An Earlier Meeting - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Due to a make-up day next week, they had an extra day of school today.

The golden glow of the setting sun stretched their shadows as the two of them walked home side by side.

Huang Xiaozhi’s mind still lingered on the question of Su Li, but looking at Yu Wen’s serene profile, she finally swallowed it back, turning it into a silent sigh.

She held her schoolbag in her left hand, and Yu Wen walked on her right.

Huang Xiaozhi carefully poked Yu Wen’s arm with her fingertips.

“Do you want to come to my house for dinner for the Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow?” Her voice carried a hint of a hidden expectation.

Yu Wen’s footsteps paused slightly. The light from the setting sun cast a faint shadow on her face.

She had expected Huang Xiaozhi to continue questioning her about Su Li. She hadn’t expected an invitation for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

She turned her head slightly, her eyes filled with a little surprise and thought.

“Are you going to your grandmother’s place?” she asked softly, unconsciously pinching the strap of her schoolbag.

Huang Xiaozhi had been waiting for a response and caught the subtle hint of shock and hesitation on Yu Wen’s face.

“Yes, we’re going first thing in the morning,” Huang Xiaozhi’s bright eyes looked at Yu Wen earnestly, with a warm smile. “I thought you might be lonely at home by yourself, so you can come with us.”

Yu Wen felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. The tips of her ears quietly turned a little red. She pursed her lips and finally nodded in agreement.

The warmth of being cared for quietly spread throughout her heart.

As for Su Li, Huang Xiaozhi decided not to dig any deeper. It was Su Li’s choice, and she chose to respect it.

The two of them continued walking, their shadows overlapping behind them.

Huang Xiaozhi’s gaze swept over the restaurants on the roadside, where the scent of food lingered. She spoke to herself in a light tone. “My grandparents will be at home tomorrow. I’ve already told them. My two uncles might be coming too.” She deliberately emphasized “two,” with a little playfulness.

Yu Wen indeed caught the key point. She looked at her in confusion. “What do you mean, ‘two uncles’? Didn’t you say you only had one uncle?” She was very confident in her memory.

Huang Xiaozhi waved her hand exaggeratedly, with a mischievous smile on her face. Her skirt swayed slightly with her movements. “Nonono! My uncle ‘adopted’ an uncle! They’re in love, you get it?” She even winked at Yu Wen. Her long eyelashes were like little fans.

Yu Wen was slightly stunned at first, then she understood. She lowered her head and smiled helplessly, with a few strands of hair falling to her cheek. “Oh… I see. That’s pretty good.” The harmonious family atmosphere made a subtle sense of envy and longing well up in her heart.

Huang Xiaozhi naturally reached out and hooked her arm around Yu Wen’s, pulling her along.

The two of them walked together in the deepening twilight, like the most ordinary yet the most heartwarming painting in the city.

…

Back at home, the warm light in the entryway dispelled the coldness from outside.

Huang Xiaozhi put down her schoolbag and gently pushed open the glass door to the kitchen.

Soft music came from inside. Wei Qingwen had her back to her, wearing an apron, and was focused on something. She had wireless earphones in her ears.

A sly smile appeared on Huang Xiaozhi’s face, like a little cat about to play a prank. She held her breath and tiptoed over.

She suddenly put her hands on Wei Qingwen’s shoulders. “Ha!”

Wei Qingwen was indeed startled and her shoulders visibly flinched. She turned around abruptly, “glaring” at her, with a flour-covered pastry mold still in her hand.

When she saw that it was her daughter, there was no real anger in her eyes, but more of a doting smile. She shook her head helplessly.

Huang Xiaozhi leaned in. A sweet scent wafted over. On the counter, there were exquisite half-finished pastries and molds, looking especially tempting under the light.

“Did you tell Yu Wen?” Wei Qingwen asked as she picked up a small, freshly baked, and still warm pastry and brought it to Huang Xiaozhi’s mouth.

Huang Xiaozhi took a bite without hesitation. The sweetness instantly melted on her tongue. Her cheeks immediately puffed up.

