Meng Po Gave Her A Bowl Of Soup - Chapter 9

Song Wanyue fixed her gaze on Xu Ruying and remained silent for a long time.

Before, whenever Mingyu’s colleagues saw her, Song Wanyue had usually been beside Mingyu, holding her hand and smiling shyly, or greeting everyone gently.

But now, when she did not smile and looked at someone with that heavy gaze, a sharp aura faintly showed through, carrying a slight chill.

Xu Ruying was also looking at her. What she hid in her heart was restraint and endurance, but on her face, she appeared calm and businesslike.

Wanyue…

Wanyue… I’m sorry…

After who knew how long, Song Wanyue finally accepted the will, her attitude still indifferent.

The colleagues beside her were all silent. Everyone knew that Xiao Mingyu had gone on this business trip in President Xu’s place, so they were not surprised that the family member would treat President Xu this way.

The familiar handwriting entered her sight.

Song Wanyue only glanced at it once before her eyes began to burn.

It was Mingyu’s handwriting.

She would not mistake it.

The contents of the will were very simple. It roughly stated that if anything unexpected happened in the future, all of her assets would belong to Song Wanyue.

Inside, it listed in detail all information regarding her properties, stocks, funds, and savings. Everything was extremely thorough, as though it had been prepared for a very long time.

It was not that Xiao Mingyu had failed to consider her mother.

The Xiao family’s situation was rather special. Back then, when her father suddenly passed away, she and her widowed mother had had no one to rely on.

Before she had even turned eighteen, she had experienced countless bitterness and hardships. The immense pressure had nearly crushed her young shoulders. If not for Wanyue accompanying her all the way, she did not know how she would have held on.

At that time, among all the relatives in their family, not a single one had reached out to pull them up. They had even wished they could cut all ties with the mother and daughter completely. Even when passing by, they would not spare them an extra glance, as though they were afraid of being tainted by something dirty.

And later?

When Xiao Mingyu’s career gradually began improving, those people started trying to claim kinship with her again. They spoke of family ties every time they opened their mouths, and whenever something happened in anyone’s household, they came looking for Mingyu.

Xiao Mingyu had always been cold toward them and could not stand those faces. But Huang Lan was different. After all, she lived in the countryside, in the same village as them. There were some matters of face she had to get through.

Because of this, Mingyu had argued with her several times. Huang Lan had always been softhearted, until those relatives played the family card to stabilize the old lady on one hand, while on the other, when the old home’s homestead was demolished and relocated, they cleanly kicked her out of the household register. Even the courtyard she had previously lived in had been taken over. Only then had Huang Lan truly grown cold at heart.

No one knew a mother better than her daughter.

If Mingyu divided half her assets to Huang Lan, then that group of relatives would inevitably sniff out the scent of money and come over, disturbing the old lady until there was no peace.

This was a kind of protection for her mother.

And even more than that, it was boundless trust in Wanyue.

Song Wanyue silently finished reading it and did not speak for a long time.

The people beside her were a little unsure what to do and all turned to look at President Xu. Xu Ruying’s lips moved slightly. “Miss Song, you…”

Song Wanyue was silent for a moment. Slowly, she lowered her head. “I understand.”

Seeing her lower her head like that, Xu Ruying felt as though her heart had been scalded. She hurriedly took her leave and left with the group of subordinates.

She did not dare stay any longer, afraid she would be unable to stop herself from crying in the next second.

Song Wanyue kept staring at the will in a daze until the door opened and Huang Lan returned from buying vegetables. “Ah, the farmers’ market nearby really is cheaper and fresher. The vegetables in the supermarket are practically a rip-off.”

She placed the vegetables on the coffee table and looked up at Song Wanyue. “What happened?”

When she left, everything had still been fine.

Why did Wanyue seem off after she came back from this one trip outside?

Wanyue did not hide it from Huang Lan.

She showed Mingyu’s will to Huang Lan and briefly explained what had happened from beginning to end.

Seeing her daughter’s handwriting, Huang Lan could not stop her old tears from streaming down her face again.

