God said I would meet you

For a meal, Lin Jinyu's mother and husband "have their own ghosts" in their meals.

It is of course an exaggeration to say that everyone has their own ghosts, but it is true in Zhang Xinli's feelings.Like a son-in-law meeting his mother-in-law for the first time, he was terrified and had to listen to all kinds of euphemistic or direct inquiries from Lin's mother.

"Xiaoyu, who is looking for this house? It's near your school?" Mother Lin looked dignified and spoke very kindly, but Zhang Xinli always felt that every question she asked had a hidden edge: "Xiao Zhang also has to go to work. It seems to be quite close to Xiao Zhang’s unit.”

The house was looked for by two people together, and it was about the same distance from both sides. If it is true, Lin Jinyu might have to take the subway for... 5 minutes longer?

"Are you using the money together now? If it's too messy, will there be disputes in normal times?"

Questions came one after another, Lin Jinyu answered and answered them tirelessly.He knew that his mother was always worried, the gap of two years was not so easy to make up, maybe Lin's mother always felt that he was still 20 or [-] years old, reckless and directionless, and needed experience from his elders in his emotional life.

"Mom, I'm really fine, don't worry," Lin Jinyu answered those impatient questions over and over again with rare patience: "During the internship...we actually had a very difficult time, and we should argue I've had a lot of quarrels, I've done a lot of jobs, and I've tried a lot of things I've never tried before. Mom, how old am I? I'm not as young as you think."

He knew that his mother was worried, but there was nothing he could do.As for Zhang Xinli, I don’t know if he felt that it was inconvenient for him to interrupt in front of his mother-in-law, so he kept eating as usual with a wink, and didn’t show much sense of presence except for occasionally taking the initiative to serve soup and rice for Mama Lin.

"Xiaoyu, is he okay at school? Is he very lazy, haha, he is very lazy at home. You... how are your relations with the two of them?"

There are five people at a table, and there is no limit to chatting. Mother Lin is not enough to just chat with her son. From time to time, she finds some topics for Lin Jinyu's senior brothers and sisters to join in the conversation.Her tone was casual, as if she was chatting about family matters, but Zhang Xinli could hear the inside and outside of the words, and she was still asking how Lin Jinyu was doing with him.

"It's okay, it's okay, we didn't see much, but Zhang Xinli is a nice person, haha." The brothers and sisters probably sensed the "swords and swords" on the dinner table, and I felt that today's meal was quite "see you." "Parents" meant that they wanted to help the younger brother, and said a lot of good things to Zhang Xinli: "When we finish class or a meeting, sometimes we see Zhang Xinli come to pick up the younger brother and bring him things. I am very touched."

Waiting for someone to finish class, and bringing a few snacks worth a dozen or so. These are small favors, the kind that middle school boys like to show to little girls when they are in a relationship—although Mama Lin doesn’t know who is the boy, Xiaoyu or Zhang Xinli Who is the woman, and it's not clear what they want... But she still doesn't know.

It wasn't that she doubted Zhang Xinli's character. After all, Zhang Xinli had lived at home for so long, and she knew the child's character well. She just... wasn't sure if their relationship was mature.

College students are good at eating, and soon, three hot and one cold dishes were eaten up.

After dinner, the brothers and sisters took Mama Lin to the living room to watch TV, and chatted with her about Lin Jinyu's performance at school. Lin Jinyu habitually stood up to clean up the bones and leftovers. Zhang Xinli snatched the bowls and chopsticks and said: " You take your mother to watch TV."

"No," Lin Jinyu worked proficiently: "Go and see, I still have to wash the dishes. It's not that one of the three chapters of the contract must cook and the other must wash the dishes. Today you cook the rice."

Zhang Xinli glanced at Mama Lin, who was sitting on the sofa and seemed to be chatting and watching TV, but she was actually watching them too.With lowered eyes, he said, "Go as soon as I tell you."

Lin Jinyu laughed, also glanced at his mother, lowered his voice and whispered to him, "Oh, you want to pretend to be diligent in front of your mother-in-law, don't you? You big-tailed wolf."

