The Silent World And Him - Chapter 35
Qin returned from the bathroom and sensed a strange atmosphere between his mother and cousin, especially his cousin’s awkward smile, which was even more unpleasant than crying.
It was probably because they had just been talking about their father, and the mother had sarcastically criticized him, leaving the cousin to respond with a forced smile.
That was what he thought.
In any case, he didn’t relate it to himself.
That night, Qin Yu received a call from He Chuyao, who asked if it was a convenient time to talk.
Qin Yu was typing code, turned on the speakerphone, and absentmindedly said, « It’s okay, go ahead. »
He Chuyao, having learned from past mistakes and afraid of causing trouble with his words again, asked before getting to the point, « Is Second Aunt nearby? » He needed to be sure and not fall into a trap again.
Qin Yu’s fingers paused on the keyboard. Hearing this, he hesitated slightly. His cousin’s words hinted at something, so he temporarily set aside his work, leaned back in his chair, and asked, « What exactly is the matter? »
If Second Aunt is nearby, I’ll call you later.
Go ahead, my mom has been asleep for a long time.
Qin Ming was confused by the time difference. He had an appointment with a client tomorrow. After dinner, he asked him for melatonin and went back to his own room early.
He only felt at ease after confirming that Second Aunt was not nearby.
He recounted the unexpected incident at the restaurant at noon to his cousin and blamed himself, saying, « Second Aunt would have known you wanted to study law; it’s my fault for being careless for a moment. »
Qin and Chenmo exchanged a glance and gave a helpless, forced laugh.
What else could be done now that things had come to this? It really wasn’t He Chuyao’s fault. Mother must have seen the law books in his study and had her suspicions, though she wasn’t entirely sure.
But he couldn’t miss the chance to squeeze some money out of He Chuyao, saying, « No matter how many years I stay here, you have to treat me to a meal. »
He Chuyao gratefully acknowledged his cousin’s generosity: « That’s easy to say, I can even cook it for you myself. »
Qin said seriously, « If I refuse your kindness, you’d definitely feel guilty. » He pretended to be reluctant: « Then it’s settled. From now on, you should often come and cook homemade dishes for me. »
He emphasized, « Homemade dishes, not Western food. »
He Chuyao took a deep breath: « Wouldn’t compensating you materially be enough? »
Qin Yu: « The key is, I’m not short of money. »
…… » He Chuyao laughed and admitted defeat: « Alright, who told you I’m your brother.
But he doesn’t even know how to chop vegetables, so how could he cook home-style dishes?
The He family’s catering business also includes Chinese restaurants. He Chuyao opened Chinese restaurants in several cities he often visited on business trips to satisfy his own taste buds, and there are two in Boston as well.
He Chuyao himself was impossible to cook; he discussed with Qin, « I’ll specially hire a Chinese chef for you. You can order whatever you want to eat, it will definitely taste better than what I make. My cooking skills are really unbearable to watch. »
Qin politely refused, « You know very well that I don’t like having outsiders at home. »
What’s wrong with you?
It’s a lingering effect from being stabbed. I’m timid and afraid of death. I also have Chenbao to take care of, so I have to cherish my life even more.
Back then, Qin Yu was stabbed at the school gate and almost lost his life. No matter how reckless He Chuyao was, he would never joke about this matter. Since Qin Yu said it was a aftereffect, he no longer questioned whether it was true or not.
Eating and drinking are secondary now; he was more concerned: « Does Second Aunt know you want to study law? Will she punish you? »
Qin Yu retorted, « What do you think? »
As for when his mother would come to settle accounts with him and how she would do it, he had no idea and couldn’t even guess now.
His mother had been silently enduring his relationship with Pu Chen for almost three years, but everyone’s patience has its limits. Even without today’s incident, the tension between him and his mother was bound to explode sooner or later.
Enough talking, I, a coder, don’t have more time than your bosses, no time to chat. » Before hanging up, Qin Yu ordered his cousin, « Come over tomorrow and make me some spicy crayfish.
He Chuyao: « …… »
Qin Yu hung up the phone, tossed it aside, and threw himself into the code.
—
On the Saturday every other week, Pu Chen got up early as usual and went to the library, accompanied by Zhuo Xuan.
It was still early, and there were not many people in the reading room, sparsely scattered in various corners.
Pu Chen found a few of the latest legal journals to browse through. After flipping through two pages, someone called her on her phone—a strange number from Beijing.
She answered but couldn’t speak, so she hung up.
A text message came in immediately: [Pu Chen, hello, this is Qin Yu’s mother.]
