When Brother Wolf drove, he had a habit of concentrating and never talking.
Li Du liked to discuss with people when he read information, especially when there was always something unclear about the information.
He could only discuss it with Sophie, who annoyed him in all sorts of ways. "Wow, this man's chest muscles are so big!" "Wow, he's so cool!" "Wow, the handsome guy's legs are so long!"
Li Du stopped talking to her, and Sophie could not stop laughing.
Mr. and Mrs. Li's plane arrived in the evening, and Sophie's parents arrived. The two were dressed very formally, Mr. James in a jacket and suit, and Mrs. Martin in a woman's suit and long skirt.
When they met, Li Du hugged them, gave them gifts, and said with a smile, "I'm really sorry I didn't accompany Sophie to see you after coming back from Africa."
The gifts were two rings, one red like fire, the other black with five colors. The former was a fire opal, the latter was a black opal.
The two rings were shaped like wings, but each had only one side.
Mr. James laughed heartily and said, "You young people have a fast pace of life. Just mind your own business and don't worry about us. We are very busy too."
Mrs. Martin liked to collect art. She was a knowledgeable person and could tell at once that the gift was valuable.
Although the surface area of the gemstones used in the rings was not large, the quality was very good, and the watercolor was especially clear, which was the best among opals.
Moreover, the carving of the wings was excellent, with platinum inlays on the edges and clear feather patterns. In addition, the rings were shaped like branches and had bark patterns on them.
She looked at the gifts happily and asked, "They are so beautiful, Li. Why are the two wings in opposite directions? Is there a reason for this? "
Li Du smiled and said, "Yes, in our culture, there is a very famous poem. In the sky …"
"In the sky, we wish to be lovebirds, on earth, we wish to be interlocking branches," Sophie interrupted. "I know this poem. It is very beautiful, even more beautiful than the rings."
Li Du nodded and continued to explain, "Yes, lovebirds are the divine birds in our ancient legends. This bird has only one eye and one wing, and the male and female must fly together, so it is often used to praise loving couples.
"There's also a conjoined branch. America has it too. It's the Acacia tree. It's a plant where the branches of two trees grow together …"
Old James nodded. "I know. The reason is that there is a layer of cells between the bark and the xylem called the cambium. If two trees rub against each other in windy weather, the bark will be polished off. When there is no wind, the two branches will be close to each other, and the cambium will be closely connected. The new cells will grow together."
Mrs. Martin sighed. "Why do I feel that there's no romantic feeling after your explanation?"
The old man felt wronged and said, "You have to let me show off my knowledge. Oh, I forgot, you are an expert in biology."
He pretended to be enlightened, slapped his forehead, and then showed a vexed expression.
Mrs. Martin was amused by him. She held up the ring and said smugly, "Is this a combination of lovebirds and interlocking branches? That's great. "
Sophie was not happy. She pouted and said, "You have never given me such a gift."
Li Du whispered in her ear, "This gift is not good enough for you. I'm trying to think of a gift that is good enough for you."
This made Sophie happy. She held Li Du's arm and smiled sweetly.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin were satisfied with Li Du's gift. They were even more satisfied when they learned that he had found the two gems himself.
The couple exchanged their wedding rings on the spot, saying that the rings were more meaningful and that they could keep their wedding rings.
In the evening, they left the hotel for the airport.
At the VIP exit, some people in bank uniforms appeared, talking and laughing. Li Du suddenly looked forward to seeing his parents with these people.
Sure enough, Li Du saw his parents among the bank staff.
Mr. Li was carrying a backpack and pulling a suitcase. Mrs. Li was carrying a suitcase in each hand.
They were dressed like Mr. and Mrs. Martin. Mr. Li was also in a suit, and Mrs. Li was wearing a camel knitted vest with a black undershirt, white pants, and white shoes.
They kept looking around. Li Du waved excitedly and said sadly, "My parents are looking for us. I'm so unfilial. They must miss me!"
Mrs. Martin smiled and said, "Yes, this is the heart of a parent."
He waved so hard that Mr. and Mrs. Li did not notice him. They looked around and whispered to each other from time to time, but they did not see Li Du.
It was not until they were very close that Mr. and Mrs. Li saw them. They walked over with their suitcases in surprise.
Li Du went up and gave each of them a warm hug. Sophie followed behind and generously gave them a hug.
Li Du's father was still a little embarrassed. When he hugged Sophie, his arms were stiff and straight.
Seeing this, Li Du laughed and said, "Dad, are you learning from zombies?"
Mr. Li said in a low voice, embarrassed, "No, I'm hugging my daughter-in-law. How is that appropriate?"
"Old fashioned, this is American etiquette," Mrs. Li said impatiently.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin shook hands with them. Li Du translated, and both sides began to exchange warm greetings.
Sophie also brought a bouquet of flowers. She gave the flowers to the couple and smiled. "Uncle, Auntie, welcome to America. Li and I have missed you."
Mrs. Li said happily, "Ah, Sophie, your Chinese is even better. Mandarin is really good."
When they were video-chatting, Sophie had spoken in Mandarin, so they were not too surprised.
Mr. Li coughed and gave her a look.
Mrs. Li quickly went to open his backpack and took out a box. Inside were two jade statues, one of Guanyin and the other of Jesus on a cross.
Mr. Li said calmly, "Sophie, Uncle and Auntie didn't have any gifts to bring, so we went to the temple and church for you and Little Du. One more blessing, one more peace of mind. We don't have any other thoughts. We just want you to be safe. "
Li Du applauded and gave a thumbs up. "Dad, that's a good speech."
Mr. Li smiled reservedly, but Mrs. Li revealed the truth without mercy. "It took your dad half a month to come up with these words."
"Don't talk nonsense. Half a month? It's just a few days," Mr. Li argued.
Sophie smiled and accepted the cross. She also took out a gift bag and gave it to Mr. and Mrs. Li one by one. She said, "This is a small gift I prepared. It's not worth much. I hope you like it."
Old James heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Fortunately, we are well-prepared. Come on, take out our gifts."
Mrs. Martin took out the gifts they had prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Li from her handbag. In the end, Li Du realized that he had not prepared a gift for his parents.
However, he was calm and collected. He pulled Sophie out and pushed her out. "This is my gift for your daughter-in-law."
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