Grandma Qi looked up at the rippling lake surface, as if reminiscing, and murmured to herself: "Liangzi came to Nanshi to study at university. The first letter he wrote to me said that he and his classmates went to Xuanwu Lake for a trip. He liked the lake and the water here, and he got along very well with his classmates. He said that after he graduated and started earning money, he would bring his father and me over to visit the lake together."
I see!
What's captivating isn't just the scenery, but also the people within it!
“It’s windy here, let’s go over there. There’s a path there, let’s take a walk.” He Tiantian put the tricycle aside and helped Grandma Qi San go over there to take a look.
As they strolled along the path, gazing at the shimmering water, He Tiantian would occasionally explain things about Xuanwu Lake.
Old Man Qi was listening to He Tiantian tell stories about Xuanwu Lake, while Grandma Qi was mostly reminiscing. Perhaps she was recalling the joy and pride she felt when she received her son's letter; or perhaps she was imagining the happy scenes of her son playing at Xuanwu Lake.
Although it's a sunny day today, it's very cold in winter, especially by the lake, where the wind is strong.
After waiting by the lake for half an hour, He Tiantian said, "Grandma, it's very cold here. Let's go back! Otherwise, we'll catch a cold from the cold wind."
Although Grandma Qi was reluctant, she knew that at her age, a single cold would take a toll on her health. In order not to cause trouble for He Tiantian and to live a few more years, she cherished her life.
“Okay, let’s go back. The lake is right here; we can see it anytime,” Grandma Qi said. “Let’s go back.”
Originally, He Tiantian wanted to take them to see other places, but seeing that Grandma Qi was not very interested, she changed the route and slowly went home.
The road is lined with sturdy London plane trees that have lost their leaves. Their trunks are speckled with pale yellow spots of varying colors, and every now and then a few fluffy balls of leaves fall from the trees. In summer, the leaves of the London plane trees are so dense that even in the strongest sunlight, not a single ray of light can be seen on the road.
As He Tiantian walked, she explained the surrounding trees and buildings.
From Grandma Qi's expression, He Tiantian saw that she was once again lost in memories. Perhaps Qi Shuliang had mentioned the origin of these plane trees in a letter.
Neither He Tiantian nor Old Man Qi disturbed Grandma Qi's memories.
Sometimes, being able to reminisce is a kind of happiness!
It is these memories that have sustained Grandma Qi to this day, and even into the future. Her strong heart has become even stronger with each recollection.
Because memories are beautiful, and imagined things are what we yearn for. How wonderful it would be if they could come true!
However, the dream of realizing all of this is not about sighing and complaining, nor about feeling sorry for oneself, nor about being anxious and impatient, but about living well, always remaining calm and composed, and dedicating a lifetime to hard work, perseverance, and waiting!
It was with this attitude that Grandma Qi got what she had been hoping for, and lived out her old age in peace without any regrets!
Back home, He Tiantian first made ginger soup. Although it was a sunny day, the air was chilly and it was especially cold.
Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi are getting old, so we can't be careless.
One person drank a bowl of brown sugar ginger water, the two elderly people listened to the radio in the house, and He Tiantian went to cook.
I had a light lunch, some soft steamed buns, stir-fried cabbage and tofu, and a bowl of pickled vegetables.
The dishes were simple, but tasted good, enough for three people. Although the He family lived comfortably, they couldn't overindulge; every meal had to be planned carefully. Eating too much might lead to hunger later.
Except for the first few days when the food was better, later at the insistence of Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi, the meals were kept simple and saved for the New Year. Fortunately, Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi had also experienced hardship and knew the value of food. As long as they weren't hungry, they didn't care about the finer things in the meal.
In the afternoon, He Tiantian took Grandma Qi for a walk around the neighborhood and greeted the neighbors.
Old Qi, on the other hand, played chess with the other retired old men around him under the sun, living a relaxed and carefree life.
After returning home, He Tiantian started preparing dinner, waiting for her parents to come home for the meal. During this time, because He Tiantian was home, the Huo family also brought their grain, cabbage, radishes, and other groceries to He Tiantian's house so that she could help prepare the meal.
Huo Zhekun is very busy with work, and Jiang Lifang, being a doctor, is even busier, sometimes working night shifts. After a long day or night, they simply don't want to cook when they get home. Before, they had no choice, but now that they have He Tiantian, a very skilled cook, the couple doesn't cook anymore.
He Tiantian is skillful; the dishes she makes are delicious, visually appealing, and fragrant.
After dinner, He Tiantian brewed some wild chrysanthemum tea that she had collected on the mountain and let the four elders rest. She herself was as busy as a little bee, taking care of all the housework while humming a little tune.
Jiang Lifang already felt bad about coming here to eat a ready-made meal, and it would be even more embarrassing if she didn't help wash the dishes after the meal.
"Sweetie, I'll wash this bowl. Don't let your tender little hands get chapped," Jiang Lifang said, rolling up her sleeves to wash the dishes.
He Tiantian, holding a rag, quickly stopped her, saying, "Aunt Jiang, you should go back and rest. My hands are already wet, so please don't do it."
Jiang Lifang looked at He Tiantian, who was wearing an apron. She was so cute and hardworking, and she liked her a hundred times over! If she could hold her son's wedding with He Tiantian now, she would do it right away without any hesitation.
"Sister Jiang, you don't need to do it. Tian Tian doesn't need to wash either, I'll do it." Wang Shuping was about to squat down and finish washing. She couldn't bear to leave her daughter, and Jiang Lifang was a guest, so she couldn't let someone else do it.
He Tiantian blocked their way and said, "I'm an adult, I don't work, I just cook and do some housework, so don't argue with me. Go and rest for a while, or do some needlework, I'll take care of things here."
He Jingyu was drinking tea when he heard his daughter's words and called out, "You two come over here. Tian Tian is so filial to you, don't you know how to enjoy your blessings?"
Wang Shuping smiled and said, "Then we'll go over there. We'll leave this to Tiantian."
"Shuping, you have such a wonderful daughter!" Jiang Lifang said enviously, wishing she had one too. However, she had a good son who had caught up with He Tiantian early on; he would be part of her family, her daughter-in-law, and they would live together for many years—even better than a daughter!
"Hehe, you flatter me." Wang Shuping sighed inwardly. No matter how good her daughter is, she will eventually get married. In the end, won't she just benefit your son?
However, Wang Shuping only thought this to herself and didn't say it aloud. After all, the two were still young and hadn't officially settled down yet; who knew what would happen in the future! (To be continued.)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com