Free Web NovelChapter 638: Chapter 638: Another Year
The morning of the first day of a new year once again.
Before the family members could wish Tong Huaqiong a Happy New Year, the villagers from their hometown working for Tong Huaqiong rushed to her house to extend their New Year greetings to their beloved employer.
Tong Huaqiong graciously accepted them one by one.
Next, it was her family’s turn to greet her, and as per tradition, Tong Huaqiong gave each child a red envelope.
"Thank you, Grandma."
Man Er and the others smiled sweetly, then ran out of the house and headed to the backyard to wish Mr. Su a Happy New Year.
Not only did Xiao Long, Man Er, and other children come to Mr. Su’s place, but children from the private school from nearby villages also came to greet him.
In this era, a teacher was akin to a parent, with many students having hiked over frozen paths, their little faces red with cold.
Mr. Su himself was not one for handling customs; he usually ate with Tong Huaqiong’s family and didn’t prepare much besides drinks during holidays.
Considering this, Tong Huaqiong instructed the maidservants to prepare tea, snacks, and pastries to bring to Mr. Su’s place, so the visiting kids could warm up.
The presence of many kids added a lively atmosphere, with their voices carrying from the backyard to the front.
Tong Huaqiong and Mrs. Hong were talking inside the house, listening to the chatter from the back.
Mrs. Hong said with envy, "Kids do make a place lively."
"Isn’t it a coincidence, our tea, snacks, and pastries were taken over just when the kids were already eating, because Cousin Miss had prepared them in advance for Mr. Su."
Xiao Xi and Su Qing walked in, interrupting with smiles, giving Tong Huaqiong a sense of relief. Otherwise, she didn’t quite know how to comfort Mrs. Hong. Not having children was Mrs. Hong’s regret; Tong Huaqiong couldn’t very well say that not having children meant more peace and living longer.
The "Cousin Miss" from Xiao Xi’s mouth naturally referred to Tong Pandi.
Su Qing said, "One child had just enrolled at the end of the year, and not knowing the situation, called Cousin Miss ’Teacher’s Wife’, making her blush deeply."
Tong Huaqiong said with a smile, "Kids can easily mistake things."
Su Qing thought although Mr. Su denied it, his joy was evident from the corners of his eyes.
After the maids left, Tong Huaqiong asked Mrs. Hong, "I’ve been busy with the Weaving Workshop this year, and you’ve spent more time with Pandi, does Mr. Su still show the same interest in Pandi?"
"He’s even more keen than before, and has made it clear to Pandi."
Mrs. Hong couldn’t hold back when the topic was mentioned.
Tong Huaqiong turned to ask, "So, how did Pandi react?"
Mrs. Hong said, "I’ve noticed Pandi isn’t as resistant as before, and even praised Mr. Su as a good man in front of me. When you went to the city before the New Year, one night Hua Er had a fever, and the doctor had gone to Black Dragon Pond. Pandi was as anxious as ants on a hot pan. Mr. Su heard the commotion, took Hua Er, borrowed Manager Qian’s carriage, and rushed to the clinic in town. He left in such a hurry that he hadn’t dressed warmly and caught a chill overnight, falling ill once Hua Er recovered."
"Pandi was deeply touched."
This was the first time Tong Huaqiong learned of it.
Mr. Su indeed was a very good man.
He treated Hua Er and Duo Er like his own.
Importantly, Mr. Su was not old, looked decent, and made a good match with Tong Pandi.
If Tong Pandi truly formed a bond with Mr. Su, Tong Huaqiong would support it.
Tong Pandi’s first marriage failed, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t pursue another connection.
Speaking of Tong Pandi, she came in.
Tong Huaqiong directly asked Tong Pandi, "Mr. Su made it clear to you, what do you think?"
Tong Pandi blushed instantly.
Tong Huaqiong pondered Tong Pandi’s thoughts, seeing signs of growing affection for Mr. Su.
Mrs. Hong advised, "Mr. Su is a good man, attentive and gentle, with impeccable character and appearance. And most importantly, he’s good to you and Hua Er. You should really consider marrying Mr. Su, Pandi."
"Hua Er and Duo Er will eventually grow up, marry, and start their own families. You’ll find life lonely by then, so while you’re young, follow your heart and marry again."
Tong Pandi lowered her head, staying silent.
Mrs. Hong said, "Do you think because you’ve been divorced, you’re unworthy of Mr. Su? Don’t have such thoughts; remarriage isn’t unique to any village or town."
According to Mrs. Hong, since Tong Pandi and Mr. Su liked each other, they should marry and anger her ex-husband’s family.
Tong Pandi spoke, "I like Mr. Su quite a bit... When I divorced, I promised myself never to marry again, now considering remarriage, isn’t it slapping my own face?"
Tong Huaqiong and Mrs. Hong exchanged glances.
People can’t hold the same thought their entire life.
Tong Huaqiong said, "Whether you marry or not, you’re still you. You have the right to accept Mr. Su or reject him. The precondition is following your true inner thoughts to make the decision, not because of what happened with Wu Musheng, nor to trap yourself in any vow. Just because one marriage failed doesn’t mean you shouldn’t marry again, nor should you marry just to prove you can do better."
"Everything should start from the perspective of your happiness."
"Whether you marry Mr. Su or someone else, you are no longer the past Tong Pandi, you’re someone who can stand up to others. No one can predict future situations; what’s important is that you have the confidence to protect yourself and your two daughters in any scenario."
Tong Pandi contemplated Tong Huaqiong’s words.
During the two years of contact with Mr. Su, he had been good to her and her daughters. Mr. Su was cultured, gentle, and considerate; she was indeed moved.
Her hesitation stemmed from worries that her divorced self marrying Mr. Su would subject him to gossip, and also a fear of repeating her fate with Wu Musheng.
Her aunt’s words enlightened her: prioritize her own happiness, enjoy the present, and most importantly, have the confidence to protect herself and her two daughters.
Tong Pandi said, "Aunt, Aunt Hong, I understand now."
At this moment, Mr. Su was inside, quizzing the students who came to pay New Year’s respects.
A group of kids wailed; they came to exchange New Year’s greetings, not to take a test.
"Mr. Su, I have a secret for you. My grandma and mother are discussing matchmaking my cousin for you to become our teacher’s wife." said a student from Moon Bay.
During the New Year’s Eve dinner, his family had mentioned he was visiting Mr. Su the next day, and his grandmother and mother lamented that Mr. Su didn’t have anyone caring for him, being alone in Qinghe Bay seemed too lonely, and so they considered suggesting his cousin to Mr. Su.
Mr. Su: "..."
"Thank your mother and grandmother for me, but I am not in need of matchmaking."
This wasn’t Mr. Su’s first time refusing a marriage proposal.
After arriving in Qinghe Bay to teach, nearby places inevitably became curious about him. Learning that a well-learned, well-mannered, good-looking teacher without a partner was in their midst caused a stir.
Their children were sent to the private school to study, so they felt a part of Mr. Su’s personal life.
Everyone worried that Mr. Su’s single, self-consumed lifestyle might eventually drive away the oblivious students, and where would they find another such good teacher. They needed to find Mr. Su a wife, preferably local, so he’d fully settle in Qinghe Bay.
Hence, every now and then, someone would visit to propose a match, and Mr. Su repeatedly refused with a stern face.
Now, Mr. Su dared not look the local elderly women in the eye during his walks, for a single glance would have them pulling him into marriage talk, as if being trapped in the Silk Cave.
