Li Zhuiyuan remembered the face-reading he once did for Xue Liangliang. Everything has multiple facets, and by changing our perspective frequently, we can always find some positives. This applies to marriage as well, which, indeed, seemed quite smooth. Love was decided at first sight, and a lifelong bond within a day. Even if they met only every three years, the promise of longevity and peace offered some solace, right?
"Little Yuan, could you come with me to see Zhao Hequan? Let's see how he's doing now."
"Brother Liangliang, can you get out of bed just yet?"
"I can."
Xue Liangliang got out of bed, only to feel his legs trembling. Li Zhuiyuan hurried to support him, preventing a fall. Xue Liangliang looked a bit embarrassed.
"Brother Liangliang, you've just recovered from a serious illness. It's normal to feel weak."
"Yes, yes."
"Walk slowly, lean on me."
"Alright, Little Yuan."
The two left the ward and went downstairs to Zhao Hequan's room. Zhao Hequan's parents, who had rushed from afar, were talking to the doctor about his condition. Dressed quite formally, they seemed to be well-off.
When they heard the doctor say that Zhao Hequan's condition had suddenly improved and he was out of danger, they cried tears of joy. However, when the doctor continued to explain that Zhao Hequan had multiple areas of decay and suppuration, necessitating surgical removal of some parts, including down below, they cried even harder!
"Marriage troubles, destined to live alone," Li Zhuiyuan silently thought. It seemed he was right again. He originally assumed it would happen after Zhao Hequan went to America with his girlfriend, but it turned out to be much sooner than expected.
Avoiding the crying parents, Xue Liangliang opened the door to the ward, and he and Li Zhuiyuan went inside. Zhao Hequan was already awake, sitting with his back against the bed, looking very tired and despondent.
Li Zhuiyuan remembered a time when he had just returned to the village and played with Panzi and Leizi. They had seen a dog lying listlessly on the dam. He had asked if the dog was sick. Panzi had replied, "It just got neutered yesterday, hasn't recovered yet."
Despite both being in patient gowns, as soon as Zhao Hequan saw Xue Liangliang, a fighting spirit flashed in his eyes. He instinctively thought Xue Liangliang was there to mock him! But Li Zhuiyuan knew that wasn't true. Brother Liangliang was there to confirm whether the Bai Family's ladies had returned home, a condition that could be seen as his "hidden bride price." For this reason, Xue Liangliang was actually Zhao Hequan's savior.
"Heh, don't laugh too soon. American medicine is advanced; once I'm in America, they'll be able to treat my illness!" Zhao Hequan retorted.
Xue Liangliang nodded, comforting him, "Relax, it's okay even if it can't be cured. If they keep deconstructing collective concepts, your status in America will only go up."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Hequan's face became beet red with anger, his body trembling as if he was stepping on nonexistent eggs or experiencing phantom pain.
"Heh, I will surely live a happier, better life than you. I will live well, waiting to watch you make a fool of yourself. Besides, Lili called me. She said no matter what happened to me, she wouldn't mind. Once we move to America, she will marry me. By then, I'll send you photos of our church wedding."
"Congratulations," Xue Liangliang sighed. "I'm already married."
"What did you say?" Zhao Hequan was startled, then yelled, "You're just making this up to spite me, aren't you? Your story doesn't even make sense!"
At that moment, Luo Tingrui pushed the door open and entered. The school had to take responsibility for incidents during internship classes, covering medical expenses and compensating. Fortunately, the patient was out of danger.
"Zhao Hequan," Luo Tingrui called.
"Director Luo," Zhao Hequan immediately put on a smile.
"Take good care of yourself and aim to return to school for your studies as soon as possible."
"Yes, Director Luo."
"And Liangliang, you just woke up. Why are you out here? Listen to me, go back to the ward and rest. How can I be at ease seeing you like this?"
"I'm fine now, Director Luo."
"Don't call me Director anymore, call me Uncle from now on."
"Alright, Uncle Luo."
