WU IXIU listened carefully as Luo Yan explained how he and her grandson t. It happened when Shen Ji Yun accompanied Shen Yi Mu to give a speech at a top university in S City. Luo Yan and Shen Ji Yun only spoke briefly that day. Later, they t again while playing Arcadia and discovered that Luo Yan's cousin, Bai Ze, was also a close friend of Shen Ji Yun. Though they rarely saw each other in person, they grew closer through playing Arcadia together and staying in touch online.
Hearing that Luo Yan was Bai Ze's cousin, Wu ixiu quickly connected him to the Luo family of S City. She recalled what she knew about them. How the current head of the family was a self-made man who had married the young lady of the Bai family. But eight years ago, tragedy struck when Bai i Hua died in a car accident. Two of her children had been with her. One escaped mostly unhard, but the other fell into a coma. If she rembered correctly, it was the second son.
She heard from sowhere that the child had woken up, and she wondered whether this polite young man in front of her might be that very sa boy. Though she was curious, she held back from asking directly. It felt too personal, too intrusive. After all, the Shen family and the Bai family moved in different social circles, so she had never learned the full details of what happened. Everything she knew ca only from bits of gossip and hearsay. She did not want to risk upsetting Luo Yan by bringing up such a painful subject.
"I've t Xiao Ze a few tis before," she remarked. "He's quite an energetic young man."
"Yes, that sounds like Brother Ze," Luo Yan agreed with a soft smile.
"I'm actually very thankful to your cousin," she said warmly. "Xiao Ze has been a wonderful friend to Xiao Yun. He was one of the people who helped my grandson feel more at ease around others."
Wu ixiu believed that without Bai Ze constantly reaching out and insisting on being friends, her grandson might still be as quiet and reserved as he was when he first arrived in the country. Honestly, if not for the efforts of Shen Yi Mu and little Bai Ze, who kept pulling Shen Ji Yun out of his tightly closed shell, her grandson would not have beco as well-adjusted as he is now.
Luo Yan nodded in agreent. He too felt deeply grateful to his cousin for being there for Shen Ji Yun.
Shen Ji Yun might not say it out loud, but Luo Yan knew he felt the sa way.
The two of them continued to talk afterward. Get full chapters from novel⸺fire
Wu ixiu found herself thoroughly enjoying her conversation with Luo Yan. He was not only charming with his bright smile and polite manners, but he also seed genuinely kind and thoughtful in his responses. She liked him more with each passing minute. It ward her heart to see that her grandson had gained another good friend. Soone who clearly valued him and brought positive energy into his life.
Their pleasant conversation was gently interrupted when Shen Ji Yun appeared in the doorway.
"The food is ready," he said softly, his eyes lingering briefly on Luo Yan before turning respectfully toward his grandmother.
Wu ixiu smiled, giving Luo Yan's hand a light pat before rising from the sofa.
***
A steaming bowl of beef noodles was placed in front of Luo Yan. Thin slices of tender beef rested atop a nest of firm wheat noodles, all swimming in a rich, aromatic broth. Fresh green onions and a sprinkle of cilantro added color and freshness to the dish.
He took his first spoonful of broth. It was savory and deeply flavorful, with a hint of warmth from ginger and star anise. The beef was lt-in-your-mouth soft, and the noodles had just the right amount of chew. Each bite was hearty and comforting, and he couldn't help but feel a quiet contentnt as he enjoyed the al Shen Ji Yun had prepared.
"This is really delicious, Brother Ji Yun," he said warmly.
Wu ixiu nodded as she took a delicate sip of the soup. "I've missed your cooking, Xiao Yun. I had almost forgotten how good it is."
Shen Ji Yun smiled gently at his grandmother. "It's still nowhere near as good as your cooking, Grandma."
Wu ixiu smiled happily at the complint. "Oh, you child, stop that."
They continued eating while sharing light conversation. Wu ixiu asked Luo Yan about his chosen major and how he was settling in before the sester began. She also turned to Shen Ji Yun and asked how he had been doing lately. Luo Yan answered politely between bites, sharing his interest in computer science and his preparations for university life. Shen Ji Yun replied simply but warmly, saying that things had been good and he was doing fine.
When they finished eating, Shen Ji Yun served them dessert. Small bowls of sweet red bean soup, gently ward and topped with soft, chewy glutinous rice balls.
Luo Yan was once again delighted by the delicious dessert. The red bean soup was sweet and mildly earthy. The soft, chewy glutinous rice balls added a pleasant texture that made each spoonful feel satisfying.
"By the way, Xiao Yun, is your uncle still in S City with Ah Yue?"
Luo Yan paused with the spoon halfway to his mouth when he heard the question. So Grandma Wu knew about Uncle Yue? But how much did she really know? Did she know the full truth about Uncle Yi Mu and Uncle Yue's relationship?
"Yes, they will be back on Saturday," Shen Ji Yun replied.
"Your uncle is probably taking this chance to enjoy a little vacation with your Uncle Yue," Wu ixiu said with a helpless shake of her head.
Luo Yan studied Grandma Wu's expression as she spoke. A tender smile graced her lips, and her eyes held a patient, knowing warmth. In that mont, he understood sothing. She knew about their relationship.
And she was completely fine with it.
User Comments
0 comments from readers