Chapter 144 (Updated 1441)
When Luo Yan got home, she saw a small, dark red booklet on the table, picked it up and opened it: "Mom, is this the new property certificate?"
Liu Yinfeng specially set it out for the children to see when they came back, saying, "Yes, it costs three yuan to make it."
Inside was just a thin piece of paper listing all the owners, addresses, years of construction, and building area.
Luo Yan looked at it and said, "It's actually a house from 1923, that's quite old."
"What's so old about this?" Luo Xinmin said. "Our courtyard is almost a hundred years old."
A century of trials and tribulations has brought many changes. When Luo Yan thinks about it, she feels that time is like a great river flowing eastward, and human life is so insignificant.
She said, "It's been so long."
It's been too long, Liu Yinfeng said: "Old Chen's family doesn't take good care of the house. Many of the tiles are worn out, and the windows need to be resealed, which will take some time."
Luo Yan put down the property certificate: "Does the family still have any money?"
Liu Yinfeng: "Don't worry, there are adults here. Anyway, we have a lot of debt, so let's get it repaired first."
After saying that, she twitched her nose and asked, "What did you eat tonight? Why do you smell so bad?"
Luo Yan pinched the clothes and smelled them: "It's Chongqing hot pot. I think it's alright, just spicy."
Liu Yinfeng then realized, "I knew it, your lips look like you're wearing lipstick."
Luo Yan quickly went to look in the mirror and suddenly realized that her skin looked even whiter, which was actually quite beautiful.
She said, "I'll feel better after a nap. I'm going to take a shower."
"Go on, go on," Liu Yinfeng said to her husband as she watched her daughter skip and jump out of the house. "Have you noticed? She comes home all the time with a big smile on her face."
Luo Xinmin: "Our Yan'er has nothing to be unhappy about. She's always been happy every day."
There's no reasoning with men, Liu Yinfeng said: "Go watch your TV."
Speaking of televisions, Luo Xinmin asked, "Do we also need to report the electrical wiring for repair?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yinfeng slapped her thigh and exclaimed, "That's right! We just got extra electricity, and it was a waste of money!"
The couple carefully counted out which other expenses they would have to pay, and the thought made them worried.
Fortunately, they were able to save a considerable amount each month, and with their son's income, even if they had to pay interest to others, they could pay off their debts in at most two years.
Two years is a good time to move to a nice house where you can settle down. It's a worthwhile investment no matter how you look at it.
After the couple settled the accounts, they went to bed when their daughter came home.
Luo Yan washed her hair in the evening and sat in the yard to dry it, while memorizing vocabulary words.
When Luo Hong returned, he saw her standing outside and gently pressed her head as he passed by.
This guy, why is he so cheeky?
Luo Yan was furious: "I just washed my hair!"
She washes herself every day. Luo Hong said, "No wonder you use so much soap every year."
Luo Yan argued confidently, "My hair is long!"
Luo Hong thought his younger sister had only ever had short hair once in her life, and that it was related to him. Fearing she might bring it up again, he quickly slipped away.
Luo Yan couldn't possibly remember every single one of the "bad things" her brother had done.
She finished memorizing today's vocabulary words and went back to her room, where she would continue her study plan the next day.
Liu Yinfeng thought her daughter was going out to play on Sunday. She went in and out twice and saw that she was still in the room. She pushed open the door and asked, "Aren't you going out today?"
Luo Yan said frankly, "I've arranged to meet Zhou Weifang at the barbecue restaurant at 12 o'clock."
That means we won't be eating lunch at home. Liu Yinfeng said, "Then your dad and I are going out. Remember to lock the door when you leave."
Luo Yan asked curiously, "Where are you going?"
"Go and pray to the local earth god; moving to a new house is a big deal."
Even Luo Yan felt she should offer a prayer. After her parents left, she locked the living room door from the inside, went back to her room to finish her essay due on Monday, and then put down her pen and went out.
She was a few minutes late, but Zhou Weifang had already taken the wooden tag with the number on it and said to her, "We are number 2, we'll be quick."
There must be a lot of people on my day off. Luo Yan said, "I ate breakfast late, so I'm not very hungry yet."
"Just one day off, it's fine to sleep in a little later."
The two chatted while waiting for their number to be called, discussing where they would go for the National Day holiday.
Zhou Weifang: "The coffee shop at the Beijing Hotel is also open to the public."
Coffee? Luo Yan had heard of it but never tasted it, but she knew it was "very expensive."
Zhou Weifang: "It's alright, have a taste."
Luo Yan was tempted, but first said, "I'll treat you to a drink."
Before he could even speak, she pleaded, "Just let me treat you this once."
What else could Zhou Weifang say? He pinched her cheek and said, "I'll listen to you, I'll listen to whatever you say."