Pu Chen’s eyelids twitched suddenly; this unexpected message disrupted her breathing.
Soon after, the phone rang again, and Pu Chen had no choice but to answer.
Pu Chen, this is Aunt Qin. It’s okay, just listen. I’m downstairs at your dormitory building. Have you gotten up yet? If not, no rush, Auntie is waiting for you downstairs. » After a brief pause, Qin Mingyi added, « By the way, Qin Yu doesn’t know that I came to see you.
Pu Chen understood the meaning of these words and was told not to tell Qin Yu.
Then, auntie will hang up first.
The screen gradually went dark.
Pu Chen hadn’t come to her senses yet; her chest was pounding « thump thump thump, » beating faster and faster like a drum out of rhythm, making her restless and unable to think clearly.
It was still Zhuo Xuan’s voice that brought her back to reality, asking her what she was daydreaming about.
Pu Chen swallowed and forced a smile: « Oh, my boyfriend’s mother came to the school. She just came back from my boyfriend’s place, maybe she brought something for me. »
Zhuo Xuan helped her tidy up the things on the table, « Then hurry up and go, you must be so happy you’re silly. »
Pu Chen also hoped she was just happily silly, but Qin Yu never mentioned that his mother was coming, and Qin Mingyi came to see her without Qin Yu knowing, so it definitely wasn’t a surprise.
She was afraid that she had misunderstood Qin Mingyi. On the way back to the dormitory, she kept forcing herself to think positively, but it felt like self-deception.
The library was some distance from the dormitory area. She walked a few steps, then jogged a little, and only halfway there did she remember to tell Qin Mingyi: « Auntie, I’m at the library, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. »
« You’re going to the library so early? No rush, take your time, » Qin Mingyi’s reply seemed to carry a tone of surprise.
Perhaps surprised that she wasn’t sleeping in on the weekend.
Approaching the dormitory area, she saw from afar a white sports car with a Beijing license plate, flamboyant and sharp, perfectly matching the aura of Qin Mingyi.
Qin Mingyi must have seen her, gently pressed the accelerator and drove over. When he got close, Qin Mingyi rolled down the window and smiled, saying, « It’s cold outside, get in the car. »
Pu Chen walked around to the front passenger seat, gave Qin Mingyi a faint smile, as a form of greeting.
She took off her down jacket, hugged it in her arms, and got into the car.
« Not sleeping in on Saturday? » Qin Mingyi tried to break the awkwardness in the car.
Pu Chen took her phone out of the down jacket pocket, opened it, and then realized the action was unnecessary—Qin Mingyi was driving, so there was no time to look at what she had typed.
She shook her head in response, but Qin Mingyi was looking at the left rearview mirror and didn’t even notice her shaking her head.
Only silence remained inside the car.
Qin Mingyi only had the chance to glance at Pu Chen after driving onto the road. The young girl kept her head down, lost in thought. She was slow to realize that chatting with Pu Chen while driving was impossible.
She didn’t know how Qin Yu managed to solve this problem, or how he had maintained the same patience with Pu Chen all these years. She was very puzzled.
The so-called freshness period of love had lasted three years with Qin Yu.
Let’s find a café outside. Auntie will treat you to coffee.
Pu Chen still nodded; all she could do were the two repetitive and tedious actions of shaking or nodding her head.
She tilted her head to look outside the car, suddenly unsure of where she was and lost in a jumble of thoughts.
Qin Mingyi found a small roadside café; the shop had just opened, and they were the first customers.
With mutual understanding, she and Qin Mingyi walked inside and sat down at the seat closest to the edge.
Qin Mingyi hadn’t had breakfast yet and ordered a cup of coffee and a strawberry chocolate muffin.
Pu Chen wasn’t hungry and only ordered a cup of coffee with sugar and milk.
She placed her down jacket on the seat beside her. Now sitting face to face with Qin Mingyi, her nervousness surged sharply. Throughout the journey here, she still hadn’t managed to adjust her mindset.
She was already so nervous that she felt numb.
Qin Mingyi was still looking at the menu and asked, « How about I order you some ice cream? It looks pretty good. »
Pu Chen: [Thank you, Auntie, no need.]
If it weren’t for knowing Qin Mingyi’s age and that she was Qin Yu’s mother, she really couldn’t bring herself to call her « Auntie »; calling her « sister » felt much more natural.
Qin Mingyi’s temperament and appearance both exuded a kind of sharp superiority.
This innate sense of superiority divides them, with a clear boundary in between that she can never cross no matter how hard she tries.