What's wrong with pretending to be diligent at this time, isn't it normal?Zhang Xinli thought so in his heart, and said, "It's the mother-in-law."

"Come on, you." Lin Jinyu elbowed him, Zhang Xinli pushed back, and each of them took half of the bowls and chopsticks, and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes together.

On the other side, Mother Lin shouted from a distance: "Xiaoyu, you haven't cleaned up yet, you haven't moved for a long time... Do you want Mommy to help?"

Zhang Xinli rolled up his sleeves to boil the water, and Lin Jinyu put the bowls and chopsticks in the pool, turned her head and replied loudly, "No, you can watch TV, we can do it by ourselves!"

The kitchen door was open. They were about the same height, and their backs standing together washing dishes were very harmonious.

When Lin Jinyu was at home, she really never did this at all. The senior sister smiled and said, "Auntie, you are so kind to my junior brother. If you don't know, you might think he just went to college."

Mother Lin also laughed, but behind the smile was helplessness.In the third year of high school, for some reason, Lin Jinyu's relationship with his father suddenly deteriorated sharply, and he had to live in school, and even when he returned home, he didn't talk much - she only found out the reason later.The rivalry between father and son lasted for a long time, so that Xiaoyu refused to accompany them when the freshman reported, and then it was time to come out.

Probably because of this absence, she did inadvertently exhort too much.

"Those who are capable work harder, my mother is capable, so I have to work harder and worry more." Lin Jinyu and Zhang Xinli finished washing the dishes while biting their ears sticky together, and walked over while wiping their hands: "I'm going to peel some fruit for you guys." eat."

"Wow, there is also fruit after dinner," the senior sister boasted, "The junior brother is so considerate."

Before Lin Jinyu moved, Zhang Xinli had already walked over with a bowl of peeled apples and said, "...Auntie, you can eat."

Mother Lin thanked her. She glanced at their rolled up sleeves and watery hands, and said, "Your housework seems to be quite harmonious."

"Basically, whoever comes home early will do the cooking. Those who don't cook do the dishes. They sweep the floor when they have free time. They don't sweep when they don't have time. On weekends, they don't do the sweeping." Lin Jinyu replied, "There is a clear division of labor, and I won't quarrel about it. Fun."

Can it be discordant? Lin Jinyu has too many criminal records for being lazy. After being scolded by Lin Ye, he felt uncomfortable. During the time when Zhang Xinli chased him, he was also reflecting on himself.

After all, the tone of "face up to your own incompetence" is too strong, as if it has been stabbed in people's hearts. When he returned to Shanghai this time, he completely changed his past, and even Zhang Xinli was surprised.

People sometimes grow up at the moment of falling in love, which is really reasonable.

After they got home, they basically wouldn't lock up the dog again. At this moment, Yi Yi was dragging his hair and sniffing around the feet of several people.Senior sister, senior brother, and Mama Lin are sitting very close to each other. They both belong to the type who like small animals. They have been teasing it with love and a little fear. Mama Lin is different. Inside, she was on pins and needles.

Lin Jinyu didn't care, he actually noticed it, but he didn't take it seriously - one by one he didn't bite anyone, it was also a member of the family, Lin Jinyu loved his mother, and at the same time, he also loved this dog.Isn't it just a dog standing next to it, neither scratching nor biting, he thinks it's nothing, and his mother will know how cute it is after getting in touch with Yiyi.

People who love dogs and people who are afraid of dogs have a hard time empathizing with each other, and he underestimated how fucking scared he was.

"One by one, come here." On the other hand, Zhang Xinli, who was sitting on the other side, glanced at Mama Lin, called the dog back, put his neck around it, and told him to sit down. Mama Lin breathed a sigh of relief.

One by one, I didn't know that Mother Lin didn't like it, so I just stuck out my tongue stupidly.Lin Jinyu sat next to Zhang Xinli and stroked the dog's head, feeling like a "family of three".

