An Earlier Meeting - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The two of them, now ready, prepared to leave the apartment.

Open door, step out, close door, press elevator button, wait for elevator—a series of fluid, seamless actions.

As they stood in front of the elevator doors, Wei Qingwen naturally rested her hand on Huang Xiaozhi’s shoulder, turning her head to ask, “You know… should we buy something to bring?” Her tone was casual and exploratory, because she secretly didn’t want to carry anything.

This was a classic question when visiting relatives; going to a senior’s house empty-handed always felt like something was missing.

“Mom, don’t you think asking that question is a little…” Before Huang Xiaozhi could finish, the elevator arrived with a soft “ding.”

The doors slid open. Inside stood a person in a loose white hoodie, a hat, and a mask. They were focused on their phone, completely covered up, their face unreadable. As the mother and daughter walked in, a fresh, fruity and floral scent filled the small space.

Wei Qingwen followed Huang Xiaozhi into the elevator, her eyes casually glancing at the heavily bundled figure in the corner. Isn’t it hot to be wearing so much on a day like this? she wondered. Out loud, she continued their previous conversation. “But there’s nothing wrong with me bringing my daughter to see my parents, is there?” she said, as if trying to convince herself.

Huang Xiaozhi tilted her head and thought about it. She’s right. She patted Wei Qingwen’s shoulder and said with a mischievous look, “Then let’s go empty-handed and just get a free meal?” Her attention hadn’t yet been drawn to the mysterious person behind her.

Wei Qingwen’s eyes lit up. “I agree!” she said, and then, with a familiar gesture, she linked her arm through Huang Xiaozhi’s.

Just then, the elevator gave a slight jolt, reaching the first floor.

To be precise, Wei Qingwen was now “dangling” from Huang Xiaozhi’s arm.

Huang Xiaozhi frowned, looking at her mom clinging to her arm like a koala. “Why do you guys always have to cling to my arm?” she asked, walking out with the flow of people as the elevator doors slowly closed behind them.

Wei Qingwen held onto her arm, a bit awkwardly but stubbornly. “Because I like it. Are you going to kick me out?”

“No way,” Huang Xiaozhi said with a helpless laugh, pulling a pair of wireless earbuds from her pocket. “I wish I had someone to cling to my arm, too.” She put one in her ear and then asked, “Want to listen?”

Wei Qingwen, still “dangling” from her arm, gladly took the other earbud.

A beautiful melody flowed out, and Wei Qingwen’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You like listening to ‘A Little Bit of Heart’?”

A small, proud smile appeared on Huang Xiaozhi’s face. “So you didn’t know, my dear Sister Wei?”

“You have good taste. I like it,” Wei Qingwen praised.

Wei Qingwen said no more, a look of contentment on her face as she enjoyed the music and the moment of walking side-by-side with her daughter.

Their car was parked in the open-air lot outside the complex, just a few minutes’ walk away. The evening breeze carried the special, lazy feeling of a summer night, making them feel a little sleepy and hazy.

The hem of Huang Xiaozhi’s floral dress was gently lifted by the wind. Under the streetlights, her slender figure had a delicate beauty.

Once in the car, Huang Xiaozhi sat in the passenger seat, and Wei Qingwen started the engine. Huang Xiaozhi stared at the flowing night lights outside the window, but her mind couldn’t help but return to the hunched-over figure in the elevator. That back… it inexplicably reminded her of a moment she’d seen earlier today.

That’s right.

It was Yu Wen.

Yu Wen had suddenly remembered she needed to go out and buy something. She had quickly changed, put on her mask and hat, and headed downstairs, not expecting to run into anyone. Of course, it wasn’t just to buy something; more importantly, Zhang Yulin had returned, and she needed to pick her up.

In the elevator, she didn’t see Huang Xiaozhi’s face, but she recognized her voice and Wei Qingwen’s. She didn’t want to draw attention to herself, so she shrank into the corner without saying a word. The mother and daughter’s scents lingered around her.

She had briefly looked up once, catching a glimpse of Huang Xiaozhi’s back before quickly looking down again. She hadn’t known Huang Xiaozhi lived in the same building and silently prayed that she wouldn’t be recognized here.

As for why she didn’t take the first-floor entrance? It was rush hour, and the crowds were overwhelming. She thought it would be more private to leave from the basement.

…

The car drove smoothly toward Gangyue Bay.

Still curious, Huang Xiaozhi couldn’t help but ask, “Mom, did you know that person in the elevator with the hat on?”