Wei Qingwen looked at her expectantly, her eyes sparkling.

“How is it? How is it?”

Huang Xiaozhi was so stuffed with the deliciousness that she couldn’t speak. She could only give a big thumbs-up while chewing hard, her eyes satisfied and narrowed into crescents.

Upon getting her approval, the smile on Wei Qingwen’s face grew even brighter. She was more confident now.

“Go rest and take a shower. The kitchen is my territory. Don’t cause any trouble here,” she said with a smile, her tone spoiled her.

Huang Xiaozhi gave a muffled “Yes, ma’am” and, with a mouthful of sweetness, contentedly exited this territory filled with warmth and love.

…

The next morning.

“Knock, knock, knock,” Wei Qingwen knocked on Huang Xiaozhi’s bedroom door.

“Little One, are you up yet? We’re about to leave!” Her voice came through the door.

Huang Xiaozhi mumbled a response, curled up in her blanket like a lazy cat.

She fumbled for her phone and sleepily glanced at the screen—and was instantly terrified. She shot up like a spring! Why is it so late?! Where was the alarm from last night?!

Without thinking any more, she quickly pulled a white lace long-sleeved dress and a matching small coat from her closet. The soft fabric carried the fresh scent of soap.

When she opened the door, the bright light in the living room made her eyes narrow instinctively. Then, she saw a familiar figure on the sofa—Yu Wen was wearing a well-tailored black coat, her slightly wavy long hair falling over her shoulders. She was chatting with Wei Qingwen, and their eyes met.

Huang Xiaozhi’s cheeks “whooshed” with heat. Her heart felt like a deer had run into it. She quickly scurried into the bathroom like a startled rabbit to get ready, leaving only a trail of fragrance.

After she finished getting ready, a clear face was reflected in the mirror.

She put on the dress. The person in the mirror looked fresh and clean. The white skirt made her skin look like snow. When she walked out of the room, she saw that Yu Wen’s outfit today looked even more mature and elegant. That composed aura made her heart silently go “wow.”

Wei Qingwen saw her come out and didn’t scold her for waking up late. She just urged her with a knowing smile. “Hurry up and change your shoes. We’re about to leave.”

Huang Xiaozhi responded with a little guilt, a blush still lingering on her cheeks.

Yu Wen’s gaze had been fixed on Huang Xiaozhi since she appeared.

Her clean face was without makeup. Her waist-length hair was like a waterfall. The simple white dress outlined the slender figure of a young girl, as clean as moonlight that had fallen into the mortal world.

The simpler she was, the more it highlighted her natural, pure beauty.

Before leaving, Huang Xiaozhi remembered something and ran back into the room.

When she came out, there was an exquisite white camellia hair clip in her hand.

While waiting for the elevator, she turned her back to Yu Wen and said with a hint of a spoiled tone, “Help me clip this in my hair in the back.”

She had randomly gathered a small lock of hair in the front and tied it into a loose bun, revealing a smooth and full forehead. A few natural strands of hair hung by her cheeks, adding a touch of playfulness.

Yu Wen took the cold, delicately textured camellia flower. She carefully parted her soft hair and clipped the hair clip above the hair tie, cleverly hiding it.

Her fingertips brushed against her warm neck, sending a subtle jolt of electricity. The moment the clip was in place, Huang Xiaozhi turned back. Her clear eyes, like a spring, looked at her with a smile. Yu Wen felt her heart skip a beat and her breathing became shallow.

“Thank you,” Huang Xiaozhi said softly. Two red clouds appeared on her cheeks again.

The elevator door opened with a “ding” at the right moment, easing the subtle tension in the air. The three of them walked in. The small space was instantly filled with neighbors who were also getting ready for the holiday. They were carrying all sorts of holiday gifts and their sweet scents.

Wei Qingwen greeted the neighbors she knew and wished each other a “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.” Huang Xiaozhi and Yu Wen also smiled and gave their blessings.

