“An’an, it seems like we’re very high up!” Zhang Lu said, leaning by the window, with Cen Huai’an’s head close to hers, giving a small “mm” sound.

Chu Xia smiled as she watched the two of them, letting their curiosity unfold as long as it didn’t disturb others around them.

The plane was about to take off, and the flight attendant reminded passengers to fasten their seat belts.

Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an then settled into their seats, following the flight attendant’s instructions for takeoff preparation.

At first, Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an didn’t know how to adjust their seats properly. Zhang Lu waved her hand and called out to the flight attendant, “Excuse me, could you help us?”

The flight attendant adjusted the seatbacks and fastened their seat belts.

Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an thanked her sweetly, and the flight attendant’s smile grew even more genuine. “You’re welcome. If you need anything, just call me.”

Chu Xia patted Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an’s heads and said, “When we take off, the noise might be a bit loud, and the sudden ascent might feel uncomfortable, but don’t be scared. Lift your feet if your ears feel uncomfortable, and try opening and closing your mouth repeatedly.”

As she spoke, Chu Xia took Cen Huai’an’s hand and had him hold Zhang Lu’s hand as well.

Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu nodded seriously.

At that moment, the plane began to take off, the roar of the engines filled the cabin, and the sensations of weightlessness and ear pressure occurred simultaneously.

Chu Xia could clearly feel Cen Huai’an gripping her hand more tightly.

Chu Xia squeezed his hand back, trying to comfort him and ease his anxiety.

This sensation passed quickly, only lasting a few minutes during the initial ascent. Within five minutes, Cen Huai’an began to relax.

Chu Xia turned to him and Zhang Lu and asked, “Are you both okay?”

Cen Huai’an nodded, and Zhang Lu’s eyes were shining. “Auntie, so this is what it’s like when the plane takes off!”

Seeing that neither of them looked uncomfortable, Chu Xia smiled with relief. “Yes, it’s different from other forms of transportation only during takeoff and landing. Once we’re cruising, you won’t feel much difference.”

Zhang Lu leaned by the window, looking outside.

The plane was flying through the high skies, with fluffy white clouds floating outside, making it seem like the plane was being carried by the clouds.

The clouds were so close, almost within reach, making one feel like they could reach out and embrace them.

It was a strangely wonderful feeling, as if they had entered a fairy tale world.

“Auntie! So many clouds, they’re so beautiful!” Zhang Lu exclaimed.

She stared wide-eyed, and Chu Xia had no doubt that if the window could be opened, Zhang Lu would rush out to those clouds.

Cen Huai’an’s eyes also showed amazement.

He too enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by clouds and gazed out with Zhang Lu, his gaze lingering on the view.

Staring at the various cloud formations, Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu felt no boredom, only excitement and unspoken joy.

Although Chu Xia had flown before, it had been a while.

Like the two children, she propped her chin up and smiled as she looked at the clouds outside the window.

After a while, a flight attendant came around with a cart.

The cart was filled with various trendy beverages—red orange juice, soda, cola, coffee, and a variety of fruit snacks.

The flight attendant was the same one who had helped Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an earlier.

She remembered the two children and greeted them with an even warmer smile. “Hello, would you like something to drink?”

The flight attendant’s gentle voice drew Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu’s attention.

They turned and saw the cart full of goodies, their eyes wide with surprise.

Zhang Lu, eyes wide open, looked at the bottle of cola and asked, “Can I have anything I want?”

“Of course.”

“Do I need to pay?”

The flight attendant maintained her smile, revealing all eight of her teeth. “The food on the plane is free.”

Zhang Lu immediately pointed to the cola and asked for it, and Cen Huai’an also chose cola.

Chu Xia opted for a cup of coffee.

The flight attendant gracefully bent down, with excellent manners, and poured three cups of the requested drinks.

She placed a small cake in front of Cen Huai’an, and selected fruits for Chu Xia and Zhang Lu, placing them on a plate and serving it to them.

The free drinks and food, along with the flight attendant’s excellent service, were all novel experiences for Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu.