While unconscious, one cannot pretend. Luo Tingrui already admired Xue Liangliang and liked the young man even more after the incident. He had already decided to file a request to the school to include Xue Liangliang in the Southwest Assistance Project, giving him a great starting point.
"Alright, I'm heading out. You should go back to the ward early as well." After saying that, Luo Tingrui went out to comfort Zhao Hequan's parents.
By now, Zhao Hequan was gritting his teeth, seething with resentment. The way Director Luo spoke to him compared to the way he spoke to Xue Liangliang showed a stark contrast, even allowing Xue Liangliang to call him Uncle!
It dawned on him; no wonder Xue Liangliang claimed his marriage was settled—it was to connect with Director Luo as in-laws! As a Haihe University student, Zhao Hequan was well aware that while Luo Tingrui was only a departmental leader at the school, he was a top figure in the related domestic field. Now, as the government encourages school professionals to take up official positions, if Luo Tingrui chose to leave the school, his status in the outside world would skyrocket.
"Ah, Xue Liangliang, I couldn't tell; you’ve been playing an elaborate act all along to climb high!"
"I had to endure immense psychological pressure; this was a last resort."
"You..."
Li Zhuiyuan noticed a wisp of white smoke rising from Zhao Hequan's head. At this point, Zhao Hequan’s mother came in, wiping her tears, and said, "Hequan, the expert the school arranged from Shanghai is arriving soon. Your father and I will meet them. Don't worry; you'll be fine."
"Mm..." Zhao Hequan responded with a sullen face and nodded.
After she left, Zhao Hequan sneered, "See, that's how it is here. Everything requires connections and favors, unlike America."
Xue Liangliang was puzzled, "How do you think a country with a recommendation system doesn't indulge in exchange of favors?"
"You… Get out, just leave now!"
"Take care, rest well."
With Li Zhuiyuan's help, Xue Liangliang left the ward and said after closing the door, "Let's not head back to the ward yet. Let's go to the hospital entrance and buy you snacks and toys."
"No need."
"It's necessary. Though I don't know exactly what happened, I do know that your presence here means you helped me a lot. Besides, I promised you this favor. Come on, it's only right for big brother to dote on his little brother, unless you don't want to acknowledge me as your brother?"
"Alright, brother."
The two slowly descended the stairs. Around the corner on the first floor, they overheard a conversation between Zhao Hequan's parents while passing by slowly due to Xue Liangliang’s pace. "Can his lower part really be fixed?"
"Even if it heals, it's gone. We should focus on having another child. We can't let our family line end with him."
"I think we can still have another baby. But if we go for a second child, what about our jobs..."
"We'll just file an application. Since our firstborn's already crippled—"
"Right, there's that."
Not lingering or greeting them, Xue Liangliang and Li Zhuiyuan headed straight to the hospital store outside.
"Choose whatever you want to eat, and don’t hesitate to pick some toys," Liangliang said.
Li Zhuiyuan picked up a few snacks and stationary items casually.
"That all?"
"This is enough for me."
"Alright then." After paying, Xue Liangliang stuffed whatever leftover cash he had into Li Zhuiyuan’s pocket, patting it lightly. "Consider this your pocket money from big brother."
"Thank you, brother."
When they returned Xue Liangliang to the ward, they found Uncle Qin waiting on a long bench in the corridor. After Li Zhuiyuan bid farewell to Xue Liangliang, he and Uncle Qin left the hospital together.
"You sleep now, I'll carry you." Uncle Qin offered.
"Okay, Uncle."
Li Zhuiyuan let himself be hoisted onto Qin's back. He was indeed tired and soon fell asleep.
It was unclear how much time passed, but he felt gentle swaying, and the honking of car horns reached his ears.
His first thought was, did Uncle Qin use some kind of paper car technique? Excitedly opening his eyes, disappointment followed. The vehicle was packed with people; they were on a bus route between the city and Shigang Town.
This wasn't Uncle Qin's technique; it was simply a paid bus ticket. He wanted to ask Uncle Qin more about the paper car from last night, but restrained himself. The closer to home, the less appropriate some topics became.
