Five years
Five years.
Time is like a silent river, flowing quietly, washing away the scars of the past, and bringing new life and change.
Five years have passed since Tan Huaiyu left Beicheng.
After graduating, Qin Zhou went straight to work, while Song Yungui was still pursuing her master's degree in legal psychology, occasionally helping out at Xiao Jue's law firm. The two rented a small apartment near Jin Jie's house and officially began living together. Every time they went home, they were incredibly affectionate, and although Jin Jie complained, her eyes were full of satisfaction.
Xiao Jue has become a top lawyer at the law firm, taking on more and more cases and gaining more and more fame. After graduating, Lin Ye started working at a bank. His personality has become much more stable, but he has become increasingly strict with Xiao Jue—no staying up late, no smoking, and no skipping breakfast.
Xiao Jue complained, but his body language betrayed him, and he obediently complied. Without the dark circles under his eyes and the exhaustion on his face, he looked much more energetic and cheerful. Even Sister Jin said he looked "ten years younger."
Qingran also moved out of the rehabilitation hospital and lived in Sister Jin's house. Her condition was much better than it was five years ago. She could eat, dress, and wash by herself, and even help Sister Jin with some simple housework.
Although his mind was still that of a child and his speech was unclear, the fear and confusion in his eyes were gone, replaced by a pure and carefree light.
Qi Shuo has been working in the factory for years, rising from a general worker to a team leader, and his salary has increased significantly. He saved a lot of money by living frugally—part of it was used to pay for Qing Ran's rehabilitation expenses, part was used to improve Sister Jin's life, and part of it... he secretly saved it, thinking that he might need it in the future.
Life is busy but fulfilling.
Occasionally during holidays, he would take Sister Jin and Qingran on trips to see the world.
Qingran loves going out to play, and every time she does, she gets as excited as a little bird, holding his hand and chattering nonstop. Although... Qi Shuo can't understand a lot of what she says, he likes to see her happy.
Although he still wore a mask when interacting with Qingran, he still strictly controlled the number of times he came into contact with her.
He dared not take the risk, dared not let Qingran see his face, dared not let her recall those terrible memories.
Although everyone was running around and busy.
Although... Tan Huaiyu was not there.
At eight o'clock that morning, Qi Shuo had just finished his night shift.
He took off his cleanroom suit, hat, and mask, revealing a face that was more mature and more tired than it had been five years ago, but his eyes were much more determined than before. He washed his face and changed into his own clothes—a black trench coat and dark jeans, simple and neat.
Autumn has already turned cool in the north of the city, and there is a slight chill in the wind.
Qi Shuo stepped out of the factory gate, took a deep breath, and felt the long-lost fresh air.
He had arranged to have dinner with his family today, and everyone was there. It had been a long time since he had eaten with everyone.
He hailed a taxi and gave Jin Jie's address. The car drove through familiar streets, the scenery outside the window rushing past. Five years had passed, and the northern part of the city hadn't changed much, except for a few more high-rise buildings and a few fewer old shops.
The car stopped downstairs at Sister Jin's house.
Qi Shuo paid the fare, got out of the car, and looked up at the familiar residential building. The light was on in the window on the fifth floor, and he could vaguely see shadowy figures moving around.
He took a deep breath and stepped into the stairwell.
Qi Shuo stood at the door and raised his hand to knock. The door was quickly opened, and Qing Ran stood there, wearing a pink sweater and jeans, her hair tied in two small braids. When she saw Qi Shuo, her eyes lit up instantly.
"Big brother!" She rushed over and hugged Qi Shuo's waist, her voice muffled but clear, "Big brother is back!"
Qi Shuo paused for a moment, then smiled. He gently patted Qing Ran's head: "Yes, you're back."
"Qi Shuo! Come in quickly!" Sister Jin's voice came from the kitchen, "The food will be ready soon!"
Qi Shuo led Qing Ran into the house.
In the living room, Qin Zhou and Song Yungui were sitting on the sofa watching TV. Hearing the noise, they both turned their heads at the same time.
"Brother Shuo!" Qin Zhou jumped up, rushed over and gave him a bear hug. "Long time no see!"
Qi Shuo was knocked back a step by him, and patted him on the back with a smile: "Be gentle, my bones are about to break."
