Chapter 77

On Sunday, Mingxi and Xie Yanan arrived carrying large and small bags, with Yuanxiao in tow. Grandma Li greeted the three of them with a beaming smile. “It’s enough that you’re back—no need to bring things home. We’ve got everything we need.”

Xie Yanan brushed her neat short hair behind her ears and pulled out seven or eight pieces of clothing from a bag. “I had the afternoon off yesterday, so I visited a few malls and bought some clothes for you, my parents, and Zhenzhen.”

No matter their age, women always find it hard to resist new clothes. Though Grandma Li said, “What’s the point of buying new clothes? I’ve got plenty to wear,” her eyes were already scanning the pile, trying to spot which ones might be hers.

Xie Yanan smiled and pulled out two outfits for Grandma Li. “I thought these colors were nice, and the fabric feels comfortable too—perfect for you to wear in the summer.” She glanced at the slightly worn, pilling clothes Grandma Li was currently wearing and quickly handed her the new ones. “I haven’t gone shopping in ages, but yesterday I saw so many beautiful styles and colors. It’s not like the old days where everything was just green, blue, or gray. You can’t even find bright colors on the streets anymore.”

“This one’s a bit too bright, don’t you think?” Grandma Li hesitated as she held up a dark red piece. “I’m almost eighty—can I still wear something like this?”

“Why not?” Xie Yanan laughed and gently pushed her toward the canopy bed. “Nai, just try it on. I promise it’ll look great.”

Grandma Li glanced at Zhenzhen uncertainly. Zhenzhen smiled and nodded. “I think my sister-in-law has good taste. I bet you’ll look ten years younger in that outfit.”

That did the trick. Grandma Li happily stepped behind the bed curtains to change into the dark red top and navy cropped pants. She looked herself over as she walked back out. “Well? How do I look?”

Zhenzhen and Xie Yanan nodded enthusiastically. “You look great—so lively.”

Grinning from ear to ear, Grandma Li checked herself in the mirror again and again. She couldn’t hide how thrilled she was. “You know, Yanan really picked a good one. I never thought I’d wear red again at this age.” After admiring herself for a while, she picked up a comb and tidied her hair in front of the mirror. Then, she circled the room, clearly itching to show off. “Dongzi’s mom, are you done changing yet? Come see how good my outfit looks!”

Wang Sufen stepped out tugging a bit self-consciously at her new clothes. “Mom, mine even has big lotus flowers on it.”

Grandma Li eyed the big floral print a bit enviously. She pressed her lips together, looked back at the mirror, and said, “Still, I think this subtle floral pattern suits me better. Looks fancy and festive.”

“Exactly.” Wang Sufen, being from the older generation, also believed that nothing beat red. Although Grandma Li’s outfit wasn’t bright red, the color suited older people even better—made her look more spirited.

The two women were both very satisfied with their appearances. Grandma Li turned to Zhenzhen, who had been enjoying the scene from the side. “Didn’t your sister-in-law buy clothes for you too? Why haven’t you tried yours on?”

Zhenzhen chuckled. “I’m heading to the vegetable garden in a bit. If I wear the new clothes now, they’ll get dirty. I’ll put them on later when I go to the bookstore in the afternoon.” Hearing this, Grandma Li quickly took a dress hanger and hung Zhenzhen’s light yellow dress in the wardrobe. “Then wear this pale yellow one when you go out—it really complements your fair, radiant skin.”

Once the women were done changing, they opened the doors and windows. Thanks to Zhenzhen’s presence, there were never any flies or mosquitoes in the Li family’s courtyard. Even at night, all the windows stayed wide open.

Yuanxiao, Shaobing, and Dumpling were chasing each other around the long corridor, their cheerful laughter and shouts echoing in the yard. Taking the opportunity, Grandma Li spoke to Xie Yanan in a lower voice. “See how happy the kids are when it’s lively? I heard from your Eldest Uncle that there might be a population policy soon because there are too many people in the country. Maybe in a year or two, they’ll stop allowing more births. Yuanxiao’s not that young anymore. Have you two thought about having another child?”

Xie Yanan nodded. “I’ve been thinking the same. Now that Mingxi and I have wrapped up our projects and submitted reports to our unit, we’ve both applied for a break. You know how it is, Nai—Mingxi and I are in research. These past few years, we barely had weekends, let alone time for kids. When I gave birth to Yuanxiao, it was the busiest time. I was back in the lab three months postpartum. Yuanxiao grew up on formula at the nursery. Thinking about it now, I really feel like I owe him.”

Her eyes welled up slightly as she watched Yuanxiao run around. “So I’ve been telling myself—when we have another kid, we’ll make sure it’s different. I want to be home, really rest for a while before bringing another baby into the world.”

