Hello everyone. Ni Hao Ma... Currently I am annoyed and irritated. Pardon my long prelude but do try to read it and give me your genuine advice.
2016 has started with a bang for me. Well, because of a hair color gone wrong, incorrigibly wrong I had to get my waist long tresses snipped. The reason behind the hair color gone bad was very simple: My whimsical personality. Otherwise who told me to experiment with a never-seen-before color; some shade of purple. lighter than an eggplant but darker than the purple lilies. anyways long story short even though i was forced to have this new look, asymmetrical bob hair-cut, i was still happy with it.
But the real bomb exploded when I reached home because what I thought would surprise my husband, actually shocked him. His first reaction was the usual, a long silence followed by 'its good' But who am I, a person who loves to put foot in her mouth. I pestered him to give his honest opinion and BOOM.
I won't quote him word by word but the moral of his 5 minutes lecture (too long for him) was that a) I am reckless b) I am reckless z) I am reckless ..
And all in all I should have consulted him before doing something so outrageous (in his eyes)
SO, my dear readers we are currently going through a cold war. I am not talking since I completely support Women's rights. I mean come on, why does a girl need to seek permission before coloring or cutting her own hair. What does this world has come to. And He is not talking because clearly he knows that I can't sustain a single day without talking, unlike him. hence he is torturing me. Thousands of miles away from family and friends, troublesome time difference, Stuck in a city with language barrier I really have almost no other option than him. Thus he is enjoying this atrocity.
THE FINAL RESULT AT 1 A.M. I AM SITTING IN FRONT OF MY LAPTOP, RAMBLING AND PRATTLING. POURING MY HEART DOWN IN FRONT OF YOU ALL...SHOULD I BREAK THE ICE FIRST?
:(
I was about to open my mouth to say something when unexpectedly the ‘river’ of the tears started flowing out and I could not hold it in.
Jiang Li squatted down, looked at my face in disbelief: “Are you……crying?”
Oh crap, he did not see that, did he??
Jiang Li in a conciliatory tone said: “By the way do you know that you look more attractive while crying than laughing.”
I looked at his face that was in a very close proximity to my face, really wanted to punch his face hard.
Jiang Li got up to sit on the couch, pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over to me: “How can a thick-skinned person like you cry, did someone dare to bully you, eh?”
I took his handkerchief and silently wiped my tears. Yes, ah I was crying but who dared to bully me?
Nobody……Also, who said I had thick skin, huh……
Jiang Li leaned against the back of the couch and nonchalantly said: “You just got fired, right? It’s alright; there is no need to worry. I can still support you.”
I felt as if he was gloating over my misery, so I snapped: “Who needs your support!!!!”
Jiang Li said: “You got bullied outside, ran back home and then got angry at me. You just have all the signs of a person who needs support.”
I moved my worn out body, stood up to prepare dinner in order to divert Jiang Li’s attention.
Jiang Li: “What are you doing?”
Me: “Going to prepare dinner.”
Jiang Li suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the couch again.
This time I was really very angry: “What the hell are you doing?”
Jiang Li in a neither too fast nor too slow tone replied: “I am afraid with your present mind set you will burn up the whole kitchen.”
“Jiang Li!! Can’t you see I am in a bad mood, so for once can you not bully me and leave me alone?”
“I am not bullying you.” Jiang Li thought for a while, suddenly straightened up
and said: “Okay, I will cook and you observe.”
I thought I had heard wrong.
…….
Because Jiang Li’s cooking was a rare treat so I also cheered up a bit instantly and went to the kitchen together with him.
Jiang Li pointed to a corner in the kitchen and told me: “you stand here and don’t move an inch. Just silently observe from here.”
I sincerely followed his instructions.
Jiang Li took out all the vegetables from refrigerator, threw away the ones
which were no longer fresh and put the remaining one in a big bowl filled with
water. After that he started washing them expertly.
I was a bit puzzled: “You really look like a professional even though you don’t even know how to cook.”
Bowing his head while washing the vegetables, he said: “I only know how to wash vegetables. Earlier at my home I used to wash vegetables, my mother used to do the cooking and my father used to wash dishes.”
What a happy family, ah. I was feeling a tiny bit jealous of him. Jiang Li seemed to have guessed my thoughts so he suddenly raised his head and glanced at me, said: “But now my father is your father. I don’t consider you as an outsider.”