Song Yungui also walked over and smiled gently: "Brother Shuo, how have you been lately?"
"It's alright." Qi Shuo nodded. "How about you? How's your graduate studies going?"
“That’s good,” Song Yungui said. “There’s an academic conference next month, and my advisor wants me to attend.”
"Wow, that's amazing!" Qin Zhou put his arm around Song Yungui's shoulder, looking very proud. "Our Yungui is a top student!"
Song Yungui blushed and gently pushed him away: "Stop fooling around."
"Alright, alright, stop being so lovey-dovey." Sister Jin came out of the kitchen carrying dishes, glaring at them with a smile. "Qi Shuo just got back, let him rest for a while."
"Sister Jin, let me help you." Qi Shuo let go of Qing Ran's hand and walked towards the kitchen.
"No need, no need." Sister Jin waved her hand. "You sit down and rest, it'll be ready soon."
Qi Shuo ignored him and went into the kitchen anyway. The kitchen was filled with delicious aromas; soup was simmering on the stove, vegetables were stir-frying in the pot, and cut fruit was laid out on the cutting board.
Wearing an apron, Sister Jin deftly stir-fried the vegetables in the pan, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweat.
"Sister Jin," Qi Shuo called softly.
Sister Jin turned to look at him and smiled: "What? Trying to steal my skills?"
"No." Qi Shuo shook his head. "It's just... I wanted to thank you."
"Thank me for what?" Sister Jin raised an eyebrow.
"Thank you for taking care of Qingran and us all these years." Qi Shuo's voice was a little hoarse. "If it weren't for you, we..."
"Alright, alright." Sister Jin interrupted him, her eyes a little red. "We're family, why are you being so formal? Go wash your hands, dinner's ready soon."
Qi Shuo nodded and turned to go to the restroom. While washing his hands, he looked at himself in the mirror.
Oh, he's 33 this year.
Qi Shuo suddenly smiled.
But he didn't know what he was laughing at.
He took a deep breath, dried his hands, and walked out of the restroom.
In the living room, the dining table was already set. A table laden with dishes, each one a feast for the eyes and the palate. Qin Zhou and Song Yungui were setting the table, while Qing Ran sat in a chair, swinging her legs, her eyes fixed longingly on the food.
"Dinner's ready!" Sister Jin brought out the last dish and invited everyone to sit down.
The five people sat around the dining table, the atmosphere warm and lively. Sister Jin served rice to everyone, and also put some braised pork, Qingran's favorite dish, on her plate.
"Come on, eat more," Sister Jin said with a smile. "Today is a big family reunion, so everyone eat your fill!"
"Thank you, Sister Jin!" Qin Zhou said loudly, picking up a piece of pork rib and handing it to Song Yungui, "Yungui, this is your favorite."
Song Yungui blushed and whispered, "I can do it myself."
"Oh, don't be shy!" Qin Zhou said with a grin, "Brother Shuo, look at Yun Gui, she still blushes so easily."
Qi Shuo smiled but didn't say anything. He picked up a piece of fish and put it in Qing Ran's bowl: "Ranran, eat the fish."
Qingran looked up and gave him a sweet smile: "Thank you, big brother!"
"By the way, where are Brother Xiao Jue and Brother Lin Ye?" Qin Zhou suddenly asked, "Weren't they supposed to be here today?"
"They'll be a little late," Sister Jin said. "Xiao Jue just finished a case, and Lin Ye went to pick him up."
"Oh." Qin Zhou nodded, then picked up another piece of meat and gave it to Song Yungui. "Then let's eat first."
Everyone ate and chatted, discussing everything from work to life, from the past to the present, in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Qingran would occasionally chime in, though her words were unclear, everyone could understand her and would patiently respond to her. Qi Shuo watched this scene, a warm feeling welling up inside him.
This is his home.
Although it's not perfect, and although it has experienced pain, this is his home.
"By the way, Brother Shuo," Qin Zhou suddenly spoke up, "How's work lately? Are you still so tired?"
"It's alright," Qi Shuo said. "I'm used to it."
"How about... you change jobs?" Qin Zhou hesitated for a moment. "Factory work is too hard, and it's bad for your health. I know a few friends who can help you find a job..."
