Chapter 69 Thank you for watching me grow up "How much did the birthday present cost...?"

"Let's go watch the fireworks on the Lijiang Bridge tonight," Li Leshan gestured.

"What day is it? Shengping isn't celebrating tomorrow." Jiang Yueming was puzzled. He'd been incredibly busy lately, working and taking care of Tiantian, so much so that he hadn't paid any attention to it. Shengping had only taken a break a few times over the years, you could count them on two hands.

Fortunately, he's been staying at Li Leshan's house lately, and without Tian Tian's constant nagging, he's incredibly happy, like he's in paradise. Lin Cuiqin is completely at ease with him staying at Li Leshan's house, rather than him going to places frequented by his friends, and doesn't urge him to come home at all.

"Celebrating the second anniversary of the Olympic Games." Li Leshan looked very serious.

Jiang Yueming laughed heartily, so hard he couldn't straighten up. "Then why didn't you set it off last year! Does this thing have an odd or even year distinction?"

He then asked what time it was today.

"Twelve o'clock," Li Leshan said in sign language.

"Who would go to the bridge to watch fireworks in the middle of the night? To feed the mosquitoes?" Jiang Yueming asked, puzzled. He reached out and touched Li Leshan's forehead. "He doesn't have a fever."

"I want to see," Li Leshan said, his eyes sparkling.

"Let's see!" Jiang Yueming immediately gave in, without any hesitation or thought. "I'll go see it no matter where it is, even if it means going through fire and water."

Besides working, another thing to do during summer vacation is to preview high school material. Jiang Yueming, of course, didn't want to study. His deep-seated aversion to learning was so strong it was practically ingrained in him. Just one glance at a book felt like enough to send him straight to sleep, more effective than any sleeping pill or melatonin. Why bother with sleeping pills then? One look at a math book and he was completely out of it.

Wu Jinzhong somehow managed to get his hands on a set of slightly worn first-year high school textbooks and a pile of densely printed study materials, and personally delivered them under the blazing sun.

Old Wu wiped his sweat, speaking earnestly and spittle flying everywhere, repeatedly reminding them that if they didn't attend tutoring classes, they had to study hard at home, otherwise they would fall behind, especially the Shigao North Class, a bunch of geniuses who couldn't even see the taillights of the car! They would be left completely behind!

A true god.

Jiang Yueming and Li Leshan listened in stunned silence, exchanging bewildered glances without uttering a word.

It feels like this student from Shanghai Shishi High School isn't going to school, but rather on a pilgrimage to the West, enduring eighty-one tribulations to vanquish demons.

"What gods and ghosts?" After finally seeing Old Wu off, Jiang Yueming felt that Wu Jinzhong's words were too serious. "Is he trying to scare us? Lele, in my heart you are the most amazing."

Who is Li Leshan? He's been with Jiang Yueming since childhood. Can anyone compare to him? No one can match his position in Jiang Yueming's heart.

However, the study materials Wu Jinzhong sent were unavoidable, and they had to use them properly; they couldn't just leave them unused, otherwise they would be letting their teacher down. After the high school entrance exam results came out, Li Leshan and Jiang Yueming went to see Yin Guiying and Tian Xiaoyun. It was very fortunate to meet such good teachers on this long road of learning.

Although Yin Guiying felt genuinely sorry for Jiang Yueming, hearing about his significant progress filled her with joy. She told Jiang Yueming that schools are static, but people are dynamic. A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. As long as you have the will to succeed, it doesn't matter where you study. She told him to come to her anytime if he had any questions.

She said that although she used to say that he was not careful and always found fault with him, she actually meant well for Jiang Yueming from the bottom of her heart.

No matter what I say, I just want him to be well.

Li Leshan told Tian Xiaoyun his middle school entrance exam results. Looking at the tall boy in front of her, Tian Xiaoyun was also very happy. She patted Li Leshan on the shoulder and said that he had really grown up. She knew Li Leshan could do it. Her smile contained both pride and emotion.

There are always people more capable than you, heavens beyond heavens, and mountains beyond mountains. Li Leshan remembered everything Tian Xiaoyun taught him and all the kindness she showed him.

To that wider and more turbulent sea, Li Leshan wanted to show her through his actions that no matter what, he could swim further.

Before leaving, the two of them simultaneously slipped them red envelopes, saying that they must accept them no matter what, as it was the teacher's heartfelt wish and a hope that they could go further in life.

As they walked out of the familiar Iron Pagoda Primary School residential compound, the two stopped in unison, glanced back, and felt the heavy sentiment attached to the red envelopes in their pockets.

Looking back from any point in time, they are fortunate. On this long and thorny path of learning, they were fortunate to encounter so many teachers who genuinely wanted them to succeed.

The Lijiang Bridge spans the gently flowing Lijiang River and is the main thoroughfare connecting the north and south of the county town. It has few other features, but plenty of lights. Even from a great distance, the neon lights on the bridge are visible, creating a beautiful scene.

