Purple Summers concentrated on her studies, and Atra Blanc rarely disturbed her. Even when bringing food, she would leave as soon as it was set down, feeling that her children deserved ample space and freedom.
But today, Atra Blanc was behaving unusually.
She had brought over a late-night snack, and then stayedâ¦
Purple Summers could roughly guess why: Atra Blanc was preventing Alexander Summers from coming over.
Her heart couldnât describe what it felt⦠a bit of sadness, some grievance, and beyond that, understanding.
Putting herself in her motherâs shoes, if Purple Summers discovered her own children acting out, she would surely come down hard on them.
At this moment, Atra Blanc, in her seemingly gentle and slow manner, expressed her stance directlyâshe disapproved of them being together.
This was a dilemma Purple Summers couldnât solve on her own and could only pin her hopes on Alexander Summersâ¦
The delicate porcelain spoon stirred in the bowl. With each swirl, plump and soft dumplings floated up, their red bean paste aroma sweet and rich, wafting into the air.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Purple Summers had lost her appetite.
She hastily ate a few bites, then opened her textbook and continued to work on problems.
â¦
Atra Blanc stayed in Purple Summersâ room until late into the night.
Clutching a masterpiece in her hands, she struggled to stay awake, yawning continuously but refused to leave her daughterâs room. She persisted until Purple Summers was ready for bed, then finally put down the book and left the room.
In the past, Alexander would sneak into Purple Summersâ room and they would sleep together. Tonight, that was clearly impossible.
Atra Blanc had grown vigilant, and they couldnât dare to defy her openly.
Purple Summers consoled herself: end-of-term exams were near, and it was good for Alexander to be under some restraint so he could focus on reviewing his studies.
Despite her rationalization, she tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep. She woke up the next morning to go to school, feeling somewhat listless.
For several days, Atra Blanc maintained high vigilance over the siblingsâ interaction. Whenever Alexander was home, Atra Blanc would find every excuse to stay close to Purple Summers.
She believed she was being careful, but to the siblings, each excuse was clumsy and obvious.
Purple Summers felt helpless.
Alexander was very irritable.
He wanted to confront the issue but didnât want to upset their mom, which was driving him insane!
âCome to my place tomorrow.â Alexander seized Purple Summersâ arm when Atra Blanc went to the restroom, saying, âJust tell Mom youâre going to a classmateâs house!â
âThat wonât work.â Purple Summers pulled back her hand, âThe day before yesterday, Mom asked for Zara and Jane McCainâs phone numbers, and took down their home numbers too. Sigh, I probably donât have much credibility with her anymore. If I donât return all night, she will definitely make calls everywhere asking for me.â
Alexanderâs brows knitted tightly.
Seeing his dilemma, Purple Summers found it somewhat endearing and a bit schadenfreude: âWho was it who said Mom would be thrilled to accept? You even said something like catching a daughter and daughter-in-law in one fell swoopâ¦â
âI really canât take it anymore if this continues,â Alexander said with unmistakable seriousness, âNot being able to touch or hold, how is this any different from a long-distance relationship?â
âYouâre really accomplishedâ¦â Purple Summers rolled her eyes at him.
Finally, perhaps because Alexander looked so dejected, she softened slightly, pretending to be generous as she stretched out her fair and delicate hands, âHere, touch them, youâve got five minutes before Mom probably comes out.â
Alexanderâs stern expression eased a bit, his deep eyes fixed on Purple Summersâ hands, he whispered in a low voice, âFive minutes is not enoughâ¦â
He pulled her hands, tumbled onto the sofa, and kissed her passionately all over before stopping!
After the kiss, both were breathless.
Sunken into the couch, Purple Summersâ body seemed even softer than the sofa. Alexander lay on top of her, unwilling to move, his breath filled with the scent of her hair, feeling incredibly happy.
âYou know what Mom is like, give her some timeâ¦â Purple Summers whispered to him, âDonât pressure her⦠Alexander, donât pressure her like you did to me before, okay?â
âHmm,â Alexander said with his eyes closed, âDonât worry, Iâll handle it.â