Although his words were nondescript but still my heart was a little moved by his small gesture. Sometimes this man, Jiang Li, really could tell people what they wanted to hear.
After washing the vegetables, Jiang Li put the carrots, spinach and other vegetables in a pile. He placed his left hand at his back and then brandishing a knife in his right hand he started to ‘cut’ those vegetables.
I was shocked at his action, after a long time I regained my spirit. Then, trembling I said: “Jiang Li, you are chopping the vegetables with one hand……..”
Jiang Li stopped, embarrassed he said: “I was afraid of cutting my hand…..”
It looked like that Jiang Li was truly a good kid who really cherished his life a lot. Watching Jiang Li cooking the dinner was already a rare sight, so even though he did not know how to cut the vegetables properly it was still acceptable for me. And now I also got to see his embarrassed face. I decided to appreciate this golden opportunity more and thus smirked at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li did not get angry, with a blushed face and short breath he continued to ‘cut’ those poor vegetables.
Looking at the pitiful condition of the variegated vegetables on the chopping board, two horrible words suddenly pooped up in my mind: mutilated bodies.
After cutting for a while, Jiang Li put away the knife, looked at me with great satisfaction and said: “Not bad, right?”
My heart shuddered but out of whatever conscience I had, replied: “Not bad.”
“So now what should be the next step?”
Staring at the heap of the wrecked vegetables I thought for a moment and finally resolved to answer: “Why don’t you fry it first!”
Jiang Li very swiftly turned on the gas stove, picked up a handful of the vegetables that he had just cut and threw them in a pot, then in a very convincing manner he started moving them with a spatula. His motion was very light and casual.
I could hardly contain myself any more, I quickly stepped forward and said: “Not like this, not like this. You have to wash the pot first, pour some oil in the pot and then add vegetables to it.”
Jiang Li turned off the gas stove. Turned towards me and pointed to the corner I was stationed at: “Stand back.”
My enthusiasm level immediately got reduced by half and I meekly went back to that corner. Then I got disenchanted. This house was both his and mine so why should I listen to him?
So I decided to use his own words to rebut him: “Jiang Li, I am afraid that you will burn up the kitchen.”
Jiang Li simply replied: “Don’t worry about it, we have you for that.”
What kind of answer was that!!!
“Jiang Li, take another pan and add the oil first.”
“Whoaaa, don’t pour too much oil.”
“You are really silly, eh. Wait for a minute and then add vegetables.”
“Okay, okay. Now add soya sauce and vinegar to it…..”
“Now fire!!!” Hugging my head I promptly squatted down, although I often sautéed vegetables but relatively the number of times it caught fire was countable on fingers, furthermore I was scared of fire.
Jiang Li hurriedly put the lid on the pot without panicking at all. He turned to find me cowering in the corner, proudly said: “I had mastered this move in the kindergarten only.”
Me: ……….
2016 has started with a bang for me. Well, because of a hair color gone wrong, incorrigibly wrong I had to get my waist long tresses snipped. The reason behind the hair color gone bad was very simple: My whimsical personality. Otherwise who told me to experiment with a never-seen-before color; some shade of purple. lighter than an eggplant but darker than the purple lilies. anyways long story short even though i was forced to have this new look, asymmetrical bob hair-cut, i was still happy with it.
But the real bomb exploded when I reached home because what I thought would surprise my husband, actually shocked him. His first reaction was the usual, a long silence followed by 'its good' But who am I, a person who loves to put foot in her mouth. I pestered him to give his honest opinion and BOOM.
I won't quote him word by word but the moral of his 5 minutes lecture (too long for him) was that a) I am reckless b) I am reckless z) I am reckless ..
And all in all I should have consulted him before doing something so outrageous (in his eyes)
SO, my dear readers we are currently going through a cold war. I am not talking since I completely support Women's rights. I mean come on, why does a girl need to seek permission before coloring or cutting her own hair. What does this world has come to. And He is not talking because clearly he knows that I can't sustain a single day without talking, unlike him. hence he is torturing me. Thousands of miles away from family and friends, troublesome time difference, Stuck in a city with language barrier I really have almost no other option than him. Thus he is enjoying this atrocity.