“Mom, the cola tastes different from when we drink it on the ground,” Cen Huai’an remarked.

Zhang Lu nodded in agreement, “Yes, it tastes different, not as sweet as at home.”

Chu Xia took a sip of her coffee and explained to them, “That’s because many factors on the plane affect our sense of smell. Since smell and taste are connected, both become less sensitive than on the ground. It’s similar to when you have a cold and your nose is blocked; food tastes bland. The principle is the same.”

Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu understood and Cen Huai’an looked at his cup of cola thoughtfully.

Zhang Lu continued to enjoy her cola and fruit.

Although it didn’t taste as good as it would on the ground, she didn’t want to waste the food.

The plane was flying fast. Cen Huai’an felt that they hadn’t been on the plane for long.

After eating, drinking, chatting with his mom and aunt, and going to the restroom, he heard the announcement that the plane was about to land.

“Mom, are we in the capital now?”

The train journey took several days, and the plane arrived so quickly that Cen Huai’an still looked a bit incredulous.

“Yes. The landing will feel the same as takeoff. If you feel uncomfortable, do as I said before,” Chu Xia said, holding his hand, while he also held Zhang Lu’s hand.

“So fast!” Zhang Lu exclaimed as she looked at the plane descending, her surprise evident.

When the plane finally came to a complete stop and the announcement was made for passengers to disembark, Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an were a bit reluctant to leave the plane.

After all, it was their first time flying, and it had ended so quickly.

They both wished they could experience it a little longer.

However, other passengers were already unfastening their seat belts and preparing to get off.

Chu Xia also stood up, turning with a smile to the two of them. “What’s wrong? Don’t want to leave the plane?”

Cen Huai’an and Zhang Lu shook their heads and began to unfasten their seat belts, following Chu Xia down the boarding bridge.

Next, Chu Xia took the two children to collect their luggage and exit the airport.

Outside the airport, Jiang Zhida was already waiting.

He leaned against the car, smoking a cigarette, and looked towards the airport exit.

As soon as he saw Chu Xia and the children come out, he immediately extinguished the cigarette and pulled a mint candy from his pocket, popping it into his mouth.

During early summer, when Chuxia was flying with her two children, she informed Cen Zhengnian and the Jiang family in advance about their flight and landing times.

As they were heading home, Chuxia wanted to make sure her family knew when they would arrive, not only for herself and An’an but also for Zhang Lu, as her parents would be worried too.

” Little Uncle! “

As soon as Zhang Lu saw Jiang Zhida, she dropped her luggage on the ground and ran towards him, jumping into his arms.

Jiang Zhida steadied her and took a couple of steps back, his mouth curving into a big smile. “Oh! It looks like Lu Lu has been doing well in East City. You’ve even gained some weight.”

Zhang Lu got down from Jiang Zhida’s arms and laughed, “Of course! Auntie, An’an, and I went to several places to play. Also, I won second place in the National Middle School Math Competition. Little Uncle, I’m awesome, right!”

Zhang Lu raised her eyebrows proudly at Jiang Zhida, her face shining brighter than the sun.

“Awesome!” Jiang Zhida immediately gave her a thumbs-up, his eyes full of genuine admiration.

Chuxia and An’an also came over with their luggage, bringing Zhang Lu’s luggage along with them.

Zhang Lu giggled and quickly took her luggage from Chuxia, saying, “Auntie, I’m so excited.”

Chuxia patted her on the head, not making much of it.

Jiang Zhida opened the car door and put the luggage for Chuxia, An’an, and Zhang Lu inside.

They all got into the car.

“Lu Lu got second place, so An’an must have gotten first place, right?” Jiang Zhida started the car and looked at Cen Huai’an through the rearview mirror, his tone full of certainty.

Cen Huai’an responded with an “mm.”

Zhang Lu, feeling that this was not enough, added from the side, “Not just first place, but he was number one with a perfect score! He’s the only one who got a perfect score in the competition!”

Her voice was as proud as if she had won first place herself.

