Please Be More Serious Chapters 55 et 56

Happy New Year everyone. Wishing you happiness, peace of mind, and I hope you achieve everything you want from life this year! As customary, running commentary throughout.

 Outsmarting Father In Law:

Zhengqing’s gifts were two pounds of tea and a hand crafted bespoke tea set. The tea was said to be organic, and it was only produced in small quantities; three thousand pounds at the maximum. The teapot was from a famous potter that Yin Ting’s father had long admired. She had asked a friend to find it for her, he had taken a long time to get it. She had originally intended to gift it to her father on his birthday, but sacrificed such a good present for Zhengqing.

The gift totaled up to thirty thousand yuan. Zhengqing felt it was too extravagant. Tea is just for drinking, put it in a tea cup with hot water and go for it. Would the tea be more fragrant from the special pot, would it magically taste better? But he made made no outward comment, and he insisted on paying for everything. For his future Yue Zhang, he had to pay; it was a man’s pride.

So on the eve of the Lunar New Year, he carried the precious gift box and presented himself at Yin Ting’s family home.

When he entered, Yin Guohao welcomed him with a smile. Zhengqing and Yin Ting greeted each other with a look and a smile. They were all very happy.

Zhengqing handed Guohao his gift. He nodded his thanks after being told what it was, ‘Let’s have a cup of tea together after dinner.’ he said.

Yin Ting took the tea set with a smile, ‘I’ll take this to the kitchen and get it ready,’ she said.

Zhengqing and Yin Ting had gone to classes to learn how to brew tea specially. Zhengqing sat with Guohao and talked about tea, but Guohao did not say much, he seemed that he was uninterested. Zhengqing became nervous.

Fortunately, Yin Ting returned. The family chatted and laughed. Soon it was time for dinner, and the family moved to the table.

The table seated for; Guohao sat at the head, Yin Ting sat to his right and Yin Shi to his left. Zhengqing sat across from Guohao.

Though there were only four people, there were eight dishes; very luxurious, Zhengqing thought.

Yin Ting served red wine, first her father, then her brother and then Zhengqing.

Guohao raised his glass for a toast, ‘I wish my children a happy new year.’

Yin Ting took Zhengqing’s hand and they rose, with a wide smile she toasted, ‘Wishing Father a happy new year, of good health and good luck in everything.’ Zhengqing bowed. Yin Shi also rose and said, ‘Dad, the same goes for me.’

Guohao did not pick on his son for being lazy, but looked at Zhengqing and said, ‘I wish you the best in the new year,’ with a smile. Zhengqing got nervous, was there a hidden meaning there?

The meal continued with Yin Ting making jokes and everyone chatting. It was such a warm atmosphere that Zhengqing almost cried.

He had not eaten a family meal like this in years.

He truly wished that he could freeze time in this moment; this moment of such a simple happiness.

Zhengqing felt the emotion become too much for him to suppress so he excused himself from the table and asked for the bathroom. There, he tried to calm his emotions.

He truly hoped this family became his family. (Zuben: *sniffle)

When he came out Yin Ting was waiting outside with a look of concern,

‘What happened?’ she asked softy, ‘Are you feeling uncomformtable?’

Zhengqing did not reply, but pulled her into his arms and held her there. She gave him a pat on the back, and kissed him, ‘You’re like my dad, you both like to be spoiled.’

Zhengqing gave her a skeptical look, where did he like being spoiled? He never threw a tantrum to be spoiled. He only ever knew hard work ever since he was young. He didn’t grow up in an environment where he could have been spoiled. He really was spoiled. But he really liked the way she spoiled him. He found her so cute, he hoped she would like being spoiled by him.

There was a cough behind them. It was Yin Shi,

‘If you two lovebirds don’t mind, I would really like to use the toilet. I can’t hold it any longer. So can you leave the path to the bathroom clear and find somewhere else to be intimate.’

Yin Ting blushed and swatted at him. Yin Shi jumped out of the way and pushed them aside as he entered the bathroom. Yin Ting managed to land a punch as he entered. He gave a yelp and closed the door,

‘Don’t stand here you two, otherwise I would be embarrassed that you will hear.’

Zhengqing laughed and pulled Yin Ting away.

