Chapter 58

"Did you really quit?"

"Heh, I never really got into it anyway."

"If you haven't started, then don't learn. It's bad for your health. I'm tied to my job; I want to quit, but I can't."

"Mhm."

"If you ever feel stressed or down in the future, find a different way to relieve the pressure."

"Right now, I find studying quite stress-relieving."

"Make sure to balance work and rest."

"I know, I'm also focusing on exercising and improving my skills."

"How about we spar a bit another day, with Dad?"

"Not another day, another year."

"So you'll only dare to fight when Dad's old, huh?"

"It's not as simple as just waiting until you're old."

"You're not going to wait until I'm dead, are you?"

*Dad, you'd have to die and then get back up again.*

But Tan Wenbin wouldn't dare say that to his own father.

"How could I? Your son would never dare to lay a hand on you, Dad."

"Xiao Yuan won another award, didn't he?"

"Yes, first prize in the Provincial Math Olympiad. Dad, even you know about it?"

"How could I not? Your middle school specially rented several cars with big loudspeakers on top, driving all over town to announce it."

"Dad, Xiao Yuan is going to Shancheng to play soon."

"He doesn't have to go to school anymore, does he?"

"It doesn't really matter whether he attends school or not. On weekdays, he picks up a pen not to do homework, but to create problems for me."

"Heh heh, then you really hit the jackpot."

Tan Yunlong couldn't help but recall that day in town: after receiving a tip-off about the video arcade, he got out of his car and saw the young man in the distance.

And later, the scene where the young man proactively came to the police station and pushed open his office door.

At the time, he just found it interesting. Now, looking back, if he had been more serious and rigid, his son wouldn't have had this good fortune today.

"I also want to go to Shancheng with Xiao Yuan."

"Shancheng is quite fun. The hotpot there is delicious; it's completely different from the 'Shancheng Hotpot' your mom usually makes at home. You should try it when you go."

People in Nantong also eat hotpot in winter. Shops here are popular for selling various brands of "Shancheng Hotpot" soup bases. Many locals take it for granted that this is the famous Shancheng hotpot, but true Shancheng locals would just be full of questions if they saw it.

"Huh, Dad, it sounds like you're agreeing to let me go?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to go?"

"Aren't you afraid it will affect my studies?"

"Son, actually, as long as you don't do anything illegal or disorderly, life has a pretty high tolerance for error. Some things that seem incredibly important now won't be a big deal when you look back on them later."

"Dad, you're very different today. Before, you would have scolded me for being naive."

"You were indeed naive before. It can be said that sensible children generally don't do poorly in school, but being sensible isn't just about good grades. Your mom and I both have jobs, and we won't need you to support us in our old age. You don't have any burdens, so go do what you want."

"I won't let it affect my studies. I'll bring my books and homework. I feel like studying in the classroom isn't nearly as efficient as studying with Xiao Yuan."

"Just make sure you know your limits."

"I'm going to take the entrance exam for Haihe University, to find Xiao Yuan. Dad, do you know, people from that university will be coming to our middle school tomorrow? Xiao Yuan is going to be admitted early."

There was silence on the balcony for a moment.

"Dad, why aren't you saying anything?"

"I'm imagining how I'd feel if my son got early admission."

"How would you feel?"

"So happy I'd forget how to speak."

"Hahahahahahaha." Tan Wenbin nudged his father with his arm. "That's boring. Waiting for the acceptance letter after the college entrance exam is much more exciting."

"Should your mom and I thank you then?"

"Dad, let me tell you something, I think our class president has a crush on me."

"I suggest her mother takes her to the city hospital to get her eyes checked."

"Dad, can you really talk about your son like that? I'm not bad, you know."

"Zhou Yunyun, right?"

"Ah, you even know her name?"

"Thanks to you, I often go to your homeroom teacher's office, and she's always there delivering homework and test papers."

"So, what do you think of her?"

"Who talks about this kind of stuff with their old man? If you want to talk about it, go talk to your mom."

"No way, my mom would definitely scold me for not focusing on my studies. She definitely wouldn't want to hear about it."

Tan Yunlong's gaze fell on the area behind the balcony door. After the father and son went onto the balcony, the sounds from the kitchen stopped, followed by faint rustling sounds of someone stooping low and moving carefully.

As an experienced police officer, he naturally knew his wife was listening intently with her ear pressed against the balcony door.

*Son, your mom isn't unwilling to hear about this; she loves listening.*

"But what do you think of her?"