But he remembered Uncle Qin mentioning being carried by "her" last night. So, was the paper car something like a dream or hypnosis? Did a Bai Family lady physically carry him and Uncle Qin from Siyuan Village into the city?
It might not be anything particularly extraordinary, like a replay of Brother Runsheng.
"Not planning to sleep a bit longer?" Uncle Qin asked.
"No need, Uncle. Oddly enough, just a little sleep seems to have refreshed me."
"Due to the traffic from roadworks, it's already 4 PM."
"Oh, that makes sense."
As the bus halted, Li Zhuiyuan and Uncle Qin got off and walked down the village path.
"Little Yuan, Uncle wants to ask you something."
"What is it, Uncle?"
"Do you think your big friend's choice was the right one?"
"He doesn't know what's happening outside, so his choice seems pretty ordinary—understandable, right?"
"That's not what I mean. I want to know, if it were you, would you consider marrying into another family?"
Li Zhuiyuan paused, first glancing towards the direction of his great-grandpa's house, then turned to look at Uncle Qin standing beside him.
He didn't answer Qin's question directly but instead asked, "Are you going away, Uncle?"
Qin Li seemed taken aback by the boy's question, showing a moment of surprise. "Why do you ask?"
"Just a feeling."
Qin Li chuckled, dropping the insistence on his earlier question's answer. Together, they quietly walked home.
Qin Li retracted her foot from the threshold, stood up, and brought a small chess box to Li Zhuiyuan.
Li Zhuiyuan glanced towards Liu Yumei, who was drinking tea on the veranda. Uncle Qin stood behind her, talking.
Once Liu Yumei nodded, Qin followed Aunt Liu to the east room.
"Little Yuan, your great-grandpa and Runsheng went out," Liu Yumei spoke.
"Granny Liu, is there work for them to do?"
"Not quite. They just got paid for two paper offerings. Your great-grandpa has money in his pocket now and got Runsheng to take him to buy a TV in Shigang Town."
Li Zhuiyuan could only inwardly sigh. His great-grandpa really didn't believe in saving money. He spends as much as he earns.
He wasn't particularly keen on the TV.
Now that he had finished reading "Essentials of Yin-Yang Physiognomy" and "Theory of Fate Calculation," although not fully understanding or daring to dive deep, he could at least put them aside for now.
His next mission was to search for books in the basement again.
Great-grandpa had been adamant about laying a solid foundation, a lesson still fresh in his memory. However, he couldn't help it—curiosity was getting the upper hand.
He didn't want to be merely an onlooker the next time something similar happened.
This short-sighted mindset was undoubtedly wrong and deserving of criticism, but what could he do? He was after all, just a child.
Hmm, he couldn't always be mature and rational. Controlling his illness was also a kind of balance in itself.
After assembling a flashlight from the drawer, Li Zhuiyuan ventured to the basement with Qin.
"Ah Li, come help me choose a chest."
This time, he didn't obsess over clearing out the first chest completely.
Qin approached the middle chest.
"This one?"
Li Zhuiyuan gestured for Qin to hold the flashlight, then opened the chest.
"Ah Li, shine it over here."
Beginning to look for books inside, he found thick, large sets like the one he saw the first time, the "Records of Strange Tales in the Martial World." Each started at least 20 volumes, neatly arranged.
But they were generally foundational or concept-based, mainly health-maintenance centered.
Li Zhuiyuan even spotted a copy of the "Supreme Mystical Dual Cultivation Manual."
He pulled out a volume and leafed through a few pages filled with illustrations and text outlining various poses. Before Ah Li could lean over to read alongside, as was their habit, he closed the book quickly.
Frowning, he realized these weren't the texts he sought, even though they were undoubtedly useful in the future. For now, they were like tasteless food.
Li Zhuiyuan peered deeper into the chest, planning to pull out the two sets pressed at the bottom.
It took a good deal of effort, sweating profusely, but he managed to get them out.
