RIRW – Chapter 153

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The family of three wandered around Huada for a while but didn’t run into Zuo Cong. Zuo Dan even went to his dorm to ask, and his roommate said Zuo Cong had gone to the library. Zuo Dan decided not to look for him anymore, worried about disturbing his studies.

So the couple simply took their child home to cook and eat, coaxed the child into a nap, and then reviewed their lessons properly.

On weekends, Grandma was noticeably more relaxed. When she had nothing to do, she would sit at the alley entrance and chat with the other elderly ladies. When the three of them came back, Grandma had already returned home and was sitting at the doorstep sewing shoe soles, with a trace of a sigh on her face.

When she saw them return, Grandma said, “Let’s buy a bit more food tonight. Let’s have dinner with the Qi family.”

Zuo Dan was carrying the child inside to wash his hands. When she heard this, she came out and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Grandma glanced around, then stood up and took them inside to talk.

Once inside, Grandma said, “I saw Comrade Qi Changyun going in and out several times today from the alley. Once he was even dropped off by a car. I suspect they might be leaving soon. Who knows if we’ll get the chance to get together again in the future. So, sharing a meal would be like an early farewell.”

Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming exchanged glances, finding it quite sudden. Zuo Dan had thought it would still be a while, but now it seemed that Comrade Qi Changyun was truly valued by the leadership.

In any case, this was a good thing. The couple weren’t naive—naturally, they understood that having such a connection with the Qi family was already quite a stroke of luck.

“In that case, let’s make dumplings tonight. Let’s not make it too formal. We’ll just get some liquor as well. Today, Comrade Yiming is allowed a drink,” Zuo Dan said.

Shen Yiming chuckled, “Alright, I promise to be a good host.”

So, there was no more time for reviewing that afternoon. After hastily dealing with lunch, Zuo Dan breastfed Shen Youyou and coaxed him to sleep. Shen Yiming went out to buy meat and fine white flour. They already had green onions and Chinese cabbage at home, so Grandma stayed behind to wash and chop the vegetables.

By the time Shen Youyou fell asleep, Shen Yiming had also returned with the groceries.

They started preparing the filling. Grandma had already finished kneading the dough and began rolling out the dumpling wrappers. Zuo Dan was in charge of wrapping the dumplings. After lots of practice, although she wasn’t perfect, she could at least make decent-looking dumplings.

While the couple were making dumplings at home, Grandma went to the Qi house to invite Guo Aijuan and the others over for dinner, telling them not to cook tonight.

As Zuo Dan wrapped dumplings, she continued reciting knowledge points aloud. She even asked Shen Yiming to listen and correct her if she got anything wrong.

Shen Yiming quickly wrapped a few dumplings, then glanced over at Zuo Dan’s notebook.

When she finished reciting, Shen Yiming said, “Comrade Zuo Dan, aren’t you working a bit too hard?”

Zuo Dan sighed, “Can’t help it, the pressure is real. Who asked you to be so flashy in your economics department and make our relationship so public? Now everyone’s watching me.” In other words, “This is all your fault.”

Shen Yiming raised an eyebrow and smiled, “I’ve barely published any articles recently. Even the school newspaper won’t accept my submissions anymore.”

“No wonder you haven’t been writing much lately. I thought you hit writer’s block!” Zuo Dan said gleefully.

Shen Yiming pretended not to hear. “Maybe they’re just afraid I’ll write something shocking again.”

Zuo Dan was even more delighted. “That’s great! Now I can finally shine on my own, the one and only star!”

Shen Yiming replied, “At times like this, shouldn’t a virtuous wife be comforting her wounded husband? What happened to your role setting?”

“No, no. I think instead of useless comfort, it’s better to take over your burdens. I’m working hard at it. Comrade Yiming, go ahead and be as bold as you want. Just know, you’ll always have a shoulder to lean on beside you.”

“…” Shen Yiming glanced toward the door, and seeing no one there, reached out and pulled Zuo Dan into a deep kiss. Zuo Dan wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

“Mommy, Mommy…”

On the bed, little Youyou was sitting up with his round eyes wide open, calling out.

Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming quickly pulled apart and looked at the child simultaneously, both sighing. So much for their couple time…

That evening, Qi Changyun and Guo Aijuan came over for dinner. Grandma even specially made a bowl of stir-fried pork for them to go with the drinks.

Everyone gathered around the table, making for a lively atmosphere.

Guo Aijuan smiled and said, “It’s been a long time since Old Qi and I had such a lively evening. Ever since your family moved in, things have become much more cheerful.”

Grandma laughed, “Distant relatives can’t beat nearby neighbors. Being neighbors is a kind of fate.”

The Qi couple were clever people. Hearing Grandma’s words, they immediately guessed that their intentions had been noticed. They hadn’t made it public yet since nothing was finalized, but now that the Shen family knew, there was no point in hiding it anymore—it would seem shady.

