Explore Chapter 14 of '啼笑因缘' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Upon entering the courtyard, he saw a white stove in the room, with coal balls burning a vigorous fire. Under the eaves, a small table was set, laden with both meat and vegetable dishes. Xiugu, wearing an apron, stood by the table, her arms bare and plump, glistening snow-white, busy cutting vegetables. When she saw Fan Jiashu enter, she laughed and said, "Dad! Mr. Fan is here." Without even putting down the kitchen knife, she rushed a step forward to lift the curtain for him.
Hearing this, Guan Shoufeng came out from the room to greet him, smiling and saying, "I was afraid you might have other matters or not be able to come. Our girl insisted that once the letter was sent, you would definitely come. She guessed right." As he spoke, he reached out to take Fan Jiashu's hand and added with a laugh, "I thought a restaurant meal wouldn't show our sincerity properly, so I bought some things and had my daughter prepare a few simple home-style dishes. Don't judge the taste; just take it as a small token of our regard."
Fan Jiashu entered the room and saw that cups and chopsticks were already set on the table. After some modest words, they sat down together. Xiugu first brought out a bowl of stewed chicken, then successively served several other dishes. Guan Shoufeng laughed and said, "Mr. Fan! What do you think of my daughter's cooking? I'm not one to boast, but this might even surpass the dishes from the big restaurants." Fan Jiashu took a taste and praised it repeatedly. Xiugu merely smiled without saying a word.
Guan Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan! During my recent illness, I owe my old life to you. I'm not good with flowery words, but I understand it in my heart." Fan Jiashu replied, "Uncle Guan, you speak too distantly. Since we are friends, helping each other is only natural."
Guan Shoufeng raised his wine cup and toasted Fan Jiashu, who promptly returned the toast. After they drank a few cups, Guan Shoufeng said, "Mr. Fan, I have something to ask, though I hesitate." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle Guan, whatever you have to say, please go ahead."
Guan Shoufeng said, "I heard you've been sponsoring a young woman who performs drum-song to go to school. Is that true?" Fan Jiashu blushed and nodded, saying, "Yes, it is." Guan Shoufeng continued, "I've seen her before. She is clever enough. But those from such walks of life can be fickle. You are a decent man; be careful not to be taken in." Fan Jiashu replied, "You're right, Uncle Guan. I'll be careful."
Xiugu, standing nearby, heard this and lowered her head in silence, her fingers worrying the corner of her clothes. Guan Shoufeng added, "Mr. Fan, forgive an old man's meddling. I've lived long and seen much. In this world, you may know a face, but never the heart behind it." Fan Jiashu said, "Your words are as precious as gold and jade, Uncle Guan. I shall remember them." Guan Shoufeng laughed and said, "Good, let's speak no more of this. Come, let us drink."
After drinking a few more cups, Fan Jiashu, concerned that Guan Shoufeng had just recovered and shouldn't drink too much, urged him to stop. Xiugu cleared the dishes and brought tea. Fan Jiashu sat for a while longer before taking his leave.