Meng Po Gave Her a Bowl of Soup (GL) - Chapter 14

The square dance group had some young people mixed in, especially two beautiful women, which immediately drew the attention of the elderly group. Curious glances were cast their way from time to time.

In the past, Xiao Mingyu was a very aloof person with an image to maintain. Wanyue had “warmly invited” her many times, but she had always turned her down decisively.

Now, she deeply regretted and blamed herself. If she had known it would turn out this way, she would have accompanied Wanyue to dance and do anything she wanted.

No matter what others thought, as long as she was happy.

Life is but a few decades long.

Too many people live for the sake of others’ opinions or to fit the image others have of them.

Now, Xu Ruying embraced Wanyue’s slender waist, inhaling her strong fragrance. As she looked at Wanyue’s tearful eyes under the lights, her heart ached.

She was missing her.

She knew.

Even though she was holding Wanyue so close, Xu Ruying could not tell her that Wanyue was her lover.

Song Wanyue tilted her head and looked into Xu Ruying’s eyes, seeing the undeniable pain there. She softly said, “Miss Xu, we’ve known each other for so long. Can I stop calling you that?”

Xu Ruying nodded. She dared not speak, fearing that her voice would betray her weakness.

Song Wanyue murmured, “Ruying.”

Mingyu…

Xu Ruying looked into her eyes, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. She softly called out, “Wanyue.”

Wanyue…

The dance steps changed.

Past lives and the present interwove before their eyes.

The wind brushed away tears, leaving scars in someone’s heart.

Song Wanyue’s eyes turned red. Using the dance steps as an excuse, she gently rested her head on Xu Ruying’s neck, inhaling the faint scent of lemon on her.

Even though it was very faint, she could still smell it.

Xu Ruying sensed Wanyue’s trembling body and knew that calling her name must have reminded her of Mingyu.

Her heart ached almost to the point of overflowing, but she couldn’t offer verbal comfort. Instead, she could only hold Wanyue’s hand tighter, even more tightly…

Not far away, Huang Lan had long stopped dancing. She quietly watched the two people embracing, her eyes glistening with tears. The doubts she had harbored seemed to receive some form of affirmation, settling heavily in her heart.

••••

Wanyue’s condition visibly improved.

Although she still often cried due to longing, she had become much more proactive during the day.

She had fallen behind in her schoolwork, but immersed herself in her job. Her colleagues, aware of the death in her family, were sympathetic and caring, though they didn’t know the details.

Wanyue’s work environment, filled with youthful faces, helped dilute her sadness somewhat.

Another half month passed.

Her eyes were no longer so red and swollen, and she occasionally managed a faint smile.

Huang Lan’s health improved significantly over this period. She could even occasionally walk without her crutches. Xu Ruying visited almost daily, chatting with her and doing housework.

Huang Lan, on one hand, increasingly liked this child. On the other, she had privately advised Wanyue, “Work hard too. Maybe one day you could reach Xiao Xu’s position. It would be great to have no overtime and plenty of time to chat.”

Every time Wanyue heard this, she smiled and responded softly, “I know, Auntie.”

On Saturday night, a rare chance to relax.

Song Wanyue called Xu Ruying, inviting her over for the gnocchi soup she made.

Xu Ruying changed into casual homewear.

Mingyu had a natural preference for lighter colors, but Xu Ruying was quite the opposite, always favoring vivid reds or deep purples, completely different from the ominous imagery of the underworld she had seen in her dreams.

Today, she wore a light blue long dress, just out of the shower with no makeup. Her skin was translucent, her long, fair neck adorned with a platinum necklace, exuding boundless sensuality. Her cascading hair gave her a completely different allure from before.

She also brought health supplements she had bought for Huang Lan. Each time she visited, she would use the excuse of “reciprocity” to bring something for Huang Lan.

Huang Lan didn’t know the supplements’ price, but Wanyue had privately checked and found them to be exorbitantly expensive, unaffordable for most people.

She hadn’t dared to tell Huang Lan, but Huang Lan sensed it and insisted on paying Xu Ruying several times. Xu Ruying smiled and remained silent. Wanyue also didn’t know what was going on. Besides Mingyu, she had never touched others’ things, and now she remained silent, leaving Huang Lan helpless.

As Xu Ruying knocked on the door, it was yanked open almost immediately, followed by a familiar loud voice: “Here, here, who is it?”

Xu Ruying’s heart tightened, and she froze.

Zhang Hui, in a floral dress with her hair up, was also stunned. She looked at Xu Ruying in surprise, her sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe. “You’re… Xu Ruying?”

Why was she here?

What was going on?

Since Mingyu’s passing, Wanyue had been refusing visitors. Except for unannounced guests, she rarely saw anyone, regardless of their relationship.

Zhang Hui, having grown up with Wanyue, understood her seemingly soft but actually stubborn nature. After being repeatedly refused, she waited patiently for Wanyue to adjust her emotions and for the right moment to visit.

