Does Mom Fang not know what kind of temper her son has? Fang Siyan's so - called "bad temper" doesn't mean he's hot - tempered. Instead, he keeps people at arm's length emotionally.
On the surface, he's friendly to everyone, with elegant manners and proper words. But none of these people really matter to him.
However, thanks to Ding Ruola's presence, Mom Fang has seen a glimmer of humanity in her son.
She didn't mean to neglect Ding Ruola just now. She thought they were so familiar and that Ding Ruola was already part of the Fang family, so there was no need for formalities.
She didn't expect that her action would make Ding Ruola misunderstand.
Fang Siyan noticed Ding Ruola's unusual mood. While having dinner, he sent a message to remind his mother.
Mom Fang never thought that her son, who usually didn't care about others, would observe and care for someone so carefully.
"Ruoruo, I really like you!" Mom Fang said as she took Ding Ruola's hand and held it in her own.
When Gu Qianxue came back and saw this scene, she sweet - talked Mom Fang. But when she turned her back on the woman, she glared at Ding Ruola menacingly.
The Ding Ruola now was different from before. She understood Mom Fang's affection and had found a sense of belonging in this family. Now, the outsider was Gu Qianxue.
Since Mom Fang had a friendship with Gu Qianxue's mother, she couldn't just kick her out. So she arranged for Gu Qianxue to sleep in the guest room.
But before going to bed, the atmosphere in the living room was really strange.
Fang Siyan was clearly in a bad mood because of Ding Ruola. He told his mother and then pulled Ding Ruola back to the Ding family's home.
The Ding parents had gone to bed early. Fang Siyan and Ding Ruola had no choice but to take a stroll on the street before going home.
"Ruoruo! Mom has arranged for us to go to Xiangji Temple tomorrow. Let's go together!"
Temple?
Ding Ruola didn't even think twice before agreeing.
Although a new - era young person with ideals, morality, culture, and discipline shouldn't believe in such things, it was okay to seek some psychological comfort.
Ding Ruola was really happy when she agreed. She was even excited before going to bed.
But when she had to get up at five in the morning, she was stunned.
Wasn't this a bit too early?
Fang Siyan pulled Ding Ruola out of bed while explaining to her.
They had to go early to offer the morning incense.
Ding Ruola sleepily changed her clothes. When they were almost at their destination, Ding Ruola suddenly realized that her coat was really uncomfortable.
She checked it carefully under the car light and only then noticed that she had put it on backwards in her hurry.
Ding Ruola and Mom Fang were sitting in the back row.
The woman noticed Ding Ruola's actions, covered her mouth and laughed softly, then helped Ding Ruola put the coat on correctly.
Gu Qianxue, who was sitting in the front, started to speak sarcastically.
"A woman who can't even take care of herself, how can she take care of others? Am I right, Auntie?"
Ding Ruola wasn't stupid. The woman in front was clearly targeting her. She was just thinking about how to retort when she heard the man's cold voice.
"What does it matter to you?"
Fang Siyan was really something. He was like an expert at identifying "two - faced" people.
Mom Fang in the back row quickly stepped in to smooth things over. She smiled at Ding Ruola happily.
The meaning was obvious. She was clearly protecting Ding Ruola.
Gu Qianxue finally fell silent. After getting out of the car, she helped Mom Fang and walked behind.
Since she wanted to find a way to get close to Fang Siyan through Mom Fang, she had to put on a good show.
"We're still late!"
There were local residents around Xiangji Temple, and there were many devout believers among them.
Ding Ruola looked up at the towering Buddha statue and then at the old people around.
They were holding big bundles of incense and queuing in front of a pillar, waiting to light their incense.
Fang Siyan pulled back Ding Ruola, who was about to join the crowd.
"We're just here with Mom. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
Ding Ruola shyly lowered her head. Her hand was held in Fang Siyan's.
Maybe because of the mountain mist, Ding Ruola's palm was slightly damp.
Ding Ruola stood aside and watched Mom Fang and Gu Qianxue pushing through the crowd.
It was completely cold outside when Mom Fang finally finished her kneeling ceremony.
"Old Fang! Look what's over there!"
Ding Ruola noticed a rather interesting place: fortune - telling based on one's birth date.
In ancient times, people would check the compatibility of the birth dates of the bride and groom before marriage. Ding Ruola had only seen such things on TV and was full of curiosity.
Fang Siyan didn't want to dampen the girl's enthusiasm, nor did he expose the fact that a Buddhist temple was conducting a Taoist ritual.
Whether it was professional or not didn't matter much. As long as they could make money, they'd do anything.
The two walked up to the booth, and Gu Qianxue and Mom Fang followed.
What was originally a fortune - telling session for two people became one for three.
They all wrote their birth dates on paper. Although it was just a few words, Gu Qianxue took much longer than the other two.
"Why aren't you done yet?" Ding Ruola was a bit impatient.
Gu Qianxue curled her lips, folded the paper in her hand again and again, as if afraid that Ding Ruola would see the content.
Mom Fang saw everything.
When the results came out, Ding Ruola's jaw almost dropped.
Fang Siyan and Ding Ruola were supposed to be incompatible according to their birth dates, while Fang Siyan and Gu Qianxue were a perfect match.
Mom Fang coughed twice and led the three children away.
Ding Ruola was in a bad mood all the way because of this.
Mom Fang pulled Ding Ruola's arm and tied a red string around her wrist.
"Do you want to know what Qianxue wrote?"
Was it time to reveal the answer?
Ding Ruola tilted her head and looked at Mom Fang.
Mom Fang glanced at Gu Qianxue in front and leaned close to Ding Ruola's ear.
"She said if the fortune - teller said she and that man were a good match, she'd give him more money."
Ding Ruola's expression changed slightly, just like when a child discovers that Christmas gifts are actually from their mother.
She felt relieved. The problem that had been bothering her was finally solved.
"Don't lose this string. Siyan specifically asked me to get it for you."
"Thank you, Mom! Old Fang, you're so considerate."
Ding Ruola's words were like knives stabbing into Gu Qianxue's heart. It was no use for her to be angry now. Things had come to this point, and she could only watch Ding Ruola showing off her affection.
Mom Fang was a sensible person. She knew Gu Qianxue's feelings for Fang Siyan and was in a difficult position. She couldn't let go of the friendship with her deceased sister. Fortunately, Fang Siyan ignored everyone except Ding Ruola.
"Auntie, I have something to do at home. I'll go back first!"
The longer Gu Qianxue sat in the car, the more uncomfortable she felt. She made up a lame excuse and got out of the car.
"Go back and take care of yourself. Don't trust the people around you too easily."
Ding Ruola was stunned for a moment. She half - squinted and looked at the woman sitting beside her.
This was getting interesting.