Luo Yan was very satisfied when she heard the shop assistant call out number 2, saying, "It's our turn."
The two sat down in the shop and stared at the grill pan in the center. The chef poured a large bowl of lamb onto it, added various seasonings and condiments, stirred it a few times, and then plated it for serving.
After eating mutton, Luo Yan wanted to eat beef and said, "Next time, let's go to Ji's restaurant."
The two barbecue restaurants have different signature dishes.
Zhou Weifang nodded in agreement, then suddenly remembered something: "I went to inquire about paying taxes this morning, and they said I was the first person to come and pay, and the window wouldn't start processing business until after National Day."
Luo Yan: "Have you calculated how much it will cost?"
Zhou Weifang, whose ledgers were always meticulous, chuckled and said, "Two yuan and fifty cents."
Only the portion exceeding 800 needs to be paid, and he happened to agree to that.
Luo Yan laughed, "It sounds a bit like an insult, but the car dealership is really doing well, making so much money."
Zhou Weifang shook his head: "It's not a car dealership."
"Huh?" Luo Yan exclaimed in surprise, "The fruit shop has only been open for a few days."
Zhou Weifang explained to her: "Hongmin and the other two earn nearly two hundred yuan a month, and a lot of their money is tied up in goods. With the fruit shop, I buy as much as I sell, so the money comes in quickly."
Zhang Hongmin and his team work in the shop from morning till night, yet the car dealership's profits are still less than those of the fruit shop.
Luo Yan frowned: "Then how much work must you be doing at the fruit shop? It must be very tiring, but you didn't even tell me!"
Zhou Weifang was taken aback: "It's not that tiring, otherwise I would have invited my sister-in-law alone."
It was all about money, so he lowered his voice and leaned closer: "The profit per pound is only three cents, but there are a lot of buyers. Think about how heavy a pear must be."
His words made some sense. Luo Yan said, "I know making money is important, but... it hurts me to spend it."
Even if Zhou Weifang were tempered by fire, he would melt away. Holding her hand, he said, "Look at me, I'm as strong as an ox, how could I not be good?"
There were people all around, so Luo Yan pulled her hand away and patted him lightly: "Eat your food properly."
Zhou Weifang ate his meal properly, but as soon as he entered the movie theater, he became restless. Before he could do anything, Luo Yan grabbed his hand and said, "Why is it so dark? It's scary."
The movie hadn't started yet, and the theater was pitch black.
Luo Yan used her bag to cover the two people's clasped hands, her gaze fixed on the curtain.
Zhou Weifang's fingers traced patterns on her palm, only stopping when she stepped on his foot.
He didn't really care what movie was playing.
Luo Yan, on the other hand, looked at it quite seriously. When she came out, she said, "It's not good-looking. No wonder people use this to pay off debts."
Zhou Weifang rubbed his two empty hands together: "Then next time we'll come and see what you want to see."
Luo Yan snorted: "You'd better want to watch a movie."
Zhou Weifang said frankly, "I just want to be with you, I'll do anything with you."
He was quick to say nice things, and Luo Yan tossed the keys around, saying, "Let's go for a walk."
The nearest park, Taoranting Park, is a popular dating spot for men and women in the city. In contrast, there is Zizhuyuan Park, where it is said that couples who go on dates are more likely to break up.
Luo Yan only learned about this later. For the first time, she thought that there might be some reason for this rumor, because Zizhuyuan Park was right next to the city library, and she and Zhou Xiuhe had been there several times.
Thinking of this, she glanced guiltily at Zhou Weifang.
Zhou Weifang had been watching her the whole time, not missing a single change in her expression, and asked, "What's wrong?"
Luo Yan touched her face and abruptly changed the subject: "Wow, what a big duck."
Why are there ducks in the park's pond? Zhou Weifang, along with her, made a misunderstanding: "They are quite fat."
The duck probably didn't like being called that, and flapped its wings vigorously, splashing water everywhere.
Luo Yan instinctively hid behind Zhou Weifang, as if using him as a shield.
Two drops of water were splashed on Zhou Weifang's face. He chuckled and said, "No, didn't you say you felt sorry for me?"
Luo Yan said matter-of-factly, "Shouldn't you feel more sorry for me?"
"Yes, yes," Zhou Weifang said, tracing her face with his fingertips. "Is our darling alright?"
Luo Yan's heart pounded, and she looked at him somewhat embarrassedly: "Don't call me that."
Zhou Weifang could tell that the words were sarcastic or veiled, and whispered, "I'll call again next time when no one's around."
Luo Yan didn't say whether it was good or bad, she just called him by his name.
Normally, using a full name always seems a bit formal and distant. But when she said those three words, the intonation and rhythm seemed to change, making it sound more like she was being affectionate.
