Chapter 167 Daily Life in the Capital

The early morning sunlight filtered through the clean glass windows, casting a golden glow over the courtyard of the Beijing city. Gu Qiuyue was quietly preparing breakfast in the kitchen, but her mind was still on the scene of Granny Li sitting alone in front of the window last night.

She specially cooked soft and glutinous millet porridge and steamed easily digestible egg custard, both of which are suitable for the elderly.

The porridge was bubbling in the pot, steaming. Gu Qiuyue wiped her hands, walked quietly to the outside of Grandma Li's door and listened. There was no coughing, but she could hear even breathing, which made her feel a little relieved.

When I turned around, I saw that Xie Shiyu was already dressed neatly. His well-ironed military uniform made him look even more handsome. He was packing some books and some spare clothes into his luggage bag. The weekend was over and he was going back to the military academy to live on campus.

"Did Grandma Li sleep well last night?" Xie Shiyu asked in a low voice, zipping up the luggage bag.

Gu Qiuyue shook her head slightly and said softly, "She only quieted down in the latter half of the night. She must have been feeling uneasy having just arrived. I saw her staring out the window in a daze, stroking the old handkerchief she brought from her hometown."

Xie Shiyu held her hand, his palm warm and strong. "Take your time, you'll get used to it. I have to live on campus this week, and there will be tactical exercises and night training. I'll have to take care of you at home. If you have any questions, please call the military academy duty room at any time."

At this time, Granny Li's door opened gently, and the old woman came out in her coat. Seeing Xie Shiyu carrying a suitcase, she felt a little uneasy: "Is Shiyu going on a long trip?"

"Grandma Li, I'm going back to the military academy to live on campus. We don't have that much freedom to rest over there." Xie Shiyu explained gently, "You can live here with peace of mind. Qiuyue will take good care of you."

Gu Qiuyue hurriedly helped Granny Li to sit down at the dining table: "The porridge is just cooked, please try it and see if it suits your taste."

Xie Shiyu served a bowl of steaming millet porridge to Grandma Li. A layer of porridge oil condensed on the golden surface of the porridge, and the aroma was fragrant. Shuangshuang and Huahua also sat obediently at the table, looking at Grandma Li with their big eyes.

"Grandma Li, Daddy has to go to school." Huahua said in a baby voice, "He won't be back until Friday."

Granny Li's pale face showed a hint of smile, but also a hint of worry: "This... Qiuyue is the only one taking care of this whole family, and she also has to study. Isn't it too hard..."

"Don't worry," Xie Shiyu finished his breakfast quickly and politely, stood up and picked up his luggage bag, "Qiuyue is capable, I have arranged everything, and my mother has retired and often comes to help. I also put the phone number of the military academy duty room in the desk drawer, you can call them directly if there is anything urgent." He turned to Gu Qiuyue, his eyes filled with apology and reluctance.

Gu Qiuyue nodded and walked him to the door: "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. You just focus on your studies and take care of your health."

After seeing Xie Shiyu off, the yard suddenly became much quieter.

Gu Qiuyue took a deep breath, turned around and gave Granny Li a warm smile: "Granny Li, the weather is nice today, shall I accompany you for a walk in the yard?"

The sun was shining brightly as Gu Qiuyue supported Grandma Li and took a slow walk in the courtyard. This was the small courtyard they had bought. Although it was not big, it was kept clean and tidy. An old locust tree in the courtyard cast mottled light and shadows.

"This courtyard is just for our family; it's quiet and peaceful," Gu Qiuyue explained. "The main room is Shi Yu and I's bedroom, the children live in the west wing, and we've specially prepared the east wing for you; it faces south and gets the best sunlight." She pointed at the various facilities, "The kitchen is over there, and the bathroom has been renovated and has a water heater installed."

Granny Li's eyes were filled with gratitude and uneasiness: "This yard is really nice, but it's too much trouble for you... Shi Yu is not at home, and you have to take care of us all by yourself..."

"What are you talking about?" Gu Qiuyue said softly, "I remember your kindness in teaching me embroidery. Now you need to recuperate. The medical facilities in the capital are good, and it's a good opportunity for me to settle down here."

When they reached the old locust tree in the yard, Granny Li suddenly stopped, looked up at the sunlight filtering through the dense branches and leaves, and said softly, "This tree is really beautiful. It reminds me of the one in the yard of my hometown."

Gu Qiuyue's heart moved, and she knew that the old man was beginning to seek familiar comfort in an unfamiliar environment.

She continued, "Yes, it must be very comfortable to enjoy the coolness under the tree in the summer. When you feel better, we can set up a small table under the tree. You can do your embroidery while I read and the children can play nearby."

When she got home, Gu Qiuyue took out Granny Li's embroidery basket. The edges of the bamboo basket had been worn smooth, and inside it were neatly placed colorful silk threads and embroidery frames.

"Grandma Li, the sun is so nice, why don't you embroider something? It will help you pass the time." Gu Qiuyue handed the basket to Grandma Li.

Granny Li touched the familiar frame and silk thread, and her expression was obviously much more relaxed. She chose a small frame, put on her reading glasses, and skillfully threaded the needle with her fingers. The needle tip rose and fell on the fine white cloth, gradually outlining the outline of a small flower.

"The thread from the capital seems to be brighter in color..." Granny Li murmured, comparing the colors of the silk threads.

Gu Qiuyue said smoothly, "Yes, I'll take you to Ruifuxiang on Qianmen Street later. There are so many varieties there, all kinds of fine silk threads from Suzhou and Hangzhou. You will definitely like it."

Granny Li didn't respond, but Gu Qiuyue saw the corners of her mouth slightly raised, and she worked harder on the needlework in her hands.

In the evening, just as Gu Qiuyue finished making dinner, the phone rang. It was Xie Shiyu calling from the military academy.

"Is everything okay?" His voice came through the receiver, full of concern.

"Everything is fine." Gu Qiuyue looked at Granny Li who was teaching Shuangshuang the embroidery stitches, and smiled. "Granny Li is doing embroidery today, and she seems to be in a better mood. The children are also very well behaved."

The background sound of the assembly call came from the other end of the phone, and Xie Shiyu's voice became urgent: "That's good, I'm about to gather here, and be sure to call if you need anything."

"Don't worry, just focus on your studies." Gu Qiuyue said softly, "We are all fine."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Qiuyue invited everyone to dinner. At the dinner table, Granny Li was a little more talkative, asking about Xie Shiyu's situation in the military academy. Shuangshuang and Huahua competed to tell Granny Li about the latest news in kindergarten. Although their expressions were upside down, they made the old lady smile sincerely.

After dinner, Grandma Li did not go back to her room immediately, but sat in the living room watching Shuangshuang paint. Gu Qiuyue was cleaning in the kitchen. Listening to the conversation between the grandparents and grandchildren, she felt warm in her heart.

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, Gu Qiuyue checked the doors and windows. When she passed by Grandma Li's room, she found a faint light coming from under the crack of the door. She was about to knock on the door to remind the old lady to go to bed early, but she heard a very faint, intermittent humming sound coming from inside.

The tune was ancient and unfamiliar, with a strong local accent, as if it was chanting some ancient ballad, and the voice contained an indescribable longing and sadness.

Gu Qiuyue stopped and did not disturb them. She stood quietly outside the door, listening to the plaintive humming. She knew in her heart that it takes much more time and patience to truly settle a person's heart than to settle down a home.

As the night deepened, the humming gradually faded and eventually fell into silence.

Gu Qiuyue knew that this week had just begun and she had to support the family on her own, while Grandma Li's worries still needed to be slowly resolved.