"Mom! Look who's here!" Hongying called out affectionately.
Grandma Hu turned around and slapped her grandson, who was looking back at Shang Yechu, on the back, scolding, "Do your homework!"
The grandson only caught a glimpse of a figure wearing a mask, pursed his lips, and went back to doing his homework.
Grandma Hu closed the door to her grandson's bedroom, walked over, looked Shang Yechu over, and gave her comments: "You've gotten darker, thinner, and more energetic."
Hongying enthusiastically grabbed Shang Yechu's hand, "Mom, why didn't you tell us that the granddaughter you adopted outside is Yechu? Oh my... my girlfriends and I all adore her..."
Shang Yechu awkwardly tugged at the corners of her mouth: "So... Sister likes me. I'm so honored."
For some reason, Shang Yechu became tongue-tied again.
Hongtu stood behind Hongying, not daring to say a word.
Grandma Hu chuckled and said, "Alright, Hongying, go buy me some groceries. Yezi can stay here for dinner tonight."
As she spoke, Grandma Hu counted out a few red bills from her pocket and handed them to Hongying.
Hongying took the money with a smile: "Okay, Mom, you talk to Ye Chu first—what are you still standing here for?" The last part of her sentence was directed at Hongtu.
Hongtu stammered, "I still have to go driving tonight..."
"What the hell are you driving!" Hongying shouted in a loud voice, "Get down there and help me carry the groceries!"
This feisty demeanor finally helped Shang Yechu regain a sense of reality. Thankfully, Hongying was still the same Hongying, not possessed by anyone, nor suddenly turned into a gentle, submissive woman. Just now, when she was holding Shang Yechu's hand and talking, Shang Yechu almost thought the world had turned into a fantasy drama.
Hongying and her husband Hongtu left. Grandma Hu led Shang Yechu to her bedroom. The bedroom was on the shady side, stuffy, and rather small.
Grandma Hu opened the window to let in some fresh air and looked at Shang Yechu: "How's the filming going?"
"That's good." Shang Yechu couldn't wait to ask the purpose of her trip, "Grandma, when was the demolition and relocation deal decided?"
Grandma Hu was taken aback, seemingly not expecting that Shang Yechu's first question would be this. However, she still explained to Shang Yechu: "We had some progress two years ago."
"So early?" Shang Yechu frowned. "Why haven't I heard you mention this before?"
Grandma Hu said, "We used to sign long-term contracts, but in recent years we've switched to short-term contracts—one or two years. We've been planning this for a while now. We thought this day would come later."
Two years earlier... that is, when Shang Yechu was still in school.
Shang Yechu breathed a sigh of relief. She had almost thought she had created some kind of butterfly effect, causing the demolition of Xingfu Commercial Street. Fortunately, she hadn't.
If that's the case, then why didn't she know about the demolition of Happiness Commercial Street in her previous life?
Shang Yechu mobilized his brain cells, searching through his fragmented memories.
After gaining some recognition, Shang Yechu began filming in various locations. Her schedule was so tight that she had no time to return to the pedestrian street to visit Grandma Hu. Although she had her phone number, she only sent greetings during holidays.
Later, when Shang Yechu finally had enough money and free time to return to Xingfu Commercial Street, it had been completely transformed. Grandma Hu, however, had long since passed away.
After recalling for a while, Shang Yechu realized something.
In my past life, it must have been when Shang Yechu was busy filming in various places that Xingfu Commercial Street was demolished.
The fate of Happiness Commercial Street remained unchanged in both lifetimes; it marched unerringly toward its predetermined demise. It was simply that Shang Yechu in the previous life lived in a daze, neglecting the old street and thus ignoring the news.
Shang Yechu's memories shamelessly embellished her past life, portraying her as a loyal, grateful, and kind child. Filled with regret and sorrow, she helplessly missed her chance with Grandma Hu. Memories can be deceiving, and before long, Shang Yechu herself began to believe it.
It wasn't the old street that changed, but Shang Yechu.
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