In fact, Qin Yu’s temperament is very similar to his mother’s, but later on, he became gentle in front of her, and those sharp edges were no longer visible.
Qin Mingyi put the menu aside, pondering what kind of opening line would be appropriate. In reality, no matter how beautiful the opening line is, they all end up the same way.
Pu Chen felt like a fish on a chopping board waiting to be slaughtered, but Qin Mingyi delayed raising the knife, causing her both physical and mental torment.
It would be better to just act decisively and give her a quick end.
Auntie, is there something you need from me?
Qin Mingyi couldn’t bear to go through all the twists and turns with someone under twenty. Sitting here with Pu Chen today, she was already looking down on herself.
« Qin Yu plans to study law in the future. » She chose the most straightforward opening, without any useless preamble.
From Pu Chen’s stunned eyes, she judged that Pu Chen did not know about Qin Yu’s future plans.
Since I found out, I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for over ten days. I had no choice but to come to you, Auntie, » Qin Mingyi said, looking at Pu Chen. « You know Qin Yu as well; once he makes a decision, not even ten oxen could pull him back.
He gave up the profession he loved for so many years for you. As his mother, I can’t accept that. He surely says he doesn’t regret it now, but what about the future?
He doesn’t like being a lawyer himself; he hasn’t liked it since he was little—more like he hates it. If you don’t believe me, you can ask your teacher Lu; even he knows.
Pu Chen took half a minute to sort out her thoughts. She lowered her head and typed: [Auntie, please rest assured, I will persuade him to give up studying law and focus on pursuing the major he likes. I promise.]
Qin Mingyi hadn’t finished speaking yet. She said with difficulty, « Pu Chen, Auntie… it’s not entirely what you think. »
Pu Chen clenched her phone and awkwardly put it away.
Qin Mingyi opened her mouth twice before saying, « Back in high school, I was afraid it would affect your college entrance exam. I know what the exam means to a child, so when it came to you and Qin Yu, I turned a blind eye. »
« Now that you have been admitted to a good university and have adapted to university life. » The latter half of the sentence was left unspoken.
Pu Chen understood and also knew what the latter half meant: now that she had such a good platform, more than half of it was thanks to Qin Yu. Qin Yu was so good to her, how could she selfishly become a burden to him again?
Qin Mingyi: « You don’t know how good Qin Yu has been to you, and how much he has sacrificed for you over these years. »
Pu Chen: [I know, Auntie, I know.]
Qin Mingyi tried his best to control his tone and chose his words carefully: « He has his own life too. His original plan was to settle there and do what he likes. Neither his father nor I demanded that he must join the He family business, let alone take over the company. Now he’s suddenly acting on impulse; he’s still young and doesn’t understand the consequences of rash decisions. But I’ve been through this before, and I can’t just let him act so recklessly. »
There was a moment of silence.
To be honest with you, I am also unwilling.
Pu Chen understood Qin Mingyi’s unwillingness—unwillingness that Qin had ended up with a girlfriend like her, who couldn’t speak up.
Qin Mingyi spoke again: « At first, Qin transferring to Sucheng was just an accident. »
Pu Chen knew that if it weren’t for that special reason, he wouldn’t have gone to Sucheng.
He was also an accident in her life, but she was too attached and reluctant to part with him. Sometimes she even thought about what she would do without Qin in the future.
Qin Mingyi exhaled and turned his head to look out the window. « Pu Chen, it’s not that you’re not good enough, it’s that Auntie, as a mother, is too greedy. She always feels that her son, being so handsome and outstanding, shouldn’t have this kind of life and marriage. Over the years, I have tried to convince myself, but in the end, I just can’t get past this hurdle in my heart. »
I’m very sorry. Coming to see you is not to intimidate you; I really don’t know what to do. I never thought that one day I would become the kind of mother I despise.
Qin Mingyi still didn’t look at her. « Qin Yu treats you so well, so can you also consider Qin Yu? I’m not asking you to break up with Qin Yu right now, but try to do it before the start of your sophomore year. Otherwise, all his energy will be focused on law, and his own major will suffer. »
Pu Chen forcefully pressed her fingers, accompanied by a sharp pain. The pain made her clear-headed.
She continued typing, a layer of moisture forming in her eyes.
She quickly passed over a piece of typed text, and Qin Mingyi turned around.
[Auntie, I will work hard throughout my four years at university, and I will never hold Qin Yu back in my future work. Maybe in a few years, there’s hope that my vocal cords can be healed.]
After reading it, Qin Mingyi averted her gaze and no longer looked at Pu Chen.
She had originally wanted to say some things to Pu Chen, but when the words reached her lips, she swallowed them all back. Saying them would only add to the pain and change nothing.