Guo Aijuan said, “Old Qi’s former superior recently settled into a stable position and asked him to help out. So, we may be moving soon. It’s a bit of a pity—just when we were getting along so well, we’ll have to part ways.”

Grandma smiled, “It’s no pity. This is good news. I was happy for you when I guessed it. That’s why I asked Yiming and the others to share a meal. There might not be another chance later.”

Guo Aijuan replied, “There will still be chances. Even if we move, we can still visit often. As you said, distant relatives can’t compare to close neighbors—we’re like family.”

Grandma said sentimentally, “I understand your feelings, but things won’t be as convenient. Still, we’re happy for you. Comrade Changyun is an upright person. Him being called to help out is a good thing for the common people.”

Qi Changyun smiled and raised his glass to clink with Shen Yiming’s. “Little Shen, you must work hard too. The country’s development depends on young talents like you to carry the torch.”

Shen Yiming replied earnestly, “Always ready!”

News of the Qi family’s impending move soon reached the other families in the courtyard. They didn’t feel comfortable asking the Qi family directly, so they turned their attention to the Shen family, who interacted with them more.

Sister-in-law Chen even came over with a bag of sunflower seeds, munching while probing for information.

Grandma was sewing shoe soles, but when she saw the shells falling on the ground, she got up and slowly started sweeping—yet deliberately avoided sweeping up any of the shells.

“I’m asking you something, old lady, why aren’t you saying a word?” Sister-in-law Chen grumbled.

Grandma smiled, “I just can’t stand seeing a dirty floor. I have to clean it up before I can do anything else. Let me sweep this up first, and then I’ll talk to you.” Then she began sweeping at an excruciatingly slow pace.

Sister-in-law Chen got impatient and snatched the broom, briskly sweeping all the shells over to someone else’s doorway. This annoyed the neighbors, who frowned but didn’t dare say anything since it was the fierce Sister-in-law Chen.

Now that the doorway was clean, Grandma finally put the broom away and went back to sewing.

Sister-in-law Chen said, “Now that it’s clean, why aren’t you talking?”

“Oh, you’re asking about the Qi family? Nothing much. I haven’t heard anything about them moving. They’re still living here just fine. Even if they were moving, why would they tell us? We’re just common folk. What’s the point of snooping into government matters? Might even make people think we’re up to something, and that’d be no good.”

“…That’s no different than saying nothing at all!”

Sister-in-law Chen stormed off in a huff. She decided that this outsider granny didn’t know anything. She had thought the Shen family was close to the Qi family because they knew the Qi family was about to be promoted and were trying to curry favor. Now it looked like it was all just dumb luck.

Chen Fourth Sister didn’t even have time to inquire before the Qi family was picked up by a car.

Before leaving, they came to the Shen family to say goodbye to Grandma. Guo Aijuan even gave Shen Youyou a hug before they all walked out together. When Shen Youyou stepped outside and saw the parked car, he thought he was going out to play and clapped his hands in excitement.

But he quickly realized it had nothing to do with him. After Great-grandmother picked him up, his two big friends got into the car and shut the door behind them. The car drove off immediately.

Shen Youyou’s mouth quivered, and he burst into tears, crying his heart out.

Inside the car, Guo Aijuan and Qi Changyun could hear the child’s cries. Looking back at the sight of Shen Youyou wailing, they both felt very upset.

They wouldn’t be able to see this child again in the future.

“Old Qi, I’m feeling really sad,” Guo Aijuan said.

Qi Changyun also felt a pang in his heart and sighed, “If we have time in the future, we’ll come back and visit.”

“Easier said than done. We’ve just started working—where are we going to find the time to come back? Besides, I don’t think Xiao Shen plans to stay here permanently either. In the future… sigh…”

Back on Shen Youyou’s side, he saw the car had completely disappeared and realized no one was going to respond to his crying. He sobbed a couple of times, then stopped.

He made up his mind: the next time those two wanted to play with him, he wouldn’t pay them any attention.

When Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming came home from school at noon, they found out the Qi family had moved away. They had been mentally prepared, so they weren’t too surprised. Still, suddenly losing a neighbor left them feeling a little melancholy.

Shen Yiming said, “When the summer vacation comes, let’s look for a place. After all, we’ll be staying here for a few more years, so we should find a place with a better environment.”

Zuo Dan said, “Let’s buy a house. I’ve got some money. If we buy our own, we’ll feel more at ease.”

Grandma agreed. She had lived in her own house all her life, and suddenly renting made her feel insecure.

Shen Yiming nodded. “There are a few locals in our department with some connections. Let’s see if we can buy a courtyard. We’ll handle it during summer break. There’s no rush right now.”

Zuo Dan had no objections. They were busy preparing for final exams anyway and didn’t have the time to spare.

The week before the exam, Zuo Dan was fully immersed in studying.

