Seeing Han's father's expression, Han's mother couldn't suppress a smile, but she knew in her heart that the father and son had conspired to get her to agree to go to Kyoto as well.
"Old Han, how old are you? Still playing these little tricks." Han's mother said without any mercy, making Han's father's face turn white and red in turns.
After saying that, she turned to Han Feng and said, "Mom knows you've grown up, so I'll listen to you. We'll start packing in a bit. I suppose you're in such a hurry to come back because you're pressed for time. But don't try to fool your dad by lying to me again."
"Mom, do you think we should bring this vase?" Han Feng asked, deliberately changing the subject as he held up a blue-and-white porcelain vase from the display shelf in the living room.
Han's mother snatched the vase away and put it back: "Stop trying to fool me!" She put her hands on her hips, but her eyes gleamed with a sly light. "Your father has never lied more than three times in his life, and every time it was for you. I hope he's not hiding anything bad."
Han's father pretended to cough at the top of the stairs. He had changed out of his military uniform into casual clothes, and the "transfer order" was nowhere to be found.
Han Feng put down the vase and placed his hands on his mother's shoulders: "Mom, I just want to take you both to Kyoto to enjoy your retirement." His voice softened. "Look, the supermarket can be managed by Uncle Li, and if it doesn't work out, we can transfer it. My house in Kyoto is big enough, and..."
"And what?" Han's mother narrowed her eyes sharply.
"Besides, Liu Mengran and Su Wanwan are both in Kyoto and staying at my place." Han Feng finished speaking with a forced smile, his ears burning.
Han's mother's expression instantly brightened, and she patted her son on the shoulder: "You should have said so earlier!" She turned and walked towards the bedroom, "Old Han, find my camel hair coat. Winters in Beijing are much colder than in Jiang City!"
Han Feng and his father exchanged a glance and simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. Han's father quietly gave a thumbs-up and mouthed, "You really know how to do things."
For the next half day, the Han family was busy preparing for the move. Han's mother directed the father and son to rummage through boxes and cabinets, sorting through the family's belongings accumulated over decades—things to take, things to store temporarily, things to give away... Han Feng watched as his mother carefully wrapped stacks of photo albums into shock-absorbing foam, and suddenly realized what this move meant for his parents.
"Dad," Han Feng asked in a low voice while his mother was boiling water in the kitchen, "Are you really willing to leave Jiang City?"
Mr. Han wiped the "Glorious Discharge" medal, smiled, and said, "Soldiers call the world their home." He put the medal into a velvet box. "Besides," he added, "your mother may not say it, but she's been wanting a grandson for a long time."
Han Feng almost choked on his saliva.
By evening, the basic items had been packed. Han Feng contacted a moving company in another city to arrange for a special vehicle to transport the larger items the next day. The supermarket was temporarily entrusted to Uncle Li, a friend of Han's father, and Han's mother drafted an authorization letter, her handwriting so neat it looked like a primary school student's homework.
"Mom, there's no need to be so formal." Han Feng felt a pang of sadness as he watched his mother write each character carefully.
"Rules are rules." Han's mother said without looking up, "Your Uncle Li has been a friend of ours for so many years. He's always been very helpful when we invited him to help out at the supermarket; we can't treat him unfairly."
After everything was arranged, Han Feng checked his watch: "Dad, Mom, I'm going out to visit Uncle Zheng and the others."
"Go on, go on," Han's mother waved her hand, "Remember to give our regards. That box of apples your Uncle Zheng gave you last time was really sweet."
The evening air in Jiang City was already cool. Han Feng walked along the familiar streets and stopped when he passed a long-established tea shop. Various tea cakes were displayed in the glass window, with a wooden sign that read "Premium Pu'er" prominently displayed.
"What kind of tea would you like, sir?" the shop owner greeted him warmly. "Newly arrived Phoenix Dancong, even the mayor loves this one."
Han Feng remembered Zheng Guodong's preference for strong tea: "I'd like half a jin of Pu'er tea, along with a tea set."
Carrying the carefully packaged tea box, Han Feng stepped out of the shop and dialed Zheng Guodong's number. The phone was answered after three rings, and Zheng Guodong's booming voice came through the receiver: "Xiao Feng? You're back in Jiang City?"
"Uncle Zheng, I live near your house. Is it convenient for me to visit?"
"Convenient! I didn't expect you to still remember this old man." Zheng Guodong's voice was filled with surprise. "I'll be home in ten minutes, and Weimin is on his way home too!"
After hanging up the phone, Han Feng smiled slightly. Zheng Guodong's reaction was within his expectations. Zheng Weimin had now been promoted to the director of the Jiang City Public Security Bureau, yet he could go home so early, which surprised him.
The Zheng family's detached house was brightly lit. Han Feng had just rang the doorbell when Zheng Guodong opened the door himself. This secretary of H province had a few more gray hairs than when they last met, but his back remained as straight as a pine tree.
"Come in quickly!" Zheng Guodong pulled Han Feng over and shouted into the house, "Honey, look who's here!"
A fruit platter was already laid out on the coffee table in the Zheng family's living room. After a few pleasantries, Zheng Guodong lowered his voice and asked, "Xiao Feng, what brings you back this time...?"
"I'm taking my parents to Kyoto." Han Feng placed the tea box on the coffee table. "I've come to express my gratitude to Uncle Zheng for his care over the years."
"Oh, why are you being so polite!" Zheng Guodong patted Han Feng on the shoulder, but his eyes kept glancing towards the door.
The sound of the door lock turning rang out at just the right moment. Zheng Weimin rushed in, still wearing his police uniform jacket, beads of sweat on his forehead: "Xiao Feng's here!"
Han Feng rose to greet him. Zheng Weimin looked even more capable than when they last met, with a newfound air of authority between his brows, but his excitement was undeniable: "You little rascal, six months without a word, and you come back with a surprise attack!"
"Director Zheng is extremely busy, it's my honor to meet you." Han Feng jokingly gave a salute.
Zheng Weimin laughed and playfully punched him: "Don't give me that! I know you too well!"
Zheng Guodong said, "Alright, come on, let's eat and chat."
After everyone sat down at the dinner table, Zheng Guodong asked Zheng Weimin to bring out his treasured vintage Maotai liquor. After everyone had exchanged toasts, Zheng Guodong said, "Xiaofeng, you just said you were planning to take your parents to Kyoto?"
“That’s right. I’m settled in Kyoto now, and the company is on track. I just want my parents to be with me and enjoy their retirement,” Han Feng nodded and said.
Zheng Guodong nodded, then glared at Zheng Weimin: "Look at Xiao Feng, he's so young and his parents are already enjoying life. And you? You still need me to make decisions for you about things at the police station every day."
Zheng Weimin's face immediately turned as red as a monkey's bottom. He was speechless for a long time after being scolded by his father. After a while, he said, "There's nothing I can do. Who can blame Xiaofeng for being so outstanding?"
The dinner table erupted in laughter. Zheng Guodong knew that since his son was promoted to bureau chief, he had been involved in almost every matter, big or small, in Jiang City, and the crime rate in Jiang City had dropped significantly. He just wanted to tease him occasionally.
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