Chapter 59
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Chapter 59 Daddy's Girl
Yin Ting’s phone rang a long time before she picked up. Her voice was cheerful and energetic as she said, ‘Please be more serious, are you finished with work?’‘Yes,’ he replied, he found himself chocked with unshed tears. He had to clear his throat twice.‘Have you just finished entertaining your clients?’ Yin Ting asked, ‘Did you drink? If you drank, get a taxi.’‘I didn’t drink,’ he replied. He suddenly felt like he wasn’t ready to tell her, he hadn’t calmed down. His heart was still beating fast, his thoughts were chaotic. He did not even know how he would tell her.‘It’s alright if you did not drink, did you just finish or are you home already?’‘Just finished. I’m in the parking lot.’‘Go home. When you get home call me.’‘Ah Xiaoting,’ he called, afraid she would hang up.‘What’s up?’ she asked‘Um…tomorrow’s Saturday.’‘Yes ah. We can meet up tomorrow.’ She said happily, ‘Today you were socialising, not working crazy overtime, so no points are deducted, therefore, we can have a date tomorrow.’Zhengqing closed his eyes as Guohao’s words came back to him. Did they really have problems getting along? Was he and Yin Ting’s approach to love completely different?‘Tomorrow,’ he said, ‘let’s go to the movies.’‘Really?’ Yin Ting’s voice rose an octave; she was very surprised. Zhengqing was suddenly distressed, it was just going to the movies and he didn’t think of going with her. (Zuben: Well you are dense in living life)‘You actually decided to go to the movies by yourself? So surprising!’ Yin Ting was very happy, ‘So we should go out for lunch, then go to the cimena after. You go to the gym on Saturdays, don’t you? My dad hasn’t come back; I will ask him what he wants to do tomorrow. If there isn’t anything, I’ll have lunch with him while you are at the gym. Then we can meet up afterwards for dinner and the cinema!’‘I met your dad – had a meal with him.’ He said, grasping the chance. ‘He’s on his way home now.’‘You saw my dad? How clever. Where did you meet? Did everyone know who he was?’‘No…truthfully…’Zhengqing paused while he thought of the words to tell her, ‘Truthfully, your dad asked me to dinner tonight but he asked me not to tell you, so I told you I was entertaining customers.’After a little silence she asked, ‘What happened?’‘Well, he…talked about the difference in our personalities and the emotional risk we are taking by being together.’Yin Ting was quiet, then she said, ‘Please rephrase that again, in simple terms.’‘That is, he has no confidence that we can go the distance.’Yin Ting could not believe it, there had been no warning at all.‘So what did this mean?’Her father had been polite to Zhengqing, they had even had a laugh at the Spring Festival. Why would he suddenly look for Zhengqing to say such a thing?‘Xiaoting, when your father gets home he’s going to talk to you about his analysis. I called you to tell you where I stand.’Yin Ting suddenly felt cold. How could this be? How could this happen? (Zuben: You can’t outwit an old fox)‘Your father has his reasons, but my feeling is that there are many difficulties and setbacks in life. The chances of finding someone you like and who likes you are small. I have lots of things to say, but I don’t know what your father will say to you. I just wanted you to know that he didn’t convince me.’Yin Ting’s heart was in chaos. She suddenly felt overwhelmed.‘What-what did he tell you?’Zhengqing gave a small frown, he could hear the distress in her voice, he replied her, ‘Through his observations of us, there are disparities between us that he feels will develop into problems in our relationship later on. He did his analysis and expressed his opinion.’‘I called to warn you that your father does not have confidence in us, and he will talk to you about it. I wanted you to be mentally prepared. But I also wanted to let you know I love you and ask you not to give up. Do you hear me?’Yin Ting’s head was blank. (Zuben: This is the problem with counting your chickens before they hatch)She didn’t reply.Zhengqing called her name again; she gave a vague reply,‘Do you understand what I just said?’‘I understand.’‘Can you repeat it?’‘My dad went to look for you to tell you he doesn’t want us to be together.’‘No, my last words.’‘Please be more serious, my heart is in chaos.’‘I know but you have to listen to me. I love you, and I will never give you up.’ (Zuben: But does she feel the same in the face of beloved daddykins.)‘I hear you…’‘Repeat what I have said.’‘You love me and you will not give me up.’‘Good,’ he said, ‘your dad is on his way home, he knows that I will call you. He was very calm when he talked to me. It didn’t turn heated. There was no quarrel. Do not worry, okay?’Yin Ting nodded but realise he could not see her, ‘Yes,’ she replied.