"She's good, quite pretty. I used to think she was a bit feisty, but when a feisty girl suddenly becomes gentle, it's truly hard to resist, heh heh."

Tan Wenbin couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he spoke.

"Are you already dating?"

Tan Wenbin shook his head, the smile gradually fading from his face:

"I don't have the mind for it. I still feel like a kid, still in school, with no job, and no idea where I'll go or what I'll do in the future. Plus, it's such a crucial time in the third year of high school. If I really started dating, wouldn't I be holding her back? Dad, do you think I'm being a bit cowardly like this?"

"That's quite normal. It shows my son has matured and understands what responsibility is." Tan Yunlong patted his son's arm. "Only when you have a clear future yourself can you offer a future to a girl."

"Dad, I'm going to do problems now."

"Go on."

Tan Wenbin left the balcony and went back to his room.

Tan Yunlong, in turn, quietly lit another cigarette.

Children yearn to grow up quickly; parents also hope their children will mature soon.

But when that day truly arrives, both sides feel a sense of bewilderment.

His wife stood up from behind the sofa, walked over, and glared at him irritably.

"What's wrong?" Tan Yunlong felt a bit uncomfortable under his wife's gaze.

"'Only when you have a clear future yourself can you offer a future to a girl.' My memory's a bit hazy, could you remind me who it was that climbed over my family's courtyard wall to find me when we were in school, almost getting his legs broken by my dad?"

Tan Yunlong took a deep puff from his cigarette, the tip glowing brightly. After blowing a smoke ring into the distance, he chuckled:

"Why don't you think about this: when you were living at school, who told me you were coming home that night?"

The banner for the Provincial Math Olympiad award was already hung, but the banner for the previous city competition was still up.

At the same time, perhaps for neatness, the Provincial Math Olympiad banner had the same alteration as before: "First Prize" was painted over with "First Place." The paint marks were not only unconcealed but also made as if to ensure no one would miss them.

What delighted Principal Wu even more was that not only did Li Zhuiyuan win, but two other students also received third prizes this time.

This was the leading effect of the pacesetter.

As soon as Li Zhuiyuan arrived at the classroom, Sun Qing took him to the principal's office.

Several school leaders were outside the office smoking. Seeing Xiao Yuan arrive, they all stubbed out their cigarettes and entered the office.

The admissions representatives from Haihe University hadn't arrived yet, but that didn't stop everyone from planning for Xiao Yuan in advance.

Everyone chimed in, using their best skills to draft a "bargaining" price list for Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan, the person directly involved, sat on the sofa, seemingly detached from everything.

Wu Xinhang walked over with a teacup and placed the tea in front of Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan looked at Wu Xinhang and said, "Thank you, Principal Grandpas, for your hard work."

"Oh, come on," Wu Xinhang waved his hand, pointing to the group still listing items. "What hard work? They're enjoying themselves."

Even if they hadn't eaten pork, they'd at least seen pigs run. As shrewd individuals in the education circle, they naturally understood the rules and workings.

For ordinary students, the college entrance exam means filling out preferences, taking the exam, waiting for results, and crying tears of joy upon successful admission.

But for certain specific individuals, going to university is about being "for sale," and it depends on the other party's sincerity.

Given the province's education level, someone who wins first place in the Provincial Math Olympiad is almost guaranteed to win an award at the national competition by the end of the year.

Furthermore, alongside the math olympiad craze, there was also a craze for child prodigies.

In short, with multiple factors combined, if they didn't fleece him properly, they'd feel like they were letting themselves down.

Wu Xinhang asked with a smile, "Xiao Yuan, although you've already made your decision, this grandpa still has to ask: are you really not considering other universities?"

"Mhm, I'm not considering them."

Wu Xinhang nodded, then pointed to the group still discussing and shouted, "Fleece them! Fleece them hard!"

Just then, Teacher Yan entered the office with a young man wearing glasses.

Li Zhuiyuan noticed the young man, mainly because there seemed to be a small flame of excitement flickering in his eyes behind his glasses.

Teacher Yan walked over, smiling as she introduced him: "Xiao Yuan, someone has come to discuss and interview you about the Math Olympiad. Have a chat with him; although he works at Jinling Normal College, he's also from Nantong."

"Okay."

Li Zhuiyuan stood up and looked at the other person. The man seemed somewhat green and a little shy, but the deeper excitement beneath became clearer as they got closer.