There were indeed few people on the bridge late at night, unlike the usual scene of someone setting off fireworks. A few cars passed by occasionally, and the only other thing was the lights. The lights flickered, adding a touch of embellishment to the darkness.

“This bridge hasn’t changed over the years,” Jiang Yueming said, standing on the bridge and looking down at the shimmering waters of the Lijiang River. “Lele, do you remember the first time we walked on this bridge?”

He touched the rough stone texture on the bridge. Over the years, things have changed, and everyone has undergone considerable changes, but the bridge remains unchanged, standing quietly here, supporting the north and south of Shengping, as if it will never change.

“I remember.” Li Leshan gestured, his gaze fixed on the distant river, quiet and deep. “I know you were afraid Wang Hao would cause trouble for me again, and you wanted to protect me.”

Jiang Yueming gave a soft "Hey," a little embarrassed. He scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "I already said it was on my way..."

Back then, Jiang Yueming was called "Li Leshan," but now that name has undergone a complete transformation.

"Time flies. It feels like just yesterday we were walking on the bridge together." Jiang Yueming could still picture Li Leshan from back then. His features seemed unchanged from then on, less naive and more mature, his youthful innocence undiminished.

“You’ve grown so tall now.” Jiang Yueming laughed heartily, recalling their childhood. “I knew back then that you would definitely be taller than me someday.”

Li Leshan also laughed. He placed his hand on Jiang Yueming's head and drew a line, saying, "We are the same height now."

“I used to want to grow up faster,” Jiang Yueming said, “faster and faster, so that I could share more of the burden and suffer less bullying. Now I don’t want to grow up so fast anymore. It was nice when I was little.”

In a sense, growing up means saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to the place where you grew up, saying goodbye to the people who accompanied you since childhood. The place may still be there, but some people may no longer be there.

Li Leshan stared intently at Jiang Yueming for a while, his lips still slightly upturned, but his answer was completely different from Jiang Yueming's: "Then I need to grow up faster, preferably faster than you."

"Why?" Jiang Yueming asked.

"When I grow up, I can protect the people I want to protect." Li Leshan signed, his eyes shining as he looked into the distance. "I really want to see the world when I grow up."

That was the first time Jiang Yueming had seen such clear hope in his eyes. It seemed like the first time he had ever looked forward to something so much, to what others called "growing up."

But Lele, Jiang Yueming wondered, will the world really be better when we grow up? Will you get what you want?

He didn't know. But people can't fight against time. Whether they want to grow up or not, they will grow up someday. Sooner or later, whether it's ordinary or extraordinary, whether it's arduous or difficult. In any case, Jiang Yueming knew that day would come, and along with it, it might be accompanied by excruciating pain.

If you want to grow up quickly, Jiang Yueming thought, hoping that this pain could be less, much less, on you.

"Lele, how many minutes until midnight?" Jiang Yueming asked.

"One minute." Li Leshan glanced at his watch.

He pointed to Jiang Yueming's eyes, gesturing for him to close them.

Although Jiang Yueming was puzzled, he still closed his eyes. "It's really strange that there's such a ceremony for watching fireworks from a bridge."

He counted the time in his mind without opening his eyes. His strong curiosity was suppressed by Li Leshan's words; he was indeed being a little too obedient.

three.

two.

one.

With a "bang," the fireworks exploded in the air.

Jiang Yueming opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Li Leshan's eyes. He was smiling, and he took something out from behind his back and handed it to her.

"Happy sixteenth birthday," Li Leshan said with a smile, a beautiful curve appearing at the corners of his mouth.

Jiang Yueming was startled, feeling a warm current flow through his heart. He was still a little dazed; the sound of the fireworks exploding beside him couldn't even drown out the sound of his own heartbeat. Or perhaps, the sound was so intense that he couldn't distinguish between the fireworks and his heartbeat.

"Le..." Jiang Yueming's voice was drowned out by the sound of fireworks. His impulse overwhelmed his reason, and he hugged Li Leshan tightly, his voice muffled, "Lele, thank you..."

Li Leshan also hugged him, and Jiang Yueming could feel him gently shaking his head, his hair brushing against his neck, making him feel a little itchy and numb.

“I…” Li Leshan’s sign language was slow and clear. He also said thank you, “Thank you for accompanying me as I grew up.”

Jiang Yueming suddenly felt his eyes welling up. Looking into Li Leshan's eyes, he felt a fire burning in his heart. Memories of the past few years surged into his mind like the Lijiang River, wave after wave, relentless. Five whole years—going to school together, coming home together, eating together, sleeping together. All the memories of his time with Li Leshan flashed before his eyes.

At this moment, regardless of whether they were parting or not, Jiang Yueming thought to himself that he must grow up, and grow up quickly. Li Leshan was running very fast, and he had to catch up with him. If he was always a little older than Li Leshan, he could protect Li Leshan a little more.

Lele. Let me see the world for you first as you grow up.

As the sound of fireworks gradually faded, Jiang Yueming was far from calm. His heart was still pounding so hard that his fingertips went numb and his ears burned.