‘I hope that you will listen to him calmly. Do not get agitated, do not be sad. He wants what’s best for you, I understand that. He didn’t hurt me. So don’t worry okay?’‘Yes,’ she replied with a little tremor in her voice. She was afraid.‘So repeat what I told you again.’‘You love me and will not give me up.’‘Good. Say it again.’Yin Ting’s voice broke and tears came down her face as she said, ‘You love me and will not give me up.’‘Please remember that.’‘I will.’‘I know I have a lot of shortcomings, and I am not like you. But I will adjust; we will find a good way to get along that suits us. We’ve been working hard on our love,’ (Zuben: Doing naïve things), ‘I will work hard and be with you so you can do what you want to do. I promise okay?’‘Okay.’ She said with a sob.Zhengqing wanted to be with her and take her into his arms in a fierce hug and comfort her. But he could only express his determination over the phone. But words were not enough to express how he felt about her.‘Don’t cry.’ He said.‘I love you too.’ She said‘I know or I will insist.’Yin Ting could not help but sob more, ‘I’m sorry, I did not know my dad had such an idea. I thought he liked you.’‘Please don’t cry. He doesn’t hate me, he just doesn’t thing I will be a suitable son-in-law. He did not embarrass me, he was very respectful. We really didn’t argue. He wasn’t mean to me, so don’t be sad or afraid. He just told me his opinion, and I told him my opinion. Be calm and listen to him. Don’t worry about me.’ (Zuben: What if she chooses to break up?)‘Alright.’ She replied.‘Now, go and wash your face, have a glass of water and take deep breaths counting from one to a hundred. Will you do that?’ He said to her gently.‘Yes, I will.’ She replied tearfully. She couldn’t speak, she could feel the tears welling up again but she didn’t want him to worry.Yin Ting hung up and went to wash her face. She looked at herself in the mirror; her eyes and nose were a little red, so she splashed cold water on her face some more. After that, she felt a bit more comfortable. She made herself a pot of tea and drank two cups while she was waiting. She looked in the direction of the entryway – her father had not arrived. She thought of Zhengqing and her heart hurt, but she told herself not to panic, she will listen to what her dad had to say.Yin Ting started taking deep breaths and counting, but she kept loosing her count. She started over again, at one hundred and fifty seven, she heard the door open. And her father entered. As their eyes met, they knew what happened (Zuben: psychic connection)Her father took off his shoes and said, ‘I am back.’Yin Ting smiled and said, ‘Welcome back. I made some tea.’‘Pour your old man a cup,’ he said as he came to sit on the couch.Yin Ting brewed some more tea and poured the steaming brew into a purple tea cup, and carefully placed the cup before her father.‘Thank you,’ he said. He stared at the cup for a time but did not drink, ‘Did Zhengqing call you?’She nodded.‘Can daddy talk to you?’She nodded, but could not say anything, her eyes were turning red and tears were welling up.Guohao smiled and said, ‘Go and get a box of tissues.’She went and returned with the box in hand, her expression solemn.Her father began by praising Zhengqing’s work and life ethic. The he began to tell her his thoughts about the differences between Yin Ting and Zhengqing. He asked her if she understood his needs as a man in his position. His work was his whole world, but what about her?Yin Ting was unable to reply. Her eyes were red but she did not cry, she had promised Zhengqing to listen to her father calmly and rationally.He told her he hoped she could realise her dream of travelling the world, living freely. He doubted that Yin Ting could understand or conform to the needs of a man like Zhengqing and she will drag him down.‘He is not a man that will get off work on time,’ her father said, ‘at least not for a few more years. The work is endless, and in his position, he cannot afford to take it easy like an average worker. You laid rules and because he loved you, he complied. But in reality, he cannot comply and in truth, he does not want to. And when he breaks the rules, you will be angry and disappointed. Is this what you want?’Tears were now pouring down Yin Ting’s face, but she could not help but protest, ‘Then I would not bind him with rules, would that do?’Guohao sighed and pulled his daughter into his arms, ‘You set the rules for the wrong person. Don’t you see; you’re not suitable for him daughter?’A sob finally escaped her lips, Guohao took tissues to wipe her tears, ‘If you want to be good to him, you will have to harm yourself, and if he wants to be good to you, he will harm himself. Do you think that you will be happy with that? You said you like clouds because they roam free in the sky, but if your pick it up and put it in a box, would it still be the cloud you like?’ (Zuben: It works for some people)‘I really like him, Daddy,’ she said through her tears, ‘I’ve never liked anyone this way before.’‘You’ve always chased boys, and then when they reject you you come home to cry that you like this one or that one. Is this not the same?’ her father reminded her. (Zuben: How is it the same thing, Daddykins?)Yin Ting sobs intensified, ‘It’s not the same. I know it – it is totally different.’‘Why do you like him?’Through tearful hiccups, she said, ‘He is so kind. When he talks to children he will come down to their level so that they don’t have to look up at him. He is very patient, even when a discussion is boring, he would not interrupt but listens well. He has a goal that he is aiming towards,’ she blew her nose, ‘He is kind to animals…’ she thought of Zhengqing, helping Little Stone fix her collar, when he helped Xiao Han clean his shoes, when he held Miao Dada and fell asleep on the sofa beside her. She cried even more, she could not go on. (Zuben: It’s funny that his nervousness with the kids came off as kind)‘But there are other men like that in the world.’Yin Ting shook her head, ‘They are not Zhengqing.’‘Yes, so you should let him be himself.’Yin Ting sat shock still as though she had been slapped. (Zuben: doshite?)Guohao hugged her gently, ‘You understand now, right? You simply do not suit each other.’ Zhengqing looked at his phone, unease stealing his heart. He wanted to know what was happening with Yin Ting but she could not call right now. When they finished talking, Yin Ting would call him, so he should be patient and wait.
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Chapter 59 Daddy's Girl
Yin Ting’s phone rang a long time before she picked up. Her voice was cheerful and energetic as she said, ‘Please be more serious, are you finished with work?’‘Yes,’ he replied, he found himself chocked with unshed tears. He had to clear his throat twice.‘Have you just finished entertaining your clients?’ Yin Ting asked, ‘Did you drink? If you drank, get a taxi.’‘I didn’t drink,’ he replied. He suddenly felt like he wasn’t ready to tell her, he hadn’t calmed down. His heart was still beating fast, his thoughts were chaotic. He did not even know how he would tell her.‘It’s alright if you did not drink, did you just finish or are you home already?’‘Just finished. I’m in the parking lot.’‘Go home. When you get home call me.’‘Ah Xiaoting,’ he called, afraid she would hang up.‘What’s up?’ she asked‘Um…tomorrow’s Saturday.’‘Yes ah. We can meet up tomorrow.’ She said happily, ‘Today you were socialising, not working crazy overtime, so no points are deducted, therefore, we can have a date tomorrow.’Zhengqing closed his eyes as Guohao’s words came back to him. Did they really have problems getting along? Was he and Yin Ting’s approach to love completely different?‘Tomorrow,’ he said, ‘let’s go to the movies.’‘Really?’ Yin Ting’s voice rose an octave; she was very surprised. Zhengqing was suddenly distressed, it was just going to the movies and he didn’t think of going with her. (Zuben: Well you are dense in living life)‘You actually decided to go to the movies by yourself? So surprising!’ Yin Ting was very happy, ‘So we should go out for lunch, then go to the cimena after. You go to the gym on Saturdays, don’t you? My dad hasn’t come back; I will ask him what he wants to do tomorrow. If there isn’t anything, I’ll have lunch with him while you are at the gym. Then we can meet up afterwards for dinner and the cinema!’‘I met your dad – had a meal with him.’ He said, grasping the chance. ‘He’s on his way home now.’‘You saw my dad? How clever. Where did you meet? Did everyone know who he was?’‘No…truthfully…’Zhengqing paused while he thought of the words to tell her, ‘Truthfully, your dad asked me to dinner tonight but he asked me not to tell you, so I told you I was entertaining customers.’After a little silence she asked, ‘What happened?’‘Well, he…talked about the difference in our personalities and the emotional risk we are taking by being together.’Yin Ting was quiet, then she said, ‘Please rephrase that again, in simple terms.’‘That is, he has no confidence that we can go the distance.’Yin Ting could not believe it, there had been no warning at all.‘So what did this mean?’Her father had been polite to Zhengqing, they had even had a laugh at the Spring Festival. Why would he suddenly look for Zhengqing to say such a thing?‘Xiaoting, when your father gets home he’s going to talk to you about his analysis. I called you to tell you where I stand.’Yin Ting suddenly felt cold. How could this be? How could this happen? (Zuben: You can’t outwit an old fox)‘Your father has his reasons, but my feeling is that there are many difficulties and setbacks in life. The chances of finding someone you like and who likes you are small. I have lots of things to say, but I don’t know what your father will say to you. I just wanted you to know that he didn’t convince me.’Yin Ting’s heart was in chaos. She suddenly felt overwhelmed.