As the weather warmed up in May, Bao Ni and her older sister planted all the land in the courtyard. Bao Ni's uncle gradually scooped out the fish from the pond, while Bao Ni herself kept releasing fish fry, creating a sustainable ecosystem.
"Ring...ring..."
Just after dinner, the phone rang, startling Bonnie.
"Hello?"
"Baoni, Grandpa and Grandma are not feeling well. You and your uncle should come back for a visit."
Bonnie's father's voice sounded unwell, and Bonnie's heart skipped a beat.
"Dad, I understand. I'll go tell Uncle right away. Don't worry or get upset."
Bonnie was worried about her father and gave him a few words of advice.
"Understood, please hurry."
After hanging up the phone, Bonnie put on her shoes and ran outside, feeling that something was about to leave.
"Bonnie, what brings you here? Have you eaten?"
Aunt Bonnie rubbed her lower back; it was just past mealtime, and she could finally catch her breath.
Her eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant, already five or six months along, and she was worried about her, so she didn't let her come out.
"Auntie, let's talk in the back."
Seeing that Bonnie's expression was off, Bonnie's aunt followed her into the kitchen.
"Uncle, my dad called. Grandpa and Grandma aren't feeling well, so we need to go back home."
"Clang..."
Bonnie's uncle dropped the rice spoon in his hand and didn't even realize it.
"Is it serious? Lin Nan's wife got pregnant during the Chinese New Year, so we didn't go back home, I..."
Bonnie's uncle regretted it, but it was too late to say anything now.
“My dad didn’t say anything, he just told us to hurry back and we’re leaving tomorrow. Who’s going back? I’ll find someone to book tickets for you later.”
"Go back where?"
Lin Nan had just returned from delivering food to his wife and was completely bewildered.
“Your grandparents aren’t in good health, so we need to go back to the island. Your wife is heavily pregnant, so she shouldn’t come along and go through all that trouble. We’ll go back together. Close the restaurant for a few days, write a notice and post it up so everyone doesn’t have to make a wasted trip.”
Uncle Bonnie felt sad. He thought his parents were still in good health and that he could work hard for a few more years before returning to the island, where Lin Nan would be able to stand on her own.
"Okay, I'll tell Dingxiang. Sister Baoni, could you ask your sister Xiang to stay with Dingxiang for a few days? I'm worried that if something happens to her alone at home, there won't be anyone around."
Lin Nan felt a little embarrassed, but she wouldn't feel at ease otherwise.
“That works too. Your brother-in-law is away from home these few days, so I’ll take care of Sanqi.”
Bonnie thought this was a good thing; otherwise, if something happened, it would be too late to regret it.
Bonnie's uncle bought a house in Beijing, not far from here. Although it's not big, it's their own house now. Lin Nan and her husband have transferred their household registration here, which will make it easier for their child to go to school in the future.
"Bonnie, please ask him to tell my sister."
Otherwise, she wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her five or six-month pregnant daughter-in-law alone at home. Aunt Bao Ni sincerely thanked her.
With things settled, Bonnie rushed back to book tickets, ask Sanqi for leave, tell Gu Ye, and also Xiang Dajie—she had a lot to do.
At home, Bonnie first spoke with Sister Xiang, who agreed, as she felt it wasn't a big deal.
She contacted Han Ye again and helped him book several sleeper tickets. She also called Gu Ye, who hadn't been back for several days.
"Wife, what's wrong?"
“Gu Ye, my grandparents are not feeling well. I’m going back with my uncle and the others tomorrow. My sister Xiang is going to take care of Lin Nan’s wife for a few days. She’s heavily pregnant, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone at home.”
Bonnie knew that Gu Ye couldn't take leave at this time, so she didn't bring it up.
"Honey, I... I can't take leave. This is a critical moment."
Gu Ye felt distressed and guilty. The two elderly people had been very good to him, but he couldn't go back to see them. Improving public order was of paramount importance, and he had no choice.
“I know, and Grandpa and Grandma understand. Take care of yourself and don’t worry me. I’ll contact you again before I come back.”
When Bonnie heard someone calling Gu Ye on the phone, she didn't say anything, hung up, and told Sanqi to pack her clothes.
"Mom, don't be sad. Madam and the others will be unhappy if they find out."
Sanqi never expected this to happen. Although the two elderly people were over eighty years old, they were in good health. She never expected it to happen so suddenly.
Bonnie went back to her room to pack her things and also took some money. She thought it best to be frugal on the road, just in case.
The next day, Sister Xiang went to Lin Nan's house, while Bao Ni and her group boarded the train to their hometown.
Bonnie longed for the speed of China in later years, unlike now, where no matter how anxious you are, the speed of the train will not increase.
After getting off the car, Bonnie and the others headed straight for the pier. Even though they knew the ship wouldn't leave until the afternoon, they still thought it would be closer to wait at the pier.
"Bonnie, have some water. Let's wait here. The boat will be here soon."
Bonnie's third aunt understood Bonnie. She had a good relationship with her grandparents, and since Bonnie got married, she had been truly filial to them, providing them with food, necessities, and clothing without fail.
Bonnie's two children were also taken care of by her grandmother.
"Okay, Auntie, I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Bonnie knew in her heart that her grandparents were getting old and this day would come sooner or later.
With the sound of the ship's horn, Bonnie and the others eagerly boarded the ship, hoping they would make it in time.
When Bonnie and the others disembarked, Brother Lin and Sister-in-law Lin were already waiting at the dock.
"We've finally arrived. Hurry home, Grandpa and Grandma are waiting."
Brother Lin threw all his luggage onto the vehicle. It was a tractor he bought last year, and having a vehicle at this time of year was still very useful.
"Father, Mother, Uncle and the others are back."
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