Meng Po Gave Her a Bowl of Soup (GL) - Chapter 9

Song Wanyue stared at Xu Ruying in silence for a long time.

In the past, when Mingyu’s colleagues saw her, Song Wanyue would often be seen shyly smiling while holding Mingyu’s hand or gently greeting everyone.

Now, however, her expression was serious and her gaze was heavy, emanating a cold and piercing aura.

Xu Ruying also watched her. Although she was trying to conceal her own emotions and appeared calm and businesslike, there was a layer of restraint and forbearance beneath her facade.

Wanyue…

Wanyue… I’m sorry…

After what seemed like an eternity, Song Wanyue finally took the will from Xu Ruying. Her attitude remained indifferent and detached.

Her colleagues were silent, understanding that this business trip was on behalf of Xu Ruying. Therefore, they were not surprised by the attitude of the family members.

The familiar handwriting immediately caught her eye.

Just a glance made her eyes sting.

It was Mingyu’s handwriting.

She wouldn’t mistake it.

The will was straightforward, stipulating that in the event of an accident, all assets would belong to Song Wanyue.

It listed all of Mingyu’s properties, stocks, funds, and savings in meticulous detail, as if it had been prepared for a long time.

Mingyu had not neglected her mother.

The Xiao family’s situation was unique. When her father suddenly passed away, they were left with no one to rely on.

At less than 18, she endured countless hardships and pressures that nearly crushed her young shoulders. If not for Wanyue’s constant companionship, she didn’t know how she would have managed.

At that time, none of their relatives extended a helping hand; in fact, they seemed eager to cut all ties, avoiding any contact as if they feared catching something dirty.

And later?

As Mingyu’s career began to flourish, those relatives reappeared, claiming kinship and seeking favors. Whenever something happened, they would turn to Mingyu.

Mingyu had always been aloof toward them, disliking their behavior. But Huang Lan was different; she lived in a countryside and had to deal with some face-saving matters.

Because of this, Mingyu had argued with her several times. Huang Lan had endured it until those relatives not only stabilized Huang Lan with false familial affection but also, during the demolition of their old home, cleanly removed her from the household registration and occupied the house. Only then did Huang Lan’s heart truly grow cold.

A daughter understands her mother best.

If Mingyu had divided the estate with Huang Lan, those relatives would have sensed the opportunity and caused unrest for the elderly woman.

This was Mingyu’s way of protecting her mother.

And it was also a profound trust in Wanyue.

Song Wanyue read the will in silence for a long time.

The people around her were uncertain and looked to Xu Ruying. Xu Ruying’s lips moved slightly, “Miss Song, you…”

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

Seeing her bowed head, Xu Ruying felt as if her heart had been scorched. She hurriedly took her leave, accompanied by her team.

She didn’t dare stay longer, fearing she might break down in tears.

Song Wanyue continued to stare at the will, lost in thought, until the door opened and Huang Lan returned with groceries. “Ah, the farmers’ market nearby is cheaper and fresher; the vegetables in the supermarket are really overpriced.”

She placed the groceries on the coffee table and looked at Song Wanyue. “What’s wrong?”

She had been fine when she left.

Why did Wanyue seem different when she returned?

Wanyue did not hide anything from Huang Lan.

She showed Huang Lan the will and briefly explained the situation.

Seeing her daughter’s handwriting, Huang Lan couldn’t help but shed tears.

Song Wanyue turned and gently embraced Huang Lan, comforting her as Mingyu had comforted her before. She softly patted Huang Lan’s shoulder, “It’s alright, Auntie, it’s alright.”

Huang Lan wiped her tears with her cracked hands and looked at Wanyue. “Auntie, Mingyu left everything to me because she was worried about your relatives.”

“I know… I know…”

Huang Lan nodded, choked with emotion, her silver hair adding to the sadness. Song Wanyue continued, “I’ll keep the money in the bank. The interest each month will be enough for you to live without worry.”

Huang Lan, with red eyes, looked at her, “I don’t need much money, but you, child, are still young. You need to think about your future.”

They had been together for so many years. Although they hadn’t registered their marriage, it was no different from being a couple.

She’s an old woman. Who knows how many days she has left? What does she need so much money for?

It’s Wanyue, though.

She might be grieving now, but any pain has an end. When she eventually emerges from her sorrow, with her looks and character, she will surely find someone who loves her deeply.

Song Wanyue knew what Huang Lan was about to say and gently replied, “Auntie, I met Mingyu when I was 13, and fell in love with her when I was 15. I loved her for 10 years.” Her slightly reddened eyes revealed a hint of both bitterness and happiness. “Those 10 years were like a lifetime to me.”

It was a lifetime for her and Mingyu.

