Children were an untouchable taboo topic between the two of them. The miscarriage had caused immense physical and emotional damage to Lin Mei. She had undergone over a year of treatment for postpartum depression, and even though she had recovered, seeing children would still remind her of the child she had briefly possessed. She and Xing Zheng had never discussed that incident, and she wasn't ready to have another.
While showering, Lin Mei meticulously washed herself. Xing Zheng watched her for a long time before asking, "You don't want one?"
She remained silent, unsure how to answer. The intimate atmosphere had vanished. Xing Zheng had already found his answer in her silence. "If you don't want one, then we won't."
He compromised, "I'll go buy you medicine later."
Lin Mei replied with an "Mm," not refusing. After the previous incident, she no longer held onto any false hopes. Xing Zheng dried her body, and after they came out, he went downstairs to buy the medicine. There was a pharmacy downstairs from the hotel, and he returned quickly.
Lin Mei took the medicine according to the instructions and then dressed, preparing to go home. As she put on her shirt, Xing Zheng pulled her into his embrace, burying his face in her neck and suppressing his apology. "I'm sorry."
Lin Mei: "Mm?"
"I won't make you take medicine anymore," he repeated. "If you don't want one, then we won't."
Lin Mei said, "Oh." At this point, their relationship had not reached the stage where they could discuss having children. Xing Zheng drove Lin Mei to her car. After going upstairs, he lit a cigarette. He sat alone on the sofa, the swirling smoke obscuring his reddened eyes. His mind was filled with the image of Lin Mei lying in a pool of blood. He had so desperately longed for that child. As she had said, they would have a home.
Perhaps, it wasn't the most suitable time yet. He couldn't question her, nor could he blame her for not wanting the child back then. It was too selfish.
The third day after returning to Xiangxi was New Year's Eve. Xiao Yue and Lin Zhengde had been preparing for the reunion dinner since the afternoon. Although there were only three of them, they still prepared a table full of dishes. The dining table was set up in the living room, with the Spring Festival Gala playing on the television as background music. The family of three sat down to eat harmoniously. Xiao Yue and Lin Zhengde discussed the programs on the Spring Festival Gala, but Lin Mei did not participate. Her mind was filled with Xing Zheng; he must be very lonely at the hotel by himself.
"Hua Mei, is the food not to your liking?" Xiao Yue asked.
"No, it's delicious," Lin Mei replied. "After dinner, I might need to go out. You don't need to wait for me."
"Why are you going out again?" Lin Zhengde asked. "You've been going out a lot these past few days. Is someone looking for you?"
"No," Lin Mei denied without hesitation, using her usual excuse. "I'm going to see Ning Rui. She's alone."
"Doesn't Ning Rui spend New Year's with her in-laws?" Xiao Yue didn't quite believe it.
"Her in-laws are traveling, and her husband can't make it back, so I'm going to keep her company." Lin Mei wasn't entirely lying. Ning Rui wasn't spending New Year's with Li Xun, but she wasn't entirely alone either.
Xiao Yue believed her. "Is Ning Rui's husband not good to her?"
Lin Mei smiled, offering no opinion. Xiao Yue then said, "Then go keep her company. Bring her some food later."
After having New Year's Eve dinner with her parents, Lin Mei left with the food and drinks Xiao Yue had prepared for "Ning Rui." Lin Mei hadn't told Xing Zheng she was coming, so he looked very surprised when he saw her. "Why are you here?"
"To accompany you. Don't you like it?" Lin Mei walked into the room carrying the insulated container. The dining table in the room was empty, with only an opened bottle of wine and two glasses. "Are you drinking?"
Xing Zheng replied, "Mm." On such a holiday, the sound of firecrackers could be heard intermittently from outside, and New Year's greetings kept flooding his phone. It was impossible to ignore, so he could only drink alone.
"Have you eaten?" Lin Mei placed the insulated container on the dining table and opened it. "My mom asked me to bring some cooked dumplings, along with side dishes and pastries. In Xiangxi, it's customary to eat dumplings on New Year's Eve. Try some."
They sat down. Xing Zheng saw the dumplings in the container; they were plump and still steaming. The side dishes were not in large quantities but were exquisite, and the pastries were even better.
Lin Mei handed him chopsticks. Xing Zheng asked, "Did Teacher Xiao ask you to bring them?"
"Mm," Lin Mei smiled when this was mentioned. "My dad asked me why I've been going out so much these past few days. I could only say I was going to see Ning Rui. My mom thought I was going to see Ning Rui today too."
"You're getting better at lying, aren't you?" he teased. "Full of mischief."
"It's all because of you," Lin Mei said.
"Oh, I'm the one who put it in you?" he never missed an opportunity to tease her.
"If you say another word, I'm leaving right now!" Lin Mei glared at him.
Xing Zheng quieted down and started eating the dumplings. The dumplings were filled with pork, corn, and shrimp. Both the wrappers and the filling were handmade by Xiao Yue and Lin Zhengde. Without Lin Mei needing to ask, Xing Zheng began to praise them. "They're delicious."
"Mm, my parents are very good cooks," Lin Mei pushed the side dishes towards him. "Try this too."
Xing Zheng tasted everything Lin Mei had brought. As Lin Mei watched him eat, a strong sense of satisfaction welled up within her. In good spirits, she poured herself a glass of wine and drank with Xing Zheng. Feeling the atmosphere was lacking, she turned on the television. At this time, every channel was showing the Spring Festival Gala, and as soon as it was turned on, the room became lively.
Xing Zheng, however, frowned. "Why did you turn on the TV?"
"To watch the Spring Festival Gala. Aren't you watching?" Lin Mei said. "My family watches it every year."
Xing Zheng replied, "Oh. I haven't watched it."
His tone was flat, but Lin Mei detected a hint of disappointment. She realized she had said the wrong thing. When they were in Anning City, Aunt Wen had mentioned that he had never spent New Year's with his parents since childhood; he either spent it with her or read alone.
Xie Qin Jia didn't like him. On holidays like these, which were meant for family reunions, she always took Xing Yan with her. For several years, they went on family trips. Xie Qin Jia, Xing Sha, and Xing Yan would travel together, leaving Xing Zheng at home to be looked after by Aunt Wen and other servants.
"Then I'll watch it with you," Lin Mei suppressed the ache in her chest and raised her wine glass. "Cheers."
"What, you want to have a drinking contest with me?" he teased.
"Yes, do you dare?" Lin Mei had a good tolerance for alcohol, and facing him, she had no need to guard herself. They drank freely.
Xing Zheng opened three bottles of wine from the minibar. They chatted and drank, with the Spring Festival Gala on the television serving as background music, making the hotel feel like home. When the song "Unforgettable Tonight" began to play, Lin Mei put down her wine glass and walked behind Xing Zheng, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind. Her soft, moist lips touched his ear. "Happy New Year."
"Are you drunk?" he stroked her hair.
"No," Lin Mei denied. "Turn around and face me."
"Something wrong?" Although he asked, his body had already turned as she instructed.
The next moment, Lin Mei knelt in front of him.