Chapter 3: The ones who truly love you would never put you in a difficult position

In the evening, Deng Yinglan prepared a large table of dishes.

Cured meat, braised fish, yellow braised chicken, stir-fried pork, and more.

It had been two years since Tang Xiao had eaten such a big spread.

Tang Xiao ate heartily, savoring the familiar flavors.

“Eat slowly, it’s all yours, no one’s rushing you. Eat more meat; you need to grow. Look at you, you’ve become so thin from studying.”

Grandma kept smiling as she watched Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao enjoyed the meal immensely, and her simple words almost brought him to tears several times.

This relaxed and fulfilling way of eating was something Tang Xiao hadn’t experienced in two years.

Just watching Tang Xiao eat made Grandma very happy.

Eating was a joyful experience, free from oppressive coldness.

This was the happiness Tang Xiao had long missed.

After finishing the meal, Tang Xiao wanted to help clean up, but Grandma quickly grabbed the dishes.

“Just sit there; you don’t need to help. I’ll do it.”

Grandma had quite a bit of strength in her fingers, and Tang Xiao couldn’t take them from her.

But he still helped wipe the table and sweep the floor.

Grandma Deng handed Tang Xiao a bottle of milk.

“Drink more milk; it helps you grow.”

Tang Xiao casually glanced at the expiration date and exclaimed:

“Grandma, this milk is over a month expired.”

Grandma Deng looked embarrassed: “Oh? I didn’t know. This was given to me by Gu Xiaoxi. I was saving it for you. Who knew you hadn’t come back…”

Tang Xiao felt a pang in his nose.

Grandma Deng often looked forward to Tang Xiao’s return.

She kept what she thought were good things for him.

But he hadn’t been back for so long that the milk had gone bad.

After Grandma Deng finished washing the dishes, she handed a bowl of braised pork to Tang Xiao.

“Take this bowl of meat to Grandpa Gu and Gu Xiaoxi. They took care of me while you were away.”

This kind of mutual exchange of meat and dumplings was very common in the village and old neighborhoods.

Simple and genuine, filled with warmth.

“Okay.” Tang Xiao took the bowl.

Grandpa Gu and Gu Xiaoxi were neighbors living upstairs.

The two families had always looked out for each other.

Gu Xiaoxi and Tang Xiao had grown up together as childhood friends.

Gu Xiaoxi practiced sports from a young age, specializing in martial arts, and had won quite a few awards.

In the past, Tang Xiao had practiced with Gu Xiaoxi for a while.

But since going to the Tang family, he had abandoned that hobby.

If he couldn’t even eat well, how could he practice?

Tang Xiao knocked on Grandpa Gu’s door.

“Grandpa Gu, it’s Tang Xiao.”

A kind old man opened the door.

Though he had few teeth, Grandpa Gu still smiled broadly.

“Tang Xiao! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. You’ve grown taller! Hehehe.”

Grandpa Gu had watched Tang Xiao grow up and liked this smart and sensible boy very much.

Tang Xiao handed over the meat.

“Grandpa Gu, this is from my grandma.”

“Oh, no need, no need.”

“This is Grandma’s intention; we can’t finish all of it.”

Grandpa Gu had no choice but to accept it and pulled Tang Xiao inside.

“Then come in and sit for a while. Gu Xiaoxi! Gu Xiaoxi! Tang Xiao is here to see you!” Grandpa Gu called out.

“Sit here; I’ll get you some water. Gu Xiaoxi, come out quickly.”

However, Gu Xiaoxi didn’t respond for a long time, making both of them feel quite awkward.

Grandpa Gu set down the bowl and went into the room to pull Gu Xiaoxi out.

After two years, Gu Xiaoxi had grown into a graceful young woman.

Gu Xiaoxi had short hair, delicate and beautiful features, a bit of baby fat, and big, bright eyes full of life.

She wore a high school uniform, showing off her excellent figure.

Having practiced martial arts, she exuded a spirited aura.

This was a stunning beauty with a heroic charm.

“Why didn’t you come out to see Tang Xiao?”

Grandpa Gu encouraged, but Gu Xiaoxi still pouted:

“Hmph! I don’t want to talk to this heartless guy!”

Tang Xiao and Grandpa Gu were both stunned.

Grandpa Gu almost slipped, struggling to accept this: “What… you two already…”

“No! Grandpa, we didn’t! What are you talking about?”

