An Earlier Meeting - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

In the afternoon, everyone who had napped began to come downstairs.

The first thing they saw was Wei Shun curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. His phone had slipped from his hand, the game screen still lit up, with a little character hopping around.

As for Huang Xiaozhi, she had come back earlier and headed straight for the study on the third floor.

The first to come downstairs was Wei Qingwen.

She looked at her brother’s sprawled-out sleeping posture, and her hands got itchy. An impulse shot to her head—she really wanted to smack him awake! Fortunately, Pei Dan came downstairs just then and stopped her from doing so.

Wei Qingwen simply pouted, giving up her plan with a sigh of defeat.

Pei Dan walked over quietly, bent down, and lifted Wei Shun into his arms.

Wei Shun mumbled groggily, “When I opened my eyes… nobody was here… I thought he’d gone downstairs to play…” He rested his head on Pei Dan’s chest, docile as a child.

Pei Dan carried him steadily up the stairs, their figures disappearing around the corner.

Wei Qingwen watched the scene and silently gave a thumbs-up, her heart exclaiming, So cool! She was speechless. Couples in love really were different.

Maybe I’m just getting old? But… this is so fun to ship.

She muttered to herself, Shipping everything just keeps me well-nourished. No wonder I’m so big—turns out it’s from eating too much.

My little brother’s eating so well, I’m almost envious. But… I didn’t do so badly back in the day either.

…

In Huang Xiaozhi’s room, Yu Wen was also woken up by the chirping of birds outside the window.

She groggily opened her eyes. The space beside her was already empty and cool.

Still sleepy, she lingered for a moment before getting up.

She put on her jacket and walked to the window to pull back the beige curtain, letting in the faint afternoon light.

Then, she carefully folded Huang Xiaozhi’s blanket.

This was the second time she had slept in Huang Xiaozhi’s bed—once at her house and once at this old family home.

The room in the old house was naturally much more spacious than Huang Xiaozhi’s own apartment, and it even had a private bathroom.

The decor had a touch of girlish romance, and in a corner, several canvases were stacked and covered with cloth.

Yu Wen had noticed them when she pulled the curtains, but they were private belongings, and she wouldn’t touch them without permission.

She simply stood there, her gaze lingering on the covered paintings, lost in thought as she tried to imagine what colors and worlds lay beneath the cloth.

Glancing at her watch, she saw it was getting late. Worried that everyone was waiting for her downstairs, she quietly closed the door.

Just as she reached the top of the stairs, she saw Pei Dan coming up, carrying Wei Shun. It seemed difficult for him to open the door with his hands full. Yu Wen immediately stepped forward and opened the doorknob for them.

Pei Dan, holding Wei Shun, gave her a slight nod of thanks, his voice extremely low. “Would you mind closing the door for us, Miss Yu? Thank you.” Yu Wen nodded from outside, and once they were inside, she carefully pulled the door shut.

Looking at the closed door, a warmth and a sense of blessing rose in Yu Wen’s heart.

She felt that Huang Xiaozhi’s uncles were so in love.

Homosexuality wasn’t a big deal to her; it was simply about loving who you love.

Besides, she was the same way. In this day and age, it was rare for a family to be so open and accepting.

She silently wished them a long and happy life together.

…

When she got downstairs, the living room was a scene of warmth and coziness.

Huang Xiaozhi’s grandparents were sitting close together on the long sofa, while Wei Qingwen sat in a single armchair on one side.

Wang Yuhuan was chatting with her daughter, Wei Qingwen, about something, while Wei Shuqun was focused, his head bowed as he carefully placed small handfuls of peeled sunflower seeds into his wife’s palm.

What a loving family.

Yu Wen stood at the foot of the stairs, a little hesitant, wondering if she would disturb this peaceful scene by going over.

Just as she was thinking, the sharp-eyed Wang Yuhuan saw her and called out with a smile, “Yu Wen, come on, sit here!”

There was no way to slip away now. Yu Wen could only walk over with a smile. “You’re all up already?”

Wei Qingwen enthusiastically pulled her hand and had her sit between herself and her mother.

Yu Wen was thus “sandwiched” between Wei Qingwen and Wang Yuhuan.

Wei Qingwen on her left started showering her with compliments. Yu Wen’s cheeks felt a little warm, and she was slightly embarrassed, but it was nice to be genuinely praised.

In her daily life, she was often a hesitant person, but at certain moments, she had to make quick decisions.

In front of the Zhang family, she had to be a fearless, clear-headed “big woman.” But in front of the Wei family, she unconsciously revealed the sensibilities of a young girl because they treated her with the warmth of their own child.

