Silent Testimony - Chapter 32

“I can’t just talk nonsense with you. My sister and them must have arrived. If I don’t go upstairs, I’ll get beaten.” Cheng Yingqiu put away her phone, pretended to flush the toilet, and pushed the door open. She immediately spotted a stunned Tao Ling by the sink.

She hadn’t intended to hide her orientation, but since she was caught, she decided to use the opportunity to come out, asking openly, “You heard something, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” Tao Ling was candid.

Cheng Yingqiu tried to gauge her reaction. “Are you surprised?”

“A little.” Tao Ling knew that same-sex love existed, but the environment she grew up in was completely different from Cheng Yingqiu’s; everyone around her was heterosexual, so her understanding of same-sex love was sparse.

“You’re not repulsed, right?”

Tao Ling shook her head. “No, not at all.”

Cheng Yingqiu curled her lips into a smile. “I knew it.” She washed her hands, wiped the water, and linked arms with Tao Ling as they walked out. “I’ll educate you on the topic when we get home.”

“Educate me?” Tao Ling was momentarily confused. She turned sideways, indicating to Cheng Yingqiu, “Yingqiu, I need to use the restroom first.”

Cheng Yingqiu smiled and released her arm. “Oh, why was I in such a rush? I’ll wait for you outside.”

“Okay.”

Cheng Yingqiu said she would wait but, in reality, stood outside the stall chatting with Tao Ling. “They’re eating on the second floor. I figured I could make a phone call in the restroom on the first floor without any interruption. Who knew you’d show up?”

“Aunt Qiong asked me to call you.”

“I see.” Cheng Yingqiu muttered, “Old Wu keeps nagging me for not going home on weekends. Doesn’t he realize he spends all his time pressuring me to find a partner? Who would want to go back?”

“My mom and dad are the same.”

“I think they’re just bored.”

Tao Ling came out of the stall, a smile blooming on her cheek, and chimed in, “I think so too.” She liked Cheng Yingqiu’s straightforward personality and found that whenever the other girl was around, laughter was inevitable. Moreover, they shared some similar views and could provide emotional support for each other, which was very relaxing.

“Alright, let’s eat first and talk later.”

The two went upstairs. After greetings between the elders and Tao Ling, everyone took their seats.

Li Hewei picked up a bottle of red wine and started pouring. Cheng Yingqiu looked surprised. “Sis, aren’t you allergic to alcohol?”

“Am I?” Li Hewei wasn’t a heavy drinker, but she had a distinct preference for red wine—specifically the Italian Constellation, which retailed for about 400 yuan a bottle and was a decent value.

Wu Yong poured wine for Li Yuqiong and chuckled, “Your sister forgets everything. Just remind her.”

“Why not try it? What if you’re desensitized? I couldn’t drink five years ago, but now I have at least a glass every day.” Wu Cong picked up the bottle Li Hewei had put down. “Here, Uncle will pour you one.”

Cheng Zhijiao nudged him. “Don’t mess around. Xiao Wei was sent to the hospital for an IV drip overnight when she secretly drank rice wine at age 10. Don’t you remember?”

“It’s fine. I’ll taste a glass.” Li Hewei was truly craving it. She held up the stemmed glass in front of her, and Wu Cong filled it for her.

Li Yuqiong let her be, thinking that a 30-year-old knew her limits.

Wu Yong nudged her with his elbow. “Yuqiong, you’re the head of the family. Start us off.”

Li Yuqiong raised her glass. “Alright, let’s first wish our birthday girl a happy birthday.”

“Happy Birthday!”

“Thank you.” Li Hewei loved a good gathering, but her recent birthday parties had only been with friends. She surveyed the faces before her, a mix of the unfamiliar and familiar, and the warm current that welled up in her heart spread throughout her body.

Li Yuqiong took care of Tao Ling. “Eat, eat, Xiao Tao. Help yourself, don’t be shy.” She quietly reminded Li Hewei, “You’re close to Xiao Tao. If you see something she might like, use the serving chopsticks to grab it for her.” People from Shu Province were hospitable, generous, and valued mealtime culture. Li Hewei had gradually gotten used to it but wouldn’t proactively serve others food.