THE FINAL RESULT AT 1 A.M. I AM SITTING IN FRONT OF MY LAPTOP, RAMBLING AND PRATTLING. POURING MY HEART DOWN IN FRONT OF YOU ALL...SHOULD I BREAK THE ICE FIRST?
:(
Chapter 23.1
Jiang Li’s Cooking
I was about to open my mouth to say something when unexpectedly the ‘river’ of the tears started flowing out and I could not hold it in.
Jiang Li squatted down, looked at my face in disbelief: “Are you……crying?”
Oh crap, he did not see that, did he??
I looked at his face that was in a very close proximity to my face, really wanted to punch his face hard.
Jiang Li got up to sit on the couch, pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over to me: “How can a thick-skinned person like you cry, did someone dare to bully you, eh?”
I took his handkerchief and silently wiped my tears. Yes, ah I was crying but who dared to bully me?
Nobody……Also, who said I had thick skin, huh……
Jiang Li leaned against the back of the couch and nonchalantly said: “You just got fired, right? It’s alright; there is no need to worry. I can still support you.”
I felt as if he was gloating over my misery, so I snapped: “Who needs your support!!!!”
Jiang Li said: “You got bullied outside, ran back home and then got angry at me. You just have all the signs of a person who needs support.”
I moved my worn out body, stood up to prepare dinner in order to divert Jiang Li’s attention.
Jiang Li: “What are you doing?”
Me: “Going to prepare dinner.”
Jiang Li suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the couch again.
This time I was really very angry: “What the hell are you doing?”
Jiang Li in a neither too fast nor too slow tone replied: “I am afraid with your present mind set you will burn up the whole kitchen.”
“Jiang Li!! Can’t you see I am in a bad mood, so for once can you not bully me and leave me alone?”
“I am not bullying you.” Jiang Li thought for a while, suddenly straightened up
and said: “Okay, I will cook and you observe.”
I thought I had heard wrong.
…….
Because Jiang Li’s cooking was a rare treat so I also cheered up a bit instantly and went to the kitchen together with him.
Jiang Li pointed to a corner in the kitchen and told me: “you stand here and don’t move an inch. Just silently observe from here.”
I sincerely followed his instructions.
Jiang Li took out all the vegetables from refrigerator, threw away the ones
which were no longer fresh and put the remaining one in a big bowl filled with
water. After that he started washing them expertly.
I was a bit puzzled: “You really look like a professional even though you don’t even know how to cook.”
Bowing his head while washing the vegetables, he said: “I only know how to wash vegetables. Earlier at my home I used to wash vegetables, my mother used to do the cooking and my father used to wash dishes.”
What a happy family, ah. I was feeling a tiny bit jealous of him. Jiang Li seemed to have guessed my thoughts so he suddenly raised his head and glanced at me, said: “But now my father is your father. I don’t consider you as an outsider.”
Although his words were nondescript but still my heart was a little moved by his small gesture. Sometimes this man, Jiang Li, really could tell people what they wanted to hear.
After washing the vegetables, Jiang Li put the carrots, spinach and other vegetables in a pile. He placed his left hand at his back and then brandishing a knife in his right hand he started to ‘cut’ those vegetables.
I was shocked at his action, after a long time I regained my spirit. Then, trembling I said: “Jiang Li, you are chopping the vegetables with one hand……..”
Jiang Li stopped, embarrassed he said: “I was afraid of cutting my hand…..”
It looked like that Jiang Li was truly a good kid who really cherished his life a lot. Watching Jiang Li cooking the dinner was already a rare sight, so even though he did not know how to cut the vegetables properly it was still acceptable for me. And now I also got to see his embarrassed face. I decided to appreciate this golden opportunity more and thus smirked at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li did not get angry, with a blushed face and short breath he continued to ‘cut’ those poor vegetables.
Looking at the pitiful condition of the variegated vegetables on the chopping board, two horrible words suddenly pooped up in my mind: mutilated bodies.
After cutting for a while, Jiang Li put away the knife, looked at me with great satisfaction and said: “Not bad, right?”
My heart shuddered but out of whatever conscience I had, replied: “Not bad.”
“So now what should be the next step?”
Staring at the heap of the wrecked vegetables I thought for a moment and finally resolved to answer: “Why don’t you fry it first!”