‘What-what did he tell you?’Zhengqing gave a small frown, he could hear the distress in her voice, he replied her, ‘Through his observations of us, there are disparities between us that he feels will develop into problems in our relationship later on. He did his analysis and expressed his opinion.’‘I called to warn you that your father does not have confidence in us, and he will talk to you about it. I wanted you to be mentally prepared. But I also wanted to let you know I love you and ask you not to give up. Do you hear me?’Yin Ting’s head was blank. (Zuben: This is the problem with counting your chickens before they hatch)She didn’t reply.Zhengqing called her name again; she gave a vague reply,‘Do you understand what I just said?’‘I understand.’‘Can you repeat it?’‘My dad went to look for you to tell you he doesn’t want us to be together.’‘No, my last words.’‘Please be more serious, my heart is in chaos.’‘I know but you have to listen to me. I love you, and I will never give you up.’ (Zuben: But does she feel the same in the face of beloved daddykins.)‘I hear you…’‘Repeat what I have said.’‘You love me and you will not give me up.’‘Good,’ he said, ‘your dad is on his way home, he knows that I will call you. He was very calm when he talked to me. It didn’t turn heated. There was no quarrel. Do not worry, okay?’Yin Ting nodded but realise he could not see her, ‘Yes,’ she replied.‘I hope that you will listen to him calmly. Do not get agitated, do not be sad. He wants what’s best for you, I understand that. He didn’t hurt me. So don’t worry okay?’‘Yes,’ she replied with a little tremor in her voice. She was afraid.‘So repeat what I told you again.’‘You love me and will not give me up.’‘Good. Say it again.’Yin Ting’s voice broke and tears came down her face as she said, ‘You love me and will not give me up.’‘Please remember that.’‘I will.’‘I know I have a lot of shortcomings, and I am not like you. But I will adjust; we will find a good way to get along that suits us. We’ve been working hard on our love,’ (Zuben: Doing naïve things), ‘I will work hard and be with you so you can do what you want to do. I promise okay?’‘Okay.’ She said with a sob.Zhengqing wanted to be with her and take her into his arms in a fierce hug and comfort her. But he could only express his determination over the phone. But words were not enough to express how he felt about her.‘Don’t cry.’ He said.‘I love you too.’ She said‘I know or I will insist.’Yin Ting could not help but sob more, ‘I’m sorry, I did not know my dad had such an idea. I thought he liked you.’‘Please don’t cry. He doesn’t hate me, he just doesn’t thing I will be a suitable son-in-law. He did not embarrass me, he was very respectful. We really didn’t argue. He wasn’t mean to me, so don’t be sad or afraid. He just told me his opinion, and I told him my opinion. Be calm and listen to him. Don’t worry about me.’ (Zuben: What if she chooses to break up?)‘Alright.’ She replied.‘Now, go and wash your face, have a glass of water and take deep breaths counting from one to a hundred. Will you do that?’ He said to her gently.‘Yes, I will.’ She replied tearfully. She couldn’t speak, she could feel the tears welling up again but she didn’t want him to worry.Yin Ting hung up and went to wash her face. She looked at herself in the mirror; her eyes and nose were a little red, so she splashed cold water on her face some more. After that, she felt a bit more comfortable. She made herself a pot of tea and drank two cups while she was waiting. She looked in the direction of the entryway – her father had not arrived. She thought of Zhengqing and her heart hurt, but she told herself not to panic, she will listen to what her dad had to say.Yin Ting started taking deep breaths and counting, but she kept loosing her count. She started over again, at one hundred and fifty seven, she heard the door open. And her father entered. As their eyes met, they knew what happened (Zuben: psychic connection)Her father took off his shoes and said, ‘I am back.’Yin Ting smiled and said, ‘Welcome back. I made some tea.’‘Pour your old man a cup,’ he said as he came to sit on the couch.Yin Ting brewed some more tea and poured the steaming brew into a purple tea cup, and carefully placed the cup before her father.‘Thank you,’ he said. He stared at the cup for a time but did not drink, ‘Did Zhengqing call you?’She nodded.