The Rice Pot Next Door

Untitled Part 56

I like epilogues generally as we usually get tidbits of the main couple, or interesting spinoffs of side characters. Jiu Xiao Qi wrote 2 epilogues for "Rice Pot" which is incorporated into the main chapters in the web version of the book. Chapter 79 is rather long, so I have break it up into 2 parts for ease of editing. The chinese heading goes more like "Su Luo Make Death Tale" which I have no idea what to make of "Make Death", so I came up with my version after reading the chapter. Happy reading.

Chapter 79: Su Luo in Digging her own Grave (Part 1 of 2)

Although Lan Shan has full faith in Qiao Feng, she has never forgotten that she has a love rival who works in the same place as Qiao Feng. That woman has obviously not given up on Qiao Feng and is likely planning to sabotage her happiness at the first opportunity. True to her suspicions, Qiao Feng says one day: "Su Luo tried to seduce me today."

For a dense person like Qiao Feng to say such a thing, Lan Shan can imagine how blatant the seduction attempt must be and wants to call Su Luo out to give her a piece of her mind. Qiao Feng feels that the time to prove his loyalty has come and assures Lan Shan that he will cut off all ties with Su Luo forever after.

He calls Su Luo in Lan Shan's presence and tell her solemnly that he is not going to have further dealings with her, In addition, she is not to talk to him ever again. Lan Shan is somewhat mollified and thinks that the matter is settled rest.

Thus, she is caught by surprise when Su Luo turns up at her shop the next day to look for her.

Su Luo pushes a lab result and diagnosis report to Lan Shan, and tells her that she has been diagnosed with leukemia and that she probably has less than 3 years to live. After she has gotten over her shock, Lan Shan tries to console Su Luo by encouraging her to be brave and not to give up hope on treatment. Su Luo gives a bitter smile and says seriously. "I came today to apologize to you. I admit I used to love Qiao Feng and yes, I have tried to get close to him. I know that it is wrong so I want to tell you how sorry I am."

"Um, ah, it is ok? I too have scolded you in the past and I hope you can forgive me too."

"I took the first wrong step so there is nothing to forgive. But Lan Shan, can you please, please tell Qiao Feng not to ignore me completely? I have truly given up on him, but it helps if I can just see him and talk to him sometimes. Can you please help?" And fat tears start to roll down her face.

Lan Shan is conflicted as she thinks about the situation. Although she is someone whose likes and dislikes are very distinct, she has a soft heart. In this aspect, she is the opposite of Qiao Feng, who despite his easy-going appearance, is probably be more heartless than she can ever be.

Qiao Feng notices her preoccupation at dinner that night as she looks blankly at her rice bowl. "Lan Shan, are you feeling ok?"

She sighs. "Qiao Feng, can you not ignore Su Luo completely?"

"What do you mean?"

"I believe my meaning is very clear."

Qiao Feng is not pleased. "I do not understand. Can you please elaborate?"

Lan Shan puts down her chopsticks and tells him about Su Luo's illness. His response is to shake his head. "I am sorry to hear that she is sick but what you are asking for are 2 separate matters. It is not as if she cannot get well if I am not around."

"I know, but I just cannot help but feel sorry for her when she pleaded with me today. I am not trying to sell you to her.... ay, I do not know what I am saying anymore. I am so confused!"