If these too turned out to be health manuals, he decided the chest might as well remain untouched in the future.
His gaze fell on the book covers, and at once, his spirits lifted.
"Records of the Righteous Path Subduing Demons — First Part"!
Though the title sounded akin to the current mainland trend of Hong Kong and Taiwan martial arts novels, it looked much more promising than the previous health manuscripts, filling him with a tremendous sense of anticipation.
However, why was it merely the "first part"?
Li Zhuiyuan eyed the cover of the other set, which read "Records of the Righteous Path Subduing Demons — Second Part."
Thus, these combined into one book of over a hundred scrolls? But why separate them into two parts?
The chest's manuscripts were mostly handwritten, not published, bound by the volumes' sales success prompting more.
From each part, he drew the first scroll, flipping through swiftly. Text and images detailed coping methods for different environments against the undead, showing tools designed to dispatch them.
However, it brought a sense of familiarity.
Still intrigued, he picked up the first scroll of the "second part," quickly scanning. It maintained detailed imagery, but everything depicted bubbles, illustrating aquatic scenarios with fewer tools, emphasizing hand combat with the undead.
So, the first part discussed land-based scenarios and methods to tackle the undead using various implements, whereas the second focused on aquatic conditions and hand-to-hand combat against them.
These approaches weren't mutually exclusive; land methods didn’t become useless underwater.
Segmenting thus likely served practical categorization for documentation rather than arbitrary completion.
The neat handwriting style and familiar illustration palette... Li Zhuiyuan swiftly plucked the final scroll of the "second part" and turned to the last page,
Indeed, it read:
"—— Authored by Wei Zhengdao."
Seeing this name, Li Zhuiyuan felt a certain affection. "Records of Strange Tales in the Martial World" had essentially initiated him into these texts, though he never expected Wei Zhengdao to write subsequent works.
The former dealt in conceptual definitions, making the current dual-part successor the working formulae.
Li Zhuiyuan appreciated this sense of orderly meticulousness.
Scouting the ten or so chests around, he mused whether more of Wei Zhengdao's writings lay within them?
A thought arose in him, if this person really authored educational materials from beginner to advanced levels... then, perhaps the conclusion of each "Strange Tale" being subdued by "Zhengdao" wasn’t mere author's self-amusement?
But genuinely... vanquished by Wei Zhengdao.
Previously, he just found the author amusing and the notion comically preposterous—how could any person traverse so many areas, witnessing and eradicating undying beings as described?
Yet after witnessing Uncle Qin’s actions last night, he realized it might not be impossible?
Just as great-grandfather hadn't believed he taught at a university, individuals can easily fall into experiential traps outside familiar domains.
"If I manage to read all your works, would you count as my mentor?"
Should he ever pen journals, how ought they conclude then?
Such-and-such undead,
For it was slain by a disciple of the Righteous Path?
Liu Yumei, while enjoying tea and pastries, saw Li Zhuiyuan hauling a stack of books up the stairs with Ah Li in tow, who also carried her own bundle. Succeeding trips filled the afternoon as they deposited volumes on the bedroom floor.
Liu Yumei couldn’t help but smile slightly, feeling both amused and a little helpless. Ah, her dear granddaughter she had cared for since young.
But truly, it was fine—for as long as Little Yuan kept her engaged, even if going fields with a hoe, she'd gladly not interfere.
Wiping both Ah Li’s face and hands using a wet towel first then tending to himself, Li Zhuiyuan next pulled out three cans of Jianlibao, opening one for Ah Li to savor while hoarding another for later. The children sprawled across the balcony, enjoying the cool evening breeze alongside their fizzy treats.
Every so often, Ah Li's hair would brush about his face, sending a tingling sensation. Occasionally, he'd pivot to watch her side profile glow alongside the warm orange hue of the setting sun.
"We're back!"
Runsheng pushed a bicycle bearing great-grandpa carrying a yellow box in his arms.
"Little Lord Yuan, great-grandpa bought a TV just for you!"
"I’m coming, great-grandpa."