This affection, she would silently hold in her heart.

As for when she was with Huang Xiaozhi… she was willing to show an even deeper layer of vulnerability.

People are multifaceted, she thought to herself with a hint of self-mockery. I probably am just a “changeable” person.

…

Sitting in the middle, listening to family gossip, she found it difficult to get away.

After an unknown amount of time, Huang Xiaozhi finally came downstairs.

She saw at a glance that Yu Wen was “flanked” by her mother and grandmother, and a smile appeared on her face. She walked over and sat on the arm of the sofa next to Wei Qingwen. “What are you all talking about that’s so fun?”

Wei Qingwen gave a mischievous smile. “Talking about your past embarrassments.”

Huang Xiaozhi raised an eyebrow. “What? You guys really have nothing better to do.”

Wang Yuhuan smiled and chimed in, “Do you want to come and listen?”

Everyone’s faces were filled with relaxed smiles, including Yu Wen, who was “sandwiched” in the middle. Huang Xiaozhi tried hard to remember, but she couldn’t think of any particular embarrassing moments from her childhood. She soon joined the conversation.

After chatting for a while, Wang Yuhuan looked at the two young women and thought they must be getting bored talking to the old people. So she gave them a task. “Alright, you two, don’t just sit here. Go water the flowers in the back garden for me.”

Finally able to escape this “encirclement” that was both warm and a little awkward, Yu Wen subtly let out a small sigh of relief.

But this slight change in her breathing didn’t escape Huang Xiaozhi.

“What’s wrong?” Huang Xiaozhi walked side by side with her, turning her head to ask. “Did what they were talking about make you uncomfortable?”

Yu Wen was taken aback, realizing she had misunderstood. “No, no, it was nice. Maybe… I’m just not fully awake yet.” She made up an excuse.

That feeling was hard to describe. It was probably like being an outsider listening to the funny stories of someone else’s daughter or granddaughter. Some topics naturally carried an intimacy and boundary that was inherent to the family, and even if she were Yu Wen or Wei Shun, she might not be able to fully integrate.

She understood that it wasn’t rejection; it was just human nature.

Huang Xiaozhi didn’t press her further. She took her by the wrist and led her toward the backyard. “As long as you’re not uncomfortable. Come on, my grandma’s garden is so much fun!” Her tone was light, and she quickened her pace a little.

…

The back garden wasn’t very big, but it was laid out with exquisite taste. It was more than enough space for three or four people to enjoy tea and the scenery.

Wang Yuhuan was a big fan of succulents, and this place was a small succulent kingdom. The variety was vast; Yu Wen could find almost every type she had ever seen and many she hadn’t.

Huang Xiaozhi, knowing her way around, found a small bucket, and the two of them worked together to get water and started watering the plants.

The weather was just right, overcast without a harsh sun, a perfect time for watering flowers. The fine stream of water slowly seeped into the soil until it was completely saturated.

The entire garden was vibrant and full of life under Wang Yuhuan’s meticulous care. Yu Wen loved plants, but her busy schedule at home prevented her from keeping a single one.

Looking at the lush greenery in front of her, her mood also became more relaxed.

They divided the work, each taking one side, and were soon done with the task.

With the job complete, they sat side by side on a white wrought-iron swing in a corner of the garden.

Huang Xiaozhi gently pushed off the ground with her toes, and the swing began to sway slightly.

Sitting on it, they felt the breeze on their faces and enjoyed this rare moment of peace and freedom, as if the only thing in the world was this small, leisurely corner.

The wind made their hair a little messy, no longer as smooth as it was when they first came downstairs.

Huang Xiaozhi closed her eyes comfortably, completely unaware that Yu Wen was watching her, her head turned to the side.

Yu Wen’s voice came through the breeze, with a hint of an imperceptible ethereal quality:

“Xiaozhi, if… and I mean if, I were to suddenly disappear without a trace one day, would you come looking for me?”

This sudden question caused a flicker of doubt in Huang Xiaozhi’s heart, but since it was just a “what if,” she curved her lips and kept her eyes closed.

“Of course, I would,” her voice held a natural certainty. “I would search for you all over the world. And if I couldn’t find you, I’d search for a lifetime.” She was never one to sit and wait; action was what gave her peace of mind.

Hearing this answer, Yu Wen’s expression became complicated.

Would she really look? The world is too big, so big that one might not be able to travel all of it in a lifetime.

She tried to make the atmosphere lighter with a playful tone. “That’s good. Remember to fly a plane and search for me all over the world.” The teasing laughter somewhat concealed the turmoil in her heart.