He liked Yin Shi, he thought. When they returned to the table, it was only Guohao there. He decided he liked his future father in law too. When they had chatted at the wedding, he had been very polite and did not put on any airs. He really liked family.

After dinner, the family moved to the living room. Yin Shi cut up some fruit while Yin Ting served the tea, then they sat to watch TV,

Guohao watched the New Year show on TV for a little while then turned to his children and said, ‘Tomorrow, we’ll go to the cemetery to see your mother,’ he paused then turned to Zhengqing, ‘Would you like to go together? Your parents are there too.’

‘I had intended on going, so it would be nice to go together. Thank you.’ He and Yin Ting shared a look and she winked at him. He was also very happy, it looked to be that his relationship with Yin Ting was no acknowledged by her father. Guohao was willing to invite him along to visit their deceased. It seemed that he was being regarded as a member of their family.

It was hard for Zhengqing not to smile foolishly.

‘We’ll visit out loved ones, and then go for a stroll in the park. The New Year’s celebrations should be lively.’

‘Lovely!’ Yin Ting said, ‘We should go together. Why don’t Zhengqing drive us? His car is big enough for all of us. Would be very convenient.’

‘I have no objection to that,’ Zhengqing quickly replied.

Guohao also did not have any objections, so their plans were decided.

After the night watch ended after midnight on the Lunar New year, Zhengqing made to return home. Guohao told him to drive home carefully and Zhengqing took his leave and bade him goodbye. Yin Ting saw him off to the gate.

‘Very good, very good,’ she said very excitedly. ‘It looks as though my father doesn’t have any problems with you. He likes you. I know it!’

They both laughed foolishly.

Later that night, Zhengqing lying on his bed could not sleep due to excitement. He thought of the first half of his life,  the poverty, the ups and downs, but he had worked diligently and hard, and God saw his efforts and this was his reward. He had his successful enterprise, and now has his love.

Oh right! And fat Miao.

Zhengqing held out his hand, and Miao-dada came over and lay next to him. The fat cat had recently had his sterilisation surgery. It has gone well and the cat recovered well. But afterwards, Miao-dada began acting clingy, always wanting cuddles. When Zhengqing got him, he came up to sit near him. Even when it came to sleeping, the cat slept on the bed with him. Zhengqing loved the cat dearly and let it sleep but the result was the cat was now accustomed to sleeping on the bed.

Zhengqing stroked Miao’s soft fur and said, ‘When I marry Xiaoting, you can’t sleep on the bed you know? Good, very clever Miao.’ (Zuben: That’s what you think, bub)

He couldn’t wait to marry Xiaoting. He smiled at the thought. He wanted to have a family; Xiaoting’s family. If Yin Guohao did not want to give her up, he was willing to live with his father in law. Although, it would be more comfortable just the two of them, but he can be obliging to his father in law moods. He could see that Guohao relied very much on Yin Ting, so then, he would not be happy to have her married and away from home. That would not be good, he thought as he continued to stroke Miao’s fur. But didn’t father in law have a cat allergy? He remembered Yin Ting saying something like that; then they couldn’t live together. Good, then it would be just the two of them (Zuben: And the cat)

Although, Zhengqing knew it was too soon to be thinking about such things, but the expectations of a happy future made him very happy.

The next day, Zhengqing told his parents of the happenings in his life. He had come with Yin Ting before; so they knew her. How he had been invited to dinner with Yin Ting and her family, and how he had been accepted well. He told his parents to be rest assured; he was doing well.

Guohao took flowers to his wife’s grave and was there a long time. They gave him privacy to speak to his dead wife.

Afterwards, they joined other people going to the park to see the park to see to New Year’s day celebrations.

Zhengqing had never been before so he got lost until Yin Ting gave him proper directions.

The park was very lively, the the celebrations was bright and extravagant; far beyond Zhengqing’s imaginations. Zhengqing had trouble adjusting to the manic atmosphere, but Yin Ting was in her element; getting water and food for the group, pulling Zhengqing to go with her on the amusement rides. Guohao watched his daughter’s antics fondly. Zhengqing was tired out very quickly, so Yin Shi went along with her. Zhengqing sat with Guohao.

