13 Mink Street

Chapter 54: Etiquette

A limited-edition Santelan was parked outside the middle school gates. Karon sat inside, a cigarette held in the fingers of his left hand as he flipped through a religious book resting on his knees with his right.

It was an image with real cinematic punch, a perfect illustration of what people meant by young, rich, handsome, and cultured.

When the schoolgirls filed out and passed the car, most of them couldn’t help but sneak a look inside. Some even walked past just to loop back around and walk by again.

The boys were no different. At their ages, most of them had already fantasized about pulling up to the school gates in a luxury car.

“Sis, that’s Alfred’s car,” Lent recognized it at once. There probably wasn’t a second Santelan of the same model in all of Roja City.

“Karon’s inside,” Clarice said.

Mina, Lent, and Clarice walked up to the Santelan.

Lent deliberately raised his voice. “Big Brother, why are you here?”

Karon closed the book and smiled. “To pick you up after school.”

“Ooh, nice!” Lent reached for the door, only for Mina to grab his backpack. He staggered back and sat down hard on the ground. Clarice stood to the side, covering her mouth.

“Sis, Karon came to pick us up!” Lent complained.

“We’re already out of school. And Karon saw us,” Mina said.

“So?”

“So Karon has already picked us up.”

“Th-then what now?”

“Now we take the tram home!” Mina flashed Karon a smile and even made a little fist by her cheek like she was cheering him on. She then dragged Lent away, Clarice following behind. All three headed straight for the tram stop.

Karon opened the book again and resumed reading.

The bookmark Tiz had given him was still tucked inside The Light of Order. Sometimes choosing something you dislike was much harder than choosing something you like. Nearly a week had passed, and yet Karon still hadn’t decided.

Tiz had pressed Karon, though not about the bookmark. Instead, the old man had pressed Karon for why he still hadn’t brought the Allen girl home for dinner.

At the same time, Tiz had given Karon a second bookmark. Which was also a kind of urging.

Karon understood that something huge was about to happen. He also understood that, aside from Tiz, no one could get involved. No one could even help by cheering from the sidelines. On top of that, Karon himself, following Tiz’s arrangements, was preparing an exit route.

From the “family” point of view, Karon should be in the study, clinging to his grandfather’s legs and bawling, begging him not to walk into danger. Family would always be at Tiz’s side, they would remain with him.

The problem was that both Karon and Tiz were far too calm and rational. When they sat across from each other in the study, it felt less like a conversation than two cold machines running. What came out wasn’t speech, but the grinding of gears.

Another page turned.

The book was an introduction to the Berai Church. In truth, Karon hadn’t had much real contact with the various churches. The Berai Church was the only one that had ever managed to genuinely disgust him.

However, if he wrote “Berai Church” on the bookmark just because of that, it felt like he’d be letting them off too lightly.

Although, the Berai Church probably didn’t want that “favor.”

***

Eunice stepped through the school gates. Today, she wore a khaki trench coat. A hair clip pinned her hair in place. She cradled a few books in her arms, and she was again wearing her leather boots.

Karon liked looking at her boots. He also knew that, during their last date, she had definitely noticed when his gaze had kept drifting to her boots.

“Teacher” was a noun, but it could also be an adjective at times. Regardless, Teacher Eunice was very teacher today.

Her appearance drew plenty of eyes, especially from the young male teachers who were also leaving work.

When they saw Eunice walking toward the limited-edition Santelan at the gates, you could almost hear the hearts shattering across the ground.

“Should I say ‘what a coincidence’?” Eunice bent down and spoke through the window.

Karon slipped the book back into the compartment and smiled. “Should I say I’m here to pick up my little brother and sisters?”

Eunice got into the car. While she fastened her seat belt, Karon’s eyes openly landed on her boots.

“Do they look good?” Eunice asked. “I noticed last time that you really seem to like staring at them.”

“They look great,” Karon said frankly. “Boots suit you. They match your vibe.”

He reached out and lightly brushed the surface of her boot with his fingertips.

Eunice bit her lip. She was visibly tense, but did her best to maintain her composure. In any case, she didn’t show any overt rejection, and she didn’t move defensively.

In a new relationship, a slightly over-the-line gesture could pull two people closer and push things forward. The key was knowing exactly where the relationship stood, and, more importantly, knowing what your face was worth. Get either of those things wrong and such an action could easily backfire, sometimes badly enough to land you in a station.

