Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
Jian Xi’s ears tingled, and without another word, she directly sent a video call.
He Ran answered quickly, and the first thing that greeted him was a pursed-lip kiss from Jian Xi across the screen.
He was amused. “You startled me. I can even get a forced kiss during a video call.”
Jian Xi leaned against the railing in the courtyard, holding her phone up high, looking at him with a beaming smile.
He Ran took the cigarette out of his mouth. “Don’t hold it so high. Your hand isn’t fully healed yet. No need to adjust the angle, your face is small anyway, you look good no matter what.”
Jian Xi felt comfortable and happy from his sweet talk and asked, “Where’s Grandma?”
“Watching a sketch comedy in the house.”
“Give her the video, I want to wish her a Happy New Year.”
He Ran laughed. “Okay.”
The screen shook for a moment, then it was indoors, the lights brightened, and the picture quality became much clearer.
He Ran sat on the armrest of the sofa, his arm around the old lady’s shoulders. “Grandma, it’s Jian Xi.”
The old lady squinted and was very surprised to see her. “Oh, it’s Xiao Xi.”
Jian Xi waved at her. “Grandma, I wish you a Happy New Year, good health, and lots of winnings at mahjong.”
“Good, good, good.” The old lady’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “Good child, I’ve also prepared a red envelope for you, one for you and one for He Ran.”
Jian Xi was delighted. “Really? Thank you so much.”
Tao Xinglai came out of the house carrying a bowl of strawberries, eagerly joining the fun. “Is that Brother He He? I want to talk to him.”
Jian Xi was jostled by him and wobbled. She tapped his outstretched head. “You’re so nosy. This is He Ran’s grandma.”
Tao Xinglai was cute and had a sweet tongue, making him very popular with middle-aged and elderly women. He called out energetically, “Grand—ma—good! Wow, you must have been a great beauty when you were young!”
Grandma looked at the unexpected kid and was very happy. “You’re all good, all good. What’s your name?”
He Ran said softly, “Xiao Xi’s younger brother.”
“Grandma, my name is Tao Xinglai! Do you find me a little familiar? I’ve acted in many TV dramas. That palace drama airing on the satellite channel, I played the crown prince’s little follower!”
This person talked too much, like pouring beans, and the old lady was confused.
He Ran turned the screen towards himself, smiling. “Grandma doesn’t watch palace dramas, she only watches anti-Japanese war dramas. Xiao Tao, Happy New Year.”
Tao Xinglai was like seeing his idol. “Brother He He, it’s only been half a month, how have you become even more handsome? It’s practically a foul.”
He Ran was about to die laughing. “Brother wishes you win Best Actor in the New Year and your fan count breaks ten million.”
“Alright, alright, when he gets going, he can chatter all night.” Jian Xi snatched the phone, kicking Tao Xinglai away. “Go play your games.”
Tao Xinglai was quite aggrieved. “I haven’t said enough yet.”
Jian Xi simply turned the camera, showing the fireworks in the sky and her affectionate interaction with He Ran.
“Tch! Wait till I steal the household registration book, I’ll make you kneel down and call me Superstar Tao.” Tao Xinglai imagined the scene, and his heart was instantly filled with joy. He walked to the door, then thought again, “Huh? Brother He He’s grandma, why does she look a little familiar?”
Before he could think more, Tao Xihong’s voice came from inside the house, “Xinglai, call your sister to eat dumplings together.”
“She’s not eating, she even asked me to eat her share too.” Tao Xinglai decided unilaterally and dashed inside.
After the video call, He Ran held his phone and thought for a moment, then reopened it and found Tao Xihong’s phone number.
[Auntie, I wish you and Uncle a Happy New Year and good health.]
He looked at this line three times, and finally added a bracket at the end, writing: [He Ran].
After sending it successfully, he kept his phone in his hand all night, afraid of missing any notification.
There were many notifications indeed, New Year’s greetings, random chats from text messages and calls kept ringing, but none of them were from Tao Xihong.
Jian’s Residence.
Tao Xinglai devoured three plates of dumplings with gusto. Tao Xihong, worried he would get a stomachache, stubbornly refused to cook him any more.
She didn’t have He Ran’s number saved. Seeing the message, her eyes still softened a bit. Honestly, He Ran was quite sensible, and his etiquette was very proper.
Jian Xi accompanied Jian Yanqing to watch the Spring Festival Gala. She was already full, but Tao Xinglai’s eating made her crave some too, so she also ran to the dining table. “Give me one.”
Tao Xinglai’s mouth was full of pork filling. He picked up the last shrimp dumpling and put it in her mouth. “Sis, my love for you is true.”
Jian Xi took a tissue, wiped the oil from his mouth, and finally patted his head. “You’re the best, you’ll definitely win Best Actor this year.”
Around the time of the zero o’clock chimes, the firecrackers and fireworks outside reached their climax.
The whole family went to the courtyard and set off the large celebratory fireworks, symbolizing peace and good fortune for the coming year. The “boom” was deafening, and the dazzling starlight illuminated the night.
Jian Yanqing gave red envelopes to his two children. Tao Xinglai was truly a bootlicker, vowing, “Dad, I will definitely become a person useful to the motherland!”
