doubted your talent, not since high school. I know you’ll find your path to success one day.”

Her faith warmed me. If not for the presence of Xu Xin in the next room, I would have taken Qiu Jieqin into my arms to express my gratitude.

She pointed toward the living room. “What are you planning to do with her tonight? I should make it clear—I don’t want her staying here.”

“I’m thinking of letting her stay with my sister tonight. Tomorrow I’ll try to talk some sense into her and persuade her to go home.”

“Why bother reasoning with a child? Just call her brother to come pick her up and be done with it! Instead you want to have a heart-to-heart. If she won’t listen, are you going to take care of her for the rest of your life?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not—she’ll have to go home eventually. The thing is, I had to swear a serious oath to keep her calm earlier, promising I wouldn’t tell her family what happened here. I’m not superstitious, but it was so harsh I don’t dare break it. Honestly, I regret it now. So I can’t call her brother—I’ll just have to take her home myself.”

Qiu Jieqin snorted, turning back to the dishes. “So you’re leaving now? Taking that little troublemaker with you?”

I glanced at my watch—it was already after seven. If I went home right away, I’d have to explain everything to my family, and it would be time for bed soon. My sister had to go to bed early for school tomorrow, too. “Yes, it’s about time to go. I need to explain things to my family, and my sister needs her rest.”

Qiu Jieqin was less than pleased. “Then why are you still here? Go on, take that rude troublemaker with you. I can’t stand the sight of her.”

With a sigh, I could only say, “I’m sorry we couldn’t enjoy a pleasant evening together. Once she’s gone, I’ll make it up to you. But for now, I really have to go.”

She grunted her acknowledgment, but I saw her washing a bowl over and over, clearly distracted. I smiled, knowing there was no need to say more. Turning to the living room, I called to Xu Xin, who was lounging on the sofa and had been silent for quite a while, “Little witch, we’re leaving!”

She replied with an “Oh,” and staggered unsteadily to her feet. I opened the door and stepped out first, not noticing that the little witch’s face was flushed, her drunkenness obvious as she trailed behind me, swaying slightly on her feet.