‘The park has changed a lot from last year,’ the older man said to him, ‘the flowers and decorations were added for the Spring Festival.’

Was that so? Zhengqing thought. He had been in this city for so long, he had not know about this park. There had never been any time.

Guohao looked at him and asked, ‘Haven’t you ever been here?’

Zhengqing shook his head.

‘When you and Xiaoting are on dates, where do you go?’ (Zuben: Prepping for bedroom movements)

‘Um…shopping and eating.’ Zhengqing replied nervously. Most of their time together spent at his place together.

‘Where do you go to eat?’ he father asked.

‘Er…’ Zhengqing racked his brains to remember the the restaurants they had eaten at.

Guohao nodded with a smile.

Zhengqing breathed a sigh of relief thinking the questions were over, but Guohao asked, ‘Don’t you do to the movies?’

‘Er…’ He’d never been. But was Guohao’s question about doing naughty things in a dark theatre?

‘Never been.’ He replied truthfully.

Guohao smiled and nodded.

Was he satisfied with his answer?

Then Guohao asked, ‘Are you busy tomorrow?’

What was this question about? Zhengqing wondered. He tried hard to think of something interesting he could be doing instead of being at home. Yin Ting was on the pirate ship ride and could not save him.

Guohao pulled out his phone, ‘Ah little cousin. It’s me Uncle Hao! Is there a free room in your club’s karaoke? …Give Uncle.’

Zhengqing was dumbfounded.

‘Hao! That’s good. We’ll go in the afternoon and have dinner there. It doesn’t matter…You greet the manager for me…When I come, I will come to say hello…Good….Happy new year.’

We they going to sing at a karaoke bar? How come the elderly were trendy these days? Zhengqing felt like he was going to die.

He…no…He will sing! (Zuben: It’s time to lip sync for your life!)

The Taking of Tiger Mountain - http://chineseposters.net

Father In Law Is Like The Sky:

When Yin Ting returned, Zhengqing quietly told her of her father’s arrangement.

‘Karaoke?’ Yin Ting asked surprised. She had not expected her dad to bring out this move. Completely out of their expertise, ah! ‘Which songs to do know?’ she asked, thinking of how to help him.

Zhengqing looked thoughtful, but Yin Ting understood from his expression,

‘Nothing, huh?’

‘Does the national anthem count?’ he asked trying to salvage his pride. Actually, he couldn’t sing the national anthem in its entirety either. (Zuben: Live life in the next 24 hours)

Yin Ting frowned and said, ‘Fine, I understand.’

‘I listen to music,’ Zhengqing said trying to fight for his points, but though he listened to music, they weren’t music with words.

Yin Ting gave him a helpless look and began to call her friends to see if anyone was free for a karaoke evening, so that Zhengqing could hide in the crown and not be embarrassed. But unfortunately due to the holidays, everyone had prior plans. Yin Ting patted his shoulder in encouragement. He could only rely on himself.

That evening, Zhengqing joined Yin Ting’s family for dinner at a restaurant. Yin Ting decided ‘who ever strikes the first blow was the victor’, there would be singing tomorrow there was nothing that could be done about it, but maybe a shift in activities might tip the balance in their favour.

‘Right father, during the vacation would you be going fishing?’

‘Fishing?’

‘Zhengqing like fishing,’ she said trying to lobby on Zhengqing’s behalf, ‘Zhengqing and I went a few weeks ago, even though it is cold, the fish were biting. You guys can do and compare your big catches.’ They had been practicing this project so they knew what to expect, but her father said,

‘The fish may be active, but sitting in the cold is not good for my old bones.’

Yin Ting chuckled and gave her father a look, she didn’t expose that he had gone fishing only just last month with his friend and it wasn’t colder at this time than then.

‘Young people should do more vigorous activities, sitting around fishing is depressing. Why not go hiking, get your body moving then you won’t be cold.’

Hiking? Yin Ting glanced at Zhengqing, there shouldn’t be any issue with this activity, ‘Hiking sounds fun. Let’s do that.’

Yin Ting thought that this might be good; her father must think that Zhengqing was too stuffy and wanted to look for a suitable activity for young people. Yin Ting thought her father must love her dearly, ‘Hiking is fine, but are you physically up to it?’

