Arnold, Maxx and Chong, thanks for the encouragement.
Well yesterday was a day to remember. Today YaYa was so affectionate and kind, all my worries from the day before dissipated in a few moments. I even got a few friendly slaps on the arm, as she told me, how could I doubt her love for me? *laughs*
We went out to the Wuhan museum and listened to a performance of traditional Chinese music. Then we went for a walk around one of the Wuhan lakes, near the museum. I tried those red toffee apple skewers, and they were really strange, but good too.
My daughter flopped down on a chair at the lakes and refused to take another step, saying she was bored out of her brain and would have preferred to stay in the hotel room all day. I told her if she didn't get a move on I was going to throw her into the lake. So then she got up and walked along sulkily for quarter of an hour, and then I said to her I was sorry that she was so bored and that I had spoken sharply to her, and she said that she was sorry for being the way she was, and it all blew over.
This was the first little argument I had had with my daughter on my holiday. Usually we get along very well together. While I was a little embarrassed about it happening in front of YaYa, I was glad that it happened, to see what YaYa would make of it. She was a little surprised, but she accepted it. She gave us space to work it out, and then after we had walked in silence for a little while, she talked calmly about something else. She seems to be a peacemaker. So I learned something else good about YaYa.
Then we went out to a restaurant with her family and our relationship was toasted all night. We were clinking glasses and listening to the advice from the older people at the table through the whole meal. I felt so humbled to be treated this way. We were told how life was full of difficulty, so we have to care for each other. That we have to think about each other before we think of ourselves. All the toasts and advice were a bit disjointed after being translated, but it was a very significant night for us as a couple, having our relationship honoured in this way.
At night we played cards at her parents place. It was so lovely there. My daughter had such fun. They were laughing and playing cards for around four hours straight. I am always a little surprised (as someone in the middle of my life) how young and old people get along so well and enjoy each other's company so much. I was so pleased that my daughter had a good time there.
At the end of the night her parents offered to have my daughter stay over at their place. I gladly accepted this offer and YaYa walked me home to my hotel.
It took longer than usual for YaYa to get back home and so this morning I have woken with a smile from ear to ear.
I am a little worried that her parents will be upset about this, but I hope they will not be. In many ways I have shown my good faith (eg organising and paying for the wedding, preparing the documentation for the marriage registry, visiting with my daughter, my gifts, the respect I show them, etc). In my heart I know that I have no hesitation about marrying YaYa and so I do not think that they have any grounds for thinking that I am not a man of my word.
I am sure it will be okay. I sure feel fine *smiles*