Jiang Li very swiftly turned on the gas stove, picked up a handful of the vegetables that he had just cut and threw them in a pot, then in a very convincing manner he started moving them with a spatula. His motion was very light and casual.
I could hardly contain myself any more, I quickly stepped forward and said: “Not like this, not like this. You have to wash the pot first, pour some oil in the pot and then add vegetables to it.”
Jiang Li turned off the gas stove. Turned towards me and pointed to the corner I was stationed at: “Stand back.”
My enthusiasm level immediately got reduced by half and I meekly went back to that corner. Then I got disenchanted. This house was both his and mine so why should I listen to him?
So I decided to use his own words to rebut him: “Jiang Li, I am afraid that you will burn up the kitchen.”
Jiang Li simply replied: “Don’t worry about it, we have you for that.”
What kind of answer was that!!!
“Jiang Li, take another pan and add the oil first.”
“Whoaaa, don’t pour too much oil.”
“You are really silly, eh. Wait for a minute and then add vegetables.”
“Okay, okay. Now add soya sauce and vinegar to it…..”
“Now fire!!!” Hugging my head I promptly squatted down, although I often sautéed vegetables but relatively the number of times it caught fire was countable on fingers, furthermore I was scared of fire.
Jiang Li hurriedly put the lid on the pot without panicking at all. He turned to find me cowering in the corner, proudly said: “I had mastered this move in the kindergarten only.”
Me: ……….
My advise to you is to stop that cold war, it wont't solve anything, first calm down and them go talk with him about the matter. Remenber to keep calm and speak respectfully, hear with out interrupt (even if you think he is wrong) and maybe you could get an agreement. In marriages sometimes is need to concede in some matters and ask sorry, as well respect the other decision.
ReplyDeleteIf you could do that without a fight would be even easier to him understand you. Even if you need to ask sorry in the end, would be better than keep in a cold war that only leads to more hate and fights.
Besides that, thaks for the chapter ^^ I laugh a lot with the kitchen scene, I almost see myself in the kitchen with Jiang Li, he really knows how to make de MC better. Waiting for the next.
thanks a lot---!
ReplyDeleteerm, regarding that thing with your husband, i'm not sure...maybe calm yourself down, then talk to him? tell him tactfully that you didn't like what he did? though i feel he just wants to be involved with your decisions since he's your husband? yup, just talk nicely to him, i guess, and try to understand his point of view, and tell him yours.
the chapter was great! yay jiang li trying to cheer her up, ahaha! really hilarious and cute scene.
I think you talk to your husband first, it not mean you're weaker or looser hehe and maybe he just to shocked with your new experiment ^^
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updated
Thanks for the chapter! You are right, it is your hair. You r an adult, do not need his permission. But sorry, I can't give any advice. I always at the losing end of a Cold War because I can't stand the silence��������
ReplyDeleteJiang Li, that is not something to brag so proudly of.
ReplyDeletesorry to hear that you and your husband are going through a cold war but I think it would be best for you to break the ice.
it is your hair but imagine being in his shoes when he comes home with his hair shaved off or dyed or have a hideous haircut. it is about mutually respecting each other by giving your partner a chance to take part in your decision making.
Although I too don't have much experience, won't be good to harm your marital relationship over your hair.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDon't know what to say about breaking the ice. If it feels natural do it. Probably when about to go crazy you will think of something. Now you know better than to press for an honest response--something we always have to be ready for. Maybe your new look will grow on both of you and become something to laugh about later. In the meantime--as a reader I say, fill your lonely hours doing translation. Haha! His loss is our gain:)
ReplyDelete"His first reaction was the usual, a long silence followed by 'its good' But who am I, a person who loves to put foot in her mouth. I pestered him to give his honest opinion and BOOM."
ReplyDeleteUh, you did press him for an honest opinion. If he had not been pressed would he have said all those things? That said, I agree it's your hair and you can do whatever you wish. Your end hair style was an accident. Guess I should ask how long have you known each other and how long have you been married? Husbands can mellow out about those types of things with time.
Pratii dear. I am from old generation, with different culture and belief. Personally i like if my husband respect my decision. .. but normally i always tried to do things that he likes. Not because i dont have a bone..Its just that having a happy and satisfied husband will make me happy too....