"Hello, Teacher. My name is Li Zhuiyuan. How should I address you, Teacher?"

"Ge Jun."

The man sat down, took out test papers and problems, and began discussing them with Li Zhuiyuan.

Soon, Li Zhuiyuan understood the other party's perspective: he was approaching it from the question setter's point of view.

He didn't know if he was one now, but it was highly likely he would become one of those who "smiled sinisterly" behind the numbers and symbols when Li Zhuiyuan took exams in the future.

There is a cruel malice within human nature; otherwise, Roman gladiatorial arenas and underground boxing matches wouldn't have been so popular.

And for question setters, watching examinees wail, struggle, and curse within the cages they designed can bring a pleasure akin to that of an "abuser."

Coincidentally, while others usually took the "victim's" perspective when doing competition problems, Li Zhuiyuan, having helped Tan Wenbin create problems, could now better empathize with the "abuser."

In short, the two chatted very happily and thoroughly during the time before the Haihe University representatives arrived.

Li Zhuiyuan used a method of "revenge" similar to the one he had once proposed to Black Cat.

This greatly inspired the teacher, who took Li Zhuiyuan as a kindred spirit.

After their discussion, upon learning that the Haihe University representatives would arrive soon, he was even happier, saying that since Li Zhuiyuan would be attending university in Jinling, he would definitely come over frequently for discussions in the future.

The fire that was already smoldering was given a few more logs by the boy.

Li Zhuiyuan felt that perhaps, one day in the future, this fire would grow immense, becoming a terrifying purgatory that would consume generations of students.

The guard room reported that Haihe University's car had arrived at the school gate.

The teacher left his business card, and after shaking Li Zhuiyuan's hand firmly, Ge Jun reluctantly departed.

From the moment he actively closed the principal's office door, a new gate of hell had slowly begun to open in his heart.

Wu Xinhang raised his hand: "Everyone, to your positions."

The school leaders in the office each found their places and sat down, some crossing their legs, some drinking tea, some clearing their throats.

As for the contact cards, admission brochures, and posters from other schools, they were deliberately placed in a rather prominent position.

The door opened again.

Leading the way in was Luo Tingrui.

The moment his aura was unleashed, it immediately dominated the entire office.

The leaders, who had just been eager to flex their muscles, all failed to "launch."

Even Principal Wu could only tactically pick up his teacup and drink water.

The education circle, after all, still falls within the scope of an ivory tower, and while Luo Tingrui's work affiliation was still with the school, he actually no longer belonged to this circle.

A person who can command, mobilize, and plan a project involving tens of thousands of people would be general-level in ancient times.

Luo Tingrui distributed his business cards, introduced himself proactively, and finally, had a cordial conversation with Li Zhuiyuan.

He remembered this child, but at the time, he never would have imagined that the child would possess such strong academic talent.

The "market" atmosphere didn't materialize; everyone became very polite and courteous.

However, the school leaders still presented the agreed-upon list of conditions.

Luo Tingrui picked it up, glanced at it, put it down, and stated directly:

"Good, I agree on behalf of our university."

In an instant, the hearts of Principal Wu and the other leaders in the office collectively sank with a thud: "Oh no, we asked for too little!"

Immediately, everyone looked at Li Zhuiyuan, who was sitting on the sofa, and showed expressions of guilt and apology, feeling as if they had let the child down.

Wu Xinhang sorrowfully swallowed a mouthful of tea leaves, feeling a bitterness in his heart greater than in his mouth: "This is the cost of lacking experience!"

Although the procedures hadn't been completed yet, Luo Tingrui still proactively extended his hand to Li Zhuiyuan: "Li Zhuiyuan, welcome to Haihe University."

Li Zhuiyuan stood up and shook his hand.

The tone for this matter was set: from this moment on, Li Zhuiyuan and Xue Liangliang were already considered university alumni.

"Liangliang told me you also want to go to Shancheng?"

"Mhm."

"Then let's go together. It can be considered gaining future work experience in advance. When you start with practice, theory often becomes easier to learn."

"Thank you, Dean."

"Just call me teacher."

"Okay, Teacher Luo."

When that sentence was spoken, the leaders in the office felt much better. Being shrewd individuals, they naturally understood Luo Tingrui's position in the university — no, in the industry — from his business card and self-introduction.

It was already rare excellence for freshmen and sophomores to join teachers in labs for research, but Xiao Yuan, even before matriculating, could go out with his mentor on projects.