Li Zhuiyuan rushed down hastily, feigning passionate excitement.
Unpacking, plugging it in, positioning the twin antennas, and soon Central and local Nantong channels flashed onscreen, along with a county channel presenting a fresh Qiong Yao drama. Back then, local TV stations broadcast anything, bypassing copyright matters due to limited reach.
"What do you think, Little Lord Yuan, isn’t it crystal clear?" Li Sanjiang reached over, patting the TV's casing.
"Yes, very clear."
"Well, I bought the newest model. Alright, Runsheng Li, carry the TV to Little Lord Yuan's room."
"No, great-grandpa, let's leave it downstairs for everyone."
"How could that be, it’s yours, what's the point upstairs?"
"If it stays up, I'll lose focus on studying."
"Oh, fine then, just keep it downstairs."
"Great!"
Visibly pleased, Runsheng brought it inside, relishing thoughts of watching through the nights on his makeshift bed on the dining table.
Aunt Liu called, "Dinner’s ready."
Four small dining setups were arranged. Hold a large incense stick resembling a giant spring onion and a bundle of smaller ones akin to scallions—all thanks to Runsheng who, upon Little Yuan's enlightening tip, couldn't separate from this newfound way of eating. Yet before devouring the incense, he had to light it then munch from the opposite end.
Li Sanjiang took a sip of his wine, addressing Qin, dining alongside Liu Yumei and Liu Ting:
"Li Hou, Old Zhao’s family in Shijia Village has a memorial service the day after tomorrow. Bumped into them on my way back, and they ordered sixteen table settings for you to deliver tomorrow afternoon, along with chairs and crockery."
"Oh, and Ting Hou, check if we have enough supplies stored or else make up a batch so that Li Hou can deliver to Old Zhao's family."
Liu Aunt nodded affirmatively, "I’ll tidy up some paper offerings on time, but Ah Li seems..."
"What's wrong with Li Hou?"
Qin Li got up from the table and walked over to Li Sanjiang, saying, “Uncle Sanjiang, my elder brother back in my hometown is gravely ill. He doesn't have any children, so I need to go back and take care of him.”
“When will you be back, Lord Li?”
“I’m not sure. At the very least, I have to stay until he passes.”
“Then you’ll be gone for quite a while.” Li Sanjiang scratched the back of his head with the end of his chopsticks. “Are you going back alone? What about Lady Ting?”
“Uncle Sanjiang, I’m going back alone. A-Ting and my mom, along with Ah Li, will stay here.”
“Alright, then you go ahead.”
“Uncle Sanjiang, don’t wait for me to come back. There’s a lot of work here, and you need a strong hand. It might be better to hire someone else.”
“No worries, no worries, no need to hire anyone.” Li Sanjiang pointed to the corner where Runsheng was munching on rice with grains all over his face. “There’s still Runsheng.”
“Yeah, I’m here. No problem!” Runsheng didn’t hesitate but eagerly nodded.
“Don’t worry, lad. I won’t let you work for nothing. I’ll pay you.”
“Grandpa, it’s unnecessary. I’m living here. There's meat to eat, fragrance to enjoy, and now even a TV to watch. Helping you with work is the least I can do.”
“Enough with that talk. Do you think I’d short you on wages? If your grandpa found out you were working for free here, he'd be furious. You should save some of the money you earn, and when you go back, buy some grains and oil for your grandpa, so he doesn’t starve.”
“My grandpa has money. Last time, he earned quite a bit at the Niu Family. I’m not there, so he has more than enough to live on.”
“Heh.” Li Sanjiang snorted disdainfully, “That old man never had any luck at cards but keeps playing. Who knows how long that money will last?”
Then, turning back to Qin Li, he asked, “When are you leaving, Ah Li?”
“I’m leaving tomorrow morning, heading to the bus station.”
“So soon? Are you packed?”
“A-Ting already packed for me. Not taking much, just a few clothes.”
Li Sanjiang reached into his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to Qin Li, “Here, most of the money went to buying the TV. This is what's left. You might need it to pay for your elder brother's treatment back home. And don't forget to take some gifts like Xiting cookies and Baipu tea.”