Huang Lan’s tears flowed uncontrollably again as she embraced Song Wanyue and gently patted her shoulder.

Poor child…

••••

In the following week.

Huang Lan and Wanyue were still processing the pain of losing their beloved one.

They continued to suffer greatly.

But as time passed, the pain was like being buried beneath the waves, suppressed and restrained.

During this time, Xu Ruying seemed to “accidentally” run into Huang Lan at the market more frequently.

She had already figured out the old lady’s routine and gradually became familiar with her, even taking the initiative to greet her. Huang Lan was very grateful for Xu Ruying’s repeated help.

However, Wanyue remained as cold and distant as ever. Mingyu’s departure had made her shut herself off, keeping others at a distance.

In the evenings, Xu Ruying pondered how to approach Wanyue and what method to use. Her time was limited, and she couldn’t keep dragging it out indefinitely.

As she was deep in thought, the doorbell rang. Xu Ruying was startled and got up to answer the door.

When she opened it, a cold breeze came in.

Xu Ruying was stunned, looking at the person in front of her, feeling a bit dazed.

It was Wanyue, the very person she wanted to approach.

Wanyue was wrapped in a white sweater, her long hair gently draped over her shoulders, and her eyes looked at Xu Ruying with warmth. “May I come in?”

Xu Ruying, still in shock, nodded and stepped aside. “You…”

Wanyue glanced into the room. “I’d like to ask Miss Xu how to cook.”

Xu Ruying had recently moved in.

In the days since, she had been so focused on Huang Lan and her daughter next door that she hadn’t had time to clean or organize her own place.

She hadn’t bought any kitchen supplies, only brought a few clothes and toiletries, as if she were staying in a hotel, all packed into one suitcase.

Wanyue quickly scanned the room and turned to Xu Ruying. “Would it be possible to trouble you, Miss Xu?”

Xu Ruying nodded, her palms sweating, nervously avoiding eye contact with Wanyue.

Wanyue’s eyes…

When they were sharp, they could make Mingyu’s heart race.

She remembered during their senior year of high school, when Mingyu was contemplating whether to apply to universities in neighboring cities with higher scholarship chances, Wanyue, small and tearful, had stared at her without blinking, saying, “Sister, I can’t bear to see you go. Please don’t leave…”

Due to the rush of her move, Xu Ruying hadn’t purchased any kitchen equipment. After she absentmindedly led Wanyue to the empty kitchen, she awkwardly looked at Wanyue. “I’ve only just moved in…”

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

Before coming over, she had specifically called Xiao He and learned that Xu Ruying had moved in on Mingyu’s 7th day.

So many details seemed like coincidences.

In fact, Song Wanyue had also been observing Xu Ruying these days. But by nature, she was cautious and careful, and her gaze often fell on Xu Ruying without anyone noticing.

Mingyu and Wanyue’s home was perhaps most refined in the kitchen.

Because Wanyue loved to eat and Mingyu pampered her, over the years, she learned from the internet and colleagues, often boasting about her skills being at a five-star chef level.

With such high standards, how could they not have top-quality cooking equipment?

In her own home.

Xu Ruying cooked, trying hard not to show any unusual signs. Even as a left-handed person, she attempted to use her right hand to stir the spoon.

The weather was already a bit hot, and she was nervous, with the flames nearby, making Xu Ruying sweat profusely. Yet, Wanyue stood there, arms crossed, watching her without moving.

Fortunately, Huang Lan eventually came out, drawn by the aroma. “It smells so good. Oh, is Xiao Xu here?”

Only then did Song Wanyue turn around. Her tone was gentle. “Auntie, I specifically invited Miss Xu to teach me how to cook.”

Teaching her to cook…

Xu Ruying noticed that Wanyue didn’t seem to be learning but rather observing her throughout.

The table was set with a variety of dishes.

Xu Ruying, with nimble hands, finished cooking. She had put in extra effort this time, deliberately making the flavors stronger.

Previously, Mingyu had controlled Wanyue’s diet, minimizing oil, salt, and spices as much as possible.

This meal was surely to Wanyue’s taste.

Xu Ruying thought, after feeling so sad for so long, it was good to relax a bit.

Huang Lan, enthusiastically holding a cloth to wipe Xu Ruying’s sweat, was told by Xu Ruying with a smile, “Auntie, it’s fine. You can sit over there.”

Isn’t your leg a problem? And can’t you use more delicate tissues for wiping sweat? Why use a cleaning cloth?

Glancing at Song Wanyue, Xu Ruying shivered.

How had she never noticed how deep Wanyue’s eyes were?

When she looked at someone, it was as if she was trying to hook out something.

“Are you nervous?”

Wanyue asked softly, her eyes shimmering under the light.

Xu Ruying glanced at her. “A little hot.”