Given China's population base and the nation's efforts in promoting and popularizing education, there would certainly be no shortage of talent, or even geniuses. However, no matter how brilliant a genius, if they lacked platform support, their future development would often fall short of even less talented individuals.

Luo Tingrui left, and Li Zhuiyuan returned to the classroom.

It was break time, and Tan Wenbin was explaining a problem to Zhou Yunyun, while the female class president sat at her own desk.

Li Zhuiyuan stopped, not continuing into the classroom, but instead leaned against the hallway railing, looking at the view below.

He saw ginkgo trees being planted in the flowerbeds.

"Do you like them?" Homeroom teacher Sun Qing's voice came from behind.

"Mhm, I do."

Someone had already entered the classroom, shouting that the "old class" (teacher) was here.

Tan Wenbin looked hesitant.

Zhou Yunyun urged, "You're not done explaining yet, keep going."

In this regard, the girl was much more generous than the boy.

Tan Wenbin nodded with a smile and continued explaining. He had also heard Xiao Yuan explain this problem.

Sun Qing stood side by side with Li Zhuiyuan: "Principal Wu heard from many people in the exam halls that you like to go look at ginkgo trees after handing in your test papers, so he had them planted."

"But I might not see them much in the future."

The boy hadn't intended to come to school every day anyway, let alone having accepted Luo Tingrui's offer for early internship today.

Sun Qing smiled: "Couldn't they also be for us to see?"

Li Zhuiyuan looked at Sun Qing.

Sun Qing continued: "Many times, what we strive for and find joy in isn't tangible material wealth, but rather adding a beautiful, cherished memory for ourselves."

Truly worthy of a Chinese language teacher.

Sun Qing reached out and patted Li Zhuiyuan's head.

As she entered the classroom, she saw Zhou Yunyun and Tan Wenbin sitting together in the first row, their heads very close as they discussed a problem.

Zhou Yunyun looked up and smiled at her homeroom teacher.

Tan Wenbin also looked at Sun Qing and saluted.

Sun Qing said nothing, walking to the podium to organize the test papers she would teach in the next class.

As she tidied up, a slight smile curved on the young homeroom teacher's lips.

She then looked up at the entire classroom.

Because of her arrival, the class was no longer noisy, but some were doing homework, some were eating snacks, and many students were talking and laughing while keeping an eye on the homeroom teacher with their peripheral vision.

Sun Qing couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "These children probably don't know yet that the blackboard walls, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the windows, will also become cherished memories deep within their hearts in the future."

Their color was just like...

Sun Qing unfolded her test papers, and nestled inside was a yellowish ginkgo leaf she had casually picked up earlier when passing by the flowerbed.

"So, Brother Liangliang, you've been in Nantong this whole time?"

"Mhm."

"By the river?"

"I booked a room in a small guesthouse near the river. I'd go for walks by the river at night and go back to sleep during the day."

Tan Wenbin tilted his head curiously, joining Li Zhuiyuan and Xue Liangliang's conversation, and asked with interest, "It seems university life really is as our teachers say: once you get in, it's easy."

Xue Liangliang said, "Actually, apart from a few who do exceptionally well and a few who just mess around, most average university students have quite a lot to do; it's not easy."

Li Zhuiyuan asked, "Brother Liangliang, you've been by the river for so many days, have you not seen her at all?"

Xue Liangliang continued to Tan Wenbin, "So, it's best to plan early, preferably deciding your career path in advance."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Or rather, you see her every day?"

Xue Liangliang: "I heard you're also applying to Haihe University. Good luck! If you get in, you can help me manage the shops and studios I have at the university."

Li Zhuiyuan: "It seems you really want to be in the local gazette, Brother Liangliang."

"Enough, Xiao Yuan! I'm also doing this for the stability of your hometown; it's not easy for me."

Li Zhuiyuan didn't press further, turning instead to the TV, which was broadcasting Nantong news.

Now it was Xue Liangliang's turn to lose his composure. He reached out, gently grabbed Li Zhuiyuan's shoulder, and shook him: "Just say 'mhm', won't you?"

In reality, if Brother Liangliang had settled things later that night, Uncle Qin might have had to "punch through" the entire Baijia Town.

But this way is also good. With Brother Liangliang being the Bai family's son-in-law, he'll be able to communicate with that level of society when working on water conservancy projects all over the country in the future.

If he ever runs into something truly unsolvable, at worst, the son-in-law can step in.

