Family Ties

The early afternoon sun hung high in the sky as Xiao Ning walked through the bustling streets, his mind distracted by thoughts of his next mission. The day had been uneventful at the software house, routine coding, a few meetings, and the usual office chatter. But now, his thoughts were occupied by more pressing matters. That night, he would once again take on the mantle of Night Owl, and with each passing day, the missions were becoming more dangerous.

But today wasn’t just about his secret life. Today, there was something else that brought a different kind of pressure.

He sighed as he walked, recalling the conversation he’d had with his grandfather that morning.

Flashback

Xiao Ning sat across from his grandfather, a wise and stern man who had seen much in his lifetime. His grandfather had been a general in his prime, a man of discipline and unwavering principles. Now in his later years, he still carried the same authority in his voice.

Ning'er, his grandfather had said, using the affectionate nickname from Xiao Ning’s childhood. "I understand your work is important, and I know you have your responsibilities. But your engagement to Bing Rong cannot be ignored. It's been nearly a year, and the two of you hardly spend any time together. How can you expect to build a life if you don’t understand each other?"

Xiao Ning had lowered his gaze, not wanting to argue. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to spend time with Bing Rong,  he truly cared for her but his double life left little room for personal relationships.

“I know, Grandfather,” he had replied. “But our schedules are... complicated. She’s busy with her work, and I...”

His grandfather had given him a pointed look. “You are making excuses, Ning'er. Your grandmother and I have spoken with Bing Rong’s grandparents. They agree. You both need to meet more often, even if it’s just for a meal or a walk. Twice a month at the very least. You cannot build a marriage on distance.”

His grandfather’s words had stung, not because they were harsh, but because they were true. Xiao Ning had no choice but to nod in agreement. His grandfather’s approval meant everything to him, and he knew that he owed it to his family and to Bing Rong, to make more of an effort.

Present

Xiao Ning’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing in his pocket. He pulled it out to see a message from his grandmother:

Dinner tomorrow at the old teahouse. 7 PM. Bing Rong will be there. No excuses this time, Ning'er.

He couldn’t help but smile faintly. His grandmother had always been gentle, but when it came to family matters, she was as determined as his grandfather. He typed a quick reply, agreeing to the dinner, though part of him already felt the weight of the obligation. Another meeting with Bing Rong—another attempt to bridge the gap between them.

Across town, Bing Rong was having a very similar conversation with her own grandparents.

Her grandmother, an elegant woman who had once been a celebrated dancer, sat beside her on the porch of their family home. Her grandfather, a retired police commander, stood nearby, watching the birds in the garden.

Rong’er, her grandmother said softly, “your grandfather and I worry about you and Xiao Ning. You two are engaged, but you don’t see each other nearly enough. How can you expect to build a future together if you’re both always so busy?”

Bing Rong sighed, leaning back against the porch rail. “It’s not that simple, Grandma. My work is intense. And Xiao Ning... he’s not exactly what I imagined.”

Her grandmother raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Bing hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “He’s a good man. Kind, hardworking. But I feel like we’re from different worlds. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to be in my position. I need someone who... who can challenge me. Someone who can stand beside me as an equal in every way.”

Her grandfather turned around at that, his expression stern but caring. “Do not underestimate Xiao Ning, Rong’er. Just because he leads a quieter life doesn’t mean he is lacking in strength or wisdom. The two of you need to spend more time together to understand one another. Love doesn’t always begin with fireworks, but it can grow stronger over time.”

Bing Rong frowned but didn’t argue. She respected her grandfather’s words—he was a man of great insight, and she knew he only wanted the best for her. “Maybe you’re right,” she admitted softly.

Her grandmother smiled. “In fact, we’ve already spoken with Xiao Ning’s grandparents. They agree that the two of you need to make more time for each other. There’s a family dinner tomorrow evening at the old teahouse. You’ll go, won’t you?”

Bing Rong hesitated for a moment but then nodded. “I’ll be there.”

The Next Evening

The old teahouse was a quiet, traditional spot nestled in a peaceful corner of the city, surrounded by lush gardens and flowing streams. It had been a favorite of both Xiao Ning’s and Bing Rong’s families for generations, a place where important family gatherings were often held.

Xiao Ning arrived first, dressed simply but neatly, as always. He sat at the table reserved for them, his eyes scanning the peaceful surroundings. The teahouse had always been a place of serenity for him, but tonight, there was an underlying tension. He hadn’t seen Bing Rong in weeks, and he wondered how the evening would unfold.

Just as he was lost in thought, the door opened, and Bing Rong stepped in. She looked as composed as ever, her sharp eyes quickly finding him. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Xiao Ning offered her a polite smile.

“Bing Rong,” he greeted as she approached the table.

“Xiao Ning,” she replied, sitting across from him. There was a slight awkwardness between them, as always. Despite being engaged for nearly a year, they still felt like strangers in many ways.

The tea was brought to the table, and they began with small talk—polite questions about work, family, and the weather. But beneath the surface, there was a tension neither could quite name. They were both holding back, each hiding their true thoughts.

After a moment of silence, Bing Rong spoke first. “My grandparents told me we should meet more often. To get to know each other better.”

Xiao Ning nodded, pouring tea into her cup. “Mine said the same. I think they’re right.”

She raised an eyebrow, surprised by his agreement. “You do?”

Xiao Ning hesitated for a split second before speaking again. “We may come from different worlds, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to bridge the gap. We owe it to ourselves to make this work. And to our families.”

Bing Rong was silent for a moment, studying him carefully. He was always so calm, so composed. She had often wondered if there was more to him beneath that quiet exterior, but she had never pressed him for more. Maybe it was time to try.

“Perhaps you’re right,” she said softly. “Maybe we just haven’t given it enough of a chance.”

For the first time in a long while, there was a flicker of understanding between them, a small step forward in a relationship that had been marked by distance and doubt. Neither of them knew where this would lead, but tonight, they were willing to try.

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