“Okay.” She agreed, then turned to Tao Ling and said, “If you serve yourself, I won’t interfere. If you’re too embarrassed to do so, let me know.”

Tao Ling nodded. “Understood.”

After everyone had eaten a few bites and somewhat satisfied their hunger, they began to chat. Wu Cong, in particular, was talkative. “Cheng Yingqiu, don’t think I won’t say anything just because it’s your sister’s birthday. When was the last time you went home?”

“Ten days ago?”

Li Yuqiong interjected, “That’s not long, then. Xiao Wei hasn’t been home for about ten days either.”

“She’s busy with work and can’t get away. What about Cheng Yingqiu? I hear she gets off work on time every day.”

Cheng Yingqiu, who had a fiery temper, never took slights quietly. “Who told you that? I was still working overtime for an interview this morning.”

Wu Cong: “Xiao Zhu from your neighborhood. He also works at your company.”

Cheng Yingqiu went on the offensive. “Which department is the ‘Xiao Zhu’ you’re talking about in? If he’s so bored, I’ll talk to the leader and assign him some tasks.”

Cheng Zhijiao picked up a piece of boiled beef, Cheng Yingqiu’s favorite, for her. “You are just too sharp-tongued and can’t stand to lose even a little bit.”

Cheng Yingqiu snorted, “Of course. Everyone says I take after Aunt Qiong.”

“Xiao Qiu, your Aunt Qiong still falls a little short compared to you.” Wu Yong smiled warmly. “Hey, how about I introduce you to someone?”

Cheng Yingqiu waved her hand. “No, thanks. I’m still young.”

“Young? You’ll be 25 next year. Your mother was almost four when she was your age.”

“Second Uncle, times are different.” Li Hewei raised her glass, trying to rescue Cheng Yingqiu. “It’s my birthday. Can we not talk about this?” She took a small sip of red wine.

Wu Cong drank half his glass. “It doesn’t hurt to talk about it.”

Wu Yong agreed. “That’s right. The boy I’m introducing works at the tax bureau, his parents are both civil servants, and he’s good-looking, two years older than Xiao Qiu. Just treat him as a regular friend. Add him on WeChat and chat for a couple of days. Maybe meet up if there’s a chance later?”

Cheng Yingqiu flatly refused. “No, I won’t go. No blind dates.”

Wu Cong became angry. “You’re deliberately trying to upset me!”

Wu Yong, after two glasses of baijiu, lashed out, “Xiao Qiu, find a partner sooner rather than later. Don’t end up like your sister, who ultimately found someone beneath her social standing.”

“Hey!” Li Yuqiong frowned and slapped Wu Yong’s shoulder.

“I’m not wrong, am I? Tao Yang has only a high school education, and his parents can’t offer any help.”

Li Hewei’s marriage had Li Yuqiong’s blessing; she was an advocate for free love and wasn’t going to humor him. “Wu Yong, what did you have back then? You had no parents, came to Puchen to work alone, and even brought a little brother who knew nothing.”

Wu Yong hadn’t expected her to humiliate him openly. His tone softened. “I… I’m different.”

“How are you different? Tao Yang at least has his parents backing him up. They promised to pay for the house renovation; it’s just unfortunate that an accident happened.”

Wu Yong finally sensed Li Yuqiong’s anger and changed the subject. “Oh, I discussed it with Xiao Wei, suggesting that Tao Yang come back to learn a skill or help out at the restaurant, but she wouldn’t agree, saying she didn’t want to rely on the family for a job.”

Li Hewei, who knew the full story, secretly grumbled that the original owner probably wanted Tao Yang to stay abroad forever.

“If you’re drunk, go home and rest. Don’t shout nonsense here.” Li Yuqiong, ever thoughtful, walked behind Tao Ling and offered repeated apologies. “Xiao Tao, he’s talking nonsense because of the alcohol. Just let it go in one ear and out the other.”