“Huh? The girl in the elevator?” Wei Qingwen gripped the steering wheel, recalling the scene. “Yeah, I’m pretty familiar with most people in this building. Why do you ask?” She remembered the girl who always covered herself up.

Huang Xiaozhi slightly turned to face her mother. “You know her? So… how did you meet?” Her tone was casual, but her fingers unconsciously curled up.

“Well, that’s a long story…” Wei Qingwen smiled and began to tell the tale.

…

It was not long after Yu Wen had moved in and rented a three-bedroom apartment. She was new to the area, a young girl all alone, and she was naturally a little scared.

The first night she moved in, her stomach was upset because of her period, and she didn’t have any sanitary pads at home. She had no choice but to brace herself and go out to buy some. On her way back, she felt like someone was following her, and her heart pounded in her chest.

In her panic, she pressed the wrong floor button, ending up on the fifteenth floor instead of her own on the sixteenth.

When she realized her mistake, she was even more terrified. She didn’t dare to stay in the hallway and mustered up the courage to knock on the door of one of the apartments on the fifteenth floor. She was afraid that no one would open the door, but also that a bad person would.

Luckily, Wei Qingwen, who was in the kitchen trying a new recipe, opened the door.

When Wei Qingwen opened it, she saw a pale, young face, eyes filled with panic, and her lips drained of color.

Yu Wen hadn’t expected anyone to open the door. When she saw Wei Qingwen holding a spatula, she blurted out in a moment of panic, “Mom, I’m home.”

Wei Qingwen instantly understood the girl’s situation and immediately broke into a warm smile. “Come in, come in, my daughter,” she said, naturally pulling Yu Wen into the apartment. She even raised her voice intentionally, “Go and tell your dad that it’s time to eat!”

After the door closed, Yu Wen finally dared to take a deep breath, shaking slightly from fear. Seeing the kind stranger in front of her, she quickly thanked her.

Wei Qingwen hugged the girl, who was around her daughter’s age. She patted her back gently and comforted her. “It’s okay, it’s okay. Don’t be scared. I’m not a bad person.”

Embraced by the warm hug, Yu Wen’s nose stung. She held back her tears. Being on her own, she didn’t allow herself to show weakness.

Wei Qingwen let go and gently smoothed her disheveled hair. “Why don’t you have dinner here first? I’m alone anyway, and I can walk you back later, okay?”

Yu Wen forced a smile and waved her hands. “No, no, thank you, Auntie. I should go home now.”

But Wei Qingwen took her hand, her tone gentle but firm. “Listen to me, have dinner and then go. It’s so lonely eating by myself.”

Yu Wen couldn’t refuse again and stayed.

When the food was on the table, Yu Wen looked at the steaming homemade dishes, feeling a sense of unreality, as if she were back in the days when the orphanage director cooked for them. Wei Qingwen thoughtfully served her a bowl of rice and set a pair of chopsticks down.

The girl was still a little reserved. She thanked her quietly before she started to eat.

Wei Qingwen didn’t rush to eat. She looked at the quiet girl in front of her and gently instructed, “Be careful when you go out at night, especially alone. It’s best if you don’t go out. But if you have to, find a companion, okay?”

Yu Wen nodded and then said softly, “I just moved here, and I live by myself.”

Wei Qingwen frowned in surprise. “You live alone? You… don’t live in the school dorms?”

Yu Wen was silent for a moment and didn’t answer.

Wei Qingwen realized she might have asked too many questions. She quickly changed the subject. “If you ever need help with anything, come find me here. I’ll help you with whatever I can.”

Yu Wen hadn’t expected such kindness from a stranger. She nodded and continued to eat in silence.

After she finished, she gently put down her bowl and chopsticks and sat on her chair, looking at Wei Qingwen. She hesitated and asked, “Auntie, are you living here alone?”

Wei Qingwen smiled. “No, I live with my daughter. She went to her grandparents’ house to play. I was too lazy to go.” When she mentioned her daughter, her smile became especially tender.

Yu Wen nodded thoughtfully.

In the end, Wei Qingwen personally walked Yu Wen home and even gave her a small box of her homemade cookies.

…

“That’s pretty much what happened. You were at your grandparents’ house at the time.” Wei Qingwen finished the story and added, “I told you about this, didn’t I?”

Huang Xiaozhi nodded, her ears perked up. “You did. I heard every word. Do you know her name?”

Wei Qingwen shook her head with a sigh. “I don’t know that. That child is very cautious around everyone, including me. This was a year ago.”

“Oh,” Huang Xiaozhi said, pulling out her phone.

“Why are you suddenly asking about this?” Wei Qingwen glanced at her daughter through the rearview mirror, her curiosity finally getting the better of her.