"No need." Qi Shuo shook his head. "I'm doing fine now. My salary is high and stable, and I can even save money."
"But……"
"Qin Zhou." Song Yungui gently tugged at his sleeve and shook his head.
Qin Zhou sighed and said nothing more.
"Qi Shuo," Sister Jin said gently, "Don't push yourself too hard. Your health is the most important thing."
"I know, Sister Jin." Qi Shuo smiled. "I'm fine."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"It should be Xiao Jue and the others." Sister Jin stood up and went to open the door.
Sure enough, Xiao Jue and Lin Ye stood at the door, carrying large and small bags of gifts.
Xiao Jue was wearing a suit and looked like he had just gotten off work, while Lin Ye was wearing casual clothes and looked much more mature than he had five years ago.
"Sister Jin!" Xiao Jue greeted her with a smile, "Sorry I'm late."
"It's alright, it's alright." Sister Jin took the gift. "Come in quickly, the food is still warm."
The two entered the house and greeted everyone. Lin Ye saw Qi Shuo and smiled, "Brother Shuo, long time no see."
"Mm." Qi Shuo nodded. "Long time no see."
"Come, come, sit down and eat." Sister Jin invited them to sit down and added two more sets of bowls and chopsticks.
The atmosphere at the dinner table became even more lively. Xiao Jue talked about the cases he had recently taken on, and Lin Ye would occasionally add a few words. Qin Zhou and Song Yungui listened with great interest, while Qing Ran focused on eating the food in her bowl, occasionally looking up at everyone with curiosity in her eyes.
Qi Shuo sat there, watching this scene, and felt an even stronger sense of warmth in his heart.
He picked up a piece of meat, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. The food smelled delicious, like home.
"By the way," Xiao Jue suddenly said, "Have you heard? Tan Huaiyu is coming back."
Qi Shuo paused for a moment.
"Tan Huaiyu?" Qin Zhou asked in surprise.
“Hmm.” Xiao Jue nodded. “He’s studying law at Peking University and has excellent grades. I heard he’s already been hired by a top law firm. It seems he’s back this time to… open his own law firm.”
"Wow, that's amazing!" Qin Zhou exclaimed. "Then isn't he going to become Xiao Jue's rival?"
"Get lost." Xiao Jue laughed and scolded, "He specializes in commercial law, I'm a criminal defense lawyer, we're completely unrelated."
"When will he be back?" Song Yungui asked.
"It seems to be next week," Xiao Jue said. "Lin Ye, right?"
"Yes." Lin Ye nodded. "He sent me a message saying he'll be here next week."
Qi Shuo lowered his head, eating silently without saying a word. Five years... Tan Huaiyu is coming back.
The boy who used to follow him around and call him "Brother Qi Shuo" is now a top student at Beijing University, a lawyer at a top law firm, and someone from a completely different world.
They should have had no connection at all long ago.
"Qi Shuo." Xiao Jue suddenly called out to him, "Tan Huaiyu said... he wants to see you."
Qi Shuo raised his head, looked at Xiao Jue, and asked calmly, "See me?"
"Yes." Xiao Jue nodded. "He said... he has something very important to tell you."
Qi Shuo remained silent for a moment, then finally shook his head: "No need. We... have nothing to say."
"Qi Shuo..." Xiao Jue wanted to say something, but Lin Ye stopped him.
"Alright, let's eat," Lin Ye said softly. "The food's getting cold."
The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly became somewhat awkward. Everyone fell silent, except for Qingran, who was still focused on eating, occasionally letting out satisfied hums.
Qi Shuo took a deep breath and put down his chopsticks: "I'm full. You guys take your time."
After saying that, he got up and walked to the balcony. The balcony door closed, shutting out the sounds from the living room. Qi Shuo stood in front of the railing, looking at the night view in the distance, and the complex emotions in his heart surged up again.
Tan Huaiyu is coming back.
Five years have passed, and he's finally coming back.
But... what else can they say to each other?
Qi Shuo closed his eyes, letting the night breeze caress his face. Behind him, the laughter and chatter from the living room continued, warm and real.
This is his life.
Calm, peaceful, and full of everyday life.
Life without Tan Huaiyu.
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