Zhou Weifang coaxed her, "Would you like some yogurt?"
There were several stalls in the park. After buying some, Luo Yan walked around while drinking. It was unclear who had instigated him, but he turned into a secluded spot where no one was around.
Zhou Weifang took her hand and asked, "Is it good?"
Yogurt is available everywhere; it's not like he's never had it before.
Luo Yan looked down at the bottle neck she had touched and suddenly realized, "No wonder you only bought one bottle."
Zhou Weifang leaned forward slightly: "Yanyan, let me have a bite."
Okay, okay, Luo Yan's ears couldn't take it anymore. She felt like it was whispering, and something felt off all over her body.
She said, "Here you go, here you go."
Zhou Weifang pressed her hand down and moved closer: "Not this one."
Which one is that? Luo Yan subconsciously closed her eyes, but couldn't help wanting to sneak a peek.
She noticed for the first time that Zhou Weifang's eyelashes were very long, and unconsciously held her breath.
Zhou Weifang swept his hand across her lips so quickly that he barely noticed it. Seeing that she didn't react, he kissed her again and instinctively placed his hand behind her head.
Luo Yan was truly out of breath. She gripped the yogurt bottle tightly, like a drowning person clinging to a piece of driftwood. Unable to bear it any longer, she turned her head to the side and took small breaths.
Zhou Weifang's lips traced her face and landed on her ear: "Yanyan."
Luo Yan couldn't describe her current feelings. She grabbed his collar with the hand she had placed on her chest and said, "You, I..." She didn't know what to say.
Zhou Weifang nuzzled her face like a puppy: "The yogurt is so sweet."
"Are you talking about yogurt?" Luo Yan pushed his head away. "I think you planned this all along."
Zhou Weifang leaned closer again: "Yanyan."
"Stop yelling, stop yelling," Luo Yan pursed her lips. "Just stand still."
Zhou Weifang stood with perfect posture, his feet together and his hands hanging down by his trouser seams.
Luo Yan breathed a sigh of relief, her wildly beating heart calming down considerably. But standing there, the feeling from just moments before lingered, leaving her unsure where to look. So she simply stared at the ground.
Zhou Weifang touched his lips, and was glared at as soon as he called her name.
Luo Yan fanned herself with both hands, glanced at her watch, and said, "I should probably go home soon."
Time flies like an arrow; Zhou Weifang felt that only a short time had passed, but he still said, "I'll see you off."
Even in broad daylight, the alley entrance was packed with people.
Luo Yan thought for a moment and said, "Just turn right when you drop me off at Lingjing Alley, I'll go back by myself."
Zhou Weifang said in a cloying tone, "We won't be able to see each other until the day after tomorrow."
Luo Yan tiptoed and touched his face: "Is it okay now?"
Zhou Weifang rubbed her face with both hands: "I'm even more reluctant to part with her now."
Luo Yan mumbled, "My face isn't dough!"
Zhou Weifang: "Dough can't compare to your cuteness."
Luo Yan used to think she had a very sweet tongue, but now she realized he was even more adept at sweet-talking. She wrinkled her nose and began to count down in a drawn-out tone: "Three...two...one..."
Zhou Weifang released his grip on the number one and said seriously, "Let's go."
The two rode their bikes side by side as they left the park, but went their separate ways after reaching Lingjing Hutong.
Luo Yan continued forward and soon saw her father playing chess by the roadside after turning into Fengshou Hutong. She waved her horn twice to greet him.
Luo Xinmin turned his head to look: "Yanyan didn't bring her keys, and her mother isn't home."
Luo Yan's words "Dai la dai la" lingered in the air, carried away by the wind.
This girl can be really impulsive sometimes. Luo Xinmin refocused his attention on the chessboard and was soon checkmated.
He said, "My hands are so stinky."
Luo Yan was unaware that her father had lost several games in a row. She parked her bicycle in front of the door, took out her keys, opened the door, and went into the kitchen to check. She found rice steaming on the stove and noticed that the washed vegetables were still dripping water. She thought to herself, "Then I don't need to do anything."
She went back to her room to read without a care in the world. After a while, she heard someone coming back and poked her head out: "Mom, where did you go?"
Liu Yinfeng: "You went to your Aunt Xiujuan's house for peanuts. Are you hungry? I'll cook a dish quickly."
Luo Yan: "I'm not hungry, I was just being cute."
"How old is this child?" Liu Yinfeng said, putting on her apron.
"No matter how old I am, I am still your daughter."
That's right. Liu Yinfeng: "Alright, go do your homework. Mom will make you something delicious."
Dinner was indeed very lavish; there were four dishes prepared for just the three of us.
Since school started, Luo Yan has hardly eaten dinner at home. She asked, "Mom, is this the standard of food we eat every day now?"