“Just curious. Your daughter is just naturally curious,” Huang Xiaozhi said, shaking her phone.

“Alright, then,” Wei Qingwen smiled and focused on her driving.

…

The car drove smoothly toward Gangyue Bay—the top-tier villa district in City A where Huang Xiaozhi’s grandparents lived.

Huang Xiaozhi opened her WeChat and messaged Su Li.

Little One: Cherry?

Cherry: What’s up, Princess Xiaozhi?

Little One: Just letting you know, I’m taking tomorrow off.

Cherry: What?! Taking a day off? Don’t you want to live?

Little One: What are you talking about? I’ll be back the day after tomorrow.

Cherry: I bet Teacher Tang is gonna nag you tomorrow.

Little One: Let her. It won’t affect me. When I graduate, that’s her death sentence.

Cherry: Nice! I’m falling more and more in love with you.

Little One: …

Cherry: (ò ó)

Little One: What other info do you have on Yu Wen?

Cherry: Huh? Yu Wen? The one from Class 11?

Little One: Yes.

Cherry: Voice Message: Yu Wen is 17 this year. She’s a nobody in Class 11. Basically no one wants to hang out with her because… they think she looks dumb and not smart. Yu Wen always wears thick glasses and has two pigtails. A lot of people think she’s just putting on an act, but her grades are amazing. Even though she doesn’t go to school in the afternoons, I’ve heard a rumor that she smokes. She’s a completely different person outside of school. The contrast is huge. – 45M

Little One: Go on, anything else?

Cherry: Voice Message: One time, I wasn’t feeling well and took the afternoon off. I ran into Yu Wen. Someone came to pick her up. Oh my god, she’s definitely a rich girl, okay? But I don’t know where she went. All I know is that she came to Yuzhong in City A after the high school entrance exam, and they paid to get her in. I don’t know anything else. – 15M

Little One: Got it. Thanks.

Cherry: Why are you asking about her anyway?

Little One: I’ll tell you when I get to school. I’m at my grandparents’ house now.

Cherry: Okay, Princess Xiaozhi. You’re busy. I won’t bother you anymore!

Cherry: ( . )

…

The car smoothly entered the grand gates of Gangyue Bay. The lights of the villa were already on, as if welcoming them home.

Wei Qingwen parked the car in the spacious underground garage.

The two of them took the direct elevator up to the lavish living room on the first floor.

Huang Xiaozhi saw her grandparents waiting on the sofa at first glance. She immediately flew over to them like a happy little bird and gave them a big hug. “Grandpa, Grandma, sorry to keep you waiting!”

Grandma took Huang Xiaozhi’s hand, her face full of wrinkles and a big smile. “Our little one is finally back to see me and this old man. Honestly, I thought you’d completely forgotten about us.”

Grandpa also smiled warmly, patting her back. “Just come back and see us more often when you can. We’ve missed you.”

Huang Xiaozhi nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll spend all of tomorrow with you.”

The grandparents exchanged a look and a smile. Grandma’s eyes crinkled. “Good, good, good. Grandma will cook your favorite meal tomorrow!” Huang Xiaozhi responded with a sweet smile.

Meanwhile, her mother, Wei Qingwen, had already slipped into the kitchen, her target clear as she began searching for delicious food.

Grandpa stood by the kitchen door, looking at his daughter, who was a mother herself but still acted like a child. “You’re a mother now, how can you still be so…”

Wei Qingwen, quick as a flash, grabbed a piece of shiny braised meat and stuffed it into her mouth. She said with a mouthful, “Oh, Dad, even if I’m a grandma, I’ll still be your daughter! Besides, I’m genuinely hungry.” Grandpa walked over and patted her head affectionately. “Eat if you’re hungry. Your brother will be back soon, too.”

Wei Qingwen simply took a small plate of braised meat and walked out of the kitchen. “I know, I know. He can cook for himself. We’ll eat first.” She found a comfortable spot on the sofa and started to feast.

In the living room, Huang Xiaozhi was seated next to her grandma, who looked like she wanted to hug her tight.

Grandma touched the thin callus on Huang Xiaozhi’s right hand from writing. “How’s school, little one?” she asked with concern.

Faced with her elders’ “soul-searching question,” Huang Xiaozhi replied dutifully, “It’s alright. Pretty good.”

Grandma gently rubbed the callus. “It’s okay. Just do your best. Don’t work yourself too hard. Grandma worries.”

Huang Xiaozhi’s heart felt warm. She leaned over and kissed her grandma’s kind cheek. “Mmm-hmm, I won’t.”