Brother Binbin's status can no longer hold down the big issues. Thankfully, he still has Brother Liangliang to rely on.

Li Zhuiyuan truly felt that while Great-Grandpa might not be professional in the corpse retrieval business, he was excellent at providing guidance.

"Huh?"

Runsheng let out a puzzled sound, looked at the TV, then at Xue Liangliang.

The TV was showing a rescue: a woman tried to end her life by jumping into the river and was saved by a brave young man.

After the rescue, when reporters asked for his name and affiliation, the young man, preferring to remain anonymous, simply walked away, leaving the camera with a back view free of vulgarity.

Xue Liangliang frowned and said, "Does your Nantong TV really have no news to film? She didn't want to commit suicide at all."

Tan Wenbin asked curiously, "How so?"

"She was just standing by the riverbank, the water barely reaching her ankles. I went up and asked; she said she wasn't brave enough to die and wouldn't be so foolish, that it wasn't worth it for that person."

"And then?"

"Then I went into the water."

"Huh?"

"She got scared by me, lost her footing, slipped, and almost got swept away by the river. I had to turn back and carry her back to the bank."

"Then how did she say you saved her..."

"She was probably too embarrassed to tell the truth."

Runsheng: "Aren't you afraid your wife will misunderstand?"

Xue Liangliang: "..."

Li Zhuiyuan hadn't mentioned Xue Liangliang's situation; Xue Liangliang himself had opened up about it after arriving.

Next, Tan Wenbin stated his request: he also wanted to go to Shancheng with them.

Immediately, fearing Li Zhuiyuan would misunderstand, he pointed to the suitcase he had specifically brought from home, saying he would carry his books and problems with him so as not to neglect his studies.

Xue Liangliang readily agreed; taking one or two made no difference.

Therefore, both Runsheng and Tan Wenbin would go to Shancheng together.

"Xiao Yuan, come here for a moment."

"Okay, Grandma Liu."

Li Zhuiyuan walked towards Liu Yumei.

Liu Yumei was drinking tea, and inside the room, Ah Li was bathing.

"So you're going to Shancheng, right? When are you leaving?"

"In a couple of days."

"How long will you be gone?"

"Not long. I'll be back soon."

"It's fine, enjoy yourselves, no need to rush." Liu Yumei took out a piece of paper with a phone number written on it. "When you get to Shancheng, call this number."

"Grandma, are you..."

"Coincidentally, an old friend passed away. I was just about to take Ah Li to Shancheng to pay our respects. Many old friends have passed away in recent years."

"Are you coming with us?"

"Oh, no, that won't do." Liu Yumei shook her head. "You're going by train, right?"

"Mhm, that's right."

"My old bones and legs can't handle that hardship, and besides, it's not good for Ah Li to be in crowded places. You go ahead. Call me and Ah Li when you get there."

"Okay, Grandma."

After Li Zhuiyuan left, Liu Yumei went into the room.

Inside the room, Ah Li was sitting in the bathtub, and Liu Yumei showed a benevolent smile.

"Come, come, let Grandma find out for you which old folks from Shancheng have recently passed away."

Liu Yumei opened a drawer and took out a thick stack of envelopes, all containing obituaries.

She gathered the ones sent from Shancheng and picked one from a month ago that had just reported to King Yama.

Tapping the envelope, Liu Yumei chuckled:

"Alright, I'll do this favor for you."

Although it had been a month since the passing, condolences could still be paid. Customs, after all, adapted to the production and lifestyle of the people they served.

For seasoned travelers, a single boat journey could take over a month or even half a year. If someone died in their family, how could they rush back to see them one last time? They'd struggle to make even the 35th day memorial.

Generally, according to old customs, the mourning candle for a deceased person should not be extinguished for a year, as there's no telling when a family member might arrive to pay respects.

In the past, Liu Yumei would just receive these obituaries and put them aside; even if it wasn't for staying here to treat Ah Li, she wouldn't bother attending.

Simply receiving the obituary was already giving face to the other party. Sending a telegram or a verbal message was considered an act of grace, nothing more, given her seniority and standing.

Ah Li had finished her bath.

"Come, let Grandma dress our Ah Li up beautifully."

After dressing up, Ah Li opened the door and walked out. Li Zhuiyuan stood up, left his companions, and went upstairs with Ah Li to draw.

Aunt Liu carried a box into the east room. When she opened it, it was filled with Ah Li's new clothes.

