Chapter 330

253. Becoming a family means you won't be lonely. "Engaged?" Upon hearing her grandfather utter these two words, Hua Xin momentarily forgot to drink the can of red classic Coca-Cola she was holding; her mind was instantly filled with those two words. Hua Xin didn't seem like someone who was against marriage or had completely lost faith in it—something only people would find unacceptable. On the contrary, she had a deep understanding of the meaning behind those two words. It was because she and Xia Yan had both experienced the tragedy of their parents' failed marriage in their childhood, and because they couldn't erase the shadow of that experience from their memories, it had a subtle but profound influence on them. Having witnessed what a failed marriage was like, they felt fear and disgust towards it. Since two people who were originally in love could still verbally abuse each other and even fight after having a child, and even mountains could be blown up and rivers drained, it wasn't hard to understand why love could be destroyed. But for her before, what kind of fantasies could she possibly have about marriage while alone in that Little Black? Forget about a partner, she had no one to even talk to. Aside from TX News and game reports on WX News, Hua Xin didn't know when her various chat apps would even have a notification. But things are different now. At first, Hua Xin's feelings for Xia Yan were probably just that she had finally gained a good friend, and she naturally cherished those feelings. She cherished this hard-won friend, someone who didn't treat her like a monster or a target for bullying, but genuinely wanted to be her friend. However, because of her dark childhood experience, even though Xia Yan cared for her and treated her well, she was initially afraid that he might be using her for his own amusement, like those people before. Otherwise, she wouldn't have imagined that Xia Yan, who was showing her kindness, was conspiring with Lin Qingyu to make fun of her. But now she couldn't think like that anymore. As Hua Xin gradually spent time with Xia Yan, Hua Xin slowly accepted the fact that she had become a girl. Since there was no way to change it, and it was impossible to turn back overnight, Hua Xin had no reason to refuse this second chance at life. She abandoned her preconceived notions of her final fate, no longer wanting to end her lonely and meaningless life so spinelessly, but instead striving to become a better person, worthy of standing beside Xia Yan. That's why Hua Xin took the initiative to approach Xia Yan in the school's small pavilion and tell him what she had been hiding all along—the lie she didn't know how to undo. Hua Xin loved Xia Yan. After realizing how strong this feeling was, the word "marriage" didn't seem so scary or unpleasant anymore. She believed that even after they were legally recognized, even after living together for a long time, even if they left Shanghai for other cities, or experienced many changes... their love for each other would not change. This was beyond doubt in Hua Xin's heart. But... but... but... but... but... isn't this too early for them right now? Hua Xin's heart began to race involuntarily. She then took a large gulp of her Coca-Cola to hide her unease. When was the last time she heard or saw the word "engagement"? Her memory raced, finally finding the answer in a silly short drama. Hua Xin remembered seeing a short drama while browsing videos recently—something about an engagement that was broken off, followed by a dramatic and humiliating scene. The later episodes required payment to unlock, so she only watched up to that point. Forcing herself to calm down, Hua Xin opened her mouth, but didn't speak. Instead, she glanced at Xia Yan beside her, conflicted and unsure what to do. Her brain was fried. Discussing this with Xia Yan wouldn't be a problem; after all, they could discuss anything together, and there was no need for them to beat around the bush. But now Grandpa was formally asking them! His sincere questioning gaze and tone didn't sound like a joke at all! "Engagement..." Xia Yan repeated the word softly, glancing thoughtfully at the girl beside him. He had seen the look Hua Xin had given him earlier and had a general idea of Hua Xin thoughts. Similarly, Xia Yan understood the meaning behind Grandpa's words. Grandpa was only talking about engagement, not marriage. He wasn't using the excuse of an elder wanting to see their grandchildren happily married to hasten their marriage and disrupt his and Hua Xin's plans and relationship. Xia Yan understood and felt deeply pained. He knew his grandfather well, just as his grandfather knew him well—strong, resilient, preferring to do things quietly on his own, disliking interfering with others' thoughts and maintaining respect. Xia Yan had never seen any outdated or feudalistic ideas in his grandfather. But the fact that he said he wanted to see him and Hua Xin happy meant that Grandpa might sense his days were numbered. Xia Yan gently grasped Hua Xin's hand. The girl's initial nervousness subsided. Xia Yan was right beside her. They liked each other. What was there to be afraid of, whether it was engagement or marriage? "I agree," Hua Xin squeezed Xia Yan's hand, then cleared her throat and said to her grandfather in a relaxed and happy tone. She had been startled by the word "engagement" earlier, but now she understood. If you like someone, you should be together. There's no such thing as too long or too short, too suitable or unsuitable. Hearing the girl's voice, Xia Yan smiled gently and looked at the much older man before him, "Hua Xin and I are both fine. Why don't you pick an auspicious day?" He wasn't ready to provide Hua Xin with a better life through marriage; perhaps it was too early for the two of them, who hadn't even graduated from university yet. But Xia Yan was confident. Confident that he could make Hua Xin live a happy and fulfilling life. Upon hearing this, the grandfather finished the remaining half-glass of white wine, took a small box from his pocket, and handed it to Hua Xin with some trembling hands. Hua Xin quickly stood up and took it. Slowly opening it, she found a fine jade bracelet inside. "This is what my late wife, Xia Yan's grandmother, left for you." Grandpa wiped away a tear that had appeared at the corner of his eye, speaking as calmly and gently as possible, "Let's do it today." "On this New Year's Day, to see you two become a family." That way, after he's gone, the young couple won't feel lonely. 254. Diary of Farewell, January 29th. This New Year was very happy. Scenes I had only ever imagined, and even things I had never dared to dream of, all happened this New Year.