“Uncle Sanjiang, I can’t take your money. Please keep it.”
Li Sanjiang’s face grew stern. “Take it, you brat!”
“Really, I can’t. I shouldn’t keep taking your money, especially with my family already living and eating here, and you’ve already paid me.”
“The money I gave you was me taking advantage of you, honestly. Just take it, or I’ll get mad.”
At this point, Liu Yumei chimed in, “Take it, and remember your Uncle Sanjiang's kindness.”
Qin Li finally accepted the money and bowed deeply to Li Sanjiang.
Li Zhuiyuan quietly ate his meal, not believing Qin Li’s story about taking care of his elder brother back home. He had seen the ancestral tablets in the east room—there was no way Qin Li was leaving for something like that. Last night’s events must have been the real reason for his departure.
He sensed there was something they were all carefully avoiding, some kind of taboo. Qin Li had to leave to ensure safety.
Ah, the cost of this little venture of bringing soy sauce home has turned out to be quite high.
When he glanced at Liu Yumei, he found her looking back. They briefly exchanged glances, and Liu Yumei’s eyes carried an unsaid warning.
It was a silent reminder that he could no longer just rely on the Qin family whenever he encountered trouble. Asking for help once meant losing someone, and soon there wouldn’t be anyone left to count on.
After dinner, Runsheng eagerly turned on the TV and started flipping through channels.
Li Sanjiang didn't go up to the second floor to lie down and listen to storytelling; instead, he sat there smoking. Soon, the TV began playing an exciting theme song—it was the county channel airing “Ultra Warrior Leo.”
Runsheng sat back down, grabbing a few sticks of incense, lighting them with a match, and chewing on them as if they were spicy snacks while watching intently.
Li Zhuiyuan didn’t rush back to his room to read Wei Zhengdao's new book. Instead, he brought over a small stool and sat down with Ah Li to watch TV.
Li Sanjiang curiously asked Runsheng, “What’s that guy in the red suit?”
“Grandpa, he’s Ultra Warrior.”
“And what about the round thing that flew up?”
“That’s a disc creature, a monster, a bad one.”
“Oh, I see.”
Runsheng had watched TV in various places before, sometimes in the village, sometimes at his employers’ homes, and even in stores, but always in pieces.
During this time, most kids who had access to TV found it difficult to watch series systematically without interruptions. There were always events that caused them to miss episodes, or sometimes the TV station would switch shows before finishing a series.
Although VHS recorders were becoming more common, they were expensive, and tapes were hard to come by. This gave rise to local video halls, where people paid to watch together, and at night, the owner would play more adult-oriented films at a set time.
After one episode, a commercial for psoriasis cream began playing.
Runsheng continued watching the ads, hoping another episode might air afterward, though he knew it was unlikely. Over time with more TV access, even without a guide, he’d remember what each channel played at certain times and could even recite many ad slogans by heart.
After waiting a while, Runsheng looked back at Li Zhuiyuan, asking, “Xiao Yuan, have you watched this one?”
Li Zhuiyuan nodded.
“How many episodes are there?”
“About forty or fifty.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
Back when he lived in the family compound, Li Zhuiyuan was taken by some older boys to watch tapes at their home. They had collected full sets of series, but in their versions, it was called “Superman Neo.”
At that time, most dubbed works came from Hong Kong or Taiwan, resulting in translation differences.
Liu Yumei walked over, saying, “Ah Li needs to rest.”
This was directed at Li Zhuiyuan.
“Ah Li, go with Grandma to rest. See you in the morning.”
Ah Li obediently got up and went to their room with Liu Yumei.
Li Zhuiyuan left his stool, turned back before heading up the stairs, and saw through the paper offerings in the room, Runsheng and Grandpa intently watching the ads on the TV.
Thinking back to last night, riding behind Qin Li on the motorcycle, he realized the clash between tradition and modernity, the friction between backwardness and advancement—it was hard to believe so many things could be stacked together in the same era.