Once again, Xiang Honghua ran into the classroom with a newspaper in hand, then excitedly found Zuo Dan.

“Dandan, your younger brother is Zuo Cong, right? The physics prodigy at Hua University!” Xiang Honghua was thrilled as if she had discovered a new continent.

Zuo Dan replied, “Yes, I mentioned it during our last class meeting, didn’t I? My brother’s in the Physics Department at Hua University. I was with him when Zhu Min reported me.”

“Oh my gosh, why didn’t you say he was that brilliant? Dandan, I’m so jealous of you!”

Xiang Honghua eagerly showed the newspaper to Zuo Dan.

It wasn’t from Peking University, but from Hua University. The front page featured a recent physics competition held at Hua University. Their campus newspaper had a report about Zuo Cong, who had won first place. Only then did Zuo Dan realize what he had been busy with—turns out it was the competition. She began reading the article with great interest.

It started with an introduction:

Student Zuo Cong, Class of ’77, Physics major at Hua University…

It went on to say that he grew up in a household with a strong academic atmosphere, and that his older sister, Zuo Dan, had even better academic performance. She had been admitted to Peking University with the highest score in the province for liberal arts and was currently majoring in Education at the Faculty of Education…

Next to the article was a photo of Zuo Cong—handsome beyond belief.

“A classmate of mine at Hua University even came looking for me to ask about you, to see if you’re really as outstanding as Zuo Cong says—better than the physics prodigy himself! I told them, you’re even more amazing than what’s written here. Haha! You’ve made us so proud!”

“…”

Soon, several more classmates came over to Zuo Dan. Seeing the newspaper in Xiang Honghua’s hand, they laughed and said, “We were just about to tell you, but you already know! We were downstairs just now, and some students from other departments were asking about you. They wanted to know how many Zuo Dans we have in our department. They were asking if Shen Yiming’s revolutionary comrade and Zuo Cong’s sister were the same person. We proudly told them there’s only one Zuo Dan in our Education Department—our branch secretary, a great cadre, and an outstanding student!”

Zuo Dan felt like they were putting one honorary title after another on her head, and her head was getting heavier and heavier.

Good heavens, they weren’t just expecting her to be the top of the class—this was pressure to score full marks just to maintain her reputation!

Soon, even a few professors started paying special attention to her, praising the Zuo family’s scholarly heritage for producing such exceptional students.

Zuo Dan thought about the Zuo family elders who hadn’t even graduated from elementary school and said nothing.

At noon, when she returned home, Zuo Cong had already prepared lunch. When he saw Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming walk in, he beamed, “Sister, did you see our school paper? Now no one will ever misunderstand us again. My photo is even in it!”

Zuo Dan looked at his smug expression and asked, “Don’t tell me you only entered the physics competition for this reason.”

Zuo Cong replied, “Not exactly. It was an assignment from the professor. But honestly, I wasn’t confident at first. Then I remembered how Brother Yiming publicly clarified your relationship by publishing in the school paper, and I thought that was smart. But just publishing isn’t enough—you need a photo too. Individual spotlight articles let you have a photo. Now no one will ever mistake our relationship again. I’m pretty clever, right?”

“…” Yes, yes. How did she end up with such a clever little brother?

Late at night, Zuo Dan was still studying. Shen Yiming sat with her for a while, and when he saw she still wasn’t going to rest, he whispered, “Still not going to sleep?”

Zuo Dan stared blankly at him. “The path through the mountain of books is diligence, and the sea of learning has no end—hard work is the boat.”

Shen Yiming raised an eyebrow, took the book from her hand, pulled her onto the bed, and turned off the lights.

Just as she tried to get back up, Shen Yiming pinned her down.

“If you’re not going to sleep, let’s do some exercise.”

“…I’m so sleepy. I’m really, really sleepy.” Zuo Dan yawned and, with her eyes closed, hugged Shen Yiming and fell asleep. Exercise? No way. She needed to save her energy for more studying tomorrow!

After so much preparation, final exams finally arrived. Zuo Dan had put in hard work, crammed intensively, and had a knack for identifying key topics—so the exams went smoothly for her.

As the exams went on, she felt more and more relaxed.

After finishing, she walked out of the classroom feeling radiant. Hard work really did pay off. All the suffering had been worth it.

Just as she stepped out of the academic building, a female student stopped her.

“Excuse me, are you Zuo Dan?” the girl asked shyly.

Sensing friendliness, Zuo Dan smiled and said, “Yes, and you are?”

“This is for you.” The girl handed her an envelope, blushed, and ran off.

Zuo Dan was stunned. The first and only letter she had received in university was actually handed to her by a girl! She felt awkward all over, barely able to hold the envelope in her hand.

After calming down and preparing to open it, she looked down and saw the words “To be forwarded to Zuo Cong” written on the envelope.

Zuo Dan’s face instantly froze. Then she calmly put the envelope into her bag.