Then there was silence.
Pu Chen’s pride and humility were slowly tormented inch by inch by the endless silence; she seemed to understand her aunt’s feelings back then.
At this moment, the waiter brought coffee and chocolate muffins.
Qin Mingyi gestured to her, « How about trying the coffee? » She lowered her head and ate her strawberry chocolate muffin.
Pu Chen deleted the words on the screen one by one; saying more was pointless.
She couldn’t taste what flavor the coffee had.
After leaving the café, Qin Mingyi wanted to see her home, but she refused without giving a reason.
But she thought Qin Mingyi should understand how she felt at this moment; she just wanted to be alone.
Qin Mingyi did not force it; she sat in the car, looking through the front windshield at that helpless, frail figure growing more and more distant.
Pu Chen wiped away her tears before she could clearly see the road ahead.
The cold wind rustled the dry branches, blowing against her face until it ached.
Suddenly, Pu Chen stopped, struggled for a moment, then broke into a run toward the direction of the café.
Qin Mingyi’s car was already slowly driving away; she only saw the rear of the car.
While running, she took out her phone and called Qin Mingyi.
Qin Mingyi answered and asked, « Pu Chen, what’s the matter? »
Realizing it was pointless to ask, she pulled the car to the side and said, « Send me a text message. »
She didn’t wait for Pu Chen’s text message, but saw that figure running desperately in the rearview mirror.
This kid is reckless, running so fast.
When he reached the front of the car, Pu Chen leaned on the window, gasping for breath.
He had run so hard just now that he got a stitch, and his chest hurt badly. She endured the pain and, with trembling fingers, opened her phone to type.
On such a cold day, a fine layer of sweat appeared on her forehead, and her back was the same.
Pu Chen handed Qin Mingyi a carefully edited passage to read: « Auntie, there are some things I need to explain to you in person. I don’t want Qin Yu to be misunderstood. You don’t know how hard it has been for Qin Yu and me to get to where we are today. Maybe one day, if the feelings between Qin Yu and me fade, we will part ways. He might meet a better girl and have a completely different life. When that time comes, I will definitely bless him. But right now, our relationship is so good, and I would never hurt him or break up with him for no reason. I still want to work hard to be with him. I know I am not worthy of him, but I will try my best; there will always be a way. Auntie, I’m sorry. »
Qin Mingyi looked up from the screen, staring at Pu Chen’s face. Her eyes were full of shattered fragility, yet within that fragility was a mixture of resilience and stubbornness.
Pu Chen put away her phone and turned to leave.
Returning to the dormitory, none of the roommates were there.
Pu Chen washed her face with cold water to calm down a bit. She took out the CET-6 English test paper and started with the listening section. When she reached the second major question, she filled in a B. Tears as big as beans fell, blurring the answers she had just written.
She sniffled, dabbed her tears dry with a tissue, and continued doing the questions.
After finishing the entire test paper, there were large patches of water stains all over it.
After correcting the answers, Pu Chen washed her face again with cold water.
She looked in the mirror; her eyes were red and swollen, both sore and puffy.
It was almost lunchtime when Qin Yu sent a message: [Baby, are you in the dorm? Is it convenient to video call now?]
Pu Chen really wanted to see him now, but with her eyes swollen like this, he would only worry.
She had no choice but to lie: « It’s not convenient, can we chat by text? »
Qin thought she was in the cafeteria or on the road, « Once the video is on, I won’t talk to you, just watch you. »
Pu Chen couldn’t find a reason to brush her off; if he kept dodging, he would definitely suspect something had happened to her, which would only make things worse.
I just shed tears, and I told you not to laugh.
Qin Yu anxiously asked, « Why are you crying, Chen Bao? What’s wrong? »
Pu Chen’s nose tingled again, « It’s nothing. »
She came up with a flimsy yet the most fitting excuse, « I’ve been tired from doing exercises these past few days. Last night, I finally found the novel Zhao Shu had been recommending, the one with the open ending. I finished the finale this morning and don’t know if the male and female leads will ever meet again. It was so upsetting that I couldn’t hold back my tears. »
Qin Yu sent a video call invitation, and she answered it.
Let me see how badly you’ve been crying.
Pu Chen covered one eye with his hand, showing only the other to him.
Qin Yu smiled, speechless yet feeling heartache: « Next time, you’re not allowed to read novels with sad endings, got it? »
Pu Chen nodded repeatedly.