After all five people sat down, the living room fell silent for a while.Originally, if there were only four people, there would be a lot of things to talk about, and maybe gossip while playing games. With the identity of "mother", who is a generation older, many topics that stir up the atmosphere cannot be discussed.

Mother Lin probably noticed it too, and said, "Don't worry about me, you can arrange it as you please, I and you are still guests."

According to the normal schedule, after eating, they should go for a walk with the dog. Lin Jinyu said honestly: "We usually go out for a walk with the dog at this point."

"Every day?" Mother Lin said, "I can't believe it, you are so lazy, you usually lie on the bed and play with your phone after eating."

Zhang Xinli fully agrees with this point.

Lin Jinyu couldn't hold back her face, so she blamed her with a smile: "Mom, why do you always expose me. But it's good, now you know how positive our life is when we are together. He is hardworking and makes me hardworking too .”

Zhang Xinli said, "No, mutual."

The brothers and sisters were on the side, and their teeth fell out. This is so high in sugar, tooth decay.

Mother Lin said again: "As for the economy... the two of you can't even afford to rent an entire apartment. It's not good to squeeze into one room. You have to queue up to take a shower."

"It's normal," Lin Jinyu said, "Mom, housing prices in Shanghai are so expensive, and other graduates are not the same."

"You are still studying and have no source of income. Living in a dormitory is normal."

It’s normal to stay in a dormitory while still studying, which means that it’s not normal for those who are working to still live in a dormitory, and have no future. Zhang Xinli understood the meaning.

Mother Lin said half distressed and half regretful: "If Mom came to check on you when you rented the house, you would never let you live here."

No matter what, it has to be two bedrooms and two living rooms, and the floor has to be moderate, so that the lighting is good. Now it's too low, a bit damp.

Zhang Xinli petted the dog and remained silent.Lin Jinyu said: "Hey, Mom, I don't have any money, why don't you save some for me?"

He was joking, but Ms. Lin really opened her handbag and said, "Oh yes, I forgot. I'll save some money for you, how much do you want? Is [-] this month enough? If it's less, I'll ask my mother for it."

"No need." Zhang Xinli suddenly said.He raised his eyes to look at Mama Lin, and said, "Auntie, it's not good to ask you to ask for money. I pay most of the rent. Jinyu uses his own money. He has enough food and clothing. Don't worry."

This is a bit obvious.Seeing that he kept silent, Lin Jinyu thought that he was like in front of his little cousin, because he was inferior to the family conditions and was going to keep silent to the end, and he was depressed until he vomited blood and didn't speak, but luckily he wasn't.

Originally, no matter what their respective family conditions are, in their small family, the financial burdens of both parties are obviously similar, and he even has a little more to bear, so why should he feel that he is a dwarf?Lin Jinyu joked and slandered in her heart: You should be high and arrogant.

"Xiao Zhang, that's not what I meant." Mama Lin always used the word "you" just now, she just wanted them to live comfortably: "I'm not familiar with your family, I just heard a few words from his father, although I have always emphasized equality for everyone, but it cannot be denied that this society is a class society, you always feel that your family conditions are not as good as Xiaoyu, right?"

Zhang Xinli replied: "Yes, but not in my opinion, it is the fact."

"Indeed," Lin's mother said, "but it's nothing. Whether it's me or his father, money is the least important item in the criteria for Xiaoyu's girlfriend... This title may not be suitable, you know what it means Just fine."

Zhang Xinli was only seventeen or eighteen years old when he lived at home, no matter how young he is, he can't hide his adolescent thoughts.At that time, Lin's mother had already sensed another side of his heart that had never been revealed from his excessive hard work and taking care of Lin Jinyu.

Lin Jinyu felt that he was a very strong and caring person, like an elder brother, and it was hard to describe when getting along, probably like the feeling of being covered over his head and needing to look up to.But in the eyes of Lin's father and Lin's mother, he is just a middle school student who is silent, forbearing, self-improving but also inferior.

Mother Lin didn't care about this before, because it was normal. As a child of his father-in-law's comrade-in-arms who only stayed at home for a few years, his over-sensitivity is an advantage, and there is no need to correct it. Disappeared, but not now.