‘Can daddy talk to you?’She nodded, but could not say anything, her eyes were turning red and tears were welling up.Guohao smiled and said, ‘Go and get a box of tissues.’She went and returned with the box in hand, her expression solemn.Her father began by praising Zhengqing’s work and life ethic. The he began to tell her his thoughts about the differences between Yin Ting and Zhengqing. He asked her if she understood his needs as a man in his position. His work was his whole world, but what about her?Yin Ting was unable to reply. Her eyes were red but she did not cry, she had promised Zhengqing to listen to her father calmly and rationally.He told her he hoped she could realise her dream of travelling the world, living freely. He doubted that Yin Ting could understand or conform to the needs of a man like Zhengqing and she will drag him down.‘He is not a man that will get off work on time,’ her father said, ‘at least not for a few more years. The work is endless, and in his position, he cannot afford to take it easy like an average worker. You laid rules and because he loved you, he complied. But in reality, he cannot comply and in truth, he does not want to. And when he breaks the rules, you will be angry and disappointed. Is this what you want?’Tears were now pouring down Yin Ting’s face, but she could not help but protest, ‘Then I would not bind him with rules, would that do?’Guohao sighed and pulled his daughter into his arms, ‘You set the rules for the wrong person. Don’t you see; you’re not suitable for him daughter?’A sob finally escaped her lips, Guohao took tissues to wipe her tears, ‘If you want to be good to him, you will have to harm yourself, and if he wants to be good to you, he will harm himself. Do you think that you will be happy with that? You said you like clouds because they roam free in the sky, but if your pick it up and put it in a box, would it still be the cloud you like?’ (Zuben: It works for some people)‘I really like him, Daddy,’ she said through her tears, ‘I’ve never liked anyone this way before.’‘You’ve always chased boys, and then when they reject you you come home to cry that you like this one or that one. Is this not the same?’ her father reminded her. (Zuben: How is it the same thing, Daddykins?)Yin Ting sobs intensified, ‘It’s not the same. I know it – it is totally different.’‘Why do you like him?’Through tearful hiccups, she said, ‘He is so kind. When he talks to children he will come down to their level so that they don’t have to look up at him. He is very patient, even when a discussion is boring, he would not interrupt but listens well. He has a goal that he is aiming towards,’ she blew her nose, ‘He is kind to animals…’ she thought of Zhengqing, helping Little Stone fix her collar, when he helped Xiao Han clean his shoes, when he held Miao Dada and fell asleep on the sofa beside her. She cried even more, she could not go on. (Zuben: It’s funny that his nervousness with the kids came off as kind)‘But there are other men like that in the world.’Yin Ting shook her head, ‘They are not Zhengqing.’‘Yes, so you should let him be himself.’Yin Ting sat shock still as though she had been slapped. (Zuben: doshite?)Guohao hugged her gently, ‘You understand now, right? You simply do not suit each other.’ Zhengqing looked at his phone, unease stealing his heart. He wanted to know what was happening with Yin Ting but she could not call right now. When they finished talking, Yin Ting would call him, so he should be patient and wait.
Chapter 59 Daddy's GirlYin Ting's phone rang a long time before she picked up. Her voice was cheerful and energetic as she said, Please be more serious, are you finished with work?'Yes,' he replied, he found himself chocked with unshed tears. He had to clear his throat twice.Have you just finished entertaining your clients?' Yin Ting asked, Did you drink? If you drank, get a taxi.'I didn't drink,' he replied. He suddenly felt like he wasn't ready to tell her, he hadn't calmed down. His heart was still beating fast, his thoughts were chaotic. He did not even know how he would tell her.It's alright if you did not drink, did you just finish or are you home already?'Just finished. I'm in the parking lot.'Go home. When you get home call me.'Ah Xiaoting,' he called, afraid she would hang up.What's up?' she askedUmtomorrow's Saturday.'Yes ah. We can meet up tomorrow.' She said happily, Today you were socialising, not working crazy overtime, so no points are deducted, therefore, we can have a date tomorrow.'Zhengqing closed his eyes as Guohao's words came back to him. Did they really have problems getting along? Was he and Yin Ting's approach to love completely different?Tomorrow,' he said, let's go to the movies.'Really?' Yin Ting's voice rose an octave; she was very surprised. Zhengqing was suddenly distressed, it was just going to the movies and he didn't think of going with her. Zuben: Well you are dense in living lifeYou actually decided to go to the movies by yourself? So