Qin Yu, reluctant to say more, said to her, « I’ll video call you again tonight. For now, use a warm towel to compress your eyes, or else they’ll feel uncomfortable. »
Exactly what Pu Chen wanted to hear; she was just afraid that she might break down and cry again later. After nodding in agreement, she immediately ended the video call.
A few minutes later, Qin Yu’s message came in: [Your eyes are so red, don’t go to the cafeteria to eat. I ordered takeout for you; go get it when it arrives. Baby, please don’t cry anymore, okay? You’re so far away, and when you cry, I can’t do anything at all.]
Pu Chen’s tears streamed down her face. She replied: [I’ll listen to you. I definitely won’t cry anymore.]
Qin Yu asked her why the male and female leads in that novel didn’t end up together in the end.
Pu Chen had read that novel back in high school; years later, she couldn’t quite remember the plot, only that it had an open ending.
Now she wasn’t in the mood to make up a story, so she gave Qin Yu a perfunctory answer: « The reason is quite complicated; it can’t be explained in just one sentence. »
If she didn’t say anything, he wouldn’t even know where to start to comfort her.
But what made her cry was probably the resonance, a strong sense of immersion.
Qin comforted her: « No matter what reason caused the male and female leads not to be together, it’s just a novel. After crying, have a big meal to feel a little better. Chenbao, when you’re feeling down, just remember, I will never leave you. »
Pu Chen: « Mm. »
A few seconds passed.
[Qin Yu.]
Qin Yu quickly replied: [Baby, I’m here.]
Pu Chen wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and declared her determination: [I won’t be apart from you either. I’m feeling much better now. I won’t cry anymore and will only read novels with happy endings.]
It wasn’t until the takeout Qin Yu ordered for her arrived that they said goodnight to each other.
At this time, it was almost dawn over there, and Qin Yu put away his legal reference books to take a shower.
After a hot shower, he climbed into bed; this was the most relaxing time of the day. He leaned against the headboard and scrolled through his social media feed.
He habitually checked his feed for fear of missing any updates from Pu Chen, but Pu Chen was like a domineering CEO who never posted a single update for years.
Qin Yu came across Zhao Shu’s updates; she was always one of the most active people on social media. Today, she uploaded a nine-grid post, with several selfies of herself and some photos of her friends at work.
He privately messaged Zhao Shu: [Your friend works in voice acting?]
Zhao Shu: [It’s midnight over there, right? Why aren’t you resting yet?]
[That’s my dorm mate, she doesn’t have a job. The photos were staged. I invested in a studio, and I went there today for something, went with my roommate. She thought it was fun and took a few pictures.]
Qin Yu asked: [What kind of studio?]
Zhao Shu: [A cultural development company, all business related to the ACG (anime, comics, and games) world. Recently, they bought a few small copyrights to produce radio dramas.]
She didn’t do well in the college entrance exam and cried at home for several days. Her father felt sorry for her and gave her 500,000 yuan to travel abroad and relax, but she wasn’t in the mood and didn’t want to go anywhere.
By a stroke of luck, she met a few like-minded young ladies. These ladies graduated from university this year and started their own studio.
She invested the travel money along with her own savings all into the business as working capital.
After some consideration, Qin Yu asked, « Are you still short on money? »
Zhao Shu suddenly sat up straight. She was having lunch in the cafeteria, put down her chopsticks, and focused on chatting with Qin Yu: « Definitely short! Because of the lack of funds, we can only buy some small copyrights and have to be very frugal in every aspect. Boss Qin, are you planning to invest? (starry-eyed) »
Qin Yu: « Yes, but with conditions. Part of the money I invest must be used to buy copyrights I specify, to produce high-quality radio dramas. If we make money, we split it; if we lose, it’s on me. »
Such a good deal! Zhao Shu hurriedly agreed and asked, « Which novel copyrights do you want to buy? »
Qin Yu: [The author is called Xiao Ximi, and she currently has only one work.]
Xiao Ximi? Zhao Shu, as an experienced novel fan, has never heard of this author.
She is curious: [Is the author a relative of yours?]
Qin Yu: [No, I don’t know her. Chen Bao likes reading Xiao Ximi’s novels. Today she read an open-ended novel that you read in high school and cried her eyes out. Xiao Ximi writes happy endings.]
Zhao Shu suddenly realized that Qin Yu decided to invest just to satisfy Pu Chen’s preferences.
This dog food was scattered from the other side of the Pacific.
Qin Yu instructed her: « Don’t tell Chen Bao. »
Zhao Shu sent back a sticker that said, « Do you take me for a fool? »
She rarely interfered with the studio’s business; she handed Qin Yu’s business card to the boss.
