Chapter 7

Lu Ximei, Yiren and Bingbing 's mother was a strong hearted lady but she couldn't stop her tears from falling when she saw Yue Ling. She too just like other family members blamed herself when Yue Ling made up her mind to leave that year, they felt that in some way they didn't understand her fully. She owed alot to Yi Shuyan, her childhood friend who supported her greatly when she married into the Ye family. By then,the families didn't get along and Elder Yi also disapproved though he had nothing against Lu Ximei. It took a while before the others accepted her but she already had her sister in-law by her side. She noticed Yue Ling looked alot like Shuyan just that Yue Ling was more mature, Yi Shuyan was frivolous at that age which led to the good and bad too.

Bingbing came closer to them and said,"Mother, why are you crying at such a happy moment." She knew how much her mother loved Yue Ling but she didn't want to ruin the happy occasion. She couldn't help but wish her father was around too.

"Why do I have such an inconsiderate child?, couldn't you tell I'm happy, you only ruined the mood." Aunt Lu said while wiping her tears as though she hadn't been crying a while ago.

Let's get in everybody, Yiren spoke. Each time his mother and sister started arguing they wouldn't stop. It had to be stopped before it happened.

Yue Ling felt genuinely happy too and followed inside holding hands with her aunt.

The home was designed by Lu Ximei and had a very good decor, it took an estimation of four acres consisting of the flats and two gardens. The gardens had flowers, vegetables and food that was consumed by the family. They large portions of land were given to encourage residents to do such projects. It was in a district where either respected military officials or the retired ones resided thus had good security. The couple; Lu Ximei and Ye Zhoujan (Yue Ling's Uncle) built other flats other than the main house to accommodate their other family members besides the children. Before Lu Ximei had Yi Yiren, she was in the military with her husband before she left and joined her current profession.

Yue Ling was served juice and snacks as the others occasionally asked about her.

Aunt Lu: Ling'er, congratulations!! I heard that you are now a doctor. Elder Yi told nearly all his friends and family about this news,he was happy to get someone who took after him in the family. She heard it from her father too when they talked since the old men loved bragging about their grandchildren. This news made Lu Ximei happy as she was glad that Yue Ling had done well abroad. They all worried about her though each of the family members spoiled her by sending her money just to make sure she didn't suffer.

Yue Ling:Yes aunt, I studied when I was abroad. Yue Ling didn't like the attention she'd get due to this. Unfortunately,Elder Yi was now at the age where he was bound to spill even more secrets.

Bingbing: Sister you know Grandpa kept bragging till I wished I became a doctor too. She was actually really happy for Yue Ling but didn't quite know why Yue Ling hadn't told her directly. She knew about it since they visited their grandfather's place but her sister had never talked about it to her.

Yiren snorted and said,"Some things aren't for everyone,save your tiny brain."He knew Bingbing hated being called dumb but he was lightening the mood.

"You, you!! Darn it, I bet my IQ is alot higher than yours,"she refuted.

"Your right,"he said sarcastically.

Aunt Lu wondered when the two would ever stop bickering like kids and become as sensible as Yue Ling.

Bingbing wanted to find time alone with Yue Ling without the other people. She suggested they walk around since her cousin had just eaten.

Yue Ling went out for a walk with Bingbing around the house. They walked to a large tree in the compound. It had grown very tall and had started losing leaves at it was the dry season.

Do you remember that Grandmother? Bingbing asked.

Yue Ling laughed at the question, this large tree had been planted her in the memory of their late grandmother. One day they were playing and Bingbing wanted to swing. The old swing had broken weeks ago because of Bingbing and wasn't safe, she constantly bugged her brother Yiren so he agreed and the two tied ropes on the tree and started swinging. It was sad remembering some of the events that day. Yue Ling didn't want to join but eventually sat and fell miserably as she wasn't used to it. Their parents came out and were welcomed by the scene of Yiren trying to lift Yue Ling. He was reprimanded while Bingbing put on a sad face and was forgiven, Lu Ximei scolded Bingbing as she knew the latter must have caused it. Yu Shuyan treated Yue Ling's bruises and after that,they were told that they should respect the tree as their grandmother resided there. They were young then and after the experience,they believed most of it.

Aunt Lu called the two girls to prepare dinner. They all insisted that Yue Ling slept there and she agreed. She was going to share Bingbing's room.

Yiren was at the backyard grilling the food while Bingbing ordered sodas. Aunt Lu was making salad with Yue Ling.

The atmosphere was peaceful.

After Yue Ling was done helping her aunt,she went to check on Yiren. He was sweating a bit so she went to get the towels that were put aside. She was welcomed by the sight of Yiren slapping Bingbing's hand as she was eating the food he had just grilled. She was carelessly munching on the chicken and the corners of her mouth were oily.

Yiren didn't mind her behavior but she'd get scalded if she ate the food that was just from fire. He couldn't help but wonder how she stayed the same all the time despite her overeating. Her bottomless stomach took everything in without her adding any weight.

It was such a pity to waste food on her.