Everyone’s face was filled with the lightheartedness and inner joy that came with the holiday. The small elevator cabin was full of laughter.

Yu Wen and Huang Xiaozhi sat in the back seat of the car together.

Looking at the festive streets with their red lanterns flying by outside the window, Yu Wen felt a little dazed. It had been a long, long time since she had been with others and headed towards a family-filled holiday.

This warmth of being solemnly invited was like a warm current, subtly and gently moisturizing the long-parched corner of her heart, filling her with a heavy sense of gratitude.

Huang Xiaozhi took out a pair of white wired earphones from her canvas bag. She put one on and handed the other to Yu Wen. The slender white earphone wire swayed gently in the air.

Yu Wen turned her head and met Huang Xiaozhi’s smiling eyes. Those eyes were so clear that it felt like she could see her own reflection in them.

She said “thank you” softly, her fingertips trembling slightly as she took it and put it on.

In an instant, the melody of a gentle and soothing English song flowed into her ears, quietly filling the small space between them.

Some of the indescribable feelings of adolescence were quietly sprouting and intertwining in this shared melody and the moving light and shadows outside the window.

…

The car stopped in front of the small yard of the old house.

Huang Xiaozhi naturally took Yu Wen’s arm. Their skin touched and a warm sensation spread. Wei Qingwen led the way. The three of them walked through the small, lively yard.

When they pushed open the door to the living room, a warm and lively atmosphere greeted them.

To their surprise, Wei Shun and Pei Dan were already sitting on the sofa. Wei Shun was lazily leaning on Pei Dan’s shoulder, yawning. Pei Dan was looking down at his phone.

Wei Qingwen raised her eyebrows in a little surprise. She knew her younger brother couldn’t get up this early. It must have been Pei Dan’s doing.

Huang Xiaozhi quietly leaned in close to Yu Wen. She stood on her tiptoes and lowered her voice to introduce them. Her warm breath brushed against Yu Wen’s ear. “Look, the one in the white hoodie who’s slumped over is my uncle, Wei Shun. The one sitting up straight next to him in a shirt is Uncle Pei Dan, who’s also my uncle now.” Her voice carried a hint of affectionate teasing.

Yu Wen looked in the direction she was pointing.

Pei Dan seemed to have noticed her gaze. He looked up, and his gaze lingered on Yu Wen for a moment, with a kind look of assessment and inquiry.

Wei Qingwen smiled and playfully patted her brother. “Brother Pei, you guys are here pretty early.”

Pei Dan put down his phone and smiled gently. There was warmth in his eyes behind his glasses. “It’s all right. We just got here.” He naturally put his arm around the still groggy Wei Shun.

Huang Xiaozhi pulled Yu Wen forward and said crisply, “Good morning, Uncle! Good morning, Uncle!”

Wei Shun rubbed his eyes and sat up straight like a big boy who had just woken up. He took out the red envelope he had prepared from his pocket and gave it to Huang Xiaozhi. “Here’s yours. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!” Then his gaze fell on Yu Wen next to Huang Xiaozhi. He paused, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face—he clearly hadn’t expected there to be another person.

He didn’t want to make Yu Wen feel awkward. He reacted quickly and handed her the red envelope that Pei Dan had just given him. It was still warm. He tried to sound as natural as possible. “Here’s one for you too. Happy holiday! Welcome.”

Yu Wen looked at the red paper package with gold foil that was being held out to her. She was stunned and didn’t know whether she should take it.

“Thank you… Uncle,” she said hesitantly, but she took it with both hands and spoke softly.

The title sounded a little strange for Wei Shun, who didn’t look much older than her.

The two words “Uncle” were like two small darts, accurately piercing Wei Shun’s “youthful and vibrant” heart.

The corner of his mouth twitched. He forced a smile and waved his hand. “Ahem… It’s nothing, nothing. You’re welcome.” Pei Dan, next to him, couldn’t help but laugh. A clear curve appeared on his lips. He took out his phone and quietly did something on it.