Artisans never starve even in famine years. No matter how young people outside pursue perms, dyes, Western styles, or how young boys and girls grow long fringes to cover their eyes,

in the eyes of the older generation, it's just young, naive kids playing around. Those traditional tailor shops still do very well and don't worry about business, as ordinary people can't afford their craftsmanship anyway.

"It was so much more convenient before. All the seasonal clothes for the family were made by our own shop. The needles we were used to were truly good, and a few hints were enough for them to understand what I meant. Why do I have to draw patterns and design everything myself now?"

Aunt Liu smiled: "Isn't this precisely your enjoyment?"

"Heh heh."

"Besides, if you want to keep one, it's not like you can't afford it now."

Liu Yumei turned her head to glance at the rows of memorial tablets on the altar table and sighed:

"It's not a matter of being able to afford it; it's that there aren't as many people to wear them."

"My words were clumsy."

"It's alright. Tidy up the clothes, and check the needlework to see if any alterations are still needed."

"That one... it doesn't seem to be Ah Li's?"

Aunt Liu pulled out a set and unfolded it. This garment had flying fish embroidered on it, its overall color scheme was dark but vibrant, and its style was very dignified.

"This is for Xiao Yuan."

"That's truly good fortune, to have you make clothes for him. It's clear you put a lot of thought into redesigning it."

"At least he's my pre-ordained informal disciple of the Liu family. Giving him a set of clothes is nothing much."

"You, you're just saying one thing and meaning another."

"I truly have no other intentions. No matter what, we can't let an 'over-the-river dragon' marry into our family as a live-in son-in-law. Even though our family has declined, a rotten boat still has three pounds of nails; we can't let our surname be changed for nothing."

"Forgive my clumsiness again, please don't be angry. In this matter, what you say doesn't count; it depends on Ah Li's wishes. Aren't these two children childhood sweethearts?"

"If childhood sweethearts really ended up together, I wouldn't have married Ah Li's grandfather."

As she spoke, Liu Yumei suddenly remembered her own childhood sweetheart.

He had always been infatuated with her and even sent a lavish gift at her birthday banquet, hinting at a marriage proposal.

Then that very night, Ah Li's grandfather black-bagged and tied him up, throwing him into the cesspool of a brothel.

This incident, the old man only spilled the beans about it after they were married, when he was drunk.

The old man had assertively said that since the fellow wanted "to eat farts," he should let him eat his fill.

And she, at that time, not only didn't seem angry about her childhood sweetheart's predicament but actually chuckled beside him.

Liu Yumei waved her hand: "Send the clothes to that boy and have him try them on."

"Alrighty."

Aunt Liu noticed Liu Yumei's sudden low spirits, took the clothes out of the room, and closed the door.

Liu Yumei slowly walked to the ancestral shrine and picked up the new memorial tablet belonging to her man.

"Oh, you old coot, you shouldn't have been so good to me back then. You trapped me, this old woman, in memories for a lifetime, unable to escape."

Tomorrow was the day to leave.

After lunch, Li Sanjiang called Li Zhuiyuan into the room, pulled out a blue cloth bag from a drawer, opened it, revealing brand new banknotes inside.

"As the saying goes, 'poor at home, rich on the road.' When traveling far, you need to bring plenty of money."

"Great-Grandpa, Brother Liangliang said he's covering everything; he has money."

"Is that the same? If you use other people's money, you have to follow their lead."

"I still have money here."

"Zhuiyuan's Secret Papers" sold very well at school, and after his provincial competition results were announced, other schools in the city also came to purchase them.

"Your money is your money, that's different too."

"Thank you, Great-Grandpa." Li Zhuiyuan accepted the money.

"Be safe when you're out, and be careful with everything. The world may be peaceful now, but the roads might not be."

"Mhm, Brother Runsheng and Brother Binbin are with me, so I'm not afraid."

"Runsheng is fine, but as for Zhuangzhuang, forget it, unless he steals his dad's service pistol."

"Great-Grandpa..."

"Haha, just kidding, how could he do that? Your grandpa and grandma will also come for dinner later."

"Mhm, I know."

After leaving Great-Grandpa's room, Li Zhuiyuan handed the money Great-Grandpa had given him to Tan Wenbin, along with the profits from the exercise book, also entrusting them to Binbin.

He wasn't used to carrying money himself and found it very convenient to have someone else manage it for him.

