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Li Yawen happily introduced the young man by her side to Mingcheng. “Mingcheng, this is my grandson. Back when we bought ginseng, it was for his treatment. Since his parents are busy, I’m accompanying him to university. Zhengyuan, this is the family who saved your life years ago. Grandma has mentioned them to you.”
Zhengyuan raised his head, seeing a young boy younger than himself, and a sincere smile graced his face. “So, you’re the ones who saved my life back then. I finally get to meet you in person. I used to hear Grandma talk about your family often. By the way, where are you headed?”
Mingcheng chuckled at the question. “Grandma Li, it’s quite a coincidence. I’m also heading to the capital to attend university.”
The elderly lady was even more astonished upon hearing this. She could roughly estimate Mingcheng’s age and was impressed that such a young boy had been accepted into university. The child was truly intelligent.
Glancing at Zhengyuan, Mingcheng noted his good looks and charm, though he felt that the three grandsons from the Zuo family, including Zuo He, were a cut above. Mingcheng immediately included them in his family circle.
On the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Zhenhe’s family returned home to celebrate. It coincided with a movie screening organized by the production team. Wang Xuan hadn’t watched a movie for a long time and insisted on taking the family to watch. Despite the chilly weather, Wang Qian wasn’t keen on going out, but to fulfill her sister’s wish, she braved the cold. The turnout for the movies “Red Child” and “Haixia” was impressive, with everyone showing great enthusiasm despite the cold. After the screenings, the community members lingered before reluctantly departing, leaving Wang Qian’s feet nearly frozen from the cold.
At that moment, Mingyuan had lost his initial excitement for movies and no longer bothered to save seats. “Bro, thinking back on how we used to reserve seats feels like it happened just yesterday. We’ve all grown up without even realizing it. I really miss our childhood days.”
Reflecting on the changes that come with growing up, Wang Qian couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy, contemplating the future where everyone would have their own families. She worried about potential conflicts over inheritance, contrasting it with the simplicity of their current family bond.
Mingyuan echoed her sentiments, expressing his reluctance to let go of the carefree days of childhood spent playing with Zuo He and the others. Observing their children’s musings on not wanting to grow up, Zhang Lan and Wang Zhenhe couldn’t help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events.
In a playful gesture, Wang Zhenhe lightly tapped Mingyuan’s head, teasing, “Kid, growing up is a good thing. You don’t expect your dad to support you all your life, do you? Grow up quickly so your mom and I can enjoy your company.”
Mingyuan winced as he rubbed the back of his head. “Dad, come on, can’t we just have a moment to reflect? Even if we don’t want to grow up, we do it every year anyway. What’s so great about growing up? You all are getting older, and it breaks my heart to see. You guys should stay young. We would be so much happier as carefree children. When eldest brother left, the house feels so empty.”
Watching the playful banter between father and son, Zhang Lan didn’t intervene, smiling at the scene. Wang Zhenhe put his arm around his son’s shoulder. “Mingyuan, aging is a part of life, inevitable. We can’t stop it. If we don’t age, we’d become old monsters. Let’s go with the flow. When you grow up, start a family and a career, strive for the harmony your mom and I have. That’s when life truly tastes sweet. Even if we face hardships, it’s still happiness.”
Wang Qian chimed in, “Dad, our life is a mix of sunshine and vegetable soup.”
After her remark, she grabbed Wang Xuan’s hand, and the sisters ran off, their laughter ringing through the night sky like tinkling bells.
Wang Zhenhe shook his head in amusement. “This little rascal knows it all.”
As the winter break came to an end, Wang Qian and her siblings had to return to school. Meanwhile, Geng Lianhua stayed busy in the city, engaging with the elderly ladies nearby and inadvertently attracting a steady stream of loyal customers for their family’s goods.
Upon Mingcheng’s arrival in the capital, Hao Lianchun personally greeted them at the station. Seeing the tears in the elderly lady’s eyes as she watched people disembark from the train, Mingcheng was surprised to see her there.
“Grandma Zuo, why did you come all the way here? We could have managed on our own,” Mingcheng remarked, noting the changes in her appearance.
Hao Lianchun, beaming at the familiar faces, maintained his warm smile. “Mingcheng, congratulations on entering university. Oh, and this is your grandson, a fine young man indeed, striking resemblance to your grandfather Chen. Let’s go home first, and I’ll take you back this afternoon.”