Today, she had finally received Wanyue’s invitation to come over for a meal she had prepared.

Still working at the time, Zhang Hui was so surprised her jaw almost dropped. She couldn’t wait to finish work, took leave immediately, and came over as if she had received a royal decree.

On the way, Zhang Hui had many speculations.

Initially, she was most worried about Wanyue’s desire to join Mingyu.

She was the only one who had witnessed their ups and downs over the years and feared that Wanyue might do something extreme.

Knowing Wanyue had invited Auntie Huang over, she felt much more at ease. Although Wanyue was stubborn, Mingyu was her Achilles’ heel; she wouldn’t do anything extreme in front of the elderly.

Still, she worried that Wanyue might not be in a good state.

How would she comfort her?

When Zhang Hui saw Wanyue busy in the kitchen, she was momentarily stunned, standing silently at the door for several minutes without saying a word.

Then, the doorbell rang.

She was unexpectedly met with Xu Ruying.

She recognized Xu Ruying from past business dealings with Mingyu, knowing her as a formidable businesswoman.

Now, seeing her for the first time, Zhang Hui was a bit dazed.

Why was she here?

Xu Ruying was also a bit stunned. As she was thinking of what to say, Wanyue walked out with a smile, skillfully taking the supplements from her hands and asking, “Why didn’t you buy any groceries today?”

Xu Ruying replied with a smile, “I saw they weren’t very fresh. Going to the supermarket at this time would make them even less fresh.”

Song Wanyue: “Then go earlier tomorrow and see if there are any taro. I learned how to make taro soup.”

Xu Ruying hesitated, “Maybe it’s better to take it slow.”

Wanyue: “…”

Zhang Hui: ????

What… does this mean???

Why are these two so familiar?

Is there something going on?

Instinctively, Zhang Hui looked at Huang Lan. Huang Lan, wearing reading glasses and holding the remote control, said, “Xiao Xu, you’re just in time. Help Auntie with this. The set-top box is messed up again.”

Xu Ruying nodded, went to the sink, washed her hands, and casually asked, “Didn’t Wanyue adjust it?”

Huang Lan looked a bit wronged, “She messed it up.”

Xu Ruying: “…………”

As she watched the elderly and young pair enter the bedroom to adjust the TV, Zhang Hui turned her head, her mouth hanging open in shock.

Today, Wanyue wore a white long dress and light makeup, looking significantly better than before. She glanced at Zhang Hui and said softly, “I know you have many questions, but no one can answer them, so please don’t ask.”

Zhang Hui: “…”

She hadn’t said anything yet.

But… seeing this aloof version of Wanyue was truly surprising after so long.

In her teenage years, especially during the rebellious period of junior high school, Wanyue had always seemed unapproachable to Zhang Hui, at least not the “gentle” type.

Back then, she was a dominant force in school, channeling her intelligence into drawing.

She would draw in class, draw after class, and when tired, read comics.

Zhang Hui had once told her, “Wanyue, you draw every day. Are you aiming to be the next Picasso? Draw one for me too.”

Song Wanyue had shot her a glance and handed her a wildly exaggerated comic-style portrait, saying, “Here.”

Zhang Hui looked at the drawing of herself with a face distorted from being punched and remained silent for a long time. “You’re so ruthless, you will never get married.”

And what happened?

Not only did she get married, but she married exceptionally well.

Zhang Hui had never seen anyone as attentive and gentle towards their partner as Xiao Mingyu was.

After they got together, Wanyue’s demeanor changed completely. She had been the dominant one who would corner troublesome younger girls. Now she couldn’t even open a bottle cap.

The person who used to love fun and excitement would now stay at home waiting for Mingyu to come back from work.

The way they looked at each other was intense, almost as if they were publicly flaunting their affection.

The way she painted Mingyu, with that look and those brushstrokes… it made one’s teeth ache.

••••

The dinner was indeed prepared by Wanyue. She was currently in a confident cooking phase. Xu Ruying, having finished adjusting the TV for Huang Lan, was only allowed to chop scallions. “Your skills aren’t up to par.”

Song Wanyue’s tone was as calm as a master chef’s. Zhang Hui quietly observed. She knew Xu Ruying had a notorious temper within the circle, reputed for causing scenes in board meetings. Hearing Wanyue’s comment, she assumed she would be displeased.

Xu Ruying wasn’t upset. She smiled and said, “Well, Wanyue is very skilled now. I’m just an intern.”

Zhang Hui: “…”

Then she watched Xu Ruying, the so-called intern, neatly and skillfully chop the scallions.

She saw the so-called master chef, Wanyue, nearly burn herself while lifting a pot lid. Xu Ruying quickly pulled her aside and served the gnocchi soup herself.

The meal was eaten in a rather strange atmosphere.

The gnocchi soup was difficult for Zhang Hui to describe. She wanted to act like a motivational coach, patting Wanyue’s shoulder and saying, “Child, one failure isn’t the end. It’s the mother of success. As long as you work hard, I believe your gnocchi soup will be delicious in the future.”

