He Tiantian treated everyone around her with a grateful heart. However, reaching middle age, she discovered she had been living inside a full-bodied lie.
Returning to the year 1970, He Tianti...
421
Grandma Qi told these people in advance that she was worried they wouldn't be used to it.
Harsh conditions can be overcome, but if people's hearts are rifted, it will cause disharmony in the family.
Anna smiled and said, "Mom, it is a little strange, but this is our home, we will get through it, you don't need to worry about us."
"Yes, Mom, don't worry," Qi Shuliang said. Even if he wanted to stay here longer, it was impossible.
Besides, this is where he grew up, and he's used to it.
I'm worried about having two children.
Qi Zhenghan and Qi Zhengmin were indeed not used to it, especially when going to the toilet. They were particularly uncomfortable, worried that they would fall into the latrine, and that the latrine smelled terrible.
However, they were all good children and didn't want to upset their grandmother, so they nodded and said, "Grandma, don't worry, we'll get used to it in a couple of days."
"That's good." Grandma Qi said with a smile, as the children were trying to comfort her.
Bai Qiongyu smiled and said, "Sister Qi, we were mentally prepared before we came, so please don't overthink it."
The living conditions here are indeed very poor, but there's nothing we can do about it.
Compared to the pain of missing loved ones, the inconveniences in daily life are nothing.
"Hearing you say that makes me feel a little better," said Grandma Qi. She had gotten used to living here, and even if her closest relatives couldn't tolerate this place, she would still feel sad.
He Tiantian boiled two large pots of water for everyone to wash up, saying, "Alright, it's getting late. The hot water is ready, so hurry up and wash up. We were on the train, and after coming back, we were busy all day and we're all very tired."
As the hostess, He Tiantian had to take care of these outsiders. Although she was not Grandma Qi's biological granddaughter, she had lived here for a long time and was used to working, so the task of taking care of everyone fell on He Tiantian's shoulders.
However, these are all her relatives, and He Tiantian is happy to accept them.
He Tiantian had already written the names on the wooden basins she bought so that they wouldn't use the wrong ones.
After a quick wash, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.
Lying on the hard bed covered with bedding that night, Qi Shuliang held Anna in his arms and said, "Anna, I'm sorry to have to make you suffer."
“Darling, I will definitely not feel wronged,” Anna said. “This is your home, your roots. It’s the place that you Chinese value most, and as your lover, I will accept it.”
"Thank you. Marrying you is the greatest happiness of my life," Qi Shuliang said emotionally. In his heart, Anna was like a princess living in a castle, and he had promised his father-in-law that he would not let Anna suffer any grievances.
The material life here was something Anna had never experienced before.
“Me too,” Anna smiled. “Honey, you’re tired, go to sleep.”
Fortunately, the bed in He Tiantian's room was big enough for three people to sleep in.
Although it was a bit crowded, Bai Qiongyu and Xianglan were very happy because this would help them get closer to He Tiantian.
He Tiantian busied herself bringing hot water to Bai Qiongyu and Xianglan so they could wash their faces and feet and maintain personal hygiene.
Once in bed, Bai Qiongyu felt a surge of excitement at the thought of sleeping with He Tiantian.
It was half an hour later when He Tiantian finished getting ready and came in.
He Tiantian changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed.
They're using thin blankets now. There are two blankets for the three of them, just in case it's not enough.
Once in bed, He Tiantian saw her grandmother holding a book, wearing glasses, and reading by the light of an oil lamp.
“Grandma, there are no bright electric lights here, only dim oil lamps. We can’t read at night; it will hurt our eyes,” He Tiantian said. “If you want to read, you can do it during the day tomorrow.”
Bai Qiongyu closed the book, patted the seat next to her, and said, "Come and sleep quickly."
He Tiantian lifted the quilt, lay down next to her grandmother, and then blew out the oil lamp.
Xianglan slept at one end, while He Tiantian and Bai Qiongyu slept at the other end, making it more spacious.
"Sweetie, you lived in the United States before. How are you adjusting after coming back?" Bai Qiongyu asked. Today, she saw He Tiantian working like a busy little bee, constantly on the go.
“What’s there to be unaccustomed to? I’ve lived here for so long,” He Tiantian said. “I have to say, life in America is so convenient.”
"So, do you want to come back with me this time?" Bai Qiongyu asked, as she had come to reunite with her relatives.
As long as her son's family is willing, she will take them away no matter the cost.
He Tiantian thought for a moment and said, "Grandmother, I don't want to go."
"Aren't you reluctant to leave your parents?" Bai Qiongyu asked. "I just told your father that as long as they're willing, I can take you all out with me. You know I have that ability."
If her parents also agree to go to the United States, then He Tiantian's reason for not wanting to leave them becomes a bit far-fetched.
He Tiantian knew very clearly in her heart that if she went with her grandmother, she might never be able to be with Huo Yingjie in this lifetime.
Because of Huo Yingjie's job, her political background check may not be passed.
Even if Huo Yingjie were to give up his job now, it would be too late, because Huo Yingjie was involved in many important projects and knew a lot of secrets.
This put He Tiantian in a difficult position, unsure of how to answer.
“Sigh, I know what you’re thinking,” Bai Qiongyu said. “You’re worried that if you go to America, you and Huo Yingjie will drift apart and lose your connection.”
He Tiantian smiled awkwardly and said, "Grandmother, the relationship between Huo Yingjie and me will not change because of time or distance. What is standing in our way now is political factors."
“You’re willing to do anything for love, just like I was when I was young,” Bai Qiongyu said. “Back then, I could secretly come to Nanshi with your grandfather behind my father’s back. I know that when love comes, you’ll do anything, so I won’t stop you. I just want to say that if you’re tired or wronged, please don’t forget that you still have your parents and grandmother. We will always welcome you back.”
"Thank you, Grandma!" He Tiantian said. Being with Huo Yingjie was her obsession for two lifetimes.
Even if it's like a moth drawn to a flame, she's determined to go and experience it.
"No need to thank me," Bai Qiongyu said. "Because I know you have the same personality as me. Once you make a decision, you won't easily change it, especially when it comes to feelings. Unless you get hurt or suffer, you will never turn back."
"Grandma, you're so kind," He Tiantian said with a smile, praising her grandmother.
Her family respected her choice and didn't want to put her in a difficult position, but they have always been a warm haven for He Tiantian.
Hearing the conversation between the grandmother and grandson, Xianglan chuckled and said, "Alright, it's late, go to bed early. Otherwise you won't be able to get up tomorrow morning!"
"Goodnight, Grandma and Grandma Lan," He Tiantian whispered, closing her eyes.
"Goodnight," Bai Qiongyu said. She was truly exhausted after a day of such emotional ups and downs. (To be continued.)