The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 167: Recollection, Pleased to See Its Success_1

Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Recollection, Pleased to See Its Success_1

Third Grandma Qi looked up at the rippling lake as if reminiscing, muttering to herself, "When Liang Zi came to Nan City for college, he wrote his first letter to me, saying he and his classmates went to visit Xuanwu Lake, and how he loved the lake here, the water, and got along very well with his classmates. He said that once he graduated and earned money, he would bring me and his dad here to enjoy the lake together."

That’s the way it was!

It wasn’t just the scenery that was attractive but also the people in the scenery!

"The wind is strong here; let’s go to the other side. There’s a path; we can walk there," said He Tiantian as she parked the tricycle to the side and helped Third Grandma Qi to take a look over there.

As they walked along the path, with the glistening surface of the water beside them, He Tiantian occasionally explained some things about Xuanwu Lake.

Old Man Qi listened to He Tiantian’s stories about Xuanwu Lake, while Third Grandma Qi was mostly lost in her memories, perhaps recalling the joy and pride she felt when receiving her son’s letter; or maybe she was imagining her son enjoying himself at Xuanwu Lake.

Though it was a sunny day, the winter was cold, especially by the lake where the wind was strong.

After spending half an hour by the lake, He Tiantian said, "Grandma, it’s very cold here. Let’s go back before we catch a chill from the cold wind and get a cold."

Although Third Grandma Qi was reluctant to leave, she understood that catching a cold at her age could severely impact her health. Not wanting to trouble He Tiantian and wishing to live a few more years, she cherished her life.

"Okay, let’s go back. The lake is always here; we can see it any time," Third Grandma Qi agreed, "Let’s go, let’s go home."

He Tiantian had wanted to show them more places, but seeing that Third Grandma Qi wasn’t in high spirits, she chose another path and slowly headed home.

On both sides of the road were plane trees that had shed their leaves, very robust with light yellow mottled spots on their trunks and occasionally a few fuzzy balls would fall from the trees. If it were summer, the leaves of the French plane trees would be so lush that not a single speck of light could penetrate to the road below even at the sunniest of times.

As they walked, He Tiantian explained the surrounding trees and buildings.

From the expression on Third Grandma Qi’s face, He Tiantian saw once again that she was lost in her memories. Perhaps Qi Shuliang had mentioned the history of these plane trees in his letters.

He Tiantian and Old Man Qi didn’t disturb Third Grandma Qi’s recollections.

Sometimes, the ability to reminisce is a form of happiness!

It was these memories that had sustained Third Grandma Qi up until now and would continue into the future. Her strong heart became even stronger after each recollection.

Because memories are beautiful, and the things imagined are what the heart longs for. How wonderful it would be if they could become reality!

However, achieving all these dreams wasn’t about sighing, wallowing in self-pity, or becoming impatient, but about living well, staying calm and collected, and spending a lifetime striving, persevering, and waiting!

It was this attitude that allowed Third Grandma Qi to live out her hopes, spending her later years in peace, without any regrets!

Upon returning home, He Tiantian quickly made some ginger tea. Although the day was sunny, the chill was biting and exceptionally cold.

Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi were getting on in years and should not be taken lightly.

One person drank a bowl of ginger water sweetened with brown sugar, and the two elderly listened to the radio inside the house while He Tiantian went to cook.

For lunch, they had soft risen wheat pancakes, stir-fried cabbage with tofu, and a bowl of pickled vegetables.

The dishes were simple, but they tasted good and were enough for three people. Although the He Family’s living conditions were fine, they couldn’t feast extravagantly, and each meal had to be well planned. Eating too much now might mean going hungry later.

Except for the first few days when the meals were slightly better, at the request of Third Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi, they continued to keep things simple, saving the better food for the New Year. Fortunately, Third Grandma Qi and Grandpa Qi had experienced hard times and understood the preciousness of food; as long as they weren’t hungry, they did not pursue the refinement of meals.

In the afternoon, He Tiantian took Third Grandma Qi for a walk around the neighborhood and greeted the neighbors.

Old Man Qi, on the other hand, played chess with the retired elders in the sun, living a relaxed and comfortable life.

When they returned, He Tiantian began to prepare dinner, waiting for her parents to come home and eat. During this time, since He Tiantian had come home, the Huo Family also brought their grains, cabbages, radishes, and such to the He Family for He Tiantian to help prepare the meals.

Huo Zhekun was very busy with his work, and Jiang Lifang, being a doctor, was even busier and sometimes had to work night shifts. After a tiring day or night, they couldn’t bear the thought of cooking. Previously, there was no choice, but now with He Tiantian, a skilled cook, at home, they no longer bothered cooking.

He Tiantian’s hands were deft, creating dishes that were a feast for the eyes and the palate.

After dinner, He Tiantian brewed some Chrysanthemum Tea she had collected from the mountains, allowing the four elders to rest while she buzzed about like a little bee, taking on all the household chores and humming a tune as she worked.

Jiang Lifang felt embarrassed to come over just to eat and felt even more so if she didn’t help with the dishes afterward.

"Tiantian, I’ll wash the dishes. Don’t let your delicate hands get chapped," Jiang Lifang said, rolling up her sleeves to wash the dishes.

With a cloth in her hand, He Tiantian quickly stopped her and said, "Aunt Jiang, please go rest. My hands are already wet; don’t bother doing it yourself."

Jiang Lifang looked at He Tiantian, adorned with an apron and looking sweet and industrious, and liked her a hundred times over! If she could marry off her son and He Tiantian right now, she would do so without the slightest hesitation.

"Aunt Jiang, no need to help, and Tiantian, you don’t need to wash either. I’ll do it," Wang Shuping said as she was about to kneel down to finish up. She couldn’t bear to let her daughter work, and Jiang Lifang was a guest; it was even more important not to let someone else do the work.

Blocking the way, He Tiantian said, "I’m an adult now and I’m not working. Just preparing meals and doing some housework, so don’t fight with me over it. Go and rest, or do some sewing. I’ve got this covered."

He Jingyu, sipping tea on the side, called out, "You two come over here. Tiantian is being filial to you, don’t you know how to enjoy your blessings!"

Wang Shuping smiled and said, "Then we’ll go over there and leave it to Tiantian to handle."

"Shuping, you really have a wonderful daughter!" Jiang Lifang said enviously, wishing for a daughter like her. But then again, having a son was great too; he had quickly won over He Tiantian’s affection, and she would become a part of her family in the future, a daughter-in-law to live with for many years, even better than a daughter!

"Hehe, you flatter me," Wang Shuping sighed inwardly. No matter how good a daughter is, she eventually marries off, and by then, she would be a gain for Jiang Lifang’s family.

However, these thoughts were just in Wang Shuping’s mind, and she didn’t voice them out. After all, the two youngsters were still small and nothing official had been decided yet. Who knows what the future might hold!