Grandma Li wholeheartedly agreed. “That’s a good mindset. Otherwise, not only does the child not get the care they need, but your body suffers too.”

Wang Sufen glanced at Xie Yanan’s always-slender figure and couldn’t help asking, “Did giving birth to Yuanxiao hurt your health? You’ve stayed so thin all these years.”

Xie Yanan sighed. “I think I went back to work too soon back then—wore myself out and never fully recovered. I’m planning to use this break to see a good doctor and get a proper prescription to build my body back up.”

That idea aligned perfectly with Grandma Li and Wang Sufen’s thinking. Grandma Li immediately said, “No need to go out and find a doctor. There’s an old Chinese medicine practitioner named Zhang Renzhe coming over later. Let him take your pulse.”

“Zhang Renzhe?” Xie Yanan looked at her in surprise. “He’s a renowned traditional doctor—most people can’t even get an appointment with him. How do you know him?”

“Zhenzhen brought him over,” Grandma Li said, smiling. “Last time she invited a bunch of teachers over for a meal—there were painters, opera singers, and even this old doctor. They all love our courtyard. Zhenzhen invites them over whenever she’s free.” Wang Sufen nodded and gestured outside. “Dr. Zhang lives nearby—just past Houyang. When it’s hot and he doesn’t feel like eating, he comes to our yard to pick some veggies. We’ve got a great relationship with him.”

Just then, someone called from the courtyard, “Is Zhenzhen home?”

Grandma Li laughed. “Speak of the devil! That’s perfect timing.” She walked over to the window and called out, “Brother Zhang! Come on in and sit!”

Zhang Renzhe came in, fanning himself and carrying a small medicine box. Wang Sufen called out to Shaobing, “Go tell your aunt that Dr. Zhang is here. And ask your mom to wash some cucumbers and tomatoes to bring over.”

Grandma Li took out the tea that Li Muwen had gifted them. Zhenzhen came in with a thermos, brewed the tea, and poured a cup for Zhang Renzhe. “Here, sir—have some tea.”

Zhang Renzhe accepted the cup with a smile. “Enjoying your time off at home?”

“Of course,” Zhenzhen stretched lazily. “I read and paint every day—it’s so relaxing. Dr. Zhang, I’m sleeping on a bed that once belonged to a noble lady from a prince’s house. Living this lazily, wouldn’t you say I’m basically like an ancient heiress?”

Zhang Renzhe burst out laughing. “Which heiress ever acted as wild as you? You’d drive her whole family crazy.”

Grandma Li laughed heartily too. “That’s spot on. My granddaughter’s been a wild one since she could walk. When she was little, she still followed her brother around, but once she got older, it was all mountains and rivers—barely came home even for meals. Wild as they come.”

Zhang Renzhe remembered Zhenzhen’s mischievous childhood and couldn’t help praising her, “It’s exactly that wildness that made her smart. Otherwise, how would she have gotten into Imperial Capital University?”

“That’s true.” Grandma Li agreed from the bottom of her heart, her face practically blooming with pride.

Zhenzhen covered her face with her hands, feigning bashfulness. “You’re making me blush, but why do I feel so ridiculously happy inside?” She winked playfully at Grandma Li and Zhang Renzhe. “Why don’t you praise me a little more? I’ll pretend to be modest.”

Grandma Li gently tapped Zhenzhen’s arm with her hand and said indulgently, “This girl, I’ve spoiled her rotten.”

Zhenzhen laughed as she refilled Zhang Renzhe’s teacup. Zhang took a sip and said to both Zhenzhen and Grandma Li, “Zhenzhen isn’t just smart, she’s also steady. I’ve been thinking about when she’ll be willing to seriously study Chinese medicine with me, maybe even become my successor. But every time I bring it up, she runs off faster than a rabbit.”

“It’s not that I don’t like Chinese medicine,” Zhenzhen replied, “I just can’t stay completely focused. Just the three core courses at school already take up all my energy. Studying medicine requires full dedication—ten years of consistent effort under your guidance to truly learn the craft. I’d just be wasting such a profound discipline with my on-and-off attitude. If you really want to pass on your skills, why not go teach at a medical university?”

Zhang Renzhe sighed, clearly disappointed. “You’re right. I guess we’re not fated to be master and apprentice after all.”

“Who says that?” Zhenzhen immediately sat down beside him and earnestly lifted his teacup. “Your medicinal cuisine is amazing. I really want to learn how to make it. If you don’t mind me being a slow learner, please teach me that instead.”

Zhang Renzhe couldn’t help but laugh at her eager expression. “So you just want to eat well, huh?”

Zhenzhen’s eyes sparkled as she grinned and nodded. “My biggest life goal is to eat my way through all the world’s delicacies.”