But the reality was that she had to say, “Wanyue, I beg you, let’s meet up next time, but let’s not eat together, okay?”

Song Wanyue, sitting like a swan, glanced at Huang Lan and asked, “Auntie, is it good?”

Huang Lan nodded, took a small spoonful, swallowed with effort, and gave a thumbs up. “It’s good.”

Satisfied with the answer, Wanyue turned to Xu Ruying, “Ruying, what do you think?”

Xu Ruying nodded and focused on the soup bowl in the middle. “This bowl is all mine, no one else can take it.”

Zhang Hui: “………”

Oh heavens.

Oh earth.

This was the epitome of talking nonsense. She finally understood.

Ultimately, Xu Ruying was meticulous. She got up, went to the kitchen, quickly sliced a cucumber and tofu skin, made a healthy salad for Huang Lan, and even prepared a bowl of noodles for Zhang Hui.

Zhang Hui had similar tastes to Wanyue, favoring strong flavors and spiciness.

When the bowl of noodles was served, Zhang Hui almost cried with joy. She gratefully accepted it. “Thank you, Ms. Xu.”

Xu Ruying smiled and sat down, meeting Wanyue’s gaze. She leisurely explained, “I was afraid they’d fight me for the gnocchi soup, so I made something else.”

She kept her word and finished a whole pot of soup herself.

To help with digestion, she swept and mopped the floor, explaining household chores to Wanyue as she worked.

Song Wanyue responded vaguely. Midway through, Xu Ruying took a phone call and went out. Zhang Hui seized the moment and pulled Wanyue aside. “What’s going on with you two?”

Song Wanyue remained calm. “What do you mean?”

Given Zhang Hui’s understanding of Wanyue, she would never change her feelings so quickly. Coupled with her biased view, she had no positive feelings towards Xu Ruying. “Doesn’t she have feelings for you? Is she coveting your beauty?”

Typically, Wanyue would give Zhang Hui a disdainful look and ignore such trivial matters. But today, she looked at Zhang Hui with interest. “How did you figure that out?”

Zhang Hui looked at her with a “I knew it” expression. “Isn’t it obvious? Who would admit you’re a great chef if they’re not blind? Who wouldn’t think your cooking is delicious? And she’s even teaching you how to do housework. Are you the kind of person who can be taught?”

Song Wanyue: “…………”

At the door, Xu Ruying, who had just finished her phone call and was returning with a relaxed demeanor, knew that the two friends hadn’t seen each other for a long time and must have things to talk about.

She hoped to have more people to accompany Wanyue, and was about to leave after grabbing her handbag. However, no one expected to overhear such a long string of harsh comments.

Song Wanyue remained silent upon hearing it, and even Zhang Hui noticed Xu Ruying’s different attitude towards her.

Zhang Hui was a bit displeased. “Although I know you’ll eventually move on and have people around you, I don’t want it to be her.”

She had a poor impression of such a wealthy, powerful, and older single woman.

Her Wanyue deserved someone gentle like Mingyu.

Standing at the door, Xu Ruying felt a sharp pain spreading from her chest when she heard the words—“You’ll eventually move on and have people around you.”

It was a future she had long known but was afraid to touch and accept.

Song Wanyue’s beautiful brows furrowed. She looked at Zhang Hui, visibly upset. “What are you talking about? It hasn’t been long since Mingyu passed away.”

At the mention of “Mingyu,” Zhang Hui’s demeanor softened. However, being close to Wanyue, she remained silent for a moment before gently saying, “Isn’t it true? When we were little, Grandma in the courtyard said that no matter how painful it is, no matter how unforgettable, after three months it won’t be so intense, and after six months it will gradually calm down. You have to think about the future.”

Song Wanyue stared coldly at her, biting her lip. “Do you really have to say this to me? Are you here to be a mediator today?”

Zhang Hui sighed. “Wanyue, I’m just… I’m just…”

Recently, she often received calls from Wanyue’s parents. They had initially been strongly opposed to Mingyu and Wanyue’s relationship. Over the years, seeing their daughter’s persistence, they had eventually relented. Now, with Mingyu gone, although they were grieving, they were more concerned about their daughter’s future.

Though it sounded heartless, only close ones would speak like this.

Zhang Hui continued slowly, “Aren’t I right? Wanyue, sorrow has an end. Just like today, you’re much better than before. You…”

“Enough.” Song Wanyue’s eyes were red. She bit her lip and said, “What exactly do you want to say? Xiao Hui, are you here to hurt me? Are you trying to force me to love someone else?”

Zhang Hui stared blankly at her.

Song Wanyue’s eyes were red with emotion, her chest heaving as she choked up. “Do you want to know? Fine, I’ll tell you. Since Mingyu left, not a single day has gone by without me thinking of her. I once promised to love her for a lifetime, even one day less wouldn’t be acceptable. Do you understand? Do you understand?!”