“Shopping?” Karon asked.

“Shopping?” Eunice looked a little surprised. “All the men I know seem to hate going shopping with their wives.”

“That’s after marriage,” Karon smiled. “Before marriage, they all like it.”

“Karon, you’re really blunt.”

Karon drove Eunice to a commercial pedestrian street. It wasn’t Roja City’s most upscale one, though not because he was trying to save money. In truth, his dating budget was generous.

Between what Tiz gave him and what his uncle and aunts gave him, Karon certainly had enough to play the spoiled rich kid in Roja City. That wasn’t even counting the cash Alfred kept stuffing into the car.

It was simply because the top-tier shopping street was Rhine Street, and was far too close to where Eunice lived, so the second best had to do.

“I like Roja’s atmosphere. It’s lazier than Veyn’s,” Eunice said. “Don’t laugh, but I even feel like even the people on Roja’s streets walk much slower than people in Veyn.”

“It’s a slow-paced city,” Karon said.

“Slow-paced... I really like that description.” Eunice pushed the door of a shoe store open and walked in.

Karon paused for a few seconds at the entrance to glance at the sign: Men’s Leather Shoes.

Everything has two sides, even arranged marriages. If one happened to be assigned someone they think was decent, someone who felt suitable, they would find that the other person was also consciously pushing the process forward. A sense of interaction could become very strong.

Of course, given Karon’s personality and psychological maturity, he had no interest in a romance built on guessing games.

“Which shoes do you like?” Eunice asked.

“Obviously you should pick for me.”

“But they’ll be on your feet.”

“I rarely look down.”

Eunice pursed her lips and smiled tightly. With the clerk beside her, she chose three different styles for Karon. “Try them on?”

“Sure.” Karon sat on a padded bench and started trying them on.

The saleswoman automatically crouched to help, but Eunice moved first. She adjusted the shoe for him, pressing the toe with her fingertips, asking, “Pinching?”

“No.”

Then Eunice poked at the heel, testing the gap. “Is it a bit tight?” Before Karon could answer, she added, “It’ll loosen up after you wear them for a while.”

“Yes, that’s right,” the staff agreed.

“Do you like them?” Eunice looked up at Karon.

“I do.”

“Alright. Please wrap this pair up. Then we’ll try the other two more casual styles.”

When they left the store, Karon had three shoeboxes in a bag.

“You know, when my mother met my father, she also bought him shoes,” Eunice shared. “It’s just that she ran over his foot with her bicycle. Heh.”

“Heh. That’s fate, isn’t it?”

“Yes. That’s why my mother always says that if she hadn’t been careless that day, there might not have been me and my two older brothers.”

“No. There would have been.”

“There would?”

“Two people who are destined to be together might meet because of a small accident, but that small accident, in turn, is part of what makes it destined.”

“I like listening to you talk, Karon. You’re like my father; His words always make people think, always give a bit of insight. They have flavor.”

“Then I would really like to visit and meet your father.”

“You’ll definitely have common ground. My father loves drinking tea and chatting with people, but my brothers and cousins who are close to our age are all scared of sitting face-to-face with him. Do you know that feeling? When there’s a truly imposing elder in the family?”

How could he not; Tiz was exactly like that.

But Karon couldn’t say that. After all, on their last date, the image he’d shared of Tiz was that of a grandfather wading through muddy ponds to catch loaches.

“My family is very kind,” Karon said. “But I can imagine that feeling. Sometimes it’s not that they’re trying to be imposing; They just aren’t used to expressing love in a different way.”

“Mhmm. When my brothers were scolded to tears as kids, my mother would comfort them the same way.

“There’s a belt shop up ahead...”

Eunice reached for Karon’s coat to check his belt, but halfway through the motion she suddenly realized it was rather inappropriate, and she blushed fiercely.

Karon took her hand. “Come on. Let’s look.”

After choosing two belts, Karon continued holding Eunice’s hand as naturally as if it belonged there.

“Hungry?” Karon asked.

“I’m fine,” Eunice said, her cheeks puffing slightly. Her upper body swayed gently from side to side, but not enough to pull her hand free.

Her puffed-lip expression reminded Karon of Pu’er puffing her lips the other afternoon. “Then let’s do dinner. I think there’s a Veyn restaurant up ahead.”