Zhang Renzhe’s mouth twitched helplessly. “Alright, since you like medicinal cuisine, I’ll teach you. It’s perfect timing since you’re on summer break. Come to my house each day, and I’ll teach you a new dish.”

Zhenzhen nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll come over after breakfast tomorrow.”

“No, after breakfast won’t do—you need to be here early,” Zhang said seriously. “In medicinal cuisine, not only are the recipes important, the ingredients are too. You need to learn how to shop with me.”

Zhenzhen hesitated, calculating her time. “How about I come over around seven?”

Zhang nodded. “That’s a good time. You can even have breakfast at my place.”

With the schedule set, Zhang Renzhe’s profuse sweating finally subsided. He opened his medicine box and took out a pulse pillow, placing it on the table. “Old Sis, let me take your pulse for peace of mind.”

“Thank you,” Grandma Li said, putting her arm on the pulse pillow like a pro. After checking both wrists, Zhang Renzhe smiled. “You’re doing great. Much stronger than before. Just don’t get too fond of the cold during summer, and keep drinking hot water daily—shouldn’t be any problem.” Hearing she didn’t even need medicine anymore, Grandma Li cheerfully got up. “Dongzi’s wife, let Dr. Zhang check you too.”

Wang Sufen, who had five children, had lingering back pain—what Dr. Zhang called kidney deficiency. After checking her, he found her condition improved and wrote her another prescription to continue nourishing the kidneys and strengthening the spleen.

Before Grandma Li could say anything else, Zhang Renzhe pointed to Xie Yanan. “This must be Lao’er Mingxi’s wife, right? First time meeting. You look a bit weak—I’ll check your pulse.”

Xie Yanan hurried over and sat down. While the others only knew Zhang Renzhe as a skilled traditional doctor, they didn’t realize even top state leaders sought him for health conditioning.

Zhenzhen had already explained Yanan’s situation to him, so Zhang gave her special attention, checking her pulse for over half an hour and pondering for a long time before prescribing a decoction. “You’ve been overworked for years, and didn’t recover properly after childbirth. Your kidney essence and qi-blood are both deficient. Take this for ten days, and I’ll check your pulse again after.”

Yanan stood up and thanked him earnestly. “I happen to have two months of leave now. I’ll take the medicine on time.”

Grandma Li quickly chimed in. “Since you’re off work, why not stay here? Zhenzhen specially cleaned up a room for you. Mingnan and the others are living here this month too.”

Yanan smiled. “As long as Zhenzhen doesn’t mind us making noise, we’ll move in for the month.”

Zhenzhen immediately responded, “A house feels alive only when there are people living in it. I’d be thrilled if you stayed longer—it’s more lively.”

Yanan smiled as she pulled out her bag, taking out a stack of cash and receipts. “I just got paid and haven’t put it away yet—here’s our share for the food.”

Grandma Li laughed as she took two large bills and a few coupons. “I’ll just take what I used to. No more than that.”

Yanan shoved the rest into Wang Sufen’s hands. “Mingnan’s still in school—it doesn’t matter if he pays or not. Mingxi and I have been working for years. We’ve saved up. If we’re living here even for a day, we’re paying for that day. Otherwise, we won’t stay.”

Wang Sufen looked helplessly at Grandma Li, who eventually nodded slowly. “Since it’s the kids’ way of showing appreciation, just accept it.”

Seeing the family so harmonious and close, Zhang Renzhe stood up with admiration. “Alright, it’s rare to see your whole family on break—enjoy your time together. I’ve got to head back.”

Grandma Li stood up quickly. “Why the rush? At least stay for lunch.”

Zhang waved his hand. “I’ve got guests coming over today. I’ll come by another day.”

Knowing he was the straightforward type who never said empty words, Grandma Li could only remind him with a bit of regret, “Then next time, don’t make other plans—make sure to eat with us.”

“Sure, Old Sis,” Zhang chuckled. “By then, Zhenzhen should’ve learned a few dishes. I’ll have her cook for me.”

Zhenzhen was confident in her cooking. Over the years, no one’s grilled fish, rabbit, or wild pheasant ever tasted better than hers.

As Zhang picked up his medicine box, Zhenzhen said quickly, “Sir, I’ve already framed and hung the calligraphy Mr. Su gave me last time. Come see if I hung it right.”

“Alright, I’ll take a look.” Zhang smiled naturally and followed her to the west wing. Once there, he took two thick envelopes from his medicine box and handed them to her, lowering his voice. “Two senior leaders need wild ginseng for their prescriptions. Yours caught their eye. They kept both roots on the spot.”

Zhenzhen opened the envelopes and saw the large bills inside, her hands trembling with excitement. “That much? Wild ginseng is worth this much?”

