Time flies, and we've entered the year 2000.
Over the past decade or so, tremendous changes have taken place both domestically and internationally, especially in China.
High-rise buildings are springing up everywhere, and demolition and relocation have become an opportunity for many families to change their fate.
Bonnie bought a house, but the original courtyard house remained untouched. Her first two courtyard houses, numbered 69 and 37, were demolished due to land redevelopment, truly achieving financial freedom. She not only acquired commercial housing but also a considerable amount of cash.
Gu Ye is now a lieutenant general, still living in his original two-story building, and will likely retire next year.
Comrade Lin Baoni, who has already retired, is living a wonderful life. The only thing that hasn't changed is her love for growing vegetables. The vegetable garden in her courtyard house is still as lush as ever.
Grandma, we're here!
The voice was strong and clear; you knew who it was without even looking.
"You came on your own?"
"No, Mom and Dad are behind us."
The girl speaking was about ten years old, with a ponytail and bright, round eyes. She was Liu Jiu and Mu Nanfang's daughter, born in 1990.
“My dad is so eager for my mom to come back, he’s practically green with envy. My sister and I are just extras. We’re coming to stay with my grandma these next few days, but my dad doesn’t want to see us.”
The little boy was also around ten years old. He was the son of Liu Jiu and Mu Nanfang, and he and the girl from earlier were twins.
When Liu Jiu found out she was pregnant, Mu Nanfang talked about wanting a daughter 24/7. Later, when they learned it was twins, they were both a little stunned. Neither side of their families had a history of twins; it was such a surprise, and so many people were envious!
During that time, Mu Nanfang was terrified every day from his dreams. Liu Jiu had given birth to two sons, and his little cotton-padded jacket had disappeared.
He only breathed a sigh of relief after the baby was born and he saw his real daughter. Throughout the entire pregnancy, Liu Jiu ate well and had no morning sickness, while Mu Nanfang lost more than ten pounds!
"Mom, did Dad go to work?"
"Yeah, I'm retiring soon, but I'm still keeping myself very busy."
Bonnie looked at the epaulets on her daughter's clothes and felt truly proud!
"Nanfang, your school is about to start its summer break, right? Are there any projects this year?"
"Probably not. I just finished my last project and want to take a break. Yun Chu happens to have annual leave, so we'd like to take the kids out for a trip."
“Okay, let’s go out for a stroll. I’ll wait for your dad to retire so we can see the world.”
Mu Nanfang has been teaching at Tsinghua University and is already a professor. He studied abroad and later pursued a doctorate while working. Now, in addition to teaching, he also has research projects and receives substantial awards.
"Mom, are Sanqi and the others coming back today?"
"He should be able to come back. He's finished his overseas assignment, and both he and his wife will be working in China from now on. I don't know the specifics yet."
After graduating from Sanqi University, she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and got married the following year.
The bride was a college classmate, a spirited and dashing girl.
When she first enrolled, Sanqi had outstanding grades and was also good-looking; she was truly a dazzling presence.
Chen Xue's family all work in the diplomatic service. Her greatest skill is translation; before university, she had already translated many foreign classics.
Sanqi and Chen Xue were not in the same department. They met at a campus debate competition and, as opponents, left a deep impression on each other.
Sanqi had a sharp tongue and suffered a lot in pursuing his girlfriend, but he finally won her heart.
"Oh dear, my uncle is talking again."
Liu Jiu watched Gu Ze giving a report on TV with a serious expression. If this were ancient times, Gu Ze would be considered a member of the cabinet.
“Your uncle is very dedicated to his work and won’t be able to retire anytime soon. Your aunt and uncle are envious of me because your dad can retire on time.”
Bonnie gave the two children some fruit; it was from her own orchard, which she picked yesterday at the courtyard house.
"There's nothing we can do about it. People in those positions can't retire that early."
"That's true. Your brother Xuanyu will be able to take over your uncle's resources in the future, so his efforts won't have been in vain. It's just that your aunt is worried sick about Xuanyi. He's still not married, and although he's had quite a few girlfriends, none of them have lasted."
"My aunt, give up. Gu Xuanyi hasn't had enough fun yet. He won't get married easily. Now that his clothing brand is doing well, he's living a carefree life and won't compromise easily."
Liu Jiu also didn't understand Gu Xuanyi's thoughts. After returning from studying abroad, his thinking had changed.
He values freedom and dislikes being constrained, feeling that the mundane realities of daily life would limit his thoughts and stifle his creative inspiration. He also enjoys his current life, finding it relaxed and stress-free. He believes in mutual understanding and willingness, and isn't worried that the trivialities of life will wear down their relationship.
In the evening, Sanqi's family also arrived. They were jet-lagged and extremely tired.
"Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt and Uncle, Brother and Sister, I'm here!"
Sanqi's son burst in like a little cannonball; a four- or five-year-old child is at the perfect age for fun.
"Momo, come quick, let's study this Transformer together."
"They're here."
The three children ran off to play, while the rest of the group sat together and chatted.
When Gu Ye returned, everyone, young and old, was there except for him.
"Dad, are you still so busy?"
"We're almost done with this. Let's do some tidying up to avoid chaos during the handover."
Has your retirement application been approved?
"It's been approved. I submitted it two or three times, and my attitude was firm."
Gu Ye was eager to retire, as he had promised Bao Ni he would travel and see the beautiful landscapes of their motherland. If they delayed retirement, they would be too old to enjoy themselves as much as they wanted.
"That's good. You and Mom can finally take a good rest and go out for a walk when you have time. Do you want to buy a car? It'll be more convenient if you drive yourself around."
"No, driving is tiring and dangerous. We'll take the train everywhere we go."
Gu Ye now regrets his life; he feels the safest mode of transportation is the train. Besides, after he retires, he won't need any special cars for anything.
"Okay, whatever's convenient for you. Mom, is your first stop an island to visit Grandma?"
"Yes, let's go back to the island first. That's where we first lived. Let's go back and take a look. There are many wonderful memories there."
After Bonnie's parents went back that time, they would come over every few days with Bonnie's uncle and his family to visit for a while.
On the island, Bonnie's parents and two uncles and aunts looked after each other and occasionally went out for a stroll, visiting many places. They lived a good life.
These past two years, as I've gotten older, I haven't gone out much. It's always Bonnie and the others who find time to go back and visit, spending some time with me.
After dinner, the family sat in the yard, with the children running and jumping around them, laughing and joking, feeling very happy!
(end)
Thank you all for your continued support, which gave me the confidence to keep writing and even surpass one million words! I also hope that my stories can bring a little joy to busy friends. Life may not have perfect people and things; there are all sorts of troubles. But even disobedient children have their adorable side, annoying husbands have their reliable side, and tense mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships have their heartwarming side… Let's strive to find the good in life and become happy, carefree individuals!
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