"It’s precisely because we’re not a wealthy family that we are even less able to bear such a heavy burden!" Huang’s mother stated firmly. "Marriage isn’t about equalizing wealth! Son, since childhood, I’ve always let you have your way, but I can’t on this issue. Any girl you pick would be better than Yan Xixi!"
Huang Xiaojue couldn’t believe it. "Mom, I’m an adult. I can handle my own affairs."
"What do you know? Right now, you’re just bewitched by her looks. Once you marry her, it’ll be too late for regrets. Son, a relationship plagued by poverty is a sorrowful one."
Huang Xiaojue kept a straight face and remained silent, reaching out to open the door. As his hand touched the doorknob, he heard his father’s stern voice, "Xiaojue, you only come home once a year. Do you really need to be so confrontational with your mother? She’s only trying to do what’s best for you."
Huang Xiaojue hesitated for a moment. His father had already locked the door and said calmly, "We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Go get some rest now."
Huang’s mother wanted to say more, but her husband shot her a look, and she fell silent.
That night, Yan Xixi couldn’t sleep. Around midnight, she received several text messages from Huang Xiaojue in quick succession. They all comforted her, telling her not to overthink things. She read them over and over until she had almost memorized them, yet she didn’t know how to reply. After a long while, she pretended to be asleep and turned off her phone.
But how could she possibly sleep that night? She tossed and turned, her mind in turmoil.
The next day, when Huang Xiaojue came to find her, he discovered she had already left. Yan’s mother was extremely hospitable, struggling as she poured him hot tea. Huang Xiaojue quickly helped her up and asked, "Auntie, where did Xixi go?"
"My condition has improved a bit these past few days. She doesn’t have much to do at home, so she went out to see if she can find a suitable job."
"It’s the end of the year, and holidays are just around the corner. How could she find a job now? Besides, not many companies are looking to hire at this time."
"She said now is actually a good time to find one. A lot of employees quit at the end of the year, and companies are in desperate need of new hires."
Companies hiring right now were mostly in the retail sector, for in-demand positions like servers or similar service roles. But how much could they earn? Huang Xiaojue didn’t dare discuss this with Yan’s mother. He knew Yan Xixi was out not only to find a job but also to avoid him. He was utterly distressed and tugged at his hair. Yan’s mother noticed his anxiety and cautiously asked, "Xiaojue, did Xixi do something to upset you?"
"It’s nothing like that, Auntie. It’s just that Xixi probably didn’t like what my mother said last night. I came here today to tell her not to take my mother’s words to heart. The two of us will be living together in the future, not me and my mom."
Upon hearing this, Yan’s mother realized it was exactly as she had guessed. She had nothing more to say, and her expression instantly darkened. She murmured to herself, "I’m such a burden to Xixi."
"Auntie, don’t worry. I will definitely persuade my mother."
Yan’s mother closed her eyes with exhaustion. She fully approved of Huang Xiaojue. However, since his parents were so strongly opposed, she knew there was little chance of a good outcome for her daughter with him.
Huang Xiaojue, also distraught, said, "Auntie, I’ll go out and look for Xixi now."
"Go on then. It’s getting late. Xixi should be back soon."
However, Yan Xixi didn’t return early as Yan’s mother had expected. Huang Xiaojue called her mobile phone several times, but it was switched off. He also sent several text messages but received no reply. He wandered the nearby streets. Feeling utterly bored, he then went to meet a friend nearby. They drank tea and caught up. But even as evening approached, Yan Xixi still hadn’t returned.