"Xiao Zhang," although Lin's mother was very kind and gentle when she spoke to him, she felt differently when she was facing Lin Jinyu. That kind of gentleness hides [-]% of her rationality: "Among the many conditions, The most insignificant thing to us is money, because Xiaoyu has no shortage."

Tsk tsk, so domineering, the senior brothers and sisters clicked their tongues in their hearts, thinking that the mother-in-law just wanted to say the most domineering words in the calmest tone.

Zhang Xinli didn't speak, and Lin's mother continued: "Some of Xiaoyu's previous behaviors may make you feel the difference. Please believe that his intention is not to show off."

"I know," Mama Lin's calm tone made Zhang Xinli feel that he might have made a mistake, and apologized for a moment: "I know exactly what kind of person he is. We will pay attention to this issue."

"Since you know that Xiaoyu doesn't mean that, how can you still pay attention to each other?" I thought this topic would end after a friendly exchange between the two parties, but Mama Lin continued to say in that gentle but firm tone: "Xiaoyu used to Some of your behaviors may have made you see the gap, and will continue to let you see it in the future. But I hope you can overcome some of your psychological emotions, because this is actually nothing, no one cares about this except yourself. "She smiled after finishing her serious words, and made a joke, saying: "I can only work hard on you. After all, Xiaoyu has already left the factory, and it is too late to change the manufacturer."

Lin Jinyu was almost amused by his mother. In fact, he wanted to talk to Zhang Xinli about this question when he first got together, but he didn't know how to say it. This kind of thing is not like a difference in living habits. It’s not good to make a sound, otherwise Zhang Xinli will feel that he doesn’t hurt his back when he is standing and talking. He has money, so he tells his partner lightly, “My family’s conditions are indeed better than yours. I’m used to spending money like this. Don’t think too much.” , somewhat made him feel uncomfortable.

These words are the best for the elders. There is no need for a heavy hammer to play the drum. Mother Lin stopped saying after a few clicks. She believes that Zhang Xinli is not stupid, he understands.

"Mom, I think you're like the leader. You came here for inspection," Lin Jinyu changed the topic: "Let's not talk about those headaches, let's go out with us for a walk with the dog, take a walk, and exercise."

"I'm not a leader inspecting me. I'm a maid." Lin's mother seemed to be blaming him, but there was no trace of blame on her face: "I just want to see if you want to add or buy something. It's a birthday... I contacted a veteran doctor in the hospital, and on your birthday, my mother took you out for dinner, and made an appointment to see it on the way."

"You are the leader." Zhang Xinli did not show any displeasure because of what she said just now, just as Mama Lin thought, he took the initiative to intervene after thinking for a while: "Come over to inspect me and express condolences to Jinyu... It's normal, I hope I have satisfied you."

Mother Lin smiled, and the two of them agreed: "Mothers have to pay more attention, Xiaoyu will go to your house in the future, it's not the same, I have to tell him to pretend to work hard, don't let your parents hate you. By the way, does your family know about you?"

"I..." Zhang Xinli said honestly, "My family doesn't know, but I have two younger siblings, and I've always been used to raising them, so there's nothing wrong with them."

"Well," said Lin's mother, "Xiao Zhang, Auntie believes that you are a responsible person, as long as you know what you are doing, don't make Xiaoyu feel sad."

Zhang Xinli only said four words: "Never."

The brothers and sisters, who are single, attended a mother-in-law and son-in-law confrontation class, and each secretly sighed in their hearts that they had seen the troubles of talking about marriage in advance, which was an eye-opener.The focus of their attention is obviously not on investigating Zhang Xinli, but on——

"Lin Jinyu, when is your birthday?" They said, "We don't know, why don't you say anything, our guide is approachable, and even if we know that the students celebrate their birthdays, we will organize a teacher's dinner."

"I didn't dare to bother you about small things," Lin Jinyu said, "I didn't plan to make any tricks at first, just let it go."

