2718 In your heart, she is
“Your aunt?” Gu Xin was stunned for a moment before she confirmed that she had never seen anyone from fatty w.a.n.g’s uncle’s family. Furthermore, Madam w.a.n.g’s family had not arrived yet.
....
“Yes, I am. To be exact, she’s my aunt. When I was young, I would often go to my maternal grandfather’s house. Later on, my maternal grandfather and grandmother pa.s.sed away one after another. At that time, my father changed places for three years, and I never went there again. When we arrived in Tongzhou, my aunt also pa.s.sed away from illness. Every year at this time, my uncles would bring my unmarried cousins to Tongzhou province to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday. In my memory, first aunt was probably in her twenties. At first, I didn’t have the time to think so much. That day, when the silly girl rushed over to protect Zhang Huzi, I raised my hand and pushed her away. I turned to look at her and realized that she really looked like my aunt.” Fatty w.a.n.g said.
“Then, does your uncle and aunt have any missing children?” Gu Xin felt that it was too magical and asked.
“There was one many years ago. She’s older than me, so I should call her cousin. I remember that it was when I was twelve years old. My eldest uncle’s cousin had just reached the age of marriageable age. After the marriageable age, she was ready to get married. Less than two months after the marriageable age, my cousin disappeared into thin air. When my mother got the news, she asked my father to keep an eye on her in case the kidnappers brought her here. At that time, my father was an official in Yi Province. My big aunt pa.s.sed away two years after my cousin’s disappearance. Although she said that she was sick, everyone knew that it was because she missed her cousin and was depressed. Eldest aunt only gave birth to cousin sister and no other children.” Fatty w.a.n.g said.
“If that’s the case, then this silly girl’s age really matches your cousin’s! You were 12 years old 10 years ago, right?” Gu Xin calculated the time.
“Yes, I am. I thought about it last night, and it was indeed so. But, if I can see that cousin is very similar to first aunt, it’s impossible for my mother not to see it! Before my mother got married, eldest aunt had already married eldest uncle. Even though my mother didn’t come home often because my father took up a post outside, she would still meet her family every year. So, I can’t be sure.” Fatty w.a.n.g said.
“Perhaps my mother’s memory of first aunt is not deep. But every time I go to my maternal grandfather’s house, I like to stick to my cousin and follow her to eat good food at first aunt’s place. I like to eat all kinds of delicious food. First aunt is gentle and skillful, so I like to eat with her and her mother. My mother doesn’t have time to spend with them every year like I do.” Fatty w.a.n.g continued.
“It sounds like you think silly girl is your cousin. In your heart, she already is, right?” Gu Xin asked.
Fatty w.a.n.g was silent for a while, then nodded his head.
“Actually, I feel that it’s not easy for my uncle and aunt. His first uncle was the eldest son’s grandson, so he had to inherit most of the family’s businesses. In terms of choosing a wife, he actually couldn’t make the decision. Maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother didn’t like first aunt, but in the end, first uncle still married her home. He also married the daughter of another family that maternal grandfather and maternal grandmother valued, which was my other first aunt. Eldest aunt did not fight for it. After giving birth to a daughter, she also had another child, but she was unable to keep it. However, the other eldest aunt gave birth to three sons in a row.”