Architecture of Affects

They approach Mei’s house and notice that many guests have come from outside. They park the car and the grandparents greet the family:

—Grandparents, cousin! Welcome! Mei greets.

Mei’s parents come over and say hello, as does Huang.

—Cousin, you sure are handsome, — says Mei.

—You’re the one who looks beautiful, cousin, —Huang replies with a smile.

With a gesture, Mei directs them towards the meeting. There are some people from the company of the girl’s father and people known from the place. Mei introduces Huang to a beautiful girl:

—Cousin, this is Helen, —Mei says.

Helen greets him and he does the same. Huang stares at her for a moment, without her being bothered.

—I present to you the quoted bachelor who arrived from France and is known in many countries. He’s the best architect in Lijiang, —Mei says exaggerating.

—Cousin, as always you exaggerate. But your name is Western, —says Huang.

—Yes it is. It’s a deep story, —Helen replies.

—Friend, were you impressed with my cousin? Mei asks Helen.

Helen lowers her face a little, blushing and exclaims:

—It’s an honor to meet you.

Huang retreats to where some guests are introduced to him by his uncle. Thoughts surround Helen:

—How long I waited to be in front of him. How handsome he is… what do I say? I can’t look at him. —Helen is a girl who attracts the attention of several young people.

—How is your aunt, friend? —Mei asks.

—She’s on the mend, —Helen replies.

—I wish she was soon, —Mei says.

In the meeting is a man with a long beard. The image of him is usually that of a swordsman. In truth, it is where Mei’s mother practices martial arts to maintain good health and stay young. He turns to Huang:

—How is he, young man? —Let me introduce myself, I’m Zhou Laosi. His aunt greets him. She told me that you are a good architect.

Thank you sir, you honor me.

—And he lives with his grandparents?

—Yes, they’re alone, let me tell you that you are an example, what to give in Lijiang.

—I can’t leave my grandparents, I have to see them.

Huang signals to the man and goes to his grandparents.

—Son, how are you? —says the lady.

—Everyone here knows each other… —says Huang.

—My cousin just met a beautiful girl, —says the very mischievous Mei.

They look at each other and ask:

—And who is Helen?

—She’s a fine young lady. We know her aunt, she is a very helpful woman.

He tries to divert the conversation with a smile.

—Cousin, thank you for your gift. —Mei says it, with a smile.

—Mr. Huang, how are you?

—Hello Zhang Huaixian, how are you doing?

—Good, —in Huang’s thought, she can only think “this boy looks like a nightmare”.

Zhang Huaixian continues speaking:

—Have you met Miss Helen? —She’s our teacher and she is good at weapons. The other day some thugs came out to rob us and she defended us, the children love her very much. She’s good to everyone and she tells us great stories. She’s very pretty isn’t she Mr. Huang?

—Yes she is.

—Son, we want you to take us home. — says the grandmother.

—Cousin, would you be so kind as to take Helen to her house? —Mei asks.

—Alright.

—Wait, I’ll call her. —Mei leaves.

Everyone leaves, silence lasts the entire journey.

—Mr. Huang, thanks for bringing me here, —Helen says.

—It’s a pleasure to me.

—Miss Helen, when will she visit us? —says Grandma.

—I’ll tell my aunt, it will be a pleasure to share with you. —Say Helen.

—Say no more, we’re waiting for you. My grandson will pick you up on Tuesday. —says the grandmother.

The looks between Huang and Helen are evident.

—She seems to me a very educated and simple young woman. —Adds Grandma.