Harvest season
As autumn deepens, the sky takes on an almost transparent azure hue, and the sunlight becomes precious and bright, no longer scorching, but only warm. In Anping Lane, most of the leaves of the old sycamore trees have turned into a brilliant golden yellow, and when the wind blows, a few leaves flutter down and spread a soft carpet on the ground.
It was a Saturday morning, and Lin Zhiyi arrived at "Shixu" a little later than usual. She pushed open the door and was surprised to see Grandpa Lu Qingming sitting at the counter, a steaming cup of tea in his hand, talking to Lu Shixu. The old man was wearing a brand-new dark brown Chinese-style coat, looking energetic, with a rare, undisguised smile on his face.
"Grandpa, you've arrived!" Lin Zhiyi greeted him with a smile.
"Girl, you're here!" Lu Qingming's smile widened when he saw her, and he waved to her. "Come here, I was just talking about you."
Lin Zhiyi walked over with some curiosity and sat down on the stool next to Lu Shixu. Lu Shixu pushed a freshly poured cup of Dancong tea, which exuded the fragrance of honey orchids, in front of her, his eyes gentle.
"What bad things are you saying about me?" Lin Zhiyi joked.
"Bad things?" Lu Qingming's eyes widened, then he laughed and said in a strong voice, "It's a compliment! A compliment to you, girl, you're the lucky star of our Lu family!"
Lin Zhiyi was a little embarrassed by the straightforward praise: "Grandpa, what you're saying..."
“I’m not wrong!” Lu Qingming put down his teacup, tapped his finger on the table, and glanced between Lu Shixu and Lin Zhiyi. His tone was full of emotion. “I know what Shixu used to be like. He looks like nothing’s wrong, but he’s more on edge than anyone else. He lives like a clock that’s been wound up and has to keep going. It’s exhausting to watch.”
He paused, looked at Lu Shixu, and said with a look of relief, "But now, it's different. People are more relaxed, their eyes are more lively, and even I, an old man, feel at ease and at peace looking at them!"
His gaze then turned to Lin Zhiyi, becoming exceptionally kind: "And your book. A few days ago, some old friends came to my house, saw it, and flipped through it with great enthusiasm! They all said that I, this old man, was keeping it hidden away, that I didn't share such a good thing sooner! It really made me look good!"
The old man spoke with great enthusiasm, clearly pleased by the recognition the book had brought him. It was more than just a book; it was a solemn affirmation of his lifelong dedication to his craft and the Lu family's heritage, a melodious echo for artisans like him in this rapidly changing era.
Lu Shixu listened quietly, not interrupting his grandfather's slightly excited narration, only a faint but genuine smile remained on his lips. He knew that his grandfather's joy stemmed not only from external praise, but more profoundly from seeing the change in his life, from witnessing the new vitality that Lin Zhiyi's arrival had brought to this family.
"So you're a lucky star!" Lu Qingming emphasized again, then, as if remembering something, picked up a cloth bag from beside his feet and pushed it in front of Lin Zhiyi. "Here, this is pear syrup made by your aunt herself. She uses only good pears. It's good for moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs. Autumn is dry, and you young people don't take care of yourselves. Take this and mix it with water to drink in the morning and evening."
The cloth bag was heavy, containing not only pear syrup, but also a heartfelt sentiment of being fully accepted and regarded as family.
A warm feeling welled up in Lin Zhiyi's heart. She took the bag and said sincerely, "Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you, Auntie."
"No need for thanks, we're family!" Lu Qingming waved his hand and stood up. "Alright, you guys stay here. I'm meeting with Old Zhang at the park to see the chrysanthemums, I have to go."
The old man came and went like the wind, leaving behind the aroma of tea and a warmth as if the room had been thoroughly warmed by the sun.
The shop returned to silence. Lin Zhiyi stroked the warm pear syrup bag, looked up at Lu Shixu, her eyes shining: "Grandpa is really happy today."
"Hmm." Lu Shixu nodded, his gaze falling on the brilliant golden sycamore leaves outside the window, and said softly, "Autumn is the season of harvest."
His words were pointed.
Lin Zhiyi understood what he meant. What they gained was not just their grandfather's approval and smile, nor just the praise brought by the book that carried their efforts and legacy. What they gained was a growing and solid bond between them, as strong as the roots of an old tree; a stable daily life built together that could withstand any storm; and the fulfillment and growth they experienced as they became better versions of themselves with each other's company.
Golden sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the two of them and the clocks that silently recorded the passage of time.
The autumn leaves are serene and beautiful, and time flows peacefully.
This is a perfect harvest season that belongs to them.
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