But most people, including himself, couldn’t recognize such events in their time, even with such chaotic experiences all around them. Only years later, when things had settled and looking back, would they realize they’d lived through such a bizarre stretch of time.
“Xiao Yuan.” The voice that broke Li Zhuiyuan’s thoughts belonged to Qin Li, standing at the second-floor landing as if he’d been waiting.
Li Zhuiyuan hurried up.
“Kneeling stance.”
“Okay.”
Li Zhuiyuan knew this might be the last lesson. Following Qin Li’s teachings, he assumed a kneeling stance, breathing deeply until he entered a state of focus quickly.
Qin Li moved his hands over various muscles and joints on Li Zhuiyuan’s body, carefully adjusting every point of exertion.
After some time, Qin Li said, “That’s enough.”
Li Zhuiyuan stood up, feeling not tired but rather refreshed. Studying for long periods, he had begun using this stance as a replacement for regular exercises.
“Keep practicing. Don’t forget.”
“I’ll remember, Uncle Qin.”
“Alright.” Qin Li went downstairs.
Li Zhuiyuan felt somewhat lost. With all of Qin Li’s skills, it seemed he had only learned to kneel.
Fortunately, though, Wei Zhengdao’s “Records of the Righteous Path Subduing Demons Chapter Two” mentioned techniques for battling the undead. He could practice those.
Returning to his bedroom, he turned on his lamp and didn’t jump straight into the second volume, still being a kid, after all. Better to learn about handling tools first.
Starting with the first chapter, he began his study.
And so,
Li Zhuiyuan cleared his mind of distractions and started seriously researching—how to properly raise a black dog puppy.
...
The next morning, when Li Zhuiyuan woke up, he turned his head to see Ah Li sitting in a chair. Today, she wasn’t wearing a dress but rather a white-and-green fitted outfit.
If she had a sword, she could easily play a young martial arts heroine in a TV drama.
With a smile, he thought it seemed like Grandma had just changed Ah Li’s style to match her new taste.
“Good morning.”
Greeting the girl, his gaze naturally fell on her belt, which shimmered with a silvery luster and had intricate engravings.
Oh, could it be...
Reaching out, he lightly touched the surface, and the girl didn’t evade or get upset, standing quietly in place.
The feel confirmed it—her belt was indeed a soft sword!
He couldn’t help but marvel at Liu Yumei’s dedication to perfection.
Perhaps, a part of Ah Li’s own strict nature came from inheriting Liu Yumei’s traits.
Seeing his interest, Ah Li moved to remove the soft sword for him.
“No, no, no need to take it off.” He quickly stopped her, praising, “It’s really beautiful.”
Her eyelashes fluttered, not out of anger, but delight.
Li Zhuiyuan noticed for the first time this clear demonstration of a mood other than frustration from Ah Li.
She truly was changing.
As they ate breakfast, Qin Li, with his pack on his back, bid them farewell before heading off.
Everyone remained composed, except for Li Sanjiang.
He seemed the most reluctant to see Qin Li go; not just because he was losing a hard worker and cheap labor, but spending time with someone builds connections.
After breakfast, Li Zhuiyuan approached Aunt Liu, handing her a list and some money: “Aunt Liu, you’re going to the town market for groceries today, right? Could you help me get these items?”
“Sure, it’s no trouble.” Glancing over the list first with surprise, then traditional curiosity, she asked, “Xiao Yuan, what do you need these for?”
“The school gave us a summer project, and I need these for it.”
It was a pretty weak excuse, but that didn’t matter if he had one at all.
“Okay, Auntie will get them for you.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
He trusted Aunt Liu to buy everything without much direction or instruction, sure that she'd likely do it more expertly than he could.
In the morning, Li Zhuiyuan continued reading his book. This one was quite simple; the challenges lay in the experiments. Without considering practical applications, the first volume resembles a crafts activity book.
He also noted many things in the book seemed to have counterparts in Grandpa’s belongings.
