Huang Xiaojue felt suffocated in the embrace. "Mom, I’m a grown man."
Huang’s mother was unimpressed. "Son, even if you live to be a hundred, in a mother’s eyes, you’ll always be a child."
"Mom, we have guests," Huang Xiaojue said. "Right, let me introduce you. This is Yan Xixi, the one I’ve often mentioned to you. Xixi, come on in..."
Only then did Huang’s mother’s gaze fall upon Yan Xixi’s face, though her hand still tightly clutched her son’s. She looked Xixi up and down. She’d never seen such a simple yet incredibly beautiful girl before. Xixi wore a slightly worn jacket and jeans. She was tall and slender, with a fair, oval face like jade, and a pair of large eyes resembling cold stars.
This girl was truly excessively beautiful, yet her expression held an air of sorrow and hardship, lacking the look of someone blessed by fortune.
She exclaimed, "So this is Xixi? Such a beautiful girl! No wonder Xiaojue talks about you to us all day long..."
Yan Xixi met this sharp gaze, and her heart skipped a beat. Nevertheless, she put on a full smile, politely called out, "Auntie," and handed over the fruit basket she was carrying.
Huang’s mother glanced at the fruit basket. Her tone, however, was quite enthusiastic. She let go of her son and warmly took Yan Xixi’s hand. "You’re our guest. Don’t just stand there; come and sit down. I’ve prepared lots of delicious food for you two today."
Yan Xixi sat on the large sofa, feeling awkward about where to put her hands and feet. She nervously watched as Huang’s mother washed, cut, and brought out the fruit. Then, with great hospitality, Huang’s mother offered, "Miss Yan, have some fruit. Please, don’t be polite."
Huang Xiaojue complained, "Mom, just call her Xixi. Why ’Miss Yan’? It sounds so distant and makes Xixi uncomfortable..."
"Oh, you boy! You’re really taking her side, aren’t you, favoring Xixi ? You only come home once a year and won’t even let your old mom save some face? I’ve worried about you for nothing. No wonder they say, ’Once a son has a wife, he forgets his mother’..."
Although Huang’s mother spoke in a joking tone, Yan Xixi felt even more uncomfortable, her smile a bit stiff. Huang Xiaojue quickly changed the subject. "Where’s Dad? Why isn’t he home yet?"
"Your dad’s still at a social engagement. There’s a lot going on at the end of the year. These days, he often doesn’t get home until late at night. Never mind him; let’s eat first."
The meal was sumptuous, and Huang’s mother was an excellent cook. It was clear she had pulled out all her signature dishes to welcome her son home. Throughout the meal, she enthusiastically served her son, piling food onto his plate and refilling his rice. She also cordially attended to Yan Xixi, but Yan Xixi felt even more uneasy. From the very first glance, she instinctively knew Huang’s mother didn’t like her.
Mother and son chatted and laughed animatedly. For the most part, Huang’s mother asked questions while Huang Xiaojue answered. Their conversation covered everything from his work situation to daily trifles. It was evident that Huang’s mother was an extremely assertive woman.
"Son, this transfer back, does it mean you’ve been promoted to regional manager?"
"Sort of. But there’s a three-month probationary period. Only after these three months will I receive the full benefits of a regional manager. At that point, the company will also provide a car, so I won’t have to buy one myself..."
"Ha, that’s my outstanding son! So young—only a few years after college graduation—and already a regional manager. That’s even better than those who studied abroad! You’re guaranteed a bright future. Son, I’m so proud of you..."
Huang Xiaojue chuckled. "Mom, you’re exaggerating."