Cen Huai’an’s mouth curled up at the corners.

He liked it when his family felt proud of him; it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

Chuxia’s smile also grew wider. “Yes, Lu Lu is right.”

Jiang Zhida’s face immediately showed an expression of surprised admiration. “An’an is truly amazing! And Lu Lu is impressive too. Why are all the kids in my family so outstanding? To celebrate your great achievements, I’ll take you all out for a nice meal!”

“Little Uncle, where are we going?” Zhang Lu asked impatiently.

The food on the plane had already been digested, and at their age, both Zhang Lu and Cen Huai’an were growing quickly, so they were very hungry and could eat a lot.

Cen Huai’an also looked at Jiang Zhida with anticipation in his eyes; he loved eating good food.

Jiang Zhida raised an eyebrow and played coy. “You’ll find out soon.”

Chuxia smiled and said, “If it’s not good, we won’t be pleased.”

Jiang Zhida replied, “I’ve chosen a place, so that won’t happen!”

Chuxia laughed, and the car was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Cen Huai’an’s mouth also turned upwards.

Zhang Lu’s mouth was restless.

She sat in the front passenger seat, telling Jiang Zhida about her exam experiences, starting from the train ride.

Before she could even finish talking about getting off the train, Jiang Zhida’s car had already stopped.

Chuxia looked out the window and saw they were at Xidan.

But there were no restaurants nearby. There was a large door that looked messy, with paint and cement scattered around.

“We’ve arrived.” Jiang Zhida opened the car door and let the three of them get out.

Chuxia got out, looking puzzled, and glanced around but still didn’t see any restaurants.

She asked Jiang Zhida, “Where are we going to eat?”

Jiang Zhida pointed to the messy big door Chuxia had just seen and said, “Right here.”

“Here?” Before Chuxia could say anything, Zhang Lu spoke up, “Little Uncle, this place isn’t even open. What are we going to eat?”

Chuxia also looked at Jiang Zhida, trying to figure out what he was up to.

Only Cen Huai’an looked at the store entrance with a thoughtful expression. “Is this the billiard hall you’re going to open, Uncle?”

Cen Huai’an knew that Jiang Zhida was going to open a billiard hall combined with a skating rink, which wasn’t a secret to the Jiang and Chuxia families, but was unknown to outsiders.

Jiang Zhida snapped his fingers and patted Cen Huai’an’s shoulder, saying, “You’re right, An’an. This is the billiard hall I’m going to open. Come on, let’s go inside and take a look.”

He made a grand gesture and led the way, opening the door, and a cloud of dust flew up.

Jiang Zhida waved his hand to clear the dust and signaled Chuxia and the others to follow.

Zhang Lu was the first to follow, curious to see what her little uncle’s billiard hall and skating rink would look like once completed.

Chuxia and Cen Huai’an followed behind.

Inside, the building was only in its basic shape.

The overall structure was in place, and the rooms were mostly built, but only on the first floor; the upper floors were not yet constructed, and the ceiling was still open.

Many construction workers were busy, and there were various noisy building sounds.

These didn’t dampen Jiang Zhida’s desire to show off.

The foreman came over and greeted Jiang Zhida warmly.

Jiang Zhida asked for four safety helmets for Chuxia and the others, and put one on himself.

As they walked through the building, Jiang Zhida explained what he planned to build at each location.

“This area, I plan to make into a restaurant. From this direction, you’ll enter the skating rink. The large open space behind will be used for the venue. The second, third, and fourth floors will be private rooms, which will include not only the billiard hall but also KTV, and game rooms…”

What Jiang Zhida said made Zhang Lu yearn for it.

She grabbed his arm, “Little Uncle, build it quickly, quickly! I want to come here to ice skate!”

“Don’t worry.” Jiang Zhida patted Zhang Lu’s head. “When the time comes, I’ll give you, An’an, and Wei Xianxi each a card for free entry and consumption here.”

Zhang Lu cheered, “Little Uncle, I really like you so much.”