A crisp notification sound rang from Wei Shun’s phone. He took it out and his eyes instantly lit up like spotlights. The slight annoyance on his face was gone. He excitedly turned and gave Pei Dan a loud “mwah” on the cheek.

As a result, Pei Dan happened to turn his head to talk to him, and the kiss landed on his ear.

Wang Yuhuan, who was standing at the kitchen door wearing a floral apron, happened to see this scene. She couldn’t help but say with a laugh, “Oh my, you’re not embarrassed at all! You’re a grown-up.” Although she said that, her eyes were full of love.

The atmosphere on the sofa was a little subtle.

Yu Wen and Pei Dan sat at opposite ends, one quiet and reserved, the other calm and gentle.

Huang Xiaozhi and Wei Shun, who had finally woken up, started their bickering session in the middle. They went back and forth, their words coming out quickly.

The “adults” on both sides were as quiet as a backdrop.

Wei Qingwen sat in a lazy chair in the corner, a smile on her face. She quietly recorded this noisy but incredibly heartwarming scene on her phone. She was planning to take a perfect family photo later.

Huang Xiaozhi, in her white dress, and Wei Shun, in his casual hoodie, who looked like a teenager, started bickering in their hometown dialect. Their words came out as fast as a machine gun, creating a comically contrasting image with their appearances.

Of course, it was all harmless, affectionate teasing.

Yu Wen sat quietly on the side, looking at this lively, vibrant, and almost overflowing family warmth. Her envy grew deeper, and a certain part of her heart became soft and a little bittersweet.

Huang Xiaozhi was truly a happy child who had grown up being carefully nurtured by love.

Wang Yuhuan came down the stairs, holding an exquisite wooden tray. On it was a stack of thick red envelopes. She smiled and started handing them out one by one.

She first walked up to Pei Dan. “Here you go, Xiao Pei.” Her voice was gentle.

Pei Dan immediately put down his phone and took it with both hands, slightly bowing. His attitude was sincere. “Thank you, Auntie.” This title made Wang Yuhuan’s smile grow even wider. The wrinkles around her eyes smoothed out.

When it was Wei Shun’s turn, Wang Yuhuan deliberately put on a stern face, her tone full of affectionate reproach. “You little rascal, here’s yours. You’re another year older, be more sensible!” She put the red envelope in his hand.

Wei Shun took it with a grin, like a child who had just received a piece of candy. “Thank you, Mom! I promise I’ll do a good job!” He even gave a clumsy salute.

Wang Yuhuan snorted. Then, her gaze turned to her meticulously dressed granddaughter. Her eyes were instantly filled with love, and her voice softened by several degrees. “Xiaozhi, here’s yours. It’s from your grandma.”

“Thank you, Grandma!” Huang Xiaozhi instantly switched from being a little firecracker to a sweet and obedient sweetheart. She smiled sweetly and took the red envelope with both hands. Her smile could melt anyone’s heart.

Then, Wang Yuhuan walked up to Yu Wen with the tray.

Yu Wen immediately put down her phone and sat up straight, her hands neatly placed on her knees, like a student waiting to be called on by a teacher.

Looking at the equally thick red envelope being handed to her, she felt a mix of surprise and an indescribable sense of emotion. Her chest felt a little tight.

“Xiao Yu, this is yours.” Wang Yuhuan’s voice carried the kind warmth that belonged to an elder. She put the red envelope in her hand. “If you can’t go home for the holidays, you’re always welcome to come over for a meal. Just treat this as your own home. Don’t be shy.” She said with a beaming smile, her eyes sincere.

“Thank you, Grandma. I will,” Yu Wen said seriously, taking the heavy red envelope with both hands. Her fingertips could feel the smooth paper of the envelope and the outline of the money inside.

Wang Yuhuan’s smile grew even wider, and the light in her eyes was as warm as the autumn sun.

She gently reached out and stroked Yu Wen’s soft head. Her movements were full of affection.

Then, she leaned in slightly, getting closer to Yu Wen. In a whisper that only the two of them could hear, she spoke into Yu Wen’s ear.