"It's just a birthday," the senior sister said with a sense of loyalty: "Do you have any arrangements? If not, let's just have a dinner together, and the senior sister will give you a gift—it's a gift from the relationship between the teachers, haha."

"Actually, our original plan was to have dinner with friends." Zhang Xinli suddenly thought of something and asked, "Are you coming?"

Lin Jinyu is not the kind of introverted person. He is not stage fright, and he also likes to be lively. He doesn't mind his friends from different circles hanging out together. Lin Ye doesn't know if he is free. If there is only Xu Zhao, the three of them are too few and a bit deserted , In this way, there will be two more people on the dinner party list, at least there will be an atmosphere of celebrating his birthday together - Zhang Xinli hopes that he will be happy.

And, maybe he can relate to more...

"Come on," said the senior brother and senior sister, "Is there any reason not to come, but let's make it clear first that no gift money threshold is allowed, and those who are lower are not allowed to enter, hahaha."

Everyone laughed, and even opened their mouths one by one. Mother Lin said: "Aren't you going to go for a walk? Go, don't let me disturb you, it's getting late, I should go too."

The brothers and sisters also got up to say goodbye, Zhang Xinli went to the door to see them off, Lin Jinyu said to his mother: "Mom, what are you talking about, you go for a walk with us, we will send you home by the way, look how nice and bright the sun is outside. I don’t want to expose people, let’s walk for a while, we haven’t taken a walk together for a long time.”

In summer, the sun always sets very late. Now that the sun is setting, the road is full of people strolling leisurely with their families, lovers, cats and dogs after dinner. It is indeed a good time.

Mother Lin glanced at each one, feeling a little scared. Zhang Xinli buckled the leash and said, "It's okay, I'll take the lead, you two go together."

"Thank you Xiao Zhang," Mother Lin joked, "You are much more considerate than Xiao Yu."

A meal can already reflect a person's self-cultivation and personality to a large extent. As a mother, Lin's mother has actually been observing Zhang Xinli from the first second she entered the door.

It's been five years since I last saw him. The taciturn boy in her memory has become a real man. Compared with the past, Zhang Xinli seems to have changed a bit. up.

He doesn't eat elegantly, but he's not rude either. He doesn't talk much. He won't talk about international affairs at the dinner table like some flamboyant boys, showing how wise and powerful he is, but he will pay attention to Lin Jinyu and his elders from time to time. After eating Fanhui took the initiative to clean up the bone fragments - although Lin's mother didn't know that it was Lin Jinyu's influence.

In general... he performed well, Lin's mother thought to herself: After all, it is my son, in all fairness, his vision is not bad.

"What are you thinking, mom, you're all in a trance," Zhang Xinli had already changed shoes one by one, Lin Jinyu interrupted her tranced mother, and took her hand to the door like she did when she was 15 years old: "Go, I'll take you Walk around and buy you delicious food and drink." He joked, "... I reward you for being willing to eat with us today."

"It doesn't matter whether it's big or small, and it's rewarded." Mama Lin said happily, "It's a big tone, because the current money is earned by myself, the wings are hard, right?"

Lin Jinyu just smiled and didn't speak.

Although the words were very indecent, he thanked his mother from the bottom of his heart for being willing to sit down and listen to them, to change himself for him, to accept what he could not accept.

In many cases, all a child wants is for his parents to listen carefully to what he has to say once.

Yi Yi was excited when he heard the word "go out", and he was eager to try it with his tongue, but when the leash was in Zhang Xinli's hands, he didn't dare to be too pretentious, so he kept looking back at Lin Jinyu frequently, with eyes full of words "Come on, Waiting to go out and play."

When they went downstairs, the golden-red sunlight shined on the faces of the three people through the wool-like snow-white clouds in the sky. The water in the pool in the community sparkled in the breeze, as if hiding a golden carp. Run under the shadow of the tree, have fun and release the vitality of life.

Lin Jinyu, Zhang Xinli, Mama Lin, and one by one, the shadows of the three of them and one dog were dragged very long by the slanting sunset.They walked forward side by side, like a family of four tall and short.