surprising!' Yin Ting was very happy, So we should go out for lunch, then go to the cimena after. You go to the gym on Saturdays, don't you? My dad hasn't come back; I will ask him what he wants to do tomorrow. If there isn't anything, I'll have lunch with him while you are at the gym. Then we can meet up afterwards for dinner and the cinema!'I met your dad had a meal with him.' He said, grasping the chance. He's on his way home now.'You saw my dad? How clever. Where did you meet? Did everyone know who he was?'Notruthfully'Zhengqing paused while he thought of the words to tell her, Truthfully, your dad asked me to dinner tonight but he asked me not to tell you, so I told you I was entertaining customers.'After a little silence she asked, What happened?'Well, hetalked about the difference in our personalities and the emotional risk we are taking by being together.'Yin Ting was quiet, then she said, Please rephrase that again, in simple terms.'That is, he has no confidence that we can go the distance.'Yin Ting could not believe it, there had been no warning at all.So what did this mean?'Her father had been polite to Zhengqing, they had even had a laugh at the Spring Festival. Why would he suddenly look for Zhengqing to say such a thing?Xiaoting, when your father gets home he's going to talk to you about his analysis. I called you to tell you where I stand.'Yin Ting suddenly felt cold. How could this be? How could this happen? Zuben: You can't outwit an old foxYour father has his reasons, but my feeling is that there are many difficulties and setbacks in life. The chances of finding someone you like and who likes you are small. I have lots of things to say, but I don't know what your father will say to you. I just wanted you to know that he didn't convince me.'Yin Ting's heart was in chaos. She suddenly felt overwhelmed.What-what did he tell you?'Zhengqing gave a small frown, he could hear the distress in her voice, he replied her, Through his observations of us, there are disparities between us that he feels will develop into problems in our relationship later on. He did his analysis and expressed his opinion.'I called to warn you that your father does not have confidence in us, and he will talk to you about it. I wanted you to be mentally prepared. But I also wanted to let you know I love you and ask you not to give up. Do you hear me?'Yin Ting's head was blank. Zuben: This is the problem with counting your chickens before they hatchShe didn't reply.Zhengqing called her name again; she gave a vague reply,Do you understand what I just said?'I understand.'Can you repeat it?'My dad went to look for you to tell you he doesn't want us to be together.'No, my last words.'Please be more serious, my heart is in chaos.'I know but you have to listen to me. I love you, and I will never give you up.' Zuben: But does she feel the same in the face of beloved daddykins.I hear you'Repeat what I have said.'You love me and you will not give me up.'Good,' he said, your dad is on his way home, he knows that I will call you. He was very calm when he talked to me. It didn't turn heated. There was no quarrel. Do not worry, okay?'Yin Ting nodded but realise he could not see her, Yes,' she replied.I hope that you will listen to him calmly. Do not get agitated, do not be sad. He wants what's best for you, I understand that. He didn't hurt me. So don't worry okay?'Yes,' she replied with a little tremor in her voice. She was afraid.So repeat what I told you again.'You love me and will not give me up.'Good. Say it again.'Yin Ting's voice broke and tears came down her face as she said, You love me and will not give me up.'Please remember that.'I will.'I know I have a lot of shortcomings, and I am not like you. But I will adjust; we will find a good way to get along that suits us. We've been working hard on our love,' Zuben: Doing nave things, I will work hard and be with you so you can do what you want to do. I promise okay?'Okay.' She said with a sob.Zhengqing wanted to be with her and take her into his arms in a fierce hug and comfort her. But he could only express his determination over the phone. But words were not enough to express how he felt about her.Don't cry.' He said.I love you too.' She saidI know or I will insist.'Yin Ting could not help but sob more, I'm sorry, I did not know my dad had such an idea. I thought he liked you.'Please don't cry. He doesn't hate me, he just doesn't thing I will be a suitable son-in-law. He did not embarrass me, he was very respectful. We really didn't argue. He wasn't mean to me, so don't be sad or afraid. He just told me his opinion, and I told him my opinion. Be calm and listen to him. Don't worry about me.' Zuben: What if she chooses to break up?Alright.' She replied.Now, go and wash your face, have a glass of water and take deep breaths