This time, Huang Xiaozhi opened her eyes, and the swinging of the swing slowed down.

She turned her head slightly to meet Yu Wen’s gaze and said with a smile, “I won’t fly a plane. I’ll fly a rocket.”

This answer successfully made Yu Wen laugh. They looked at each other and laughed from the heart, the sound light and genuine.

When people are with trusted friends, they unconsciously reveal their truest selves. I guess that’s how I am, Yu Wen thought.

If those half-joking words were to ever come true, would Huang Xiaozhi be very sad? But on second thought, Huang Xiaozhi had a calm personality and stable emotions. Maybe I’m just a classmate to her with a decent relationship? Wouldn’t I just be a clown for overestimating myself? She reminded herself: Never overestimate your worth in someone else’s heart.

The future was full of variables. She didn’t know when she would suddenly “disappear” for some reason—tomorrow? next month? next year? It was unpredictable. She was not a god; she couldn’t control the direction of destiny.

When that inevitable turning point arrived, she could only choose to disappear, and that would also be the best time to completely dismantle the Zhang family.

This day would come; it was only a matter of time.

Looking at Huang Xiaozhi beside her, bathed in the breeze, with that innocent and beautiful smile, Yu Wen felt a pang of longing. That kind of natural purity was something she had lost in her childhood.

She silently prayed that Huang Xiaozhi would always keep this precious purity. If she could, she would protect this innocence for a lifetime.

Their gazes met. Yu Wen’s mind was churning, but Huang Xiaozhi was unaware.

Perhaps Yu Wen was just too good at hiding her feelings.

But in Huang Xiaozhi’s eyes, the smile Yu Wen was giving her right now was real, without pretense. She wished time could stop at this very moment forever.

Huang Xiaozhi also made a silent wish in her heart: I hope time can slow down occasionally, just for her to catch up to me.

…

Dinner was set to be out.

An hour before they were to leave, Wei Qingwen told Huang Xiaozhi and Yu Wen to go upstairs and call Wei Shun and Pei Dan down to get ready.

The two of them stood in front of Wei Shun’s door, looking at each other, neither one reaching out to knock first.

Yu Wen raised her chin toward the door, gesturing for Huang Xiaozhi to act. Huang Xiaozhi, with no choice, steeled herself and gave the door three firm knocks.

The door quickly opened a crack, revealing only Pei Dan’s head.

His tone was relatively calm, but his brow seemed to be furrowed with an almost imperceptible hint of frustration. “What is it? Something wrong?” Huang Xiaozhi was momentarily flustered. Seeing this, Yu Wen quickly shook her head and stepped in. “Aunt Wei asked us to tell you to come downstairs to get ready for dinner. We were hoping… you could be quick.” She made a “hurry up” gesture as she spoke.

Pei Dan nodded after hearing her. “Okay. You can tell Aunt and Uncle, and Wei Qingwen, to go ahead. You can ride in my car later.” He said this seriously, but his goal was probably to let Wei Shun stay in bed for a few more minutes, or maybe he was embarrassed about how long they would take.

Huang Xiaozhi nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

Yu Wen caught a glimpse of her and found it a little funny. She held back her laughter and nodded to Pei Dan. “Alright, we’ll tell them when we go down. We won’t bother you anymore.” After Pei Dan closed the door, Yu Wen finally couldn’t hold it in and let out a quiet giggle, covering her mouth.

Huang Xiaozhi turned around, looking confused. “What are you laughing at? Are you laughing at me? Are you making fun of me?” She put her hands on her hips and asked a series of questions.

Yu Wen turned her back, her shoulders shaking from suppressed laughter. She shook her head and denied it. “No… no…” But her actions weren’t very convincing.

Huang Xiaozhi wouldn’t let it go. She reached out and poked Yu Wen’s back with two fingers. “Then what are you doing right now! You are laughing at me!”

She was so focused on poking that she didn’t notice Yu Wen suddenly turn around, her hands precisely grabbing Huang Xiaozhi’s wrists.

Yu Wen’s face still held a lingering smile. “Okay, okay, I’m really not making fun of you. I just thought the way you were just now… was so cute.” Her palm was warm, and it could completely circle Huang Xiaozhi’s slender wrists.

Huang Xiaozhi was instantly speechless by the sudden action and the direct compliment of being “cute.” She felt the temperature of the spot where her wrist was held spike, and the other person didn’t seem to have any intention of letting go.

Shy, she lowered her head and turned her face away, only nodding lightly and not daring to look at Yu Wen again.