Song Wanyue turned and gently hugged Huang Lan. Just like every time Mingyu had comforted her, she lightly patted Huang Lan’s shoulder. “It’s all right, Auntie. It’s all right.”

Huang Lan raised her cracked, rough hand and wiped the tears from her face. Song Wanyue looked into her eyes. “Auntie, Mingyu gave all her assets to me because she couldn’t stop worrying about your relatives over there.”

“I know… I know…”

Huang Lan choked and nodded. The silver hair on her head made the sight even more heartbreaking. Song Wanyue said slowly, “I’ll put this money in the bank. The monthly interest alone will be enough for you to live without worrying about food or clothing.”

Huang Lan looked at her with red eyes. “This old lady has nowhere to spend much money. But you, child, you’re still young. You have to think about your whole life.”

They had been together for so many years. Although they had not registered their marriage, they had been no different from a married couple.

She was just an old woman and did not even know how many days she had left to live. What did she need so much money for?

It was Wanyue who mattered.

Perhaps she was grieving now, but all pain eventually had an end. One day, when she walked out of her grief, with her looks and character, she would certainly find someone who loved her deeply.

Song Wanyue knew what she was going to say and said softly, “Auntie, I met Mingyu when I was thirteen, fell in love with her when I was fifteen, and loved her for ten years.” A bitter yet happy smile faintly appeared in her reddened eyes. “To me, these ten years were a lifetime.”

They were her and Mingyu’s whole life together.

Huang Lan’s tears could not help falling again. She held Song Wanyue and gently patted her shoulder.

Silly child…

For the next week.

Huang Lan and Wanyue were still digesting the pain of losing the person they loved most.

They were still in unbearable agony.

But as time passed, the pain became like something buried beneath surging tides, restrained and suppressed.

During this period, Xu Ruying would always “run into” Huang Lan at the vegetable market, seemingly by chance, during the day.

She had long since figured out the old lady’s routine for going out. Bit by bit, she grew familiar with her, and Huang Lan would even greet her on her own when she saw her. She was full of gratitude toward Xu Ruying for helping her again and again.

Only Wanyue remained the same. Cold as ice. Mingyu’s departure had made her seal herself away, refusing to let outsiders approach.

At night, Xu Ruying stayed at home, still pondering how she should approach Wanyue next, and in what manner. Her time was limited; she could not keep dragging things on endlessly like this.

Just as she was thinking, the doorbell rang. Xu Ruying paused, then got up to open the door.

The door opened, accompanied by a gust of cold wind.

Xu Ruying froze. Looking at the person before her, she was somewhat stunned.

It was Wanyue, the person she had been wholeheartedly trying to get close to.

Wanyue was wrapped in a white sweater, her long hair falling softly over her shoulders. Her affectionate eyes looked at Xu Ruying. “May I come in?”

Xu Ruying nodded blankly and shifted aside. “You…”

Wanyue glanced inside the apartment. “I’d like to ask President Xu for some advice on how to cook.”

Xu Ruying had only recently moved in.

These days, her thoughts had all been on the mother and daughter across the hall. She simply had not had any time to tidy or clean.

She herself did not have much luggage either. She had brought only a few frequently worn clothes and toiletries. Like staying in a hotel, everything fit into one suitcase.

Song Wanyue’s gaze quickly swept around the apartment. She turned to look at Xu Ruying. “May I trouble President Xu?”

Xu Ruying nodded. Her palms were a little sweaty, and she was so nervous she did not dare meet Song Wanyue’s eyes.

Wanyue’s eyes…

When they became sharp, they made Mingyu’s heartbeat speed up just from seeing them.

She still remembered that year in senior high, when Mingyu had been considering whether to apply to a university in a nearby city with a higher scholarship, a safer choice. Tiny little Song Wanyue had seemed able to see right through her, tears filling her eyes as she stared at her unblinkingly. “Jiejie, I can’t bear to part with you. Don’t go…”

Because Xu Ruying had come in such a hurry, she had not bought any kitchen supplies. Distracted, she led Song Wanyue into the empty kitchen, then looked uneasily at Wanyue, who was watching her. “I haven’t moved in very long…”

Song Wanyue nodded. “Then let’s go to my place. I have everything there.”