‘I am fine. Don’t underestimate my old bones, but I will walk up till the café in the foot hills. You can go to the summit, and help me get a talisman from the temple at the summit.’

“Don’t underestimate my old bones?” and “I’ll wait for you at the café?” Zhengqing did not comment.

‘Alright!’ Yin Ting replied hearing her father wanted a talisman.

‘So like today, Zhengqing just pick us up tomorrow and we go to karaoke, then the day after we rest and then after we go hiking in the hills.’

Yin Ting was very happy, they would be able to rest on the third day, so she can go on a date with Zhengqing. Activities with her dad were only for the next few days, and then after she and Zhengqing can go back to dating. She smiled at Zhengqing while thinking her dad really liked Zhengqing, because he was thinking of activities that he might enjoy.

Zhengqing returned her smile, but in his brain all he could think about was karaoke singing tomorrow. He decided to be a waiter tomorrow; making sure everyone’s throats were well watered with tea, beer or water.

The next day, Zhengqing went to sing at the karaoke club.

Yin Ting entered the booth excited; she immediately hogged the microphone. Yin Shi selected a bunch of songs and so did Yin Ting. She turned to Zhengqing and said,

‘Look after my dad,’ and she went ‘centrestage’ with her brother to sing. Zhengqing happily complied, while Yin Ting sang several songs. Guohao eventually said,

‘You’re being selfish; don’t keep the microphone to yourself. Let others sing.’

‘Don’t worry about it, she can sing,’

But Guohao pretended he didn’t hear the younger man, ‘You can sing anything. Let Xiaoting choose for you.’

Zhengqing decided to bite the bullet and say, ‘I really cannot sing, so it’s okay if they sing.’

Yin Ting was about to defend Zhengqing, but her father laughed, ‘If you don’t sing then I shall, I cannot let them hog the limelight.’

 Zhengqing raised his eyebrows; this whole family seemed to be full of tyrants. As he watched, Guohao proudly said to Yin Shi, ‘Ah Shi, put on Taking Tiger Mountain for your dad.’

Yin Shi hurriedly put on the song, and Guohao took the mic and began to sing. The tone of the music was imposing, Zhengqing thought. Yin Ting came to sit beside him and ate a slice of fruit.

‘How does a karaoke have Peking Opera songs?’

‘The owner is dad’s old friend, the older folks like Peking Operat songs. This is one of their best rooms.’

 Is that so? Zhengqing wondered. He didn’t know what to say.

After the imposing song came to an end, Yin Shi and Guohao sang a duet, followed by a pop song and then another opera song. Yin Shi then sang Teresa Teng songs one after the other.

Yin Ting watched her father as she  told Zhengqing, ‘My mother loved Teresa Teng’s songs. She used to listen to her songs without rest. After she died, dad would not let me play Teresa’s songs.’

Yin Shi got tired of singing, Yin Ting rose and said, ‘Dad you rest I will sing a few songs.’

‘You sit down.’ He said to Yin Ting and did not let Yin Shi change over.

It seems dad was the King Tyrant, it wasn’t a disgrace to have lost to the older man. (Zuben: Heck knows why you were bothering in the first place)

That evening, the family dined together and Guohao asked Zhengqing about his family background and their circumstances, Zhengqing answered his questions in his usual polite manner. While the spoke, the two siblings watched with interest, Yin Shi said to Yin Ting, ‘This is normal father in law to son in law topic ah,’

Yin Ting thought so too. She watched her father listen to Zhengqing. His complexion was usual, he looked amiable. She found it hard to conceal her happiness.

The next day, nothing much happened, the Yin family visited their relatives and friends during the day and in the evening Yin Ting went to see Zhengqing at his house. The two lovers snuggled in his couch giggling more than chatting,

‘Please be more serious, after the Spring Festival, let’s live well.’

‘The Spring Festival does not need to end for me to live well.’ He replied.

She gave him a smack, ‘I meant that after the Festival, we won’t be busy and we can cultivate our love life.’

‘When I was busy, I loved well.’ He answered, in his opinion even when he was working and busy, he held her in his heart and loved her.

She smacked him again, ‘Seriously!’

‘I’m very serious.’

