SM Married Life

Translation by: Bull Bull
Writer: Lin Cai (Taiwan)
SM Notebook - Married Life (Part 7)

It was another evening after work. Xiang-Zhe and Sun-Mei were in MBS’s car park getting ready to leave for home when there was a knock on the window. Xian-Da was smiling at them.

“Director Yin and Sun-Mei, care to join us for a drink?” Xian-Da offered while pointing to his car with Yong-Xi waving to them from the opposite parking lot.

Umm, tempting, anyway it has been ages since I last gathered with Xian-Da and Yong-Xi, neither have I been drinking alone. Thinking back, since that night at the busy road junction, when I pulled her into my arms, there are practically no more reasons for me to drink.

“Come on!. Let’s go! I would like to go to!” Sun-Mei pulled his sleeve, like a child asking for permission. After marriage, I have always been his top priority I don’t want him to sacrifice his usual lifestyle because of me!

Eventually, they went to their favourite bar and sat down at the table next to the bar counter. That old familiar scent and atmosphere brought back memories of those days where he sat drinking all by himself!

Four of them raised up their glasses for a good toast, “Cheers!”

Sun-Mei’s face crumbled upon one sip of the liquor, so bitter! It taste so awful!

Yong-Xi saw Sun-Mei’s painful expression and asked amusingly, “You don’t drink?”

Sun-Mei nodded and challenged Xiang-Zhe, “Which is why somebody said I am uninteresting, unexciting because I don’t drink!!”

Xiang-Zhe laughed at the statement, took the glass from Sun-Mei and bottoms up. “That’s right, very unexciting, very dull! But!very cute!”

Yong-Xi was startled at his comments, really doubting the Xiang-Zhe she once knew. The one who claimed he doesn’t know love, yet he is a slave of love right now!! “Xiang-Zhe, you have changed tremendously, I was just doubting if I once knew you!”

“Ya, all thanks to Sun-Mei, the once stern-faced Director Yin has been greeting people with smiles. It is now much more relaxing and comfortable to have meetings with him.” Xian-Da remarked teasingly, “Even sleeping hadn’t been so problematic!”

Sun-Mei displayed a confused look. Sleeping? Why? Not as if Xian-Da had been sharing the bed with xue zhang!she doesn’t understand the conservation.

Xiang-Zhe couldn’t help laughing, not denying any of those accusations because!they were facts.

“Xue zhang, do you come here often?” Sun-Mei inquired out of curiosity while surveying the pub, very interested in the Xiang-Zhe’s lifestyle before her entry.

“Xue zhang? You still address him as xue zhang?” Yong-Xi responded in amazement, not believing her own ears.

“Huh!?” Sun-Mei doesn’t quite get what Yong-Xi meant.

“Both of you are already married, don’t you think you should change your method of addressing? You should at least call him Xiang-Zhe, what would people think when you still call him xue zhang?” This silly Sun-Mei, Yong-Xi shook her head, have to remind her of everything.

Is that so? The issue never crossed her mind, she glanced at Xiang-Zhe for an answer!

“Not really, the current addressing is pretty good!.” Xiang-Zhe defending Sun-Mei and turning to her, “So long as you don’t call me Director Yin!” What Sun-Mei thinks and wants are more important than what others think.

“Can’t stand it! You only know how to dote your wife. Really can’t stand it anymore.” Yong-Xi couldn’t help grumble at his protective manner.

“Senior! Xian-Da treats you well too!” Sun-Mei tried to state the fact.

“I’m not the same! Xiang-Zhe dotes on his wife whereas I’m the one who is being led by the nose, like the cow. Both matters are miles apart!!” Yong-Xi gave Xian-Da a good stare at his comments.

“Alright, please have mercy on me!” Xiang-Zhe raised both his hands, gave a surrender pose.

At the moment, the restaurant manager came forward once he learnt of Xiang-Zhe’s visit, “Director Yin, how have you been?” He passed a namecard to Sun-Mei and introduced himself, “Madam Yin, how do you do? I’m the manager of this restaurant, glad to be serving you!” Of course, he knew Sun-Mei. It was all over the news, the future heir of Wen Rong Group of Companies falling in love with Zhen Sun-Mei the newscaster. Their news was splashed on the front pages of magazines.

Sun-Mei felt uncomfortable with the attention and formal addressing, but still shyly bowed her head to acknowledge.

Knowng Xiang-Zhe’s musical talent, the manager proposed to Xiang-Zhe, “Director Yin, would you like to play a tune since you are here?”

Xiang-Zhe turned to look at Sun-Mei, he does want to play for her. “Ok!” He stood up, took Sun-Mei’s hand and head for the piano, totally ignoring the surprised looks on Xian-Da’s and Yong-Xi’s faces.

Sun-Mei was partially confused why xue zhang is taking her, but she followed him. As he sat down and patted the vacant space next to him, only then Sun-Mei has second thoughts about sitting, at least not in front of the other diners. Nevertheless she sat down, feeling awkward.

His long fingers danced gracefully across the piano keyboard, producing melodious tunes that touches everyone’s heart, casting all their attention upon the both of them. He gazed at Sun-Mei, this piece is played especially for her, telling the tale of eternal and endless love!

Observing Xiang-Zhe’s gaze, the images of days at Cambridge were suddenly vivid, the songs he sung for her, the music he played, the times when he waited patiently for her and the pain she caused him. Memories were playing in front of her like a movie!he has given me all his love, more than I can handle!

Both of them gazed at each other, lost in the midst of music, a sweet contented smile appeared on Sun-Mei’s face!