Before coming over, she had deliberately called Xiao He and already knew that President Xu had moved here on the seventh day after Mingyu’s death.

Many, many details seemed like coincidences.

Actually, Song Wanyue had also been observing Xu Ruying these days. It was only because of her nature that she was cautious and careful. Some gazes would always fall on Xu Ruying inadvertently, unnoticed by anyone.

The most exquisite part of Mingyu and Wanyue’s home was probably the kitchen.

Because Wanyue was greedy for food, and Mingyu spoiled her. Over the years, Mingyu had learned both online and from colleagues, often boasting that she had already reached the level of a five-star chef.

Since she was already at five-star level, how could she not buy good cookware?

Standing in her own home.

Xu Ruying cooked. She tried her best to restrain herself from showing anything unusual, and even though she was left-handed, she tried to use her right hand to toss the pan.

The weather was already a little hot to begin with, and she was nervous. With flames nearby as well, Xu Ruying was soon drenched in sweat. But Song Wanyue simply stood there with her arms folded, watching her without moving.

Fortunately, later on, Huang Lan smelled the fragrance and came out with her cane. “It smells so good. Ah, Xiao Xu is here?”

Only then did Song Wanyue turn around, her tone gentle. “Auntie, I specially invited President Xu over to teach me how to cook.”

Teach her how to cook…

Xu Ruying looked at Wanyue, who did not seem to be learning at all. Instead, from beginning to end, she seemed to be observing her.

A table full of dishes.

Xu Ruying finished making them swiftly and efficiently. This time, she had put thought into it and did not cook according to her previous flavors. She deliberately made the flavors a little stronger.

Before, Mingyu had been the strictest about controlling Wanyue’s food and drink. Anything oily, salty, or spicy had been something she tried her best to restrain Wanyue from eating.

The meal she made today should suit Wanyue’s taste very well.

Xu Ruying thought that after Wanyue had been sad for so long, it would be good for her to relax a little.

Beside her, Huang Lan enthusiastically held a rag and wanted to wipe Xu Ruying’s sweat. Xu Ruying smiled at her. “Auntie, it’s all right. Go sit over there.”

Wasn’t her leg bad? Also, if she was wiping sweat, shouldn’t she use something gentler like a tissue? Why was she holding a rag?

Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Song Wanyue beside her, and Xu Ruying shivered.

Why had she never known before that Wanyue’s eyes were so deep?

When she stared at someone, it was like she carried a hook in her gaze, determined to hook something out.

“Are you very nervous?”

Wanyue asked faintly. Under the light, her eyes were misted with watery brightness.

Xu Ruying looked at her. “It’s a little hot.”

“Hot??? I put watermelon in the fridge. Eat some later. You’ve worked hard, Xiao Xu.”

Huang Lan had truly brought out a hundred percent of her warmth. She was originally an old lady with a bit of inferiority, but now, being this cheerful was not for herself, but for Wanyue.

After staying here for these past few days, she still felt that she was not very used to life in the city. Although Wanyue had good intentions, she still could not get accustomed to living here.

Huang Lan was thinking that once Wanyue gradually got a little better, once her mood recovered somewhat, she would still return to her rural home.

She was an old woman, and the end of her life could almost already be seen.

But Wanyue was different.

Three dishes and one soup. Under the light, they had everything: color, fragrance, and taste.

Xu Ruying sat there. In a daze, she had the illusion that she, as “Mingyu,” had not left at all, but was just like before.

The whole family sat around the table together.

Xu Ruying’s eyes suddenly grew wet.

If life could be lived over again.

She would definitely choose another way to live.

She would no longer long for such a high position, or to earn so much money, or take pride in giving Wanyue and her mother some kind of support.

She would only want to accompany them.

Simple meals would be fine. As long as the family was together, that would be happiness.

She wanted to immediately kneel in front of Wanyue, raise the ring, and ask her to marry her.