‘Oh, I called you so many times and you didn’t even answer me. You’re too accustomed to me calling you by your nickname, but I can’t do that when we are among relatives or friends.’

‘You finally realised that giving me a nickname isn’t good,’ He said using his knuckles to rub her head gently, ‘as well as teaching bad habits to children.’ Little stone also called him Uncle please be more serious.

Yin Ting made a face, ‘But calling you Qiu-zong is even more strange.’

‘You could just call me Zhengqing like your dad and brother do.’

Yin Ting frowned, ‘Won’t it be a bit weird?’ It was his name, but why did she feel weird or prefer to should “please be more serious”.

‘Hmm, or you can call me something else?’ he said.

‘What?’

‘Husband.’

Yin Ting was silent as a blush stole over her face, ‘Cheeky,’ she said as she smacked him with a cushion.

‘I’m not wrong, ah.’ He said laughing.

‘Well…’ she replied staring at him as her face got redder, and her expression got more bashful. Zhengqing could not help but kiss her, making her blush even more. Zhengqing laughed.

Yin Ting sat up incensed, and gave him more kisses on his lips saying, ‘Hurry up and blush too!’

Zhengqing laughed even harder, but she kept kissing him and saying, ‘Hurry up; blush!’

He laughed till his stomach ached, and held Yin Ting so they fell back on the sofa together. Eventually they quieted down,

‘I hope we can always be like this,’

‘What?’

‘The way we are now; happy together.’

‘Isnt that accomplished? We are all together.’ (Zuben: Don’t congratulate yourself until you marry the girl)

‘I’m so happy my dad likes you.’

Zhengqing was in agreement, he was happy about it too.

The next day; they went hiking.

Zhengqing had bought his gear for the trip. He was full of joy wearing his new hiking bag and boots. (Zuben: Hopefully you’re wearing comfy socks or you gonna get blisters). He was happy about his first hiking trip. Yin Ting, Yin Shi and Zhengqing were all winded when they got down from the mountain to meet Guohao who had been sitting at the café. When Zhengqing saw his smile, he wondered if this had been a test of his physical fitness, since he was a lot older than Yin Ting.

The next day, Guohao suddenly decided that he wanted to go for a trip around an ancient town and stay for a few days, he asked Zhengqing if he would come.  He should be back to work then, but Zhengqing could not refuse, so he emailed his secretary and asked her to sort out his leave for the day.

So once again Zhengqing was designated driver and he drove them down to the old town. Yin Ting and her family had visited it before, so she played guide to Zhengqing as they stayed in the town for three days.

The trip went without incident. He became very familiar with Yin Shi and his manner and jokes. He understood Guohao more, and he though that if he needed to pick a gift for the elder man again, he would have no problem.

Soon after the Spring Festival vacation, Guohao contacted him, ‘I want to chat with you alone. Do not tell Xiaoting.’ He said calmly.

Zhengqing consented, but the request made him unsettled.

They made an appointment to meet at seven PM at a restaurant.

‘Tell Xiaoting that you won’t be meeting her that evening, you need to work overtime visiting a client.’

Zhengqing agreed, but he thought himself a tad stupid. Maybe he was being stupid from nervousness.

On the day, Zhengqing had a growning sence of unease. Yin Guohao’s sudden invitation sparking questions in his head and he could not talk to Yin Ting about it. He would have liked to talk her so they could discuss it, but Guohao had asked him not to tell her.

At six-fifty, Zhengqing arrived at the restaurant to find Guohao already there; waiting for him. His uneasiness deepened. He greeted the older man, and settled in his chair. They exchanged pleasantaries as they got drinks, and discussed mundane topics throught their dinner.

After dinner, tea was ordered. Guohao took a sip of his tea and said, ‘Zhengqing, I appreciate you.’

‘Thank you, Uncle.’ He replied, his heartrate rising.

‘From a businessman’s point of view, you are a rare talent.’ Guohao said.

‘Thank you, Uncle.’ Zhengqing replied with a mirthless laugh. Businessman? Shouldn’t he be another identity in Yin Guohao’s eyes? A sense of trepidation crept up on Zhengqing. He was nervous.
Very nervous.

Index ❀ Chapters 57 & 58