Mrs. Gao, fiancée

Gao Shen’s expression was unreadable. He stood up and said in a low voice, “You keep cooking, I’ll go take a look outside.”

Jing Qingxin was just about to stop him, but before she could say anything, Gao Shen’s long legs had already carried him out of the kitchen in a few strides. She wanted to remind him that he was still supposed to be recuperating!

Jing Qingxin continued preparing the sweet and sour sauce, feeling somewhat puzzled. Gao Shen was usually so composed—why had he acted a bit rashly just now? Suddenly, a sense of unease crept upon her.

She hurriedly finished mixing the sauce, eager to go out and see what was happening. But when she stepped out of the kitchen, she didn’t see anyone in the courtyard. Had Gao Shen brought someone into the main room?

Taking a few quick steps and turning, Jing Qingxin entered the main room, only to witness the following scene.

A plainly dressed woman, around forty, sat with her head lowered in silence. Strands of gray hair were visible at her temples. She seemed ill at ease, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. Across from her, Gao Shen’s face was somber, his deep eyes tinged with helplessness.

Jing Qingxin found the scene rather odd and could only call out, “Gao Shen.”

He’d heard her footsteps and knew who it was. Upon seeing her enter, he beckoned, “Qingxin, come here.”

Obediently, Jing Qingxin walked over and stood at his side, her eyes silently asking, What’s going on?

Seeing her lively gesture, some of the gloom inside Gao Shen dissipated. He stood and took her small hand, introducing her, “Qingxin, this is my mother.”

Jing Qingxin was surprised—he dared hold her hand in front of others! But hearing his introduction, she quickly composed herself, smiled, and greeted gently, “Hello, Auntie, my name is Jing Qingxin.”

At the sound of her voice, the woman lifted her head and studied Jing Qingxin briefly before offering a faint smile. “Hello.”

Jing Qingxin felt the older woman’s gaze appraising her, but she met it with calm composure. Gao Shen’s mother had delicate features and a gentle, refined air, though time had etched fine lines at the corners of her eyes and left her looking somewhat weary. Her tightly clasped hands were rough and chapped, in stark contrast to her appearance.

Recalling Gao Shen’s stories of his family, Jing Qingxin knew his mother was soft-spoken and held traditional values. Seeing the woman’s clean but faded clothing, Jing Qingxin realized she must have worn it for years.

Gao Shen guided Jing Qingxin to sit down and asked quietly, “Mom, they sent you over—what do they want now?”

When it came to his mother, Gao Shen’s feelings were complicated. He was frustrated by her lack of assertiveness and her gentle nature; she would silently endure any grievance. Before their family’s troubles, she was still gentle but not timid. Afterward, her mildness only grew softer, and she became somewhat fearful. Still, she was his mother, and he respected her. After being sent to the countryside, she had to manage everything alone, though she’d once been used to a life of comfort. She had to learn everything from scratch and put up with his father’s moods; eventually, even his elder brother and sister-in-law would order her around.

His mother spoke in a low voice, “We received the pastries you had Captain Wang deliver. They were delicious.”

Gao Shen understood at once. “Did that woman send you to get more pastries?”

She looked slightly embarrassed and nodded. “There are a lot of people in the house, and the two children are greedy—crying for more pastries.”

“There aren’t any left. That was all we made,” Gao Shen replied bluntly.

“Um… also…” She glanced at Jing Qingxin, hesitating.

Gao Shen noticed and asked directly, “What else? Just say it, there’s no outsider here.”

His mother’s eyes moved between the two of them before she said, “There’s been talk in the village. Your father heard some things and sent me to ask you.”

Neither Gao Shen nor Jing Qingxin expected the rumors to spread so quickly—even the brigade across the river had heard. Jing Qingxin couldn’t help but marvel at the power of gossip. Was this what it meant to become famous overnight? She amused herself with the thought.

Gao Shen tightened his grip on her hand, his expression earnest. “Let me make this clear—this is my fiancée, Jing Qingxin. People in the village like to talk, but you mustn’t believe everything you hear.”

Though she was gentle, his mother knew her son’s temperament well. She felt guilty toward her younger son; she could not defend him and could only weep silently. She’d left him alone in this remote mountain house, and although she worried, she hadn’t dared visit secretly.

Now, knowing there was a young lady caring for him, she felt much more at ease. She hadn’t missed the way her son walked just now—it was obvious he was recovering, his right leg already healed. Her heart was filled with relief, as though a heavy weight had finally been lifted.

Her expression grew brighter and she asked with a light smile, “So when are you two planning to hold the wedding banquet?”

“When we’ve set a date, we’ll let you know,” Gao Shen replied coolly. No matter how dissatisfied or aggrieved he felt, it was impossible to exclude his parents and siblings from the wedding.

She heard the distance in his tone and her eyes reddened. Choking up, she said, “Shen, I know you’ve suffered a lot. It’s my fault for not being strong enough. You must live well from now on.”

Gao Shen fell silent, a knot forming in his chest. He no longer knew what to say—toward his family, his heart felt cold. Sitting beside him, Jing Qingxin sensed his hand clench slightly around hers. She placed her other hand gently on top, offering silent comfort.

Given her status, it wasn’t appropriate for her to say much, so she simply sat quietly by his side.

Seeing her son’s expression, his mother understood that he still harbored resentment. She stood and said softly, “I should be going now.”

Jing Qingxin promptly got up and held her back with a smile. “Auntie, stay and eat with us! We’re just preparing dinner.”

Gao Shen’s mother glanced at her son, who sat unmoving, and felt a pang of bitterness. Forcing a smile, she replied, “No, I should go. The family is waiting for me to make dinner.”

Jing Qingxin glanced at the sky outside and smiled. “Auntie, look how late it’s getting—if you hurry back to cook, it’ll be so late. I’m sure your daughter-in-law will make something. You came all this way to visit Gao Shen; how could we let you leave hungry?”

She then turned to Gao Shen, her tone warm and bright. “Isn’t that right, Gao Shen?”