The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 157: Another Old Acquaintance (880+ Monthly Tickets)_1

Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Another Old Acquaintance (880+ Monthly Tickets)_1

They had already exchanged letters before, and even though they hadn’t met in person, they were already acquainted.

"Godmother, it’s indeed difficult to walk in the dark and slippery conditions. Please don’t be polite, you’re our godmother; it’s only right for Tiantian’s dad to carry you," Wang Shuping persuaded from the side. He Tiantian had told them that she was staying at Grandma Qi’s house in Qijia Village and that they had taken very good care of her, which made her very grateful.

The last time He Tiantian had suddenly come home to seek help, Wang Shuping had, overnight, made clothes for Third Grandma Qi according to her daughter’s description.

He Jingyu had already turned around and crouched down slightly, ready to carry Third Grandma Qi on his back.

Third Grandma Qi hesitated and looked at Old Man Qi by her side.

"Hehe," Old Man Qi chuckled, "Since the child is showing filial piety, what are you hesitating for? It’s freezing cold, the sooner we get back, the sooner we can warm up."

"Grandma, let my dad carry you. I’m hungry, and I’m sure my mom has made something delicious at home. Let’s hurry back and eat," He Tiantian urged, asking Third Grandma Qi not to be a stranger.

Third Grandma Qi wiped her eyes, deeply moved, wiped her eyes again, and choked up, "Oh!"

Having said that, she leaned on He Jingyu’s back, her body uncontrollably sobbing a few times.

Everyone understood Third Grandma Qi’s feelings and didn’t speak, walking with determined steps.

Old Man Qi was robust and didn’t need anyone’s support. He Tiantian and Wang Shuping, carrying things, followed by Old Man Qi, all left the train station together.

After giving the old man watching the cars five cents, He Jingyu wheeled out a trishaw he had borrowed from a neighbor and placed Third Grandma Qi on it.

"Uncle Qi, you get on too," He Jingyu said, "It can seat one more person."

Old Man Qi waved his hand and said, "No need, I’ll walk back. Let your wife or Tiantian ride instead."

"Grandpa Qi, you should get on," He Tiantian said, "My mother and I will walk back. Our home isn’t far, and pushing the trishaw back and forth seems like a waste of time."

"You should appreciate your child’s kindness," Third Grandma Qi laughed, "If you don’t get on, they won’t dare to! Hurry up!"

"Yes, Uncle Qi, please get on," He Jingyu said, "My wife and daughter are young; they can walk a bit. I’ll ride slowly and let them follow along."

Old Man Qi stopped refusing and got on the trishaw, while He Tiantian put all the parcels and the messenger bag on the trishaw, instantly feeling much lighter.

Wang Shuping took out a quilt from below and covered the two elderly people to keep them from feeling cold on the trishaw.

After everything was arranged, He Jingyu cycled the trishaw onto the main road.

Wang Shuping and He Tiantian, one on each side, pushed the trishaw to help He Jingyu save some energy.

The road was too cold, with ice forming from drops of water. Even though everyone had a lot to say, it wasn’t the time to talk on the road. They were only thinking about getting home as soon as possible, to eat the steaming hot food and to talk together in peace and security.

The snow in the sky got heavier, and the dim yellow light of the street lamps shone on the grounds, cold and icy.

The streets were deserted, except for He Tiantian’s family.

But although everyone was cold on the outside, they were warm on the inside.

Because family members had returned, gathered together joyfully.

Last time He Tiantian sneaked back home alone, it took her half an hour. This time, because He Jingyu was riding the trishaw, being considerate of Wang Shuping and He Tiantian following behind, and because the road was a bit slippery, it took nearly an hour to get home.

Wang Shuping pushed the door open directly, finding Jiang Lifang and her husband, Huo Zhekun inside. Having learned that He Tiantian would be returning home that evening, they had stopped to buy a pound of meat and some vegetables after work and made their way to the He Family’s home to wait for He Tiantian together.

Hearing the noise outside, Jiang Lifang and Huo Zhekun came out to greet them.

"Aunt Jiang, Uncle Huo. I missed you so much." He Tiantian went up to Jiang Lifang and hugged her, then planted a kiss on her cheek with a "smack."

Jiang Lifang had no daughters, and He Tiantian had grown up by her side, as close to her as a real daughter would be. Especially since learning that her son harbored romantic feelings for He Tiantian, she began to pray in her heart that things would work out. If they didn’t, not only would the relationship between the two families be affected, but more importantly, she couldn’t bear to let go of this sweet little cotton-padded jacket!

If it weren’t for He Tiantian, and Huo Yingjie being so young, she would’ve had them registered at the civil affairs office long ago.

Huo Zhekun was just about to express his jealousy when he suddenly caught sight of a figure, once incredibly familiar to him.

"Uncle Qi," Huo Zhekun hesitated unsurely, tentatively asking.

Old Man Qi looked toward Huo, also startled, then smiled and said, "Hehe, after all that fuss, it turns out we know each other!"

As he spoke, everyone’s gaze turned toward Old Man Qi and Huo Zhekun.

But as the snow continued to fall more heavily, He Tiantian, seeing Third Grandma Qi shiver with cold, said, "Whatever the situation, let’s go inside first and then talk."

"That’s right, godmother, let’s go inside," Wang Shuping supported Third Grandma Qi as they entered the house.

Upon entering, a familiar, warm atmosphere enveloped them.

Tears started to stream down He Tiantian’s face as her nose twitched with emotion.

Seeing this, Jiang Lifang laughed and said, "It’s cold outside, and coming in will make your nose tingle and eyes water. You’ll be fine in a bit."

He Tiantian nodded, and while some of it was a physiological reaction, it was the warmth and happiness she felt now, missing from her past life, that caused so many tears to flow.

Wang Shuping brushed the snowflakes off Third Grandma Qi’s clothes, He Jingyu returned the tricycle, and Huo Zhekun tenderly patted the snowflakes and droplets of water off Old Man Qi.

Old Man Qi didn’t refuse and even thought Huo Zhekun’s attentiveness was to be expected.

He Tiantian was very curious about their relationship.

Jiang Lifang pulled He Tiantian aside and said, "You’re all chilled to the bone. I made some brown sugar ginger tea in the pot. Come and help yourself to some. It’ll warm everyone up and chase away the chill."

"Sure thing!" He Tiantian followed Jiang Lifang to get the brown sugar ginger tea.

He Jingyu was back already, and everyone sat on the sofa while He Tiantian placed a cup of brown sugar ginger tea in front of each person.

With everyone gathered, He Tiantian began the introductions, "Aunt Jiang, Uncle Huo, these are the grandma and grandpa I recognized in Qijia Village."

Upon hearing this, Old Man Qi realized that He Tiantian had essentially adopted him as her own grandfather.

Although it was a bit sudden, he liked the sound of it!

"Madam, sir, Tiantian is fortunate to have had your care," Jiang Lifang said enthusiastically, noticing from her husband’s expression that he seemed to know that Uncle Qi, which made her all the more respectful.

Third Grandma Qi shook her head and laughed, "It’s not me who looked after Girl Tian; she’s the one who’s been caring for this old widow. She manages everything inside and out; I’m not much help. If we say it that way, I’ll feel guilty."

"Godmother, having Tiantian live at your house is already the greatest kindness," said Wang Shuping. Her daughter was very smart; if Third Grandma Qi hadn’t been good to her, she wouldn’t have recognized her as a grandma.