第十九回 初议佳期快谈银幕下 又蒙厚惠释虑白镪中 (Chapter 19: First Deliberations on the Auspicious Date Beneath the Silver Screen; Again Blessed with Generosity to Disperse Anxieties Amidst Silver)

Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu arranged to meet at the cinema in Central Park. The day was fine and clear. They arrived in turn, entered the cinema, found their seats, and sat down.

After the film began, light and shadow played across the screen, but Yanxi's thoughts were far from the movie. He leaned over and whispered to Leng Qingqiu, "These past days, I have thought of you constantly, hoping only to settle our marriage soon." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt a surge of joy in her heart, but she merely responded with a soft "Mm."

Yanxi continued, "I have already sounded out my father, and he does not object. As long as your family agrees, we can begin preparations for the wedding." Leng Qingqiu fell silent for a moment, then said, "My mother has toiled half her life for me. I have always wished for her to live comfortably. If I marry, I fear..."

Yanxi quickly interjected, "You need not worry about that. All costs will be borne by me. I have already set aside a sum of money as a betrothal gift." As he spoke, he took an envelope from his pocket and pressed it into Leng Qingqiu's hand.

Leng Qingqiu felt the envelope, thick with banknotes, and knew it contained money. She hastily declined, "How can this be? We are not yet engaged. How can I accept your money?" Yanxi grasped her hand and said, "Between you and me, why draw such clear lines? Take this money back first. Let your mother buy some necessities. Consider it a token of my regard."

Seeing his sincerity, Leng Qingqiu felt it impolite to refuse further. She accepted it and murmured softly, "Thank you." Yanxi chuckled and said, "What is there to thank? We will soon be family."

After the movie ended, Yanxi accompanied Leng Qingqiu home. On the way, they discussed the wedding date and settled on the eighth day of the following month. When they reached the gate of Leng Residence, Leng Qingqiu bid farewell and went inside.

Leng Qingqiu returned to her room and handed the envelope to her mother. Mrs. Leng opened it and was startled to find five hundred yuan in banknotes. Upon learning the reason, she could not hold back her tears, saying, "Young Master Jin treats us with such generosity. What more do we have to worry about?"

The next day, Mrs. Leng consulted with Song Runqing. Song Runqing smiled and said, "This is a tremendous blessing. The Jin family is wealthy and respectable. Leng Qingqiu will not suffer when she joins them. Let us agree." Thus, the Leng Residence formally consented to the marriage.