Tu Ming returned to Beijing and went straight to his parents’ house. It was Tu Yanjing’s birthday, and several of his proud students had come over, sitting around the sofa chatting, making the atmosphere quite lively.

After greeting everyone, Tu Ming introduced himself to a new face: “I’m Tu Ming.”

“Yes, yes.”

The newcomer seemed quite gentle, with a small dimple when he smiled. Tu Ming nodded at him and then went to his room to put down his luggage. Yi Wanqiu followed him in: “Just wash it, I’ll take it back next time.” She opened his suitcase, and a whiff of men’s perfume filled the air. Yi Wanqiu sniffed, glancing at Tu Ming.

Tu Ming usually used a light men’s cologne when going out, with a refreshing scent, but he didn’t use any perfume when resting.

Yi Wanqiu found it strange but didn’t ask further.

Tu Ming noticed that she was taking longer than usual to unpack, so he squatted down to help: “What’s the deal with my dad’s new student? Didn’t he say he wasn’t taking any more?”

“The girl has another mentor, but she’s interested in your dad’s work. She’s come over many times, saying she wants to learn from him in her spare time.”

“Oh.” Tu Ming thought for a moment and added, “Just make sure it’s not someone trying to set me up for a blind date.”

Yi Wanqiu tossed the clothes she had sorted into a basin and asked, “Have you found a girl you like?”

“No.”

“Then what about this…” She pointed at the jacket.

“I lent it to a colleague.”

“Let me guess, not the girl from the morning market again?” Yi Wanqiu guessed correctly, she knew her son well. It was difficult for him to get close to girls, except for that one who was naturally friendly.

Tu Ming couldn’t help but laugh: “Mom, you always guess right. Yes, it was. We were at the construction site until late at night, and I was afraid she would freeze, so I lent it to her.”

“I know, no need to explain. My son is as open as can be!”

Yi Wanqiu, while carrying the basin to the washing machine, tried to recall what the girl looked like. She seemed particularly beautiful, talkative, and had a bit of a martial arts vibe. Such a girl was quite attractive, but she wasn’t the right match for Tu Ming.

Yi Wanqiu believed she understood Tu Ming well; her son preferred quietness, and too much noise would give him a headache.

Unaware of Yi Wanqiu’s thoughts about Lumi, Tu Ming closed the door, pulled out the cabinet under the bed, which was filled with many books, and sat on the floor to flip through them. Yao Luan wanted to borrow a set of textbooks for reference, so he took this opportunity to organize them.

These books had been bought twenty years ago, including children’s books, comics, and young adult novels, all well-preserved without any damage from insects. He had been careful with his books back then, keeping them clean and tidy. While the conversation outside was lively, he plugged in his earphones to read.

He placed the textbooks to one side and continued to sort through them. When he reached the bottom, he found a stack of comic books.

The first one that caught his eye was “Tian Long Ba Bu” (Demigods and Semidevils). Tu Ming suddenly remembered in Chongqing, Lumi had said, “I like reading martial arts novels. Let me tell you about it, starting from the ‘Fei’ in ‘Fei Xue Lian Tian She Bai Lu’ (The Condor Trilogy)…” She had been so animated, genuinely enjoying these stories, and her love for something was unmistakable, evident in her eyes and expressions.

He took out the entire set of comic books and placed them beside him. As he continued to look, he found more and decided to take them all out, forming a thick stack. He found a kraft paper bag to put the books in and then took off his earphones to help Yi Wanqiu in the kitchen.

“Should we hire an auntie to clean and cook?” Tu Ming asked Yi Wanqiu.

“No need, if we don’t feel like cooking, we can just stroll over to He Garden or Yu Garden to eat. We won’t starve.”

“Alright. We can also have breakfast at the cafeteria and eat at the pancake king.”

“No.”

Mother and son chatted while cooking, and Fang Di poked his head out: “Do you need any help?”

Yi Wanqiu waved her hand: “Keep chatting, no need. Everything’s almost ready, it’ll be quick.”

“Alright.”

The doorbell rang, and someone opened the door. Tu Ming heard Tu Yanjing say, “Xing Yun is here,” and glanced at Yi Wanqiu.