Every time Grandpa went fishing or performed rituals, he brought a bunch of stuff along. But after careful comparison, it turned out Grandpa's things, despite sharing shapes or names, weren’t the same as what was described.
He wondered how Grandpa managed to catch fish so successfully with a bunch of fakes.
Still, acquiring authentic materials was tough. Some tools he’d have to sketch plans based on descriptions and find a carpenter or blacksmith to make them.
He could find a carpenter in the village, but where to get a blacksmith now?
The book’s “clinking and clanging” blacksmith shop didn’t exist for him currently. Maybe he could find a workshop and ask a craftsman to machine them for him?
In the afternoon, Runsheng needed to deliver tables, chairs, and dishes to Old Zhao's house, but he didn’t know the way, so Li Zhuiyuan, knowing where Old Zhao lived, accompanied him.
The Zhao family resided just east of Shijia Bridge, not far from where Li Zhuiyuan waited for the bus last night.
Runsheng single-handedly pushed the cart up to the Zhao's courtyard, and together with the Zhao family, they unloaded the delivery.
The mourning hall had been laid out, and in the main room, a young man lay still on the bed—seemingly, he was just seventeen or eighteen, not much older than Panzi and the others.
Two old women huddled together, whispering:
“Such a good young man, gone without warning.”
“They said he fell into the field while coming back from the town play at night, and just like that, he was gone.”
“What did Doctor Zheng say? A sudden heart attack?”
“Such a shame. Tsk tsk, the Zhao family ran a small business, had plenty of money, but only this one son.”
As someone began to apply makeup on the body, they lifted the white cloth covering the face, revealing sunken eyes, limp brow, smooth philtrum, and sharp lower lip...
In terms of appearance, this was known as “shallow fortune pool, flawed foundation.”
It was a terribly poor sign, meaning little inherent fortune that would leak away constantly.
Living a life of moderation, keeping clear of indulgences, might have allowed him to scrape by in life, but indulging too much too quickly—especially in indulgence and luxury—would exhaust him.
Given the Zhao family's wealth exceeding normal conditions, it was unfavorable for someone with his appearance.
After the delivery, they began their walk back home.
On the road ahead, they encountered Panzi and Leizi walking side by side, their heads slicked back with who knows if it was water or gel, parting their hair distinctly down the middle, shining brightly in the sunlight.
“Ha, Yuanzi, we were just about to head to Grandpa’s to find you, and here we run into you.”
“Brother Panzi, Brother Leizi.”
Panzi took Li Zhuiyuan’s hand, saying, “Come, Yuanzi, we’ll take you to the town video hall to watch a movie this afternoon. They’re showing Brother Fat’s ‘A Better Tomorrow’.”
Leizi, beside them, mimed firing a gun continuously with his hands, uttering, “Bang bang bang!”
“Great, I want to go too!” Runsheng exclaimed.
Li Zhuiyuan didn’t want to; he intended to return and continue reading. So he said, “I’ll go get money and treat you guys to the movie, but I can’t join you because I have homework.”
He had given his morning money to Aunt Liu, with the rest in his bedroom drawer.
“No, no, no, we can’t keep having you pay. It’s embarrassing for us as your older brothers. We truly had no pocket money in the past, but it wasn’t about taking advantage of you.”
“Exactly, we made money recently by working at the Xicun Kiln factory yesterday.”
With that, Panzi and Leizi fished loose change out of their pockets, counted heads, including Runsheng in the tally.
After some calculation, Panzi beamed, “Just right for four tickets and four sodas!”
Runsheng was thrilled, “I’ll go push the cart back first.”
Seeing them so enthusiastic and especially because they had worked hard to earn pocket money to treat him, Li Zhuiyuan decided not to refuse any longer, agreeing to join them.
However, when taking the cart back, he made a quick stop by his bedroom, pocketed some money, informed Ah Li of his plans, and then left for town with them.
Eventually, they arrived in front of a small video hall, marked with a simple sign:
“Sister Mei’s Video Hall.”
(End of the Chapter)