Tang Xiao felt a chill run down his spine.

What on earth was going on!

Miss, did you use the wrong words?

But fortunately, Tang Xiao’s mind was quick, and he asked Grandpa Gu beside him.

“Grandpa, has Gu Xiaoxi been so focused on martial arts that she’s fallen behind in her studies?”

“Um… Gu Xiaoxi participated in the provincial competition this year and won first place, but her academic performance has not been very good.”

“Then she must have used the wrong words.”

Tang Xiao guessed the reason.

Gu Xiaoxi meant that he hadn’t come back often.

Gu Xiaoxi specialized in martial arts, but had neglected her studies.

That’s how this misunderstanding arose.

Both Grandpa Gu and Tang Xiao sighed in relief.

They understood what Gu Xiaoxi really wanted to express.

Grandpa Gu chuckled, “You two chat first; I’ll go make tea.”

Tang Xiao was quite taken with this girl.

It almost caused a misunderstanding.

“Did I say something wrong? You’re the heartless one!”

Gu Xiaoxi accused Tang Xiao, completely unaware that her choice of words was problematic.

“Then tell me, how am I heartless?”

“It’s been two years! You haven’t come to see Grandma Deng, let alone us!”

This was the reason for Gu Xiaoxi’s anger.

To Gu Xiaoxi, it seemed that Tang Xiao had forgotten them while indulging himself over these two years.

Upon learning the reason, Tang Xiao didn’t feel angry; instead, he felt warm inside.

It turned out that someone had been thinking of him and hoping for his return.

Tang Xiao knew he was in the wrong.

“Alright, I’ll admit I’m heartless. How about I treat you to barbecue?”

“That won’t work!” Gu Xiaoxi turned her head away.

“Two meals.”

“Deal!”

Gu Xiaoxi smiled mischievously, feeling like she had struck a great bargain.

Tang Xiao pretended to be in the wrong, doing his best to make Gu Xiaoxi laugh.

With just a few words, he had her giggling happily.

The conflict was resolved.

How could someone who truly loves you continue to make you feel uncomfortable?

Thinking back on how he had tried to please the Tang family over the past two years, he felt a mix of emotions.

On the TV, an anti-X drama was playing, and Grandpa Gu was watching with his reading glasses on.

Gu Xiaoxi was cracking sunflower seeds while chatting with Tang Xiao.

Gu Xiaoxi asked, “Tang Xiao, is life with the Tang family that comfortable? It’s been two years, and you haven’t even come to see us.”

“Ah… well, it’s a complicated situation.”

“Hey, what’s so complicated? I can guess you’re not living well. You look as thin as a greyhound. Hahaha!”

“Who are you calling a greyhound?”

“I’m calling you a greyhound!”

The two playfully bantered, and Tang Xiao felt particularly relaxed.

There were no ulterior motives, no carefulness, no cold violence.

It was just pure banter.

Childish yet joyful.

Gu Xiaoxi asked, “How long are you back this time? When are you going back?”

Tang Xiao took a sip of tea, his tone casual yet firm.

“I’m not going back.”

Gu Xiaoxi’s eyes widened.

“Not going back? Are you sure?”

“Yeah, not going back.”

“Yay!”

Gu Xiaoxi jumped up happily, then realized that she might not be very composed.

She quickly sat back down, her face slightly red.

She pretended to cough a few times.

“Ahem, I’m just happy for Grandma.”

Tang Xiao couldn’t help but smile as he looked at this young lady: “Gu Xiaoxi, I want to continue learning martial arts from you.”

His experiences with death and hospitalization made Tang Xiao realize the importance of physical health.

A book that cost three dollars and eighty cents had sent him to the hospital; he felt that was too pathetic.

In fact, Tang Xiao had been in good shape before, but the Tang family had worn him down.

Tang Xiao gently suggested, “You teach me martial arts, and I’ll teach you academics. How about that?”

“Tch~ You make it sound like I’m uneducated. Let me tell you, I’m quite educated! I’m very smart!”

“Let Grandpa evaluate your academic level.”

“Grandpa! You tell him!”

“Gu Xiaoxi is quite smart, but she’s a bit unstable…”

“Grandpa, I’m your own granddaughter! Why are you siding with an outsider?” Grandpa Gu chuckled.

A flash of pain crossed Tang Xiao’s heart.

Family? Outsider?