“Xiao Wen,” Wang Yuhuan’s voice was even lower, with a gentle tone of knowing everything. “You’re a very strong child. Your grandma sees that. I hope you can slowly untie the knots in your heart. When I saw you as a child, you were still a girl who loved to laugh and be mischievous. It’s fate that you’re so grown up now. From now on, if you ever encounter any difficulties, don’t try to bear it on your own. Just tell us. We’ll do our best to help…” She paused, and her voice became even softer and slower, with a soothing power. “And also, don’t always blame yourself for not being able to find the truth. How old were you back then? Just a child. That unexpected disaster wasn’t your fault. It never was. Your grandma just hopes that this matter can be brought to light soon, and that big knot in your heart can truly be untied so you can put down your burden and live a good life.”

Yu Wen was completely stunned. Her body seemed to be frozen in place.

She stared blankly at Wang Yuhuan’s face, which was so close to her. It was filled with the traces of time but was still gentle and wise.

Grandma… she actually knows so much? About her past, about that car accident… And, they really did meet when she was a child? Why did she have no memory of it?

A huge shock and confusion surged like a tide, leaving her speechless for a moment.

After Wang Yuhuan finished speaking, she affectionately patted her shoulder again, as if to pass on a silent strength. Then she turned to the kitchen to give the red envelopes to Wei Qingwen and her husband.

Huang Xiaozhi, like a curious little cat, immediately came over, her big eyes blinking. “What secrets did Grandma tell you? It’s so mysterious.”

Yu Wen was brought back to her senses by her voice. Looking at Huang Xiaozhi’s inquisitive eyes, she tried hard to suppress the emotions churning inside her.

The corner of her mouth curved into a faint, slightly mysterious smile. She silently mouthed to Huang Xiaozhi, “Se-cret.”

A secret about the past, about a knot in her heart, that everyone seemed to know about, but she had a blurry, and even intentionally forgotten, memory of.

This discovery was like a stone thrown into the lake of her heart, creating layers of ripples. She secretly decided that she had to find an opportunity to have a good talk with Wang Yuhuan alone later.

…

A sumptuous lunch filled the large round table. The aroma wafted through the air, making everyone’s mouth water.

Seven people sat around the table. Under the warm yellow light, the atmosphere was cozy. Wei Shuqun’s cooking was as excellent as ever. Every dish was a feast for the eyes and the palate.

At the dinner table, Wei Qingwen, Huang Xiaozhi, Wei Shun, and Wang Yuhuan were mainly talking and laughing, sharing stories about their lives and interesting things about the holiday. Laughter filled the air.

Wei Shuqun sat at the head of the table, listening quietly, a satisfied smile on his face. He would occasionally use his chopsticks to get some food.

Pei Dan sat next to Wei Shun. His posture was relaxed but polite. When the elders asked him questions, he would immediately put down his chopsticks and answer with a sincere smile. He was very well-mannered.

Yu Wen sat quietly next to Huang Xiaozhi, appearing a little reserved, like a small guest who had accidentally stumbled into a lively banquet.

She focused on eating the food in her bowl, her movements refined.

She didn’t hope to join in on those familiar family conversations. Being able to sit there and feel this lively warmth was already a great satisfaction and luxury.

Huang Xiaozhi, who was sitting next to her, was chatting and laughing with her family. At the same time, she would naturally use a public pair of chopsticks to subtly place the dishes she found tasty into Yu Wen’s bowl—sweet shrimp, tender pork ribs, and crisp green vegetables… All the things she knew Yu Wen would like after observing her.

Yu Wen quietly ate the food that was constantly “growing” in her bowl. She felt the warmth of this meticulous care. It was like she was wrapped in a warm spring.

She was addicted to this sweetness, but she also felt a faint sense of fear.

If I get too used to this sweetness, will I no longer be able to bear the cold loneliness of being alone? Will I not be able to bear to leave?

Especially, this sweetness was given to her by the girl named Huang Xiaozhi, with her unreserved passion and kindness.