“Aunt Qiong, Uncle Wu is right. My brother isn’t good enough for Sister Wei.” Two years ago, when Tao Yang informed Tao Ling of the good news, she immediately questioned whether he was lying, so Tao Yang specifically sent her screenshots to prove it. Still, hearing the Li family’s true opinion firsthand made her feel somewhat embarrassed.

“Oh, what’s this about not being good enough? Xiao Wei likes Tao Yang, so he must have some outstanding qualities.”

Li Hewei didn’t want to listen to more family drama and steered the conversation elsewhere. “Mom, aren’t we having cake?”

“Oh, yes, the cake.” She walked back to her seat and pinched Wu Yong’s arm. “Wake up.”

Wu Yong was half-drunk and had forgotten that Tao Ling was present. Now, realizing the reason for his wife’s anger, and afraid of being scolded at home, he played dumb. “What? Is it time to leave?”

Li Yuqiong snapped, “Leave? I told you to drink less. You always mess things up when you drink.”

After they finished the cake, Li Hewei claimed she had work in the afternoon. Cheng Yingqiu also stated she had to go home to edit the interview video and followed them into the car.

“My goodness, finally out of the misery.” Cheng Yingqiu patted her chest.

“You’re being too dramatic.” Li Hewei scanned the code to pay the parking fee.

“I’m not being dramatic. Ever since Tao Ling moved in, we’ve been able to improve our meals on the weekends ourselves, so I’m unwilling to go back.”

“They don’t nag every time.”

Cheng Yingqiu stretched, leaning on the headrest. “That’s because you’re already married. They don’t nag you.” She turned to look at the silent Tao Ling beside her, her eyes crinkling into a smile. “Come on, Sister Tao Ling, let’s continue our topic.”

Li Hewei asked casually, “What topic?”

Cheng Yingqiu didn’t hesitate. “The topic of same-sex love, of course.”

Tao Ling looked at her in disbelief. Cheng Yingqiu immediately explained, “Oh, my sister knows. It’s fine.”

Li Hewei confirmed her stance. “Yes, I know.”

“I truly like girls, and I’m particularly drawn to older sisters. Well, within a 10-year age difference, as long as they don’t think I’m too young.”

Li Hewei was puzzled. “Why are you talking about who you like?”

“I’m just educating her, giving an example.” Cheng Yingqiu narrowed her eyes and mused, “Older sisters are gentle and thoughtful, knowledgeable, and always there to guide you when you’re confused.”

“That’s just your beautiful imagination. Some older people are immature. Forget about guiding you; they can’t even handle their own current problems.” Li Hewei knew a fellow community worker, 33 years old, who had fallen out with her family over her orientation. Later, she couldn’t withstand the pressure, lacked resolve, and went on a blind date behind her girlfriend’s back, ultimately pleasing neither side.

“Sis, don’t interrupt!” Cheng Yingqiu whined. “You’re a straight woman, so of course you don’t understand the good things about older sisters.”

…

Li Hewei didn’t want the other girl to label her as straight in front of Tao Ling and countered, “Cheng Yingqiu, I said this morning that orientation can be fluid.”

“It’s not up to you to decide if it’s fluid or not, unless you agree to meet Chen Man.”

“Chen Man?”

“Ah, the one I told you about who likes straight women. But she said we have to wait until you’re divorced before talking about anything else.”

“Why does it have to be Chen Man?”

“Oh, well, who do you want it to be?” Cheng Yingqiu suddenly realized. “Hey, didn’t you say you noticed who you liked? Is she a woman?”

Li Hewei looked in the rearview mirror, seriously tempted to tape Cheng Yingqiu’s mouth shut. She lied, “I was just talking nonsense.”

“Huh? You actually lied to me.”

Li Hewei chided, “What else could I do? You blab everything out.”

“Sister Tao Ling isn’t an outsider.” Cheng Yingqiu was displeased that Li Hewei was brushing her off and muttered, “I’m ignoring her. Let’s keep chatting.”

Outsider…

The remark stirred a thousand ripples. Tao Ling stared at the back of Li Hewei’s head, her eyes deep and thoughtful.