Stealing Your Heart

Abruptly, Qin Ya heard the door to the house opening. Next, she heard the maid and Grandma Su’s voices, as the two entered the house while discussing something. From the joyful tone, she could tell that the old woman was in high spirits.

Since this was a private matter between her and Su Zhan, she did not want to let the older woman know of her problems. With her advanced age, she would probably be unable to accept this.

She was not doing this for Su Zhan, but rather, for the old woman, who had always been very kind to her.

Pulling her room door open, she saw the maid providing Grandma Su some assistance, in removing her jacket.

“Oh, you’re home?” The old woman was visibly surprised to see Qin Ya. Soon after, a wide smile crossed her face. “Come, come, take a seat! I have good news!”

Obediently, Qin Ya took a seat on the couch. The old woman immediately clasped her hand in both of hers.

“What has gotten you so happy, Grandma?” The younger woman tried her best, to hide her despondent emotions, not wanting to reveal anything before the elder.

While they had not been around each other for long, the older woman’s kindness and friendliness had touched her deeply.

No matter what had happened between her and Su Zhan, she did not wish to hurt the old woman.

“I met this fortuneteller today. He said that my fortune is smiling down upon me and that something very good will happen!” Many old people were deeply superstitious and believed in the art of fortunetelling.

Qin Ya twitched her lips into a small smile and questioned, “You believe him?”

In response, the old woman’s eyes widened earnestly. “I didn’t even tell him that I had a grandson, yet, he instantly knew just from looking at my face! He told me that I had a grandson who’d recently got married and that I should expect to have a great-grandchild next year! How could I not believe him?”

Beside them, the maid added, “Old Madam Su was so ecstatic she immediately gave him a huge red packet!”

The smile on Qin Ya’s face faltered.

The old woman tightened her hold on Qin Ya’s hand and leaned over. “Ya, whether I get a great-grandchild is up to you now.”

Her gaze slowly drifted to Qin Ya’s abdomen. “Who knows? Maybe it’s already living inside there.”

could not find it in herself to laugh, or say anything, that would make the old woman happy. Once Su Zhan returned

Ya got up and suggested, “Let me make some

the first and last time that I’ll personally cook for

elderly woman tugged on her hand, insisting that she need not do such a thing. “Where’s Su Zhan? Is he still busy with work? New Year is coming so he should be

busy,” Qin Ya managed to reply

be itching for a good spanking! How could he place work before spending time with his family? Just you wait; I’ll give him a beating when he comes back!” If he doesn’t come home, how am I supposed to have a great-grandchild? It takes two to create a child,

the night approached. Still, there was no

Grandma Su’s protests, as she

not have possessed amazing cooking skills, but it was the

the guidance of the maid, she was able to whip up several meals, of the old woman’s

made radish stew with pork ribs,

her hands

still delighted, over what she had heard

with Qin Ya at all. Instead, she was soon distracted by

she was praising her

that only left Qin Ya and Grandma Su at the table. Despite her lack of appetite, Qin Ya forced herself to eat. She did not want the other woman to realize that something was amiss.

been old, but her teeth were still working just fine. As long as the food was not too hard, she could still

for Qin Ya, stating, “White radishes in winter and ginger in summer. There’s

Ya nodded in appreciation as she finished the bowl

were done, she helped the maid clean up the kitchen before

the older woman was already growing tired

room. “Why don’t you have a seat while I get you a basin of hot water? You’ll sleep better if you soak

leaving this house after today, so this was the last act of filial piety she would

she tested the water temperature with her hand. Only after she was satisfied that it was not too hot did she emerge with a small towel. Setting the basin down, she carefully moved the

down at Qin Ya, reaching out a hand to stroke her head.

ducked her head to hide the tears that were spilling down her face, the salty liquid dripping

was fortunate to have met you, Grandma. No matter what happens in the future, you’ll always

she replied, “What

gently removed the elder’s feet and dried them. Then, she helped the other to woman lay