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

the old woman for her kindness, Qin Ya got up and suggested, “Let me

first and last time that I’ll personally cook for

her hand, insisting that she need not do such a thing. “Where’s Su Zhan? Is he still busy with work?

that he’s still busy,” Qin Ya

could he place work before spending time with his family? Just you wait; I’ll give him a beating when he comes

skies slowly darkened, as the night approached.

ignored Grandma Su’s protests, as she

cooking skills, but

to whip

radish stew with pork ribs, crispy-skinned tofu, garlic stir-fried shrimps

she washed her hands and called Grandma Su for

the old woman was still delighted, over what she had

was soon distracted by the fact that

praising her grandson’s choice

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. “I had heard that these

woman happily took a piece of crispy-skinned tofu. She may have been old, but

some too!” The elderly woman ladled a bowl of stew for Qin Ya, stating, “White radishes in winter and ginger in

in appreciation as she finished the

she helped the maid clean up the kitchen before heading to the living room to watch television with Grandma

ten o’clock, the older woman was already growing tired

a basin of hot water? You’ll sleep better if you soak your feet for

was the last act of filial piety she would do for the woman whom she

with her hand. Only after she was satisfied that it was not too hot did she emerge

it were too cold anyway.” Grandma Su looked down at Qin Ya, reaching out

to hide the tears that were spilling down her face, the salty liquid dripping into the basin

was fortunate to have met you, Grandma. No matter what happens

woman misheard her words. Chuckling, she replied, “What nonsense are you speaking of? You’ve married Su Zhan, so of

Then, she