Turning to look at her she said," I forgot to mention that he is in the study with your father. I mean Mr Yan Jianyu." With that, she exited the room. Li Fei wondered if her Dad was talking to him about the supposed marriage and she sighed. Picking the tray of fruits, she started eating them when her phone rang and on seeing, it was Jin Liwei. Since yesterday, she had been avoiding his calls not knowing what to tell him. He had also sent her several messages in her inbox as well as WeChat but she hadn't replied any of them.
This time round, she picked up and said Hello?" "You finally pick up, what happened?" he asked worry evident in his voice. "I'm sorry I was busy," she replied.
"Issues with your Dad?" he asked. "Yes," she answered. "Is he sick again?" he asked. "Kind of." "It might be because he needs surgery soon. Did he finally agree?" he asked. "Not yet. We are still trying."
"But are you okay? Do you need me to come?"
"It's not necessary. I am fine," she assured him. "Okay. I was considering us celebrating the New Year in Guilin. Like a vacation, what do you think? Of course after everything is fine with your father," he suggested. Thinking about it she said," It seems to be a good idea but we should let time tell. After all, we can't predict the future, right?" "I know but I need to know if you like the idea. If it's not good then we can come up with something else," he said.
"We shall see Jin Liwei. Please excuse me," she said. "You're busy?" he asked.
"Kind of," she said and when silence came between them, he ended the call.
Jin Liwei sighed and he leaned his head on the office sit. He felt her distant attitude and he understood that given her father's health, she wasn't fine. He picked up his coat and keys and left work. He couldn't concentrate on anything right now.
...
The next morning, Li Fei went to their love nest and spent some time there. She knew that she had to come up with something because her father needed to have surgery. Stretching on the bed, she sat up and called Jianyu. "Li Fei, it's such a pleasure to hear from you," he said. "How are you?" she asked. "I'm alright." "Uhm... Jianyu, did my Dad speak to you about something regards his surgery?" she asked.
"Yes he did, and his condition," he stated. "Ohh, so you already know about it," she said and added," Are you at work right now? We need to talk." "I didn't go to work today. I will send you my home address," he said before hanging up.
In less than fifteen minutes, she had reached his apartment. Getting out of the car, she walked to the door and knocked on it.
Shortly, he opened and she asked her to get in. She sat on the couch and he took the one opposite her. "You're welcome at my humble home." She smiled and said," Thank you. This place suits you." "How?" he asked. "It is like you. Quiet, calm, peaceful," she said.
"What can I offer you?" he asked getting up. "I'm fine without anything. Thank you." "You know that's not possible. Have something at least," he said and she replied," Okay, give me water." "A moment please," he said before stepping away.
A while later, he came back with a glass of water and offered it to her. "Thank you," she said and sipped on it before placing it on the table.
Looking at him, she said," I won't take much of your time. Jianyu, what exactly did my Dad tell you?"
"Well, he said that he wanted to go for surgery but he feared for you. He isn't sure if he will survive it yet he doesn't want to leave you alone. He told me that if I marry you, he will be assured that you're in the right hands because according to him, I'm the best man for you," he said. "That's so embarrassing oh my God. I'm so sorry," she said. "It's fine. I understand his desperation as a parent although I'm wondering something. Why didn't he talk to your boyfriend?" "That is complicated Jianyu. What did you tell him?" she asked.
"I told him that I will think about it. I want him to have the surgery though," he said. Of course, he wouldn't mention that he readily agreed. "Once again I'm sorry for the mess my family is putting you into. And thanks for being considerate," she said. "Anytime," he answered.
"Jianyu, I was thinking that you can tell him that your parents wish for you to marry someone else. Or that you're not ready for marriage," she said. "I need to confess something to you," he said and she looked at him attentively. "Your father knows about my feelings for you."
"Feelings?" she asked before she got what he was meaning.
"You mean you don't know how I feel about you, Li Fei?" he asked. "This is not the right time Jianyu. How did he find out about those... feelings?" "I told him. I was asking for your hand in marriage but he told me to approach you instead, that's why. So the idea of me telling him that I'm not ready for marriage won't work. He will know that we had this conversation," he said. Li Fei passed her hands through her hair frustratedly. She looked at him and said," Then tell him that your parents wish another one for you."
"I can't risk that because my parents desperately want me to get married. If at all he contacts them, they will agree right away," he said and she pursed her lips. It seemed like there was no way out of this. Leaning her head on the seat, she closed her eyes and opened them to say," Now I know. We can tell him that we are first having an engagement party or even dinner. We shall convince him that we are getting married after the surgery." "And you think he will accept it?" "Yes. If it's you who tells him, I'm sure he will agree," she said. "I highly doubt it." "It will work trust me. I will pretend to have accepted the marriage but you will be the one to postpone it. Don't let me down Jianyu. You're my only hope." "Okay. I promise to try," he said.