Yi Wanqiu quickly explained: “I didn’t invite her. I really didn’t ask anyone to come today, I was afraid it would be awkward with so many people.”

“It’s fine, I’ll just take a look.”

Tu Ming wiped his hands and walked out of the kitchen, quickly approaching the door. The others, seeing Tu Ming coming to receive the guest, all sat back down.

“This is a birthday gift for Dad… Uncle.” Xing Yun handed a box to Tu Ming: “Don’t refuse it, it’s just a small token of appreciation.”

With so many people around, Tu Ming didn’t want to embarrass Xing Yun, so he accepted the gift: “Would you like to come in and sit down?”

“No, I have something else to do.” Xing Yun took a step back: “Wish Uncle a happy birthday.” She felt a bit sad, every year, she would prepare gifts for the elderly couple’s birthday, but this year, things had changed.

Xing Yun’s figure as she went downstairs looked a bit lonely. Tu Ming watched until her figure disappeared before closing the door. He placed the gift on the shelf by the door, not giving it to Tu Yanjing. Tu Yanjing didn’t ask about it either; there was a certain understanding between father and son.

The dinner was lively, and the students, knowing that Tu Yanjing liked singing, started to sing as they ate.

A group of people tapped their chopsticks and sang old songs like “Evening in Moscow Suburb,” “Katyusha,” “My Motherland,” “Tunnel Warfare,” and “The Internationale,” one after another.

Most of them had slightly red faces, singing happily, their state of mind very pure, as if they had returned to their youth.

Tu Ming was responsible for taking photos and videos, occasionally joining in with a few lines of the songs.

Tu Yanjing and Yi Wanqiu also enjoyed singing. The school organized various clubs for retired professors, and they were both members of the senior choir, rehearsing several times a week, chatting with old colleagues, and having meals together, making their days quite enjoyable.

They ate until late into the evening before dispersing. Tu Ming helped Yi Wanqiu clean up, carrying the bag of comic books and Xing Yun’s gift as she left.

“Don’t speak too harshly,” Yi Wanqiu reminded Tu Ming: “She’s sensitive and takes things to heart.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Tu Ming drove to Xing Yun’s neighborhood and called her when he arrived: “I’m at the entrance of your neighborhood.”

“I’ll come out to meet you.”

Tu Ming sat in the car and saw Xing Yun running over wrapped in a coat, with Wang Song following from a distance. He got out of the car and placed the gift box in Xing Yun’s hands, saying: “Don’t send gifts in the future. I personally appreciate your thoughtfulness, but you know, the elders will overthink it. If you give gifts, they’ll think we’re still in contact and there’s a possibility of reconciliation.”

“I just prepare gifts every year and remember this day…” Xing Yun held the hot gift, her eyes reddening.

“I know, but it’s really not necessary.” Tu Ming’s tone was as calm and gentle as before: “I appreciate the thought.”

“Go upstairs, Wang Song is waiting for you.” Tu Ming said, getting into his car and starting the engine.

Xing Yun watched his car drive away, then turned to see Wang Song standing there. She pursed her lips, placed the gift next to the flower bed, and let someone with fate take it.

“I feel really guilty.” She said to Wang Song.

Wang Song glanced at the gift and also felt awkward, so he said: “Don’t send gifts next time.”

Tu Ming saw them talking in the rearview mirror and remembered the first time she learned about Xing Yun’s affair. It was the day after he first proposed divorce. He was sitting at the table drinking porridge when Xing Yun suddenly said, “I’ve fallen in love with someone else.” She even showed him photos and then asked, “Tu Ming, why aren’t you angry?”

How could anyone not be angry? It was infuriating.

It was quite despicable.

But it was in the past.

Tu Ming drove to Yao Luan’s hotel parking lot: “Come out and get the books. I won’t go up.”

“Wait for me.”

Yao Luan sauntered over, holding a pack of cigarettes, leaning against Tu Ming’s car to smoke.

“What time is your flight tomorrow?” Tu Ming asked him.

“Six in the evening.” Yao Luan took a drag of his cigarette, blowing out smoke rings: “Remember to bring the art books to the orphanage.”

“Got it.” Tu Ming handed him the kraft paper bag: “Here’s what you wanted.”

