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Lin Suzhen insisted on giving Su Yudie the red envelope, making her feel awkward. She turned to Zhuang Zi’ang for help.
Wiping away his tears, Zhuang Zi’ang took a deep breath.
“My grandma means well—just take it,” he urged.
Reluctantly, Su Yudie accepted it.
Lin Suzhen beamed. “When summer vacation comes, you and Zi’ang can visit again. I’ll make you something delicious.”
Su Yudie nodded eagerly. “Okay! Thank you, Grandma.”
Zhuang Zi’ang hugged each of the elders one last time, finally mustering the courage to turn away.
Zhuang Jianguo chuckled. “Hurry up and go! If you’re late, you’ll miss your ride. It’s not like you won’t be coming back.”
Lin Suzhen waved nonstop. “Come back early when vacation starts!”
Zhuang Zi’ang’s steps felt unbearably heavy, but he didn’t dare look back, fearing he would break down.
How strong must one’s heart be to face such a farewell calmly?
As they crossed the stone bridge out of the village, the two waited at the bus station.
Sensing Zhuang Zi’ang’s emotions, Su Yudie felt a wave of sadness wash over her.
“You have such a good relationship with your grandparents,” she murmured. “It makes me think of my grandma.”
Zhuang Zi’ang had learned from Teacher Li Junan that Su Yudie had relied on her grandmother since childhood—her only family.
Such a deep bond was something most people might never fully understand.
He asked, “What kind of person is your grandma?”
Su Yudie smiled. “She’s amazing. She can do everything. I learned so much from her.”
“Last time, you mentioned the green rice cakes. You said your grandma taught you how to make them.”
“Yes! Aren’t they delicious?”
The green rice cakes, filled with sweet red bean paste and fragrant with mug-wort, had left a lasting impression on him.
That unique flavor lingered in Zhuang Zi’ang’s memory.
“You’re so beautiful—your grandma must have been stunning when she was young,” he said.
Su Yudie nodded earnestly. “She still looks great. Hardly any gray hair, barely any wrinkles. And her eyes—so bright.”
As she described her, an image of a spirited, elegant grandmother formed in Zhuang Zi’ang’s mind.
When Xiao Yudie grows old, she’ll probably look just like that.
On the bus, Su Yudie suddenly thought about the iron fireworks and nudged Zhuang Zi’ang.
“Take out your phone! Let’s look up some videos.”
The visuals were breathtaking.
At 1600 degrees, molten iron transformed into a dazzling spectacle, showering the night sky in golden brilliance.
That fleeting beauty was mesmerizing.
“Wow! That’s incredible!” Su Yudie gasped.
“Watching it on video doesn’t compare to seeing it in person,” Zhuang Zi’ang said, eyes filled with admiration. “The first time I saw my grandpa perform iron fireworks, I could hardly believe something so magical existed.”
“Does it have to be at night?” Su Yudie asked softly.
“Of course! How else would you see it clearly in daylight?” Zhuang Zi’ang replied without hesitation.
Su Yudie parted her lips to say something but hesitated.
Zhuang Zi’ang didn’t press further.
His last conversation with Teacher Li Junan on the rooftop had cleared up some of his doubts.
Xiao Yudie had to return home before dark—there was no avoiding it.
That place seemed to have no cell signal at all.
She cherished her freedom. It must be tough for her.
The bus swayed as it traveled, the scenery outside rushing past.
Feeling drowsy, Su Yudie leaned against Zhuang Zi’ang’s shoulder and dozed off.
The slanting sunlight framed her long lashes with a golden glow.
Her soft, cherry-red lips parted slightly, exuding an effortless charm.
Zhuang Zi’ang struggled to suppress the impulse to lean in and kiss her.
After three bus transfers and a long journey, they finally arrived at the stop near their school before six ten.
That evening, the sky burned in brilliant shades of orange and pink.
Su Yudie took out the red envelope and handed it back to Zhuang Zi’ang.
“This is from your grandma. I’m giving it back to you.”
Zhuang Zi’ang shook his head. “She gave it to you. I don’t want it.”
“Carrying this feels… weird.” Su Yudie frowned.
“This kind of thing can feel a bit hot to handle sometimes,” Zhuang Zi’ang teased.
From Xiao Yudie’s expression, it was clear she didn’t understand the deeper meaning behind an elder’s red envelope.
So adorably naïve.
“Let’s do this—” he suggested. “We’ll spend the money together, so you won’t feel awkward.”
“How?”
“On food, drinks, and fun! You’re the expert at that, right?”
At his words, Su Yudie’s face lit up with a bright smile.
The thought of eating, drinking, and having fun made her genuinely happy.
Before boarding her bus home, Su Yudie turned to him.
“I’ll come find you tomorrow morning and make you tofu pudding. Do you want it sweet or savory?”
“Savory, of course! I’m not like Deng Haijun with his weird taste.” Zhuang Zi’ang chuckled.
Tomorrow suddenly felt like something worth looking forward to.