BAD NEIGHBORS

FAMILY

Having never dated anyone, for Wang He Di that was the first time he experienced the anxiety of meeting his girlfriend's parents.
He had never felt nervous about meeting the Shen family... He was sure that having a lovely daughter like Yue, they would be just like her.
He was worried that they would see him in a bad light because she was pregnant, sure, but he felt quite sure of himself and of his charm.
All of this until he came to their doorstep, hand in hand with Shen Yue.
"You're late," Mr. Shen muttered.
"Is this how you welcome your daughter?" Yue snorted, amused.
The man smiled and hugged her tightly.
"Hello, my precious baby girl" he whispered.
After that moment of tenderness, Yue took a step back and introduced Dylan to her father, who, however, greeted him only with a very brief nod.
No trace of enthusiasm on the man's good-natured face.
"Come on, come in. Jasper is already here" he said.
"Jasper?!" Yue exclaimed.
"Yes. He helped us change the bathroom light bulb and your mother invited him to stay for dinner."
"A light bulb! Since when do you need him to change a light bulb? You always do it! And then I or Dylan could have helped you" Yue replied.
"Stop making a fuss and enter."
The two listened to Mr. Shen and followed him into the kitchen, where his wife and Jasper were cooking together.
"Yueyue?" Jasper's eyes widened, surprised.
"Honey! You're finally here!" Ms. Shen ran to hug Yue.
She, too, gave only a small glance at Dylan, who was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"Mom, this is Wang He Di."
"Nice to meet you, ma'am" the boy bowed before Ms. Shen.
"Okay. Go wash your hands and sit down at the table. Dinner is ready," she replied, unfriendly.

===

"They hate me! And why did they invite Jasper knowing you were going to introduce them to your new boyfriend?!"  Wang He Di complained as he and Yue were alone in the bathroom washing their hands.
"Damn, I'm sorry. See... When Jasper and I broke up, they disagreed. They welcomed him like a son and loved him very much... I think this is my mom's plan. She probably wants me to change my mind.
Be patient with them, okay? They aren't bad people. I'm so sorry".
Dylan sighed and nodded.
Things were getting more complicated than he had imagined.
Yue saw the concern in his eyes and stood on tiptoe to give him a tender kiss on the lips.
"Don't worry. You said that, didn't you? They can't help but love you" she whispered.
"I hope so..."
"Come on, let's go".

===

The dinner was definitely awkward.
Yue was forced to sit next to Jasper, while Dylan found himself sitting across from her.
Every opportunity was good to flatter Shen Yue's ex-boyfriend and discredit poor Wang He Di, who was beginning to feel down in the dumps.
Tired of that situation, Yue got up and after glaring at her mother, she went into the kitchen with a firm step.
The woman got the message and followed her.
"What's going on, honey?"
"Your plan isn't working out, Mom. It's over with Jasper. He and I will never get back together, I'm sorry. We can just be friends... I love Wang He Di. He's my boyfriend now! I wish you and Daddy can show him respect. "
"Wang He Di, sure. He's your boyfriend... Yeah. How many other girls does he hang out with while he's playing boyfriend with you?"
"Excuse me?!"
"Honey, for months when you talked to me about your new neighbor, you did nothing but tell me that he was a womanizer, that every night he brought a different woman to bed! And now you expect me to accept such a person by your side?"
"He's changed. He loves me."
"People don't change."
"You're right. He hasn't changed.
Didi has always been a responsible, sweet, caring, kind, respectful man... He has always been and I have always told you. Don't stop at that nonsense I was telling you. True, he has dated many women. He had that vice. But now there's only me for him and he shows it to me in every single moment".
Ms. Shen shook her head and walked over to her.
She stroked her hair with a bitter smile.
"It's not too late. Jasper was perfect for you... I feel there is still something between you two. Think carefully. Don't make hasty decisions. You're just confused," she said.
"Mom!"
"Ok, let's go back to the table or they'll think we're both rude."
Ms. Shen hurried out of the kitchen, giving her daughter no time to argue.