Little Purple Bauhinia

Author: Yishu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: After ten years of studying, Ziying successfully completed her education and returned to Hong Kong. Her uncle was a prominent figure in Hong Kong's political circles, and as a result, Ziying received many privileges. However, the elegant and refined young woman grew tired of the hypocritical social engagements. Fortunately, she sparked a romantic flame with Guo Yinman, another architect, who shared her values. After ten years of studying, Ziying successfully completed her education and returned to Hong Kong. Her uncle was a prominent figure in Hong Kong's political circles, and as a result, Ziying received many privileges. However, the elegant and refined young woman grew tired of the hypocritical social engagements. Fortunately, she sparked a romantic flame with Guo Yinman, another architect, who shared her values. The recognition of their aunt-nephew relationship far exceeded her research in architecture and unique design concepts. There were always people who sought to gain favor by associating with power, and Ziying couldn’t stand it. Her relationship with Yinman also grew increasingly tense. Wasn’t she their fellow traveler? Ziying often heard her mother say that their family, the Chengs, had two treasures—not her or her brother Zihan, but a set of exquisite ivory mahjong tiles. They were lightweight, convenient, and smooth to handle. Her mother used them almost every day. The second treasure was the cook, Ah E, a maid trained by her grandmother, who was an excellent cook, especially skilled in Shanghai snacks: pan-fried pork buns, stir-fried rice cakes with shredded meat, and chive dumplings. Her cooking standards were top-notch, and her mahjong partners always praised her. These two treasures were quite famous, so the Cheng family’s mahjong room was always full of guests playing mahjong. In other words, Mrs. Cheng, Ms. Wang Shijian, never lacked companionship. One day, Ziying sighed and said, “They’re just friends who drink and eat.” Mrs. Cheng didn’t get angry and replied with a smile, “Of course, without food and drink, how can there be friends?” Thinking so openly was actually a good thing. Ziying had another question: “They’re treasures, so what about me and Zihan?” Mrs. Cheng suddenly became serious: “Ziying and Zihan are my heart and soul. Without them, how can I live?” Ziying believed this was true and no longer envied Ah E or the mahjong tiles.
When Ziying was 12, something big happened in the Cheng family. Thinking back now, she truly admired her mother—she didn’t argue, didn’t cry, didn’t pretend not to know, and calmly laid everything out. She called Ziying and Zihan over and sat them down, then told her husband, “Cheng Baitang, let’s preserve some dignity. We should break up.” Though young, Ziying knew this meant her parents were getting divorced and couldn’t help but cry. She rarely saw her busy father, and she worried about seeing him even less in the future. Zihan, however, remained silent. Ziying clearly remembered her father’s stunned reaction: “I didn’t say we were getting divorced.” “So I’m the one who’s doing it. The papers are already prepared at Lin’s law office, and you can sign them anytime. Your clothes have already been packed, and a driver will take them to you.” Cheng Baitang was stunned. “Ziying will go to London for boarding school next year, and Zihan will go to the University of the Philippines in Los Banos.” Her mother sighed in relief, “Do you have any problems?” And just like that, the family was dissolved. Ziying knew her mother could be so composed because she had a strong backing. Ms. Wang had a rich dowry and lived in a small, independent villa under her name. Her family had businesses in several major cities in the West, and whether Cheng Baitang was talented or incompetent, it had no bearing on her social life. She had her old classmates, old friends, and her mahjong partners. When an aunt came to play mahjong, she asked, “Shijian, you’re really not hurt?” She smiled and didn’t answer. Someone else said, “Let’s eat dim sum. Look how tender these chicken buns are.” But finally, someone couldn’t hold back: “I heard it’s a Taiwanese girl.” “Why send Ziying and Zihan away?” “The children will study abroad sooner or later.” “But so early—”