counting from one to a hundred. Will you do that?' He said to her gently.Yes, I will.' She replied tearfully. She couldn't speak, she could feel the tears welling up again but she didn't want him to worry.Yin Ting hung up and went to wash her face. She looked at herself in the mirror; her eyes and nose were a little red, so she splashed cold water on her face some more. After that, she felt a bit more comfortable. She made herself a pot of tea and drank two cups while she was waiting. She looked in the direction of the entryway her father had not arrived. She thought of Zhengqing and her heart hurt, but she told herself not to panic, she will listen to what her dad had to say.Yin Ting started taking deep breaths and counting, but she kept loosing her count. She started over again, at one hundred and fifty seven, she heard the door open. And her father entered. As their eyes met, they knew what happened Zuben: psychic connectionHer father took off his shoes and said, I am back.'Yin Ting smiled and said, Welcome back. I made some tea.'Pour your old man a cup,' he said as he came to sit on the couch.Yin Ting brewed some more tea and poured the steaming brew into a purple tea cup, and carefully placed the cup before her father.Thank you,' he said. He stared at the cup for a time but did not drink, Did Zhengqing call you?'She nodded.Can daddy talk to you?'She nodded, but could not say anything, her eyes were turning red and tears were welling up.Guohao smiled and said, Go and get a box of tissues.'She went and returned with the box in hand, her expression solemn.Her father began by praising Zhengqing's work and life ethic. The he began to tell her his thoughts about the differences between Yin Ting and Zhengqing. He asked her if she understood his needs as a man in his position. His work was his whole world, but what about her?Yin Ting was unable to reply. Her eyes were red but she did not cry, she had promised Zhengqing to listen to her father calmly and rationally.He told her he hoped she could realise her dream of travelling the world, living freely. He doubted that Yin Ting could understand or conform to the needs of a man like Zhengqing and she will drag him down.He is not a man that will get off work on time,' her father said, at least not for a few more years. The work is endless, and in his position, he cannot afford to take it easy like an average worker. You laid rules and because he loved you, he complied. But in reality, he cannot comply and in truth, he does not want to. And when he breaks the rules, you will be angry and disappointed. Is this what you want?'Tears were now pouring down Yin Ting's face, but she could not help but protest, Then I would not bind him with rules, would that do?'Guohao sighed and pulled his daughter into his arms, You set the rules for the wrong person. Don't you see; you're not suitable for him daughter?'A sob finally escaped her lips, Guohao took tissues to wipe her tears, If you want to be good to him, you will have to harm yourself, and if he wants to be good to you, he will harm himself. Do you think that you will be happy with that? You said you like clouds because they roam free in the sky, but if your pick it up and put it in a box, would it still be the cloud you like?' Zuben: It works for some peopleI really like him, Daddy,' she said through her tears, I've never liked anyone this way before.'You've always chased boys, and then when they reject you you come home to cry that you like this one or that one. Is this not the same?' her father reminded her. Zuben: How is it the same thing, Daddykins?Yin Ting sobs intensified, It's not the same. I know it it is totally different.'Why do you like him?'Through tearful hiccups, she said, He is so kind. When he talks to children he will come down to their level so that they don't have to look up at him. He is very patient, even when a discussion is boring, he would not interrupt but listens well. He has a goal that he is aiming towards,' she blew her nose, He is kind to animals' she thought of Zhengqing, helping Little Stone fix her collar, when he helped Xiao Han clean his shoes, when he held Miao Dada and fell asleep on the sofa beside her. She cried even more, she could not go on. Zuben: It's funny that his nervousness with the kids came off as kindBut there are other men like that in the world.'Yin Ting shook her head, They are not Zhengqing.'Yes, so you should let him be himself.'Yin Ting sat shock still as though she had been slapped. Zuben: doshite?Guohao hugged her gently, You understand now, right? You simply do not suit each other.'Zhengqing looked at his phone, unease stealing his heart. He wanted to know what was happening with Yin Ting but she could not call right now. When they finished talking, Yin Ting would call him, so he should be patient and wait.