“Hot? I put some watermelon in the fridge. We can have some later. Thank you for your hard work, Miss Xu.”

Huang Lan truly put all her enthusiasm into it. Although she was somewhat insecure as an old woman, now her cheerful demeanor was entirely for Wanyue’s sake, not for herself.

In these few days of living in the city, she still felt she wasn’t quite used to urban life. Although Wanyue was kind, she still struggled to adapt.

Huang Lan thought that once Wanyue gradually recovered and her own mood improved, she would return to their rural home.

She was an old woman, and her life was nearly at its end.

But Wanyue was different.

Three dishes and a soup, under the light, were all perfectly presented.

Sitting there, Xu Ruying had a fleeting sense that Mingyu hadn’t truly left, as if things were just as before.

A family gathered together.

Xu Ruying’s eyes suddenly became moist.

If life could start again.

She would live differently.

She wouldn’t yearn for high positions, or strive to earn more money, or feel proud about providing for Wanyue and her mother.

She only wanted to be with them.

Even if it was plain and simple, as long as the family was together, it would be happiness.

She wanted to kneel in front of Wanyue immediately, holding a ring, and ask her to marry her;

She also wanted to spend more time with Huang Lan, taking her out if she wanted, or just staying with her to do chores and chat if she didn’t.

But, the world cannot be rewound.

Those once ordinary moments of happiness were now experienced by Wanyue and her mother without Mingyu, and they would never include her again.

After dinner.

Song Wanyue, now quite adept at clearing and washing the dishes, donned an apron and stood in the kitchen, washing the dishes one by one.

Xu Ruying watched her secretly from the corner.

Wanyue’s hair was styled in a bun, her slender neck pale, and the ring still on her ring finger. Her movements were just like Mingyu’s.

After washing the dishes, Wanyue dried her hands, poured some warm water, and bent down to retrieve the medicine from the cabinet. “Auntie, it’s time to take your medicine.”

Huang Lan took the medicine, lifted her head to take it, and Wanyue looked into her eyes. “It’s almost 9 o’clock. If you’re tired, go to bed. I’ll bring you the foot soak water later to help you relax.”

Given her age, Huang Lan’s extreme grief in recent days had taken a toll on her health. She nodded and turned to look at Xu Ruying with a simple smile. “Xiao Xu, you two can chat.”

Xu Ruying nodded, feeling a mix of emotions as she watched everything unfold.

Once Huang Lan entered the bedroom.

The living room was left with just the two of them.

Wanyue washed her hands and poured a cup of tea for Xu Ruying. She sat on the sofa, lost in thought.

Xu Ruying was supposed to leave, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. She wanted to look at Wanyue for just a little longer.

Not knowing what to say, she tried to make conversation. “You’re very good at taking care of people.”

The clock on the wall ticked away.

Wanyue lightly caressed the tea cup, her gaze fixed on Xu Ruying. “I’m not good at taking care of people.”

In reality, Xu Ruying hadn’t seen.

She had forgotten the times Huang Lan needed her medication, feeling guilty for a long time, and later set multiple alarms to remind herself.

Soaking feet was something she had seen Mingyu do frequently. Mingyu once said that Huang Lan had developed chronic cold legs from working in the fields as a child, and that soaking feet in mugwort could dispel the cold.

Mingyu also mentioned that as her mother aged, she became more prone to drowsiness and needed good rest, or else she would act like a child.

Xu Ruying was silent, realizing she had never noticed how unskilled Wanyue was at conversation.

Wanyue looked at her quietly for a while before softly saying, “I just hope Mingyu can rest easy.”

—After she was gone, she became her.

Her heart felt as though it had been forcefully struck by something.

Xu Ruying tightened her grip on the tea cup, her voice choked with emotion. “She will be at ease.”

Wanyue, staring at Xu Ruying’s hand holding the tea cup, said softly, “I don’t want her to be at ease.”

Xu Ruying looked at her in a daze. Wanyue smiled bitterly and shook her head. “If she is at ease, she won’t come back to see me.”

Come back to see her…

Xu Ruying’s heart felt like it was being sliced, her throat choked by her emotions. After a long time, she slowly said, “Once someone is gone, they can’t come back.”

Though this may sound cruel, Wanyue had to accept the reality of her departure.

The sooner she accepted it, the sooner she could move on.

Wanyue remained silent for a long time, caressing the tea cup and looking at the photo of the two of them in the living room. “Yes, she’s dead.”

It was the first time Wanyue had uttered the word “dead” since so long, her expression sorrowful and suffocating.

Xu Ruying felt a profound discomfort, as if she had died again. Wanyue suddenly turned her head, her sorrowful eyes seeming to look into Xu Ruying’s heart. “But that doesn’t stop me from loving her.”