The elderly lady made a decisive gesture, and before anyone could object, the decision was made. Li Yawen, who had disembarked with Mingcheng and the others, stared intently at Hao Lianchun, feeling a sense of familiarity. “Your name is Hao Lianchun, right?” she called out, not entirely sure.
Hao Lianchun looked up at Li Yawen, also sensing familiarity. Suddenly, it dawned on her, and she exclaimed, “Cousin?”
Tears welled up in Li Yawen’s eyes, but she nodded with a smile. “Cousin, it’s me.”
After years apart, the two cousins unexpectedly recognized each other at the train station. Hao Lianchun’s entire family had been killed by the invaders, leaving her as the sole survivor. She had joined the Eighth Route Army after escaping the village, believing she had lost all her relatives. The two elderly ladies stood at the station, tears streaming down their faces, drawing the attention of passersby.
The elderly Chen quickly intervened, “Old Hao, let’s stop crying. There are onlookers around. Let’s head back and talk more there. Standing here is blocking others.”
Zheng Zhengyuan and Mingcheng hurriedly led the two elderly ladies out of the waiting hall. The sisters, with red eyes from crying, walked together, feeling a mix of sorrow and amazement at the unexpected reunion. Life indeed brings unexpected encounters, as they never imagined meeting in such circumstances.
“Sis, my mother told me that Aunt took you all to escape. Over the years, with no news, I thought you all…” Hao Lianchun’s voice trailed off.
Li Yawen sighed and replied, “My mother also perished during our escape. My father, brother, and I settled in Binhai City. Soon after, my father passed away. It was just my brother and me, relying on each other. When things improved, we tried to find out about your family but were told you all had left. We thought none of you had survived. It’s thanks to Mingcheng that we’ve been able to meet today. Otherwise, we might never have reunited.”
The group took a bus to Hao Lianchun’s current residence, and upon seeing the security measures in place, Mingcheng couldn’t help but feel impressed by the grandeur of the courtyard as described by Zuo He. With armed sentries at the entrance and strict checks for anyone coming and going, only relatives were allowed entry as per Hao Lianchun’s explanation.
“Grandma Zuo, it’s definitely safe living here. No one in their right mind would dare cause trouble here,” Mingcheng remarked, awestruck.
The elderly lady playfully tapped him and chuckled, “Military compounds are like this. Once you start school, you’ll understand. There are guards at your school too; going out for fun won’t be as easy as back home. They’re quite strict. It’s not as relaxed as our place. Be prepared for that.”
They finally stopped in front of a two-story building. “Here we are, this is where we currently live. Come on in,” Hao Lianchun announced.
Following Hao Lianchun inside, they found the rooms simple yet welcoming, and soon, a soldier brought them tea.
After settling down, they caught up on their experiences since they last met, and Zheng Zhengyuan paid his respects to Hao Lianchun.
Learning about Mingcheng’s past with his cousin left Hao Lianchun marveling at the mysterious nature of fate. Despite not being part of the Wang family, it seemed challenging for the cousins to reunite.
“It’s truly fate that brings us together. Zheng Zhengyuan, feel free to visit your aunt’s place whenever you want. Our sons and grandsons are all living elsewhere. I’ll introduce you if there’s a chance,” Hao Lianchun suggested warmly.
As they chatted in the living room, nearing noon, Hao Lianchun hurried to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Li Yawen and the soldier joined to assist. However, Zuo Zhanshan had yet to make an appearance.
Old Chen couldn’t help but feel anxious. “Old Hao, where’s Old Zuo? Why hasn’t he returned? Is everything okay?”
Also concerned, Old Chen feared that Zuo Zhanshan might have encountered some trouble again. Hao Lianchun explained, “Don’t worry, Old Chen. Zuo Zhanshan has returned to the military this time. He knew you were coming but couldn’t take a break easily. Before he left, he mentioned meeting you all once he returned. By the way, I had the house cleaned a few days ago. You and Chen Xu can move in with your luggage. Here are the new keys.”
After lunch, Mingcheng brought out honey, dried seafood, dates, and a small jar of sesame oil that his family had sent for the elderly lady. “Grandma Zuo, my mom said to take a bit of honey after meal. Don’t hesitate. Qian Qian wants you and Grandpa Zuo to have some honey every day. It’s good for your health. My grandma drank it when she was ill.”