“Thanks.” Yao Luan took the bag: “Lu Qing is quite interesting. I think there might be something between us.”

“Don’t be like before.” Tu Ming opened the car door, ready to say goodbye: “Have a safe trip. Keep in touch.”

Yao Luan tapped on his car window and left.

Tu Ming looked at the other kraft paper bag for a few seconds, and finally decided to give it to Lumi.

Tu Ming drove to Lumi’s neighborhood and called her. Lumi answered the phone: “What’s up, boss?”

“Are you here?”

“I’m in the car, about ten minutes away, the flight was delayed.”

“I’ll wait for you at the entrance of your neighborhood.”

“Got it!”

Lumi got out of the taxi, and Tu Ming helped her with her luggage. He then returned to his car and took out a kraft paper bag to give to her.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a set of comic books, for you.”

“Huh? You’re giving me a gift? Why are you giving me a gift?” Lumi’s eyes widened, unsure what Tu Ming was up to.

“I was looking for books for Yao Luan this afternoon and found this set of comic books. I don’t read them anyway, so if you like them, you can have them. If you don’t like them, I’ll just take them back.”

Hearing that he might take them back, Lumi hugged the bag tightly to her chest: “No way, you can’t take back a gift once you’ve given it. That’s not how it’s done. How can I repay you? Unless…”

“Don’t misunderstand. These have been under my bed for many years, unread. I just happened to see them and took them out. You like martial arts, right? Go ahead and read them.” Tu Ming interrupted, guessing that she might say something like “unless I repay you with my body.”

Lumi couldn’t quite describe her current feelings. The last time she received comic books as a gift was nearly twenty years ago. She opened the kraft paper bag and saw the neatly arranged comic books inside, suddenly feeling they were very precious. She held the bag carefully, worried that Tu Ming might change his mind and take them back: “I can’t carry this with my luggage. Why don’t you walk me upstairs?”

“Alright, lead the way.”

“Got it.”

As Lumi walked, she peeked into the open bag at the books inside, even taking one out to flip through a few pages under the streetlight, chuckling to herself. Her reaction was like that of a child receiving their favorite candy.

Tu Ming followed behind, watching her fiddle with the books, feeling that they were indeed given to the right person. He guessed that Lumi would treasure them.

Lumi opened the door and turned on the light, revealing the familiar mess inside. The sofa, as always, was heavily used, with a few pieces of clothing scattered around. There were several luxury packaging boxes scattered on the floor. Lumi kicked them to the side: “I spent a fortune on myself recently.”

“Mm.” Tu Ming responded casually, not particularly concerned with how she spent her money.

He picked up the suitcase and turned towards the door: “It’s getting late, you should rest. See me on Monday at the company for a project review meeting.” It was a bit of a buzzkill, giving such a thoughtful gift only to talk about work. He was afraid Lumi might read too much into it.

“Aren’t you coming in to sit down? Have some tea before you go, what’s the rush.” Lumi pretended not to understand, avoiding the topic of the review meeting.

“No need, I’ll see you on Monday.” Tu Ming turned and left, his departure quite decisive.

Lumi leaned on the windowsill, watching him walk away downstairs, occasionally politely avoiding children playing and returning home. The surrounding noise made him seem lonely.

He was indeed a strange person.

A strange person.

“You also give gifts to others?” Lumi asked him.

“Occasionally, depending on the intention and the situation.”

“Oh.”

Lumi finished washing up and finally opened the paper bag, arranging the books neatly on the coffee table, then took one out to read. The cover was slightly worn, but the pages inside were clean. Lumi was extremely fond of this gift, unrelated to romance, liking it more than any bag, watch, or high-end cosmetics.

Because she liked it, she was particularly careful when flipping through the pages. The comic books were beautifully drawn, a style that was no longer seen nowadays. The simple lines outlined the spirit of the martial artists, and such items were hard to find in the market.

She became engrossed in reading, going through one book after another.

Before going to bed, she sent a message to Tu Ming: “The comic books are beautifully drawn! The last time I saw them was in first grade! I will definitely take good care of these books, thank you, boss.”

“You’re welcome, enjoy them.”