Tan Wenbin sighed several times: "Brother Xiao Yuan, aren't you afraid I'll run off with the money?"

On the second-floor terrace, Cui Cui was playing Gobang with Ah Li.

Now, Ah Li could accept certain close individuals; at least when they were near, she could control herself.

Cui Cui waved and called out, "Brother Yuanhou, Sister Ah Li is too good at chess; I can't beat her."

"Of course, I can't beat Ah Li either."

Li Zhuiyuan walked into his room, and Ah Li stood up and followed him in.

Since he would be away from home for a while, Li Zhuiyuan rolled up all the paintings that were hanging on the wall.

As he did these things, Ah Li, who was beside him, kept staring at his every move.

After Li Zhuiyuan had packed all the scrolls, he said:

"Come on, put them in your collection box."

The girl's eyes immediately lit up.

Arriving at the east room, Ah Li's third collection box was already in use; the first box was full of Jianlibao.

As soon as they had arranged things, Li Sanjiang's voice called from outside: "Xiao Yuanhou, time for photos!"

"Coming!"

Walking out of the east room, he saw that the photographer from the town's photo studio had been invited to their home; Great-Grandpa had invited him. Li Weihan and Cui Guiying had also changed into decent new clothes, clearly having been informed about the photo session in advance.

Currently, the photographer was taking individual photos of them, giving many instructions. The elderly couple showed no impatience, continuously adjusting their poses according to the photographer's directions.

The elders highly valued such photos, as there was a good chance they would be used for their posthumous portraits.

Moreover, photos taken just before death were often unflattering, so they all hoped to capture a lively spirit while still healthy.

Aunt Liu reminded him: "Xiao Yuan, go change into the outfit Grandma Liu gave you; we'll take one too."

"Okay."

Li Zhuiyuan didn't refuse. He ran back into the room, put on the outfit. The style was very similar to what Ah Li usually wore, and the fabric was delicate and comfortable.

The only downside was that it was troublesome to put on, with many places needing to be buttoned.

When he came down, fully dressed, he found everyone already waiting for him.

The main subject of the photos was Li Zhuiyuan. First, he took a photo with Li Sanjiang, then with Li Weihan and Cui Guiying. Then Li Sanjiang joined them again, and the three elders and one child took a picture.

The next stage was for the young people.

Li Zhuiyuan and Ah Li stood close together, while Runsheng, Tan Wenbin, and Xue Liangliang kept a slight distance from Ah Li as they joined the photo.

Cui Cui watched the lively scene happily from the side.

Li Zhuiyuan waved to her and called out, "Cui Cui, come take a picture with us."

Cui Cui became even happier. Although shy, she didn't refuse at all and immediately moved closer.

A large group photo of the young people was thus produced.

Liu Yumei also came out in a change of clothes and said, "Come, let's take one too."

She sat in her usual tea-drinking chair, with Aunt Liu standing behind her and Ah Li standing to her left in front of her.

The photographer said to Li Zhuiyuan, "There's still an empty spot there, hurry up and go."

In his view, Liu Yumei's and the girl's outfits were the same style as the boy's.

Li Zhuiyuan hesitated slightly. After all, this was their family photo, and it wouldn't be good for him to intrude.

Liu Yumei nodded at him, signaling him to come over.

Only then did Li Zhuiyuan walk over. He and Ah Li stood to Liu Yumei's left and right, respectively, with Liu Yumei resting her hands on the shoulders of both the boy and the girl.

Her posture was elegant, her expression graceful, and in her eyes, there was a faint hint of pride, entirely unfeigned.

The photographer's hands were trembling. After pressing the shutter, he couldn't help but let out a long breath, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. He secretly thought it strange; he hadn't been this nervous even when taking pictures of town leaders.

After the photos were taken, Li Zhuiyuan prepared to take Ah Li's hand and leave.

But Ah Li, though still holding his hand, didn't move.

Liu Yumei noticed her granddaughter's intention and chuckled, "Come, you two take a picture together."

She and Aunt Liu stepped aside.

The photographer directed: "Come, closer, a bit closer, heads a bit closer, yes, yes, yes, very good, very good. Both children are so beautiful. In all my life, this is the first time I've seen real 'Golden Boy and Jade Girl' outside of New Year's prints, heh heh."

Li Zhuiyuan and Ah Li stood close together.

"Get ready, taking the picture, three, two, one!"

"Click!"

The moment the shutter was pressed, the girl's head tilted, resting on the boy's shoulder.