“Yours is aged, fresh, and looks great, so they paid more.” Watching Zhenzhen’s money-loving expression, Zhang asked curiously, “You’re young, already have a big house, lots of antiques and calligraphy at home, and you don’t have to spend much daily. What do you even do with the money from selling ginseng?”

Zhenzhen hesitated before replying seriously, “Housing in our country has always been distributed by work units. As the population grows, housing isn’t keeping up. In the capital, a single courtyard house might hold dozens of families. Some have three generations crammed into 20-30 square meters, barely able to turn around.”

Zhang nodded in deep understanding. There was an alley near his house filled with such crowded compounds. Once the kids grew a bit older, space became a huge concern. Without even a room of their own, how could they start their own families?

Seeing his expression, Zhenzhen added, “The government doesn’t have enough money to solve the housing problem for everyone. Sooner or later, housing will be commercialized. I plan to buy some properties when the housing market opens up.”

Although Zhang Renzhe understood what Zhenzhen was saying, he still couldn’t quite grasp why she was hoarding so many properties. Zhenzhen smiled and said, “It’s not about the houses—it’s about the land they sit on.”

Zhang Renzhe shook his head with a chuckle. “I don’t totally get it, but from what you’re saying, it sounds like you’re thinking long-term.” He looked at Zhenzhen, admiration in his eyes. “I really respect your courage and foresight. If you ever have anything else you need to sell, just come find me.”

“Alright.” Zhenzhen responded crisply. She packed the money into a box, then pulled out a bag of lingzhi mushrooms. “Picked from the mountain. For you to soak in wine.”

Zhang Renzhe didn’t stand on ceremony—he accepted it cheerfully and put it in his medicine box. He was already thinking about his lunch gathering with old friends, so after bidding Zhenzhen goodbye, he left in a hurry.

Since she was going to start learning medicinal cuisine from Mr. Zhang the next day, Zhenzhen was planning to buy some books from the bookstore. She told Grandma Li before heading out.

“It’s already this late?” Grandma Li glanced at the big pendulum clock on the wall, puzzled about what Zhenzhen was still busy with. “It’s less than an hour until lunch. Can’t you go in the afternoon?”

“I’ll eat out.” Zhenzhen replied. “I’ll stay at the bookstore this afternoon and come back tonight.” As Grandma Li opened the cupboard to get money and ration tickets, Zhenzhen had already dashed out of sight.

Standing by the road, she watched as a trackless trolleybus slowly pulled in. She got on and made her way to a window seat in the back. Just as the trolley began moving, it stopped again, and a striking young man boarded. He scanned the bus, and when he spotted Zhenzhen with her head down reading, a flicker of surprise and delight crossed his eyes.

He walked straight to the back and sat down next to her. From the corner of her eye, Zhenzhen noticed the sharp crease of the trousers beside her. She instinctively looked up, and her gaze met Xi Junjie’s.

“What a coincidence,” Zhenzhen said with a smile, pointing out the window. “You live around here too?”

“Yeah.” Xi Junjie nodded. After glancing at the book in her hands, he said, “Reading on the bus isn’t good for your eyes.”

Zhenzhen knew that, of course, but she always felt that zoning out on the bus was a waste of time. So wherever she went, she liked to carry a book and take it out whenever she had a moment.

After putting the book away in her backpack, Zhenzhen curiously studied Xi Junjie. His expression wasn’t as tense as it usually was at school; instead, there was a hint of ease between his brows. She couldn’t help but smile. “I thought you were always like that.”

“Like what?” Xi Junjie looked at her seriously.

“You know, the cold and aloof type who doesn’t talk to anyone.” Zhenzhen laughed. “A lot of classmates say they’re too scared to talk to you.”

“Are you sure they weren’t talking about you?” Xi Junjie looked at her with a trace of amusement. “You always rush in right before class, leave right after, and never pay attention to anyone or anything in the class. I bet you don’t even know all the students in the French department, do you?”

Zhenzhen gave an awkward smile. Among the three majors she was studying, French had the fewest classes, and outside of French, she mostly relied on self-study. So as for the classmates—never mind remembering all their names, she could barely recognize most of their faces.

She glanced at Xi Junjie, a bit embarrassed. Honestly, the only one she could name in the French department was Xi Junjie himself—mainly because he was good-looking and had a strong presence. It was impossible not to notice him.

Seeming to catch her thoughts, Xi Junjie looked at her playfully. “Don’t tell me I’m the only one you recognize?”

Zhenzhen stared at him in surprise. “How’d you guess that?” she said, impressed. She tugged at her braided pigtail playfully. “It’s mainly because Teacher Meng always calls us by student ID numbers, never by name. So yeah, in the French department, you’re literally the only one I know.”

Xi Junjie gave a light cough, and a faint blush crept onto his face. “I’m that special, huh?”