“Sure... no, wait.” Eunice stopped, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

Karon asked, “Did you forget to buy an umbrella?”

“Yes. An umbrella. Huh, how did you know?”

Buy leather shoes, and you can’t run.

Buy a belt, and you can be tied down.

Buy an umbrella, and you can be hooked.

It was a Veyn custom Eunice’s mother had told her about. In Veyn, from nobles to commoners, before a relationship reached the point of discussing marriage, women would prepare those three gifts for the man.

After asking, Eunice lowered her head at once. Her boot tapped the ground lightly. He actually knows about this Veyn custom...

“Should we finish the mission first?” Karon lowered his head and gently brushed back her hair.

Eunice made a small sound of assent.

She was still a nineteen-year-old girl. Her family background might mean that she surpassed her peers in many ways, but there were some things that could never be learned without experiencing them firsthand. Dating experience really couldn’t be gleaned from books, because people who could easily date rarely read dating books, so just who were those books written for?

Eunice chose a black umbrella for Karon. The handle was delicate, with an artistic feel to it.

“I feel like I’m now fully armed,” Karon declared. “Like a knight before battle, having his armor fitted by his retinue.”

“Is it that dramatic?” Eunice laughed.

“It is,” Karon said. “Thank you, Eunice.”

“No need. And I think saying ‘thank you’ makes it feel a little distant...”

Karon lowered his head. While Eunice was speaking, his lips lightly brushed against hers.

Eunice froze. This was her first kiss.

“I accept your criticism, and I’ve corrected myself in time. Please inspect my attitude now.”

Eunice lifted her hand and lightly smacked Karon’s chest.

“Heh.” Karon carried the umbrella, shoeboxes, and belt boxes in his right hand, and pulled the girl into his embrace with his left.

She seemed to want to break free, but Karon held her fast with a hint of roughness. “Come on; dinner.”

Maybe it wasn’t love, but both of them carried a hint of intention. What couldn’t be denied was that they were both willing, and at this moment, they exposed a kind of innocence they wouldn’t usually reveal.

Karon looked at the girl tucked against his side. Maybe, we’re both wearing masks, but at least it’s the type I like.

The “authentic Veyn cuisine” at the Veyn restaurant didn’t satisfy Karon much. Maybe it was because Veyn pride was reflected even in their dishes, which clung to tradition too steadfastly while rejecting any form of innovation or keeping up with the times.

If Eunice hadn’t been sitting across from him, tasting something that reminded her of home, Karon wouldn’t have taken a second bite.

“You don’t seem to like Veyn food?” Eunice noticed. Karon hadn’t hidden his reactions.

“No,” Karon bluntly agreed. “I don’t think I could ever get used to Veyn food.”

If Swillen food was cloyingly sweet, then Veyn’s food was what happened when tradition mattered more than taste.

It wasn’t that it tasted awful, and the ingredients were good. It just felt like it had been deliberately determined to make the dishes less delicious.

Karon’s admittance caused Eunice’s heart to sink. What he means is that he won’t get used to life in Veyn? Mom wanted me to ask him if he’d be willing to go to Veyn. He clearly isn’t.

“But it’s fine,” Karon said. “I usually cook for myself anyway. My home has a restaurant bell, remember?”

“I remember. I saw it last time.”

“I really enjoy the feeling of ringing it after I finish cooking, calling my family out to eat. It’s a wonderful feeling beyond the food itself.”

“That’s nice. I learned a bit of cooking myself, but I know I can’t compare to you.”

That bowl of sour-pickled fish that looked and smelled perfect was still vivid in Eunice’s memory.

A pity it had been made for a cat.

Karon reached over and placed his hand on the back of Eunice’s hand, gently rubbing his fingers against hers. Her hand stiffened slightly. Everyone was moving quickly with tacit understanding, and even skipping steps with tacit understanding, but at least for the time being, she still couldn’t maintain such an intimate touch in a natural manner. She needed a little time, such as going home to bed that night and replaying it a few more times.

The advantage of being handsome was that even when clearly taking advantage, to the other person it looked like a priest offering sincere prayer.

Karon stroked her hand while saying, “So even if we end up living in Veyn, I’ll still insist on cooking for myself. And I can declare you finally free of the punishment of all those years of Veyn food.”