Liu Yinfeng: "Now that you don't need coupons for anything at the market, you can eat a little better."
Luo Yan exaggeratedly slurped her saliva: "I'll come back to eat here more often in the future."
Liu Yinfeng teased, "The food delivered by the three parties isn't good anymore?"
Luo Yan called out "Mom" in a drawn-out tone, twisting her body like a Tianjin twisted dough stick.
Luo Xinmin also joined in the "joke": "If you twist it any more, the stool will fall off."
Luo Yan continued to twist and call for her father, but after a while she felt dizzy from the shaking and touched her head to steady herself.
With just my daughter at home, it's already lively enough.
Liu Yinfeng smiled, then remembered something important: "Do you have any clothes you don't wear anymore?"
Luo Yan: "There should be a few, what's wrong?"
Liu Yinfeng got angry as soon as she mentioned this: "I think Xiucao's clothes are not decent. I'll alter them and take them to her."
Xiucao's family had a stepmother and a stepfather, so naturally, everything about them was poor. Luo Yan hated these kinds of parents the most and said, "I'll go find them later."
Liu Yinfeng: "It doesn't need to be too new, otherwise we'll button it up and not let her wear it."
She went on to chatter about this and that, talking to her husband about who was who in whose family.
Luo Yan didn't really know them; she just vaguely remembered them from hearing about them so often. She could only occasionally chime in with a few words before going back to her room to continue reading after dinner.
--
Three days later was National Day in 1980, and Beijing, as the capital, had many large-scale events.
Luo Yan woke up early and heard firecrackers going off somewhere. She said, "If you didn't know better, you'd think it was Chinese New Year."
Liu Yinfeng, who had just returned from grocery shopping, said, "It's almost like Chinese New Year. The market is packed with people today."
Luo Yan: "Then you should ask my brother to go; he's not afraid of the crowds."
Today is a rare day for her son to close the shop, Liu Yinfeng said, "Let him sleep in a little later."
Luo Yan complained: "I stayed up very late reading novels again last night."
Liu Yinfeng retorted angrily, "How dare you say that to him?"
Luo Yan nodded slightly: "I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry."
These two kids are never quiet for a single day.
Liu Yinfeng: "Then punish him by making him eat one less crab at noon."
There are crabs today! Luo Yan squatted in the kitchen watching them bar their teeth and claws, poking them a couple of times with a chopstick.
Luo Hong woke up to this scene and started yelling, "I'll bite you! I'll bite you!"
Luo Yan was easily frightened. She plopped down on the ground, blinked twice, and shouted, "Luo Hong, I'm not finished with you!"
Luo Hong took off running and circled around the yard with his sister.
Wangcai and Laifu thought it was a game and chased after them.
Luo Yan didn't have her brother's legs, and in the end, she had to stop running before she could get a chance to fight back.
Luo Hong received three slaps to the back. He tried to reach back to touch it, but almost strained his back and still couldn't reach it. He grimaced and said, "You really went all out."
Luo Yan's hands were also hurting, and she rubbed them as she said, "You deserve it."
He walked home with his chin held high.
After washing up, Luo Hong went into the kitchen and, seeing the setup, asked, "Are you planning to make a Manchu Han Imperial Feast today? What do you need me to do?"
"Don't join in the fun," Liu Yinfeng said. "Your dad's in the new house, go over there."
No, Luo Hong said, "How come there are people working secretly without even calling out to anyone?"
Liu Yinfeng: "I didn't mean to let you sleep in a little longer today."
He added, "What's the rush? Eat breakfast first."
Luo Hong picked up a steamed bun from the table, swallowed it hastily, and mumbled, "Are you going or not?"
Luo Yan knew the question was directed at her, so she looked left and right and said, "I'm picking vegetables here."
"Choose," Luo Hong swallowed what was in his mouth. "If lunch isn't good, blame it on you."
Luo Yan, like a fighting rooster, shouted, "It's your fault, it's your fault, it's your fault!"
She practically pecked her brother out of the house.
It was chaotic early in the morning.
Liu Yinfeng was both amused and exasperated, finding it increasingly amusing, and said helplessly, "They're all fifty years old in total."
Luo Yan heard this and said, "Mom, how can you calculate age like that?"
Okay, okay, no, no.
Liu Yinfeng ordered her, "Go pick a few scallions and wash them; I'll use them to make dumplings."
Luo Yan is a meticulous person: "How many exactly?"
Liu Yinfeng: "Seven, eight, or nine, all are fine."
Luo Yan chose an eight and counted them in the flowerpots by her door. Suddenly, she heard a loud firework display and silently wished herself a happy National Day.
She meant to say this to Zhou Weifang.
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Author's note: Happy National Day everyone! I'm currently working on the second update.
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