Chapter 58.4: A Talk on the Balcony

"I really don’t have any ulterior motives. Even if we are looking for a live-in son-in-law, it can't be a river dragon from across the way. Our family may have fallen on hard times, but a broken ship still has three pounds of nails. We can’t just give up our surname for nothing."

"Forgive me for being blunt again, but don’t be mad. This matter isn’t for you to decide alone—it depends on A Li’s wishes. Those two kids grew up together, didn’t they?"

"If childhood sweethearts always ended up together, I wouldn't have married A Li's grandfather."

As she spoke, Liu Yumei suddenly remembered her own childhood sweetheart.

He had always harbored feelings for her and even brought a lavish gift to her birthday banquet, clearly signaling a desire to propose.

That very night, A Li’s grandfather had him thrown into a cesspit with a black sack over his head.

It was only after they were married that the old man drunkenly let the story slip.

With smug pride, the old man had said, "If he wants to eat shit, let him eat his fill."

Back then, she hadn't even been angry about what happened to her childhood sweetheart. In fact, she had giggled on the side.

Liu Yumei waved a hand. "Take those clothes to the boy and have him try them on."

"Alright."

Aunt Liu noticed Liu Yumei’s sudden dip in mood, took the clothes, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Liu Yumei walked slowly to the memorial archway and picked up the new spirit tablet bearing her late husband’s name.

"You old fool, you shouldn't have been so good to me. Now you've trapped me in these memories for a lifetime."

…

Tomorrow was the day to set out.

After lunch, Li Sanjiang called Li Zhuiyuan into his room. From a drawer, he took out a blue cloth bundle and opened it. Inside were crisp, new bills.

"As the saying goes, a poor home but a rich journey—traveling far, you must carry enough money."

"Taigong, Liangliang said he’s covering everything. He’s got money."

"That’s different. If you use someone else's money, you’ll have to watch their face."

"I’ve got my own money too."

His Zhuiyuan's Secret Notes was selling well at school. After his provincial competition results were published, other schools in the city had started buying it too.

"Your money is your money. Still not the same."

"Thank you, Taigong." Li Zhuiyuan accepted the money.

"Be safe out there. Be careful. The world may be at peace, but the roads aren't always safe."

"Mm. Runsheng and Binbin are going with me. I’m not afraid."

"Runsheng is fine. Zhuangzhuang? Forget it—unless he sneaks his dad’s service pistol."

"Taigong…"

"Haha, just joking. Who’d really do something like that? Your grandfather and grandmother will join us for dinner later."

"Got it."

After leaving Taigong’s room, Li Zhuiyuan handed the money to Tan Wenbin, along with his share of the study guide profits.

He didn’t like handling money himself—preferred having someone manage it for him.

Tan Wenbin sighed more than once. "Xiaoyuan-ge, aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with your money?"

On the second-floor terrace, Cuicui was playing Gomoku with A Li.

Lately, A Li could tolerate certain familiar people. At least when they were nearby, she could control herself.

Cuicui called out, "Brother Yuanhou, Sister A Li is too good at this game—I can't beat her!"

"Of course. I can’t beat her either."

Li Zhuiyuan entered his room. A Li stood up and followed him in.

Since he’d be away for a while, Li Zhuiyuan rolled up all the paintings hanging on the walls.

As he did this, A Li watched his every move with intense focus.

After packing up the scrolls, he said, "Let’s go. We’ll put them in your collection chest."

The girl's eyes lit up instantly.

In the east room, A Li had already started filling a third chest. The first one was packed with Jianlibao.

Just as they finished arranging everything, Li Sanjiang’s voice called from outside: "Little Yuanhou, time to take pictures."

"Coming!"

Outside, the town’s photo studio master had been invited to the house—courtesy of Taigong. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying were dressed in their finest, clearly having been told in advance.

The photographer was taking solo portraits of the elders, giving detailed directions. They followed every instruction patiently.

Elderly folks took portrait photos seriously—might end up being used as memorial photos someday.

And deathbed portraits always looked awful. Better to be captured in full health, with some vitality in the eyes.

Aunt Liu reminded him, "Xiaoyuan, go change into the outfit your Grandma Liu gave you. We’re taking a family photo."

"Okay."

Li Zhuiyuan didn’t argue. He ran back to change. The outfit was similar to A Li’s usual attire, made from fine, soft material.

The only downside was that it was complicated to put on—too many buttons.

When he returned, everyone was waiting.

He first took a picture with Li Sanjiang, then with Li Weihan and Cui Guiying, and finally all three elders with him.

Then came the young folks' turn.

Li Zhuiyuan stood next to A Li, while Runsheng, Tan Wenbin, and Xue Liangliang joined from a short distance away.

Cuicui watched happily from the side.

Li Zhuiyuan waved to her. "Cuicui, come join us!"

Overjoyed and blushing, she joined without hesitation.

A large group photo of the younger generation was taken.

Liu Yumei came out in a new outfit and said, "Come, let’s take one too."

She sat in her usual tea chair, Aunt Liu stood behind her, and A Li took her place at the front left.

The photographer gestured to Li Zhuiyuan. "There’s a spot left—quickly, fill it!"

To him, the outfits worn by Liu Yumei, A Li, and the boy all looked like a coordinated set.

Li Zhuiyuan hesitated—this was their family photo, after all. Was it right for him to join?

Liu Yumei gave a slight nod. Come.

Only then did he step forward. He and A Li stood on either side of Liu Yumei. She placed one hand on each of their shoulders.

Her posture was dignified, her expression serene, and in her eyes shimmered a proud elegance free from pretense.

The photographer’s hands trembled. After snapping the shot, he let out a deep breath, wiping sweat from his brow. Strange, he thought—he’d never been this nervous photographing town officials.

When it was done, Li Zhuiyuan reached for A Li’s hand to leave.

But though she held his hand, she didn’t move.

Liu Yumei noticed her granddaughter’s intentions and smiled. "Come on, you two take one by yourselves."

She and Aunt Liu stepped aside.

The photographer coached them, "Closer… a bit closer… head a little more… yes, that’s it, perfect. What a pair—like the golden boy and jade girl straight off a New Year’s print."

Li Zhuiyuan and A Li stood side by side.

"Ready? Shooting in three… two… one!"

Click!

At the moment the shutter snapped,

The girl leaned her head gently onto the boy’s shoulder.

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