ReplyDeletePratii, ni hao ma~
ReplyDeleteI think my advice has come too late. Such a procrastinator. Sorry~
I guess you're living with your own real-to-life Cnovel. Heehee~
Cold war is a matter of iron will. I would like to see who won. LOL. I'm so evil.
However I think this issue was blown out of proportion. Your husband might have not said the right words. I believe what he really meant is that he wishes to be a part of some of your "misadventures". Getting a new hairstyle is some kind of an "adventure", you dont really know if you'll come out looking like a hero or a war-torn walking dead. Hahahah.
It's more like he wants to be your "partner in crime" cause girl, that hair color must have looked pretty criminal. LOL.
Kidding aside, don't you think asking his opinion first would have been great? Because if it still ends up a failure, you can nag and blame him then force him to have the same haircolor. Hahaha. What fun would that be~ I'm sure you also want to be your husband's "partner in crime", the "Samwise" of his life. I mean, isn't that one of the greatest perks in marriage?
But of course, you have your own opinion, so if you really wanna do it, do it. At least you gave him a heads-up and I'm sure he'll put up with it. He did marry you and so are your quirks. Heehee~
Hope you and your husband have reconciled already. All the best in your marriage!
And thankies for the update!!!~
Thank you very much for the update..^^. They make a cute couple.Looking forward for next update...
ReplyDeleteAnd about your cold war with your husband, I suggest that after you calm down , it's better to break the ice. I think he really loves and cares about you so he did that. It's better for couple to forgive each other .
By this time, as I write my comment I hope you have already ended your Cold War with hubby. So my advise would be moot. Heh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this chapter. Jiang Li showing his unique style of comforting Xiao Yan.
Thanks for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteWow the female MC was having a bad day and you did too ��
ReplyDeleteBut it sounds like your husband cares a lot about how you look!
Like the way you look is really important to him and he cares. That is a good sign.
If he didn't care he wouldn't show his discontent.
I'm sure your hair has grown a lot by now. :)
Thank you for the lovely translation!
I know my reply is already a year and half late (lol), but just for future incidents (because little arguments do happen sometimes, its not a curse), keep calm. You can talk to him and try to settle things first. But before the matter gets old, tell him how his opinion made you feel bad. Probably in the future, he'll have a more open mind about your adventures (or misadventures 😆)...Also, frankly it will be better next time to sit down and talk about any decision you want to make, major or minor. That achieves two things as it helps you guys reach a decision or a compromise (preventing surprises like this) and also brings you guys even closer (cos the more you communicate, the closer you will be). All in all, hope you guys are still having a swell time together... Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great translation as always.
I know my reply is already a year and half late (lol), but just for future incidents (because little arguments do happen sometimes, its not a curse), keep calm. You can talk to him and try to settle things first. But before the matter gets old, tell him how his opinion made you feel bad. Probably in the future, he'll have a more open mind about your adventures (or misadventures 😆)...Also, frankly it will be better next time to sit down and talk about any decision you want to make, major or minor. That achieves two things as it helps you guys reach a decision or a compromise (preventing surprises like this) and also brings you guys even closer (cos the more you communicate, the closer you will be). All in all, hope you guys are still having a swell time together... Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great translation as always.
I know my reply is already a year and half late (lol), but just for future incidents (because little arguments do happen sometimes, its not a curse), keep calm. You can talk to him and try to settle things first. But before the matter gets old, tell him how his opinion made you feel bad. Probably in the future, he'll have a more open mind about your adventures (or misadventures 😆)...Also, frankly it will be better next time to sit down and talk about any decision you want to make, major or minor. That achieves two things as it helps you guys reach a decision or a compromise (preventing surprises like this) and also brings you guys even closer (cos the more you communicate, the closer you will be). All in all, hope you guys are still having a swell time together... Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great translation as always.
Thanks for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteI am sure your cold war is now a long distant memory,but breaking the cold war is never an admittance of being in the wrong,just gives you time to calm down and talk calmly. I am sure you'd be equally upset if your husband returned home with a different appearance. Although,granted,a person has a right to their own freedom but I think it's more not being informed beforehand which caused the upset.
Although,I can't talk as I'm just as impulsive (some of which are permanent),but all I can say is find hair stripper,it works wonders for removing hair dye and restoring natural colour...just need to give your hair break before re-dying