eurekapd Chapter 203 Commitment
Chapter 203 Commitment
After saying goodbye to Zhongli and the others, Xianyun and Aping were left behind to prepare for closing, while Xinyang and Linghua, the two hands-off shopkeepers, left Bailu Shuanghua first in the name of seeing off their guests, and strolled hand in hand on the streets of Liyue Harbor where the lights were just coming on.
At this time, the shops along the street lit up their lanterns one after another, and the soft lights fell on the bluestone road, casting a warm halo, as if covering the street with a layer of warm gauze. Pedestrians shuttled through, with laughter and joy intertwined, full of the lively atmosphere of fireworks.
"What did Zhongli say to you just now? I feel like you are a little worried." Linghua tilted her head slightly, her eyes full of concern, and asked softly. The gentle voice sounded particularly clear in this bustling street.
Xinyang sighed softly, looked at Linghua, and forced a helpless smile on his face. He said, "Alas, I still couldn't hide it from you. I was thinking of asking Zhongli how he comforted Wendy at that time. After all, Wendy's lonely and sad look was really heartbreaking, and I really wanted to know how to help him feel better as soon as possible. As a result, Mr. Zhongli not only patiently answered my questions, but also gave me a lot of earnest advice."
Xinyang paused briefly, then continued slowly, "He told me that in the future, when interacting with others, I must never be like I used to be. No matter what happens, I always take all the blame on myself. I need to calm down first, look at the whole picture objectively and impartially, and then communicate my thoughts frankly with everyone, and be tolerant and understanding of each other."
At this point, Xinyang's lips curled up into a smile, and he jokingly said with a hint of emotion, "You know what? Old Deng, who has lived for over 6,000 years, is so full of life wisdom and knows so much. After his guidance, I feel like I've suddenly become much more clear-headed."
Linghua quickly patted Xinyang's arm and said with a hint of annoyance, "Hey, how can you be so disrespectful? Mr. Zhongli is a highly respected elder. How can you address him like that?"
Linghua stopped and looked Xinyang in the eyes intently and seriously. Her tone was filled with concern as she said, "Xinyang, Mr. Zhongli is absolutely right. What happened today was an accident, and Wendy has never blamed you. Stop blaming yourself for it. I really hate this about you, too, because I used to be the same way."
When Xinyang heard this, a hint of surprise flashed across her face. Her eyes widened unconsciously, and she asked in confusion, "Ah? Really? Were you like this before? I don't have any recollection of it."
Linghua sighed softly and lowered her head slightly, as if lost in distant memories. After a moment, she slowly spoke, "Have you forgotten? As the eldest daughter of the community leader, I've shouldered many responsibilities since I was a child. My every move is watched closely, so when I do things, I always strive for perfection. I'm particularly afraid of making even the slightest mistake, afraid that I'll bring shame to the family. Once something doesn't go well, I'll constantly blame myself, stubbornly believing that it's all my fault. Even if others no longer care, I'll still be deeply trapped in that feeling of self-blame, unable to break free. Isn't this exactly the same as your current situation?"
Linghua slowly raised her head and met Xinyang's eyes again. With a hint of bitterness in her eyes, she continued, "So, seeing you like this, it's like I'm seeing my past self. That feeling of constantly criticizing myself is really unpleasant."
"I was able to change myself, all thanks to you. It was you who told me not to care about other people's opinions and just be myself. It was you who pulled me out again and again when I fell into the quagmire of self-doubt and was completely confused and at a loss, patiently taught me to let go, and encouraged me to embrace those imperfections. It was you who was always by my side, encouraging me, supporting me, and accompanying me to slowly let go of those unnecessary burdens. Back then, you were like a light, guiding me to live my own life, but now you are trapped in such emotions and can't get out. I can't tell you how anxious I am. I really hope that you can also let yourself go as you did back then."
Xinyang was deeply moved when he heard Linghua's words. He reached out and gently placed his hands on Linghua's shoulders. Looking into her eyes with sincerity and earnestness, he said, "Linghua, I really didn't expect that I would make you so worried. I was so confused. I was so obsessed with myself that I forgot how you slowly got out of that difficult situation step by step, and I also forgot all the heartwarming words I said to you. Don't worry, from now on, I will work hard to change this bad habit and won't make you worry about me anymore."
Linghua looked at Xinyang's sincerity, and the worry in her eyes faded a little. She nodded slightly and responded, "Yes, I believe you can do it. We've been through so much together, and there's still a long way to go. We can't always be entangled in these negative emotions, otherwise we will waste these beautiful times."
Xinyang gently held Linghua's hand, as if making a firm promise to both himself and Linghua. He said in a steady voice, "Well, let's treat those past troubles as pebbles on the road, kick them away, and then move forward briskly. No matter what we encounter, we'll face it together."
After hearing Xinyang's words, Linghua's eyes were full of relief. She gently held Xinyang's hand back. Their hands were tightly pressed together, as if they could convey each other's strength and thoughts through their palms.
In this way, the two continued to walk forward while talking, and before they knew it, they returned to Chen Ge Hu.
Returning to the familiar room, the familiar atmosphere lingered around, and Xinyang and Linghua both felt a sense of security.
Linghua rubbed her buttocks and said, "As expected, I only feel tired after returning home. Walking in the snowy mountains is really tiring."
Upon hearing this, Xinyang came over immediately, his face full of concern and his eyes filled with heartache. As he spoke, he raised his hand slightly, as if he was about to give Linghua a massage, and said, "How about I give you a massage to relax you? Maybe that will make you feel better."
Seeing this, Linghua seemed to have guessed Xinyang's thoughts. Her face flushed slightly, and she quickly stepped back, waving her hands in refusal. "No, huh, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. I'm so tired today, how could I have the energy to argue with you? Don't take this opportunity to do something bad. No means no, no matter what I say."
Xinyang was bewildered, his eyes wide open, and he said with a look of grievance, "What do you think of me? I'm just concerned about my dear wife. Seeing that you were so tired, I simply wanted to give you a massage so that you could relax and relieve your fatigue. What bad intentions could I have? But you, who usually look so pure, how could you think such bad things of me now?"
Linghua couldn't help but burst out laughing at Xinyang's innocent yet aggrieved expression, but she still pretended to be serious and said, "Humph, isn't it because I've been with you for so long that I've been led astray by you? Who knows if you're hiding other thoughts under the guise of concern? This isn't the first time this has happened. Anyway, I'm really exhausted today and just want to rest quietly for a while. You, don't think about anything else."
Xinyang was busy massaging Linghua's legs, mumbling, "I wasn't thinking of anything else. If you didn't want to, I wouldn't force it on you. I just saw how tired you were, and wanted to help you relieve some of the pain."
Seeing that Xinyang was really just massaging her legs and not doing anything else, Linghua didn't refuse anymore. She closed her eyes slightly, feeling the perfect pressure on her legs. After a while, a look of satisfaction appeared on her face, and she said softly, "Your massage technique has improved a lot. It feels quite comfortable. Why do I feel like you know everything?"