She also wanted to make more time to accompany Huang Lan. If Huang Lan wanted, she would take her everywhere to have fun. If she did not want to, then even accompanying her while doing housework and chatting would be good.

Only, this world could not be rewound after all.

Those moments of happiness that had seemed ordinary at the time—now, the person accompanying Wanyue and Mom was no longer her, Xiao Mingyu. In the future, it would not be her either.

After eating.

Song Wanyue could already be considered skilled at clearing away the bowls and chopsticks to wash them. She put on an apron and stood in the kitchen, washing the dishes one by one.

Xu Ruying secretly watched from the corner.

Song Wanyue had tied her hair into a bun, her long, graceful neck fair and slender. On her ring finger, she still wore that ring. Her movements were exactly the same as Mingyu’s.

After washing the dishes, Song Wanyue dried her hands. She poured warm water, then bent down and took the medicine prescribed for Huang Lan out of the medicine box. “Auntie, time to take your medicine.”

Huang Lan took it and swallowed it with her head tilted back. Song Wanyue looked into her eyes. “It’s almost nine. If you’re sleepy, go sleep. I’ll bring foot-soaking water in for you later. Soak your feet to ease the fatigue.”

After all, she was older now. The extreme grief of the past few days had somewhat overdrawn Huang Lan’s body. She nodded, turned her head to glance at President Xu, and smiled honestly. “Xiao Xu, you two chat, then.”

Xu Ruying nodded, looking at all of this with a jumble of emotions.

Once Huang Lan entered the bedroom.

Only the two of them were left in the living room.

Song Wanyue washed her hands, poured Xu Ruying another cup of tea, and sat on the sofa in a faint daze.

Xu Ruying should have taken her leave and gone, but she could not bear to. She wanted to look at Wanyue a little longer. Every extra look meant one less look in the future.

She could not just sit there dryly like this either, so she could only look for something to say. “You’re very good at taking care of people.”

The clock on the wall went tick, tick.

Song Wanyue’s hand gently rubbed the teacup. Her eyes fixed on Xu Ruying. “I don’t know how to take care of people.”

Actually, President Xu had not seen it.

She had forgotten the time for Huang Lan to take her medicine twice and blamed herself for a long time. Later, she set several alarms to remind herself.

Soaking feet was also something she had seen Mingyu always do before. Mingyu said that when Huang Lan was young, she had often worked in the fields and developed an old cold-leg problem. Soaking her feet in mugwort could dispel the cold.

Mingyu had also said that now that her mom was older, the sleepy bugs came more often, so she had to rest well. Otherwise, old children would throw tantrums.

Xu Ruying fell silent. Why had she never noticed before that Wanyue was so bad at conversation?

Song Wanyue quietly looked at her for a long while, then said softly, “I only hope my Mingyu can be at ease.”

—After she left, Wanyue had lived as her.

Her heart felt as though something had slammed into it hard.

Xu Ruying’s left hand tightened around the teacup, and her voice was slightly choked. “She will be at ease.”

Song Wanyue stared at the left hand she used to hold the teacup and said softly, “But I don’t want her to be at ease.”

Xu Ruying stared at her blankly. Song Wanyue smiled bitterly and shook her head. “If she’s at ease, then she won’t come back to see me.”

Come back to see her…

Hearing this, Xu Ruying felt as though knives were cutting through her heart. Her throat was blocked by sour, bitter emotion. Only after a very, very long time did she slowly say, “The dead cannot come back to life.”

Perhaps these words sounded a little cruel, but Wanyue had to accept the reality that she had already left.

The sooner she accepted it, the sooner she would be able to walk out.

Song Wanyue was also silent for a long time. She rubbed the teacup and looked at the photo of the two of them in the living room. “Yes. She’s dead.”

This was the first time in so long that Wanyue had said the word “dead.” Her expression was desolate, making it hard for anyone to breathe.

Xu Ruying looked at her, her whole body stifled and aching as if she had died all over again. Song Wanyue suddenly turned her head, her sorrowful eyes seeming to look straight into Xu Ruying’s heart. “But that cannot stop me from loving her.”