The family chatted happily, with only Wei Qingwen fully engrossed in her plate of meat. Grandpa looked at her and teased, “Haven’t you eaten in a long time?”

Grandma immediately scolded her husband, swatting his arm. She turned to Wei Qingwen and said gently, “Eat if you’re hungry. I can cut more if you need it. Don’t listen to your dad.”

Grandpa immediately fell silent. At home, the wife’s word was law.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Huang Xiaozhi skipped to the door. When it opened, she leaped onto the tall figure outside. “Uncle!”

The person was Wei Qingwen’s younger brother, Huang Xiaozhi’s uncle—Wei Shun.

He was clearly prepared, catching his niece in a stable embrace. He pretended to be surprised and looked her up and down. “Wow, you’ve gotten so big? I remember last time you were only this tall,” he said, gesturing to a low height with his hand.

Huang Xiaozhi immediately puffed out her cheeks. “Are you saying I got fat?!”

Wei Shun was amused by her reaction. “No, no, how could Princess Xiaozhi get fat? You’re even thinner now! Come on, come in, there are so many mosquitoes outside.” He pushed Huang Xiaozhi inside, and with a swift motion, he took the things she was holding.

Wei Shun walked into the living room and greeted his parents and sister. He went straight to Wei Qingwen, holding out his hand with a sense of entitlement. “I want some meat. Give it to me.”

Wei Qingwen instantly shielded the plate. “Get your own! You’re not getting any.”

Just as the siblings were about to “go to war,” Grandpa spoke up. “Stop fighting! We’re about to have dinner! Wei Shun, get in the kitchen and help with the dishes.”

Wei Shun pouted, giving up his “food-snatching from the tiger’s mouth.” He turned and went into the kitchen. Grandma then came down from the second floor and took out a thick red envelope, which she gave to Huang Xiaozhi. “Here, from Grandpa and Grandma.”

“Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma!” Huang Xiaozhi happily accepted it.

Wei Qingwen, with her sharp eyes, immediately yelled, “What about mine, Mom and Dad?”

Grandpa gave her a look of disdain. “How old are you still asking for a red envelope? You’re not getting one!”

The words had barely left his mouth when Grandma Wang Yuhuan took a red envelope from her own bag and stuffed it into Wei Qingwen’s pocket without a word. “Here’s yours. Everyone gets one.” She then shot a glare at her husband. She went into the kitchen and put another red envelope into Wei Shun’s pocket, who was helping. Wei Shun initially refused, but he couldn’t stand against his mother’s persistence, so he accepted it with a smile.

Grandpa Wei Shuqun stood by, a look of silent frustration on his face. In the Wei family, his wife’s authority was absolute.

Wei Shun finished the last few dishes, untied his apron, and came out of the kitchen. A tall man of over 1.8 meters wearing an apron created a strange sense of visual dissonance. The finishing touches were naturally left to Wei Shuqun.

Wei Shun straightened his clothes and pulled the red envelope he had just received from his pocket. He handed it to Wei Qingwen, who was sitting on the sofa and had just put the empty plate down.

Wei Qingwen was stunned. When she saw the red envelope and her brother’s face, she reacted. “Well, look at that. Is the sun rising from the west today? You’re being so generous?”

Wei Shun intentionally frowned. “Do you want it or not? If you don’t, I’ll give it to Xiaozhi.”

“I want it, I want it!” Wei Qingwen’s face instantly lit up. She snatched the red envelope and stuffed it into her pocket. “It’s like a free pie from the sky. Only a fool would refuse!”

Huang Xiaozhi was on the other side of the sofa, engrossed in her phone, completely oblivious to this little exchange.

Her uncle, Wei Shun, was only nineteen years old, barely an adult.

The family would occasionally tease him about whether he had a girlfriend, but he always said no, and they didn’t press the matter, as it was still too early. But it was unclear whether he truly didn’t have one or if there was another reason.

Huang Xiaozhi looked around the luxurious villa she had lived in as a child. The familiar furnishings brought back many warm memories.

She had never met her father. Since she was born, her family rarely mentioned him. She was a sensible child and never asked about him. She vaguely knew he was a man so irresponsible it was sickening, a man who had disappeared without a trace after her mother became pregnant.

In Huang Xiaozhi’s world, the role of “father” was irrelevant.

It didn’t matter.

She never lacked money, and she certainly never lacked love. The affection of her grandparents and the doting love of her uncle had long since filled any void in her life.

It was already decided that a large portion of the family’s business would be hers in the future.

She was a little princess in the truest sense, surrounded by love as she grew up.