Yu Wen, however, looked directly at her, enjoying the sight of her blushing from her cheeks all the way to her ears, looking like a perfectly cooked shrimp.

If she teased her any more, an “accident” might happen. Yu Wen let go of one hand, but kept her other hand on Huang Xiaozhi’s wrist, leading her downstairs.

Huang Xiaozhi obediently let herself be led. It wasn’t until they reached the turn in the staircase that Huang Xiaozhi gently pulled away.

Why? Of course, to be able to naturally link arms with Yu Wen! Since she had been “teased,” she had to “counterattack” a little. She openly looped her arm through Yu Wen’s and smiled brightly. “Let’s go.”

Yu Wen had thought Huang Xiaozhi was angry and had pulled her hand away, and was about to speak, but her arm was linked. The words in her mouth were naturally swallowed. They returned to the living room, where the elders were still chatting animatedly on the sofa.

Huang Xiaozhi led Yu Wen to a seat and, in the process, grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds to snack on.

Wang Yuhuan looked at them. “Well? What did your uncle say?”

The old lady was peeling peanuts, her eyes questioning. This time, Huang Xiaozhi spoke first, her hands still busy with the seeds. “Professor Pei said you three should go ahead. We’ll ride in their car later.” Her voice was clear, and all five people in the living room heard it.

Wei Qingwen straightened her skirt and stood up. “That’s a good idea. We’ll go first. That little rascal is probably still lying in bed.” She saw nothing wrong with the arrangement.

Wang Yuhuan pursed her lips and grumbled softly with a hint of chiding. “That little Pei, he spoils Little Shun too much…” The words were light, but they made everyone laugh.

Wei Shuqun, who usually didn’t say much, also smiled and said, “Oh, they’re in the honeymoon phase. It’s normal.”

Huang Xiaozhi silently nodded in agreement. Professor Pei is much older than my uncle, so of course, he’ll spoil him. That’s the charm of an older lover! My uncle is so lucky.

Wei Qingwen smiled and gestured to her parents. “Let’s go, let’s go. Let those four take their time.” Her words carried a mother’s and sister’s unique, tolerant smile.

Wang Yuhuan no longer dwelled on the matter of Wei Shun, her attention now on her husband. “I’m going to go change. Are you going in those clothes, old man?” Her eyes sized up Wei Shuqun.

Wei Shuqun felt a little uneasy under his wife’s gaze and quickly stood up. “Change, change, I’ll change right now. Let’s go upstairs.” He said the words but didn’t move, clearly waiting for Wang Yuhuan to go first.

Wang Yuhuan gave him a chiding look, then finally walked toward the stairs.

Wei Shuqun, on the receiving end of the glare, didn’t get angry. He just smiled sincerely, his mellow attitude, a result of the years, on full display.

The two went up the stairs, one after the other.

After their figures disappeared, Huang Xiaozhi leaned in toward her mother and asked in a low voice. “Mom, what were Grandma and Grandpa like when they were young?” Looking at her grandpa’s slightly plump figure now, she found it hard to imagine.

Wei Qingwen glanced at the stairs as well, then simply moved to sit between Huang Xiaozhi and Yu Wen. “Come on, let me show you the glamour of your grandparents back in the day.” She took out her phone from the coffee table, opened an album titled “Mom & Dad,” which contained an astounding 825 photos! The cover was an old photo of her grandparents.

In the picture, Wang Yuhuan had a fashionable perm and wore a beautiful dress. Her figure was slender, her face was lovely, and her eyes held a sense of confident spirit.

Wei Shuqun, who was not much taller than Wang Yuhuan, had a handsome, delicate face, like a young university student, but his expression was completely serious.

They stood side by side. There was no deliberate show of affection in the photo, but they both exuded the vibe of “I’m the coolest/prettiest person today.”

The three of them huddled on the sofa, flipping through the photos. Huang Xiaozhi couldn’t help but ooh and aah, giving a thumbs-up every now and then.

Yu Wen watched more intently, silently admiring them, occasionally saying a quiet “They look so good.”

The grandma in the photo made Huang Xiaozhi feel like she was a different person entirely. She was so stylish and bold when she was young, yet so gentle and humorous now.

Her grandpa, on the other hand, was consistent. From his youth to now, he exuded the aura of a dependable, honest man.

Sure enough, the love stories of the older generation had a special, moving flavor.

Huang Xiaozhi couldn’t help but wonder: back then, did Grandma chase Grandpa, or did Grandpa chase Grandma?

The three of them were completely engrossed, their curiosity sparked by the old photos.