There are many children who are unwilling for their parents to form new families. In their hearts, only their biological parents are good enough, and they often resist stepfathers and stepmothers.
Xiao Yun is fourteen this year, turning fifteen next year. The young girl started middle school, and years ago she experienced her parentsā divorce, which was quite a blow to her. Naturally, this made her actions and thoughts much more mature than her peers.
Upon hearing Cheng Suās words, she said, "Whether I agree or not doesnāt really matter; whatās important is whether my mom agrees."
"Oh?"
"My dad already had a son, and he remarried long ago. My momās been taking care of Xiao Bao and me for years without finding us a stepfather, truly worried that we would be at a disadvantage, and I understand that. Originally, I thought it was quite nice, even wishing she would never remarry and that Xiao Bao and I would take care of her in her old age. But as I grew older, I saw her sometimes sitting alone at night, without anyone to talk to, and I felt she was quite lonely. I thought, when Xiao Bao and I grow up and start working, each with our own family, what will she do? I thought it would be good if she found someone else to be with. Now thereās this attentive uncle, so be it, let her marry. If the sky wants to rain or a woman wants to get married, who can stop it?" Xiao Yun said with an air of adult-like wisdom.
Cheng Su chuckled and said, "You even know this saying?"
"I do read, you know," Xiao Yun replied. "Iām actually okay with it; after all, Iām grown up. If I donāt get along with the stepfather, at worst, Iāll just go to boarding school later. Iām just worried Xiao Bao might be upset. Heās still young, and heāll have a long time living with them!"
Cheng Su laughed and said, "So, what do you think? Is Uncle Chu good to you?"
"Heās alright!" Xiao Yun shrugged and said, "But they arenāt married yet, are they? To know whether a person is truly good, you have to see over time. Before marriage, everything seems great because theyāre not together yet. But after marriage, after a long time, youāll know if itās good or not."
Cheng Su clicked her tongue, thinking, where did this child learn to be so mature?
"As long as heās good to my mom, then thatās all that matters. For us two kids, as long as things go smoothly on the surface, thatās enough. After all, weāre not his own children, why should he treat us as if we were?" Xiao Yun added, "As long as heās good to my mom all her life, then Xiao Bao and I will definitely respect him in the future."
Cheng Su smiled, "When did your heart become so broad? What about your dadās side?"
Xiao Yun sneered, "I canāt count on my dadās side. His current woman is very fierce. My grandma is completely under her control, not daring to make a sound. My half-brother, if I touch him, she screams as if I would harm him, itās really laughable. She doesnāt like to see me, and I donāt like to see her either. If it werenāt for feeling sorry for my dad, I wouldnāt go back there."
Cheng Su raised an eyebrow, "Parents have their own choices; donāt hold grudges, theyāre still your parents."
Xiao Yun nodded and sighed, "Since itās like this, they might as well live their own lives well."
No matter how strong the young girl appeared, Cheng Su could still sense the loneliness in her words, so she patted her shoulder and said, "Letās not talk about it anymore. Kids shouldnāt get involved in adult matters. Just focus on your studies. Go help me set the table so we can eat!"
Xiao Yun smiled and agreed, picking up a cloth to wipe the table.
Cheng Su shook her head, unsure whether to sigh or praise the girlās maturity. It was reality that forced her to grow up. If the family were happy, why would a child understand such profound reasoning at a young age, almost as if sheād seen through the world?