Chapter 2 — Someone Else's WiFi Password

Giang mother did not continue the conversation. Instead, she pushed the red envelope further forward, her affectionate tone carrying an unmistakable insistence that brooked no refusal.

"What talk of debts is this? You are my future daughter-in-law now. For a daughter-in-law to come over for a meal for the very first time, a red envelope from her mother-in-law is only natural."

"That makes it even less acceptable. Back when you were tutoring me, you already spent so much making up for my deficiencies..."

I leaned sideways, pressing the red envelope firmly onto the top of the shoe cabinet.

"I truly cannot accept this."

Baiting-River stood nearby, changing into his indoor slippers. Without even raising his head, he chimed in, "Mother, just keep it. You know how stubborn her temperament is; forcing it on her will only make her uncomfortable."

Jiang mother shot him a glare, finally abandoning her attempt to hand it over. She placed the red envelope back into the entryway drawer, turned on her heel, and walked deeper into the house. I foolishly believed the matter was settled. To my surprise, she emerged from the inner rooms holding a red velvet box. With a crisp click, she popped it open to reveal a heavy, gleaming gold bangle resting inside.

"This one you must take."

"I prepared this years ago, simply waiting for this exact day."

I instinctively drew my hands behind my back, refusing once more. "This... it would still be better to wait until the actual wedding day."

Jiang mother's movements froze mid-air. She cast a glance at me, then looked over at Baiting-River, who was still crouched down changing his shoes. Reluctantly, she realized pushing further was pointless, so she quietly snapped the box shut and put it away.

"Very well, we will leave it for later then."

The dishes were served in no time at all, including the beef stir-fried with cilantro, which happened to be my absolute favorite. Throughout the meal, Jiang mother chatted enthusiastically about the wedding details, moving seamlessly from the hotel lawn decorations to the selection of the wedding planning agency, and finally discussing which elder relatives needed to be invited. Baiting-River sat beside me, occasionally chiming in to keep the conversation flowing. As for Jiang mother's inquiries, I responded from beginning to end with vague phrases like "Whatever you decide is fine," refusing to utter a single superfluous word. Halfway through the meal, the phone resting beside Baiting-River's plate suddenly vibrated. His movements paused slightly as he picked up the call.

"Hello."

Whoever was on the other end said something that caused his expression to shift subtly, his voice instinctively dropping lower.

"At our place? When on earth did I leave it there..."

He glanced at me, stood up abruptly, and walked out onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind him. Separated by a layer of glass, I could not make out what he was saying, but I could clearly see his furrowed brow and deeply focused expression. Two minutes later, he strode back inside, grabbed the suit jacket draped over the back of his chair, and prepared to head out the door.

"Summer left an important design document behind at the newlywed home and needs it urgently. I have to go unlock the door and help her find it."

He spoke at a rapid pace, his tone brimming with impatience. Jiang mother slammed her chopsticks down onto the table with a sharp clack, her expression instantly darkening.

"You haven't even finished your meal! What kind of document could possibly be that urgent? Can she not retrieve it tomorrow?"

"Mother, she needs it right this second. It won't take long at all, I'll just make a quick trip and come right back."

Baiting-River had already squatted down, hastily tying the laces of his leather shoes.

"You stay right where you are!" Jiang mother suddenly stood up.

However, Baiting-River had already yanked the security door open. Without looking back, he tossed over his shoulder, "It really is quite urgent. You both go ahead and eat, don't wait up for me."

With those words, the door slammed shut with a heavy thud. The apartment fell back into a heavy silence. Jiang mother stood frozen in place for a moment, her chest heaving slightly. After a long while, she slowly sank back into her chair, gazing at the untouched bowl and chopsticks across from her, sinking into a profound stillness. I took a deep breath. Under Jiang mother's gaze, filled with deep heartache, I articulated every single word with deliberate clarity.

"Director Chu."

"Perhaps you have already guessed."

"I no longer intend to marry Baiting-River."

Jiang mother did not ask why, nor did she offer a single half-sentence in Baiting-River's defense. Instead, she reached out, her slightly chilled palm pressing gently over the back of my hand, giving it a light squeeze.

"Whatever poor relations exist between you and Baiting-River, that is a matter between the two of you."

Jiang mother's voice remained as steady and composed as ever.

"However, your relationship with me must not suffer. You will stay here at my place for the next few days."

"The guest room has always been kept ready for you. Wait until you have thoroughly thought through your next steps before we discuss anything further."

With that, she stood up, picked up the plates of food that had grown cold on the table, and turned to carry them into the kitchen to reheat. The roar of the range hood flared up once more. I sat at the dining table, watching her slightly stooped figure busy at work by the stove, a sudden sting burning at the corners of my eyes. My left hand unconsciously came to rest against my flat lower abdomen. Inside the kitchen, Jiang mother happened to turn around to fetch a bowl. Her gaze met mine in mid-air, and her line of sight drifted downward, lingering for a fleeting second on the placement of my hand. Yet she asked no questions, merely picking up the bowl with calm composure and turning her back to me once again. That night, in the guest room. Jiang mother helped me lay out a soft mattress, dug out a set of cotton pajamas from the very bottom of the wardrobe, and carefully folded them, placing them neatly beside the pillow.

"Get some rest early. Tomorrow is Monday, I will wake you up for breakfast in the morning."

Having finished her instructions, she casually switched off the main overhead light, leaving only a warm, dim yellow bedside wall sconce glowing, and turned to head toward the door. Catching sight of her retreating figure about to step out of the room, I clenched the hem of my shirt tightly and called out to her.

"Director Chu."

Jiang mother paused in her tracks, turning her head to look back at me.