SM Married Life

Translation by: Wen
Writer: Lin Cai (Taiwan)
SM Notebook - Married Life (Part 20)

Xiang-ze and Shan-mei finally realised their greatest wish, to be able to return to London again.
Of course, Shan-mei’s aunt in England was at the airport to receive them, and at the same time, dished up all the specialty dishes she can come up with, to welcome the much-envied loving couple.
“Shan-mei, you married so early, your father must be very upset to part with you so soon, right?” Aunt laughed and said. Shan-mei has always been the apple of their eyes.

“As if! Pa really wanted to marry me off iUmmediately!” Shan-mei gave a frown and thought of that day when Senior went to her house to ask for her hand, not only did her father agreed iUmmediately, he even drank with Senior to celebrate!

“No wonder! With such an outstanding son-in-law, of course he would have nothing to worry about.” Aunt looked at the good-looking and talented Xiang-ze, she has always like this child and feel that special bond with him.

Even Aunt feels that way, Shan-mei stole a glance at Xiang-ze secretly, and her eyes fell just onto his. Just look at his gleeful look, so proud of himself!

“Really did not expect you would fall for our Shan-mei,” Aunt laughed and turned to Xiang-ze.
“At least I have not given you the kim-chi for nothing!”

“Yes, I really have to thank you, Aunt, for your special care last time.” He had always liked this lady boss, so it was really great now that they had become relatives.

“You two should have come to London earlier. Why wait till now?” She had thought that the couple would be here for their honeymoon.

“I’m really sorry. Because our wedding date was a last minute decision, that’s why we couldn’t accommodate the timing.” Xiang-ze explained. At that time, marriage was first on the cards, he has got to marry Shan-mei and have her at her side first before he could make any other plans.
“Yeah, you should have told me earlier that you two are getting married! I couldn’t even make it back in time for your wedding,” Aunt lamented with a laugh.

“Sorry, Aunt! The arrangements will improve the next time I get married!” Shan-mei joked cheekily, not noticing a sudden change in Xiang-ze’s facial expression.

“You, little child, always like to talk back at me, forever so cheeky!” Aunt pinched Shan-mei’s cheeks lovingly, “Enjoy your meal, I have to go back to work.”

“Aunt, you need any help?” Shan-mei volunteered her help as she saw the stream of customers in the restaurant.

“There’s no need, Shan-mei. You still want to earn Aunt’s pocket money, is it?” Aunt teased Shan-mei while keeping herself busy.

Until Aunt left their company did Xiang-ze vented out his unhappiness.

“Who do you want to marry the next time?” Xiang-ze asked, with a grave, unhappy look.

Huh?? Shan-mei nearly couldn’t react promptly, “I was only joking!”

“How could you joke with such a serious matter?” Although he knew she did not do it on purpose, but he still didn’t feel good.

“Sorry!” Shan-mei pouted her lips and apologized.

“The next time if you make this kind of joke again, you will have to face severe punishment!” he warned her seriously.

She smiled and nodded and leaned towards him, “Aren’t you tired after such a long flight. I will give you a massage later!”

This was meant to be an apology as well as vying for his attention and affection. Towards him, she’s always acting like a child, getting her own way whenever she likes. She obviously knew Xiang-ze’s weakness.

He looked at her interestingly. “Massage? Are you sure you can?” This suggestion has certainly made him look up in enthusiasm.

“I! of course I know.” She replied confidently. What’s so difficult about it! Trust you to look down on me!

The fact proves that Shan-mei was just blowing her trumpet. How would she know how to massage! Not only was her actions clumsy, she had little strength, in the end, of course, it turned out that he was the one massaging his wife instead!

With Aunt’s car as the means of transport, their itinerary went on smooth and relaxed. Xiang-ze, as expected, played the role of a tour guide, he couldn’t wait to bring Shan-mei to relive their old memories!

They went to all the significant places that they went to the last time in London, all the places! leaving traces of their love every here and there!

They looked at paintings, went on a river cruise, fed the pigeons and attended musicals! because they with the person they love most, every simple little thing could made them laugh heartily.

After being in London for so many years, he used to think that “upon living in any place for quite a period of time, it will just only remain the same!” only now did he realize he was completely wrong, why is it with your presence, the world seems such a different place?

A day before going back home, Xiang-ze brought Shan-mei specially to the southern side of London, another city a far cry from the sights of London and Cambridge, the outstanding architectural structure of Brighton reflecting a unique feeling in a foreign land; they took a stroll at the peaceful quiet beach in front of The Palace Pier!

A grey-haired old couple walking hand in hand, walked past them.

“They are so happy together!” Shan-mei looked at them in envy. She also wanted to spend her times with Senior hand in hand till they grow old.

“Don’t worry,” he held the small hand in his tightly, “even if you become old and ugly fifty years later, I won’t let go of your hand.”

“Does it mean that even if Senior becomes bald with a big tuUmmy, I will also have to bear with it?” She exaggerated and imagined the sight and just couldn’t control breaking into loud chuckles.

“At least you know your limits,” his face broke into a smile. Deep inside, he knew he would never grow tired of this miraculous little woman, he only knew it is too short a time to spend only a lifetime with her.

In a moment, he suddenly recalled something, looking back at the footprints they had made on the sands of the beach, carefully inspecting the footprints!

“What are you doing?” she asked curiously. What’s there to look for at footprints!?

“There is a saying here!, that if you are to meet your loved one again in your next life, you will have to remember the other party’s footprints, so that both can find each other successfully!,” his big black eyes gazing at her deeply, “so, I want to keep your footprints embedded in my heart forever.”

Using the anklet to tie you down first, and make you walk to my direction, thereafter remembering your footprints, if you lost your way, I could then follow your footprints to look for you!”

Her eyes became red while she looked at him, tears were fighting in her eyes! Or was it that you had made such a promise in your last life? If not, why would I have came all the way to England and got acquainted to you here.

“Must you even cry over this?” his fingers glided over her face to wipe away her tears, he couldn’t bear to see her cry. Because I’m worried that you, the forgetful and blur little girl, would not remember, that’s why I want to make a date with you to be with you forever, for all our lives, to be in love with you in my every life!

They gazed at each other deeply. He couldn’t control his feelings! slowly, he pulled her close, lowered his head, and gently touched her lips!

This time round, Yin Xiang-ze could kiss his angel freely for all he liked. Here, no one would bother to set their eyes on them!, the breeze of England, the love of England, the Shan-mei in England!, when we reunite in our next life, I know I will still love you as much as I do now!