He and Li Leshan sat on the deserted pedestrian walkway in the middle of the bridge. The summer night breeze was blowing gently, lightly brushing their sweaty temples and burning cheeks, but it did nothing to quell the raging fire in their hearts.

The gift Li Leshan gave him was a brand-new flip phone. Although Jiang Yueming hadn't checked the price, he knew it must be very expensive. Electronic products are updated incredibly quickly, faster than several horses could catch up, but at this moment, its value was still considerable.

He estimated that he had used all the money he earned from his summer job, plus his own savings, to cover the cost. But that money was meant for his schooling. Jiang Yueming's hand holding the phone was still trembling slightly.

“Teacher Wu gave me his old cell phone,” Li Leshan said in sign language. “He said to contact him by text message if anything comes up. I… also want to buy you one.”

“Call me when you go to school,” Li Leshan said, looking at him. “Let me hear your voice.”

The evening breeze whistled through the underpass, carrying a low, mournful sound. Jiang Yueming's throat tightened, as if something was blocking it, and her voice became terribly hoarse, "Lele... there's no need. Really, there's no need for this."

“I can’t speak either,” Li Leshan said with a determined look, “but this way I can still send you messages.”

“This must be expensive,” Jiang Yueming said, touching the outer packaging. “You should save your money for when you need it. How much did you spend? How about we split it in half?”

Li Leshan shook his head.

“I… will miss you.” He slowly raised his hand. “You should contact me often.”

He looked at Li Leshan's sign language, a little confused, before suddenly realizing what he was saying.

"You miss...me?"

Jiang Yueming's mind went blank, as if she had been hit hard by something. The warmth from the hug and the words "thank you for growing up with me" had not yet subsided, and now these straightforward words had turned her world upside down.

think?

Which kind of thinking is it?

"Lele, do you know... what you're saying?" Jiang Yueming felt like she was having trouble breathing.

Li Leshan's eyes did not flinch at all; on the contrary, they shone even brighter.

"Don't you miss me?" Li Leshan asked. He didn't answer Jiang Yueming's question because he knew that Jiang Yueming understood what he was saying and what it meant.

"I miss you..." Jiang Yueming's voice sounded like a breath, as if she had used all her strength to make that little sound.

Youth is bittersweet, a heart-wrenching ache. It's the unique stirrings of adolescence, pure, passionate, and tinged with a bewildered panic.

Looking into Li Leshan's eyes, Jiang Yueming felt a surge of youthful impulsiveness overpower reason. She didn't know or understand what she wanted, but action preceded everything else.

He slowly leaned closer and felt his lips touch something warm.

My breathing became difficult, and what was even more touching was the sound of my heartbeat, thumping as if it were about to jump out of my chest.

Jiang Yueming clenched his fists, clearly aware of what he was doing. In the darkness, he groped for Li Leshan's hand and then intertwined his fingers with his.

Jiang Yueming pressed his forehead against Li Leshan's forehead. He was breathing rapidly and wanted to ask many questions and say many things. He hurriedly asked, "Lele, what were you thinking about the night before the physical education exam?"

Li Leshan didn't answer, his eyes fixed on Jiang Yueming, his Adam's apple bobbing. The next second, he leaned in and kissed the corner of Jiang Yueming's mouth.

On this peaceful night, the summer breeze gently blows, soothing the restlessness in my heart—a mixture of impulsiveness and deep thought. Youth needs impulsiveness, it needs a surge of energy that pulls you along, drags you along, and holds you back, so that no matter the outcome, there will be no regrets in the moment.

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Author's Note: Yueming: Sisters, have I grown up fast? I was only eleven when I first met you all. Five years is a long time, but it also goes by quickly. Thank you for watching me grow up. [heart emoji]

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finally!

After much procrastination, the story reaches a small climax around chapter 70. To be honest, this is the slowest-burning book I've ever written. Not only are the chapters the latest, but the story also takes the longest to complete. However, I really think it's just right.

Actually, when I was writing, I was particularly worried that the romance would be weak. The story begins with two children, then transitions to two teenagers. I didn't know how to describe it, nor could I forcefully explore the love and affection. Due to the subject matter and character design, this relationship was destined to be subtle.

So I continued writing with trepidation. Until this moment, I finally, and suddenly, realized that the emotional thread had always been there, running through the entire story and never disappearing.

Because my original intention in writing childhood sweetheart stories, and what I believe is the most profound and important aspect of these stories, is companionship. Although this chapter contains no "like" or "love," and no confession in the traditional sense, Li Leshan's words, "Thank you for growing up with me," are, for Jiang Yueming, the most enduring confession.

Actually, the whole thing started with a dish of vinegar, while making a plate of dumplings.

The inspiration that struck a long time ago, "Lele, how much did the birthday present you gave me cost? How about we split it in half?" came from that dish of vinegar, a dish of vinegar that originated on June 19, 2022, and finally, on October 31, 2025, this plate of dumplings was made.

It really took them three years to finally stand before everyone.

Of all the things I want to say, I want to express my gratitude the most.

Thank you so much for being with me all this time. Without love, the wait would have been far too long.