“Wow, ” A gasp left An Xiulan’s lips when she entered the gates of the traditional-style courtyard house. Although the house was old, it was preserved in a very loving manner. From its walls and floors, one could say that it gave away its history.historical

“Song family is a literary family. This house has been passed down to the eldest son in every generation, ” Han Zixin said. “Song Xueyun’s grandpa passed it down to her father when they left the world.”

“It’s very beautiful, ” An Xiulan said. Although this house wasn’t what houses in ancient China were like, she could say that the architecture almost looked similar.

They entered one door and it led them to the living room. They saw Mrs Song and Song Xueyun there. Mrs Song immediately stood up when she saw two teenagers at the door.

“Hello Auntie, “Both of them greeted the lady.

” How are you, children?” Mrs Song asked with a wide smile. “I’m so happy that Yunyun invited her friends home. Come. Come. Let auntie have a look at both of you.”

An Xiulan waved at Song Xueyun who softly smiled at her.

“I will bring water, ” Mrs Song said.

“Mom, sit down. You have been working too much since the morning. Let me bring water, ” Song Xueyun said before leaving for the kitchen. “

“Child, why do you bring so many things?” Mrs Song asked them. “I’m so glad that you came when Yunyun invited you. I have been asking her to invite her friends to a housewarming party but she doesn’t listen to me. She said you guys have exams and it’s better to not disturb you.”

An Xiulan only smiled. She didn’t let Mrs Song feel that anything was wrong. Actually, Song Xueyun didn’t even tell anyone that she had moved homes.

,??m “Auntie, how come you look more beautiful each time I see you?” An Xiulan asked in a sweet voice.

Mrs Song blushed. “You really have a sweet mouth. Never mind, I am trying all the skincare products that you post on your social media. You sent a kit to Xueyun too but the girl is so lazy that I have to use them. What if they expire? Does my skin look softer?”

Since An Xiulan got so many gifts from big brands that she promoted on her social media, she always shared her products with her friends and family.

“Auntie, the same brand is launching their new skincare line. They sent me a product to review and promote on my social media. The results were good. I will send you the samples that I have. My mom uses her own favourite brand and Auntie Feifei does too. So, I can only share with you, “An Xiulan replied.

Soon, the conversation between them began about skincare and make-up. Just like her, Mrs Song loved makeup and clothes. It was no wonder that these two people clicked so suddenly. Their conversation turned from makeup and clothes turned to food. She couldn’t eat junk food every day because of the nature of her job and Mrs Song too couldn’t eat her favourite food because of her health. This was why both of them always loved a recipe that tasted good and was healthier too.

“Auntie, I will send you the recipe that my mom tried for me. You have to try it once. I can tell you that it will taste heavenly, ” An Xiulan assured her.

Mrs Song looked at Han Zixin who was quietly sitting there. “Zixin, are we boring you with our conversation?”

Han Zixin shook his head and smiled. “No, I’m used to it.”

“I made him obsessed with skincare too just like Yan Ge and Lu Xuan, ” An Xiulan grinned. “I told them that they will get big pimples on their face and their skin will get older.”

Mrs Song laughed. “You did well.” She looked here and there. “I wonder where my daughter is lost? Air here, I will come in a while.”

An Xiulan looked at Han Zixin and shared a worried look. He held her hand and squeezed it as if saying that everything would be alright.

Her eyes fell on the wall where she could see pictures of Mrs Song and Mr Song from their high school days. In one picture Mrs Song was smiling at the camera while Mr Song was staring at her with a doting look. There were pictures of the two of them in their graduation cap too. Then, the pictures of their wedding. She could see the first picture of the couple with their baby and many more.

“Han Zixin?” An Xiulan called out his name. “Do you think love like this can be found by anyone?”

Han Zixin knew what she was thinking. He was not in a situation to reply to her. He had never seen anyone who had loved someone unconditionally like Mr Song had loved Mrs Song. Even when she was on the deathbed, he never left her hand. He held on to her and never let her go away.

“Maybe, ” Han Zixin still replied. “Why are you asking?”

An Xiulan looked at him and smiled, “Because I’m thinking what if I found love as great and unconditional as this one? Wouldn’t it be amazing?”

He lightly flicked her forehead. “No puppy love!”

An Xiulan nodded her head. “Silly, I’m not talking about now. But in like ten years from now. I don’t want to live alone.”

“You are not alone, ” Han Zixin told her. “You have your family and you also have me. So, you won’t be alone.”

An Xiulan replied with a laugh. “I saw a movie where two best friends made a promise that if they didn’t find anyone before they were thirty, they would marry each other. But I’m telling you I will never marry my best friend.”

“Hah, am I that bad?” Han Zixin cocked his brow.

“No, silly. What if we got divorced like mom and dad? I will lose my friend too. So, we should always be careful with who we date and marry, ” An Xiulan nonchalantly shrugged.