Huh? He said we’ll live in Veyn? Wait, is that a confession?

Eunice felt her body tremble at his words, as though a current was running through her.

Karon said, “Tomorrow, come to my house for dinner. My family wants to meet you.”

Eunice nodded. “Alright.”

***

The car stopped in front of Eunice’s home on Rhine Street. The two stood facing each other at the door. Karon noticed the curtain in the first-floor living room twitch slightly. “I’ll come pick you up tomorrow afternoon.”

“Okay.”

He slid an arm around her waist, leaned in, and kissed her lips.

This was her second light kiss, and this time, she remembered to close her eyes.

“Good night. Sweet dreams.”

“You too. Drive safe.”

“Mhm.”

Eunice walked into the living room. A familiar place, familiar darkened lights, and in the same place as before, her mother sat on the sofa.

“Things are moving fast,” Ms. Jenny said with a smile. As she spoke, she brought a cigarette to her lips. “Mwah!”

“Are you laughing at me, Mom?” Eunice asked.

“No. I’m happy for you. Do you know how many arranged marriages I’ve seen where the harmony is only on the surface? In public, they act affectionately for the sake of form, but anyone with eyes can see the truth: behind the scenes, they each do their own thing. They don’t interact with each other.

“I’m sorry, my daughter. I can’t change your grandfather’s decision. As a mother, I’ve failed you. Still, things look pretty good now. You’re enjoying yourself.”

“Mom, hearing you say that feels... a little inappropriate.”

“My daughter is grown. What’s inappropriate about that? Right, did you buy the things I told you to buy for him?”

“I did. He really liked them. Oh, right. I agreed to go to his house for dinner tomorrow.”

“Mhm.” Ms. Jenny suddenly noticed something and asked, “Then he didn’t buy you anything at all?”

“Mom, do you know how late it was after we bought all that? We went for dinner.”

“Heh. Shameless.” Ms. Jenny sighed. “How can he let the girl give gifts while he offers nothing in return? His family isn’t short on money. So it must be this...”

She pointed at her own temple. “Does he simply have no sense of etiquette at all? Does he not know how awkward it is for a girl to come home empty-handed and face her mother?”

“Mom, I don’t lack anything, and the things I bought for him, he doesn’t need them, either.”

“Of course not. Of course you don’t lack anything, but the joy of a daughter showing her mother gifts her boyfriend bought her, that joy is gone.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“Whether you care is your business, but whether he does it is his business. If he’s going back to Veyn with you, it seems he’ll need to be properly educated. A pretty face isn’t enough.

“Sigh. I’ll have to teach him what etiquette is. Our family is very particular about etiquette.”

“But...” Eunice said.

“But what?”

“He gave me a bookmark. He said I should pass it to you so that you can pass it to Father or Grandfather. It’s from his grandfather.”

“A bookmark?” Ms. Jenny barked a disdainful laugh. “How childish! Why doesn’t he go pluck a foxtail grass by the roadside and make you a ring?”

“It’s this.” Eunice placed a purple bookmark on the coffee table in front of her mother.

With a thud, Ms. Jenny dropped to her knees before the bookmark.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Eunice rushed forward to help her mother up.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Ms. Jenny forced a smile. “Go wash up first. I’m fine. My legs just fell asleep from sitting too long.”

“Are you really okay, Mom?”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. Go wash up first.”

“Okay.”

After Eunice left, Ms. Jenny’s trembling hand reached for the bookmark. Halfway there, she switched to reaching with both hands at once. She carefully raised up the bookmark as though she were presenting an offering.

Eunice returned wearing home clothes and carrying a glass of water. “Mom, are you feeling better now?”

She noticed that the coffee table had become cluttered with jewelry that her mother usually liked to wear, whereas the jewelry box itself sat closed.

Ms. Jenny drew a deep breath and slowly said, “Tomorrow, I’m going with you to his house.”

“Hm?” Eunice looked confused. “Does it need to be that formal?”

Ms. Jenny reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, almost springing off the sofa. “We can’t be the ones without etiquette!”

“Huh?”

Ms. Jenny pressed a hand to her forehead and sat back down.

“Mom, are you really okay?”

Ms. Jenny shook her head, looked at her daughter, and said, “If you don’t want to come back tomorrow night...”

“What?”

“...you can also stay over at his place.”