HomeLove Story in the 1970sThe Pragmatist’s Love - Chapter 35

The Pragmatist’s Love – Chapter 35

The Worker-Peasant-Soldier university students’ programs varied from two to three years in length. Ling Yi attended a two-year program and had recently graduated. She was assigned to work at a publishing house. Since her parents didn’t live in the city, she would spend every Sunday at the Fu family’s home.

It was at the Fu residence that Ling Yi learned about Fang Muyang’s marriage to the woman who had cared for him at the hospital. When she first heard the news, she felt Fang Muyang had been too hasty. They were still young—why bind his future so early to someone he barely knew? While lamenting his decision, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for herself as well. By conventional standards, she should congratulate them and send a wedding gift. But she couldn’t bring herself to offer her blessings, especially since the bride was Fei Ni—the same person who had invited her to visit Fang Muyang in the hospital, which she never did. Now, who knew what Fei Ni was saying about her behind her back, perhaps even embellishing the story? Sooner or later, Fei Ni would destroy whatever good impression Fang Muyang still had of her.

Fei Ni wore a beige vest over her shirt. As autumn had arrived, wearing just a shirt would have been too cold. Both Fei Ni’s attire and appearance gave off a gentle impression. Having suffered from judging people by their looks before, Ling Yi knew that one’s appearance and character should be evaluated separately.

Ling Yi forced a smile at Fei Ni, feeling somewhat intimidated and not wanting to offend her. Though Ling Yi had her reasons, if Fei Ni were to spread rumors about her, others would only see her as selfish. Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu might think the same.

Fei Ni immediately recognized the address Fang Muyang had given her—this was indeed the place. Her first thought was that Fang Muyang and Ling Yi had reconnected. If they were to rekindle their old relationship, and if Fang Muyang were to divorce her and move out of her house to start a new life, she wouldn’t object. She had prepared herself for this possibility before marriage.

Whether they were in contact now or not didn’t affect her purpose for coming.

While Ling Yi felt awkward around Fei Ni, Fei Ni appeared quite at ease.

“Is this Editor Fu’s residence?” she asked.

Aunt Fu came to the door and asked, “You are…?”

“I’m Fang Muyang’s wife.”

“Oh, you must be Little Fei! Please, come in and sit down.”

Fei Ni entered the living room and was directed to the sofa by Aunt Fu. Although it was Sunday, Editor Fu was still at work and wasn’t home.

Aunt Fu was very polite to Fei Ni, not just because of Fang Muyang, but also because she felt sympathy for Fei Ni’s situation. She had finally nursed Fang Muyang back to health, only to be separated from him just days after their marriage.

Aunt Fu immediately understood Fei Ni’s purpose for visiting and consoled her, “Little Fang sent a telegram to the office the day before yesterday. He’s doing well, don’t worry.”

“Do you know when he’ll return?”

“I can’t say for certain, but I’ll ask your Uncle Fu when he gets back.”

Fei Ni directly stated her purpose: “I’m not worried about his safety, but it’s getting cold, and he only took two light shirts with him. I wonder if anyone from our office is still going to the earthquake zone who could take these clothes to him.” She had bought Fang Muyang a wool sweater and a fleece jacket from the clothing store. Though expensive, she had no choice as there wasn’t time to make them herself.

“Muyang is truly fortunate to have you,” Aunt Fu said as she picked an apple from the fruit bowl and began peeling it for Fei Ni. After a pause, she continued, “But I don’t think the training program will send anyone else there. Try not to worry too much—I’m sure he won’t be cold there.”

Realizing she couldn’t send the mooncakes to Fang Muyang either, Fei Ni left them along with some pomegranates as gifts and prepared to leave with the clothes package.

Aunt Fu pressed down on Fei Ni’s shoulder, keeping her seat in the living room, and handed her the peeled apple. “Fei Ni, have an apple first.” She then introduced Ling Yi, “Ling Yi and Muyang grew up together. You’re about the same age—you’ll surely get along well.”

Aunt Fu said to Ling Yi, “Chat with each other in the living room for a while. I’ll go get something.”

Neither had anything to say to each other, so they fell into silence.

In the short time since Fei Ni had arrived, she noticed that Ling Yi had a close relationship with the Fu family, likely stemming from long ago.

She fixed her eyes on the newspaper on the coffee table, reading today’s news.

The silence made time stretch longer and longer until Aunt Fu returned, and the second hand resumed its previous pace.

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