Jian Xi suppressed a laugh. “Thank you, Dad.”
The TV Spring Festival Gala was counting down: “10, 9, 8...”
He Ran’s call came in, and Jian Xi excitedly answered, “I was just thinking of you.”
He laughed, a light and gentle sound. “Is that so?”
Jian Xi’s lips curved into a smile. “I missed you terribly.”
As the countdown reached the final second, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, once a year.
Fireworks rained down all over the sky, proclaiming a prosperous and peaceful world, joy and well-being.
He Ran’s voice was like the intoxicating night breeze:
“Wife, Happy New Year.”
———
By the time He Ran finished the call, Grandma was already in the living room, burning incense and kowtowing to the Guanyin Bodhisattva.
The little old lady was particularly devout, her hands clasped together at her chest, reciting scriptures.
He Ran watched with interest for a while, then lowered his head and smiled. He walked over and, imitating Grandma, bent his knees and knelt down generously on the ground.
Closer, he could clearly hear that Grandma was praying for peace.
He Ran clasped his hands and said to the Guanyin statue, “Great Immortal, please bless her, bless the little old lady to be energetic.”
He paused, his voice softening a little. “And Jian Xi, protect her well. If there must be suffering, let it all fall on me. My skin is thick and my life is tough, I can bear any hardship for her.”
After saying that, he placed both palms on the ground and kowtowed to the Guanyin statue three times.
In the next two days, he went from door to door to wish the neighbors a Happy New Year, and this major event of the New Year was considered half done.
On the seventh day of the New Year, most people ended their holidays and started a busy year. Jian Xi had two more days of rest, so she accompanied Tao Xihong on a short trip to a nearby ancient town.
On this day, He Ran went out early, taking a taxi to a tea house on the Third Ring Road.
After giving his name, the waiter led him to the innermost private room.
Pushing open the door, a strong smell of smoke hit him. He Ran adjusted for a moment and nodded to the person sitting there, “Master Jia.”
“Yo, A-Ran’s here. Sit down, sit down.” Master Jia wore an exaggerated mink fur coat and three large gold rings on his hand. “Quick, brew him some Da Hong Pao.”
He Ran sat down, waiting for the tea to be served. The curling steam spread a thin layer of moisture at the tip of his nose.
He looked up. “Master Jia, I won’t drink the tea. I always get straight to the point.”
Master Jia’s forced smile faded a bit, and he narrowed his eyes to look at him.
He Ran: “I know that in the past two years, you’ve had a deep misunderstanding of me. Although you might not believe it, I still have to make things clear. Your son, I didn’t push him down the stairs.”
Master Jia’s gaze turned cold, and he let out a scoffing laugh.
He Ran looked at him, his gaze unwavering. “If you want evidence, the surveillance in the room clearly shows everything. He took drugs himself, became excited and frantic. I couldn’t stop him. That window wasn’t very high, he could reach it by stepping on the sofa.”
The painful memory made Master Jia shout sharply, “Shut up!”
He Ran’s expression didn’t change, his tone remained calm and insistent. “I advised him not to get involved with drugs, but those people around you were terrible.”
Master Jia grabbed the teacup beside him and threw it at him.
The cup was small, but the force was strong. He Ran didn’t dodge, and blood immediately seeped out on his forehead.
As if he felt no pain, he raised his eyes to meet Master Jia’s. “I’ll say it one last time. Your son died in a muddled way, and it has nothing to do with He Ran. You can hate me, but we’re all men here, don’t involve other people.”
Hearing this, Master Jia laughed loosely. “Has your girlfriend recovered?”
The corner of He Ran’s mouth twitched slightly, and the forced amiable expression froze on his face at that moment.
He stood up, his hand slamming hard on the table. Leaning forward, he said word by word, “Touch her again, and I’ll fight you to the death.”
Master Jia was touched by the ruthlessness in his eyes.
He Ran stared at him. “Who hasn’t been a desperate man? You try me. I have nothing to lose, and I’ll drag you down with me even if I die.”
But Master Jia suddenly laughed. “What are you pretending for? Now you want to walk the righteous path, but are your hands clean? You want to walk out of here with a clear conscience? Fine, I’ll give you a chance.”
With a call, a subordinate walked over with a military knife.
Master Jia gave a look, and the man threw the knife in front of He Ran.
“Even if my son wasn’t killed by you, but I let you take him back then, and he ended up like that, you can’t shirk your responsibility.” Master Jia’s tone was calm, as if talking about something ordinary. “A-Ran, I can’t get over this hurdle unless you give me an explanation.”
He Ran’s gaze fixed, waiting.
“Either, come back to my side and continue being my brother, I won’t treat you badly. Or, cut off two of your ten fingers, and from then on, we’re even. You choose.”
After saying that, Master Jia raised his hand and lit a cigarette. The moment the smoke rose, everyone in the private room was on full alert.
He Ran stared at the sharp short knife, his emotions hidden.
This brief stalemate and contemplation extremely tested a person’s will. Just when Master Jia felt victory was in sight and was about to regain this capable subordinate—
He Ran: “So many people are witnesses. In this world, we value trust and righteousness.”
He slowly raised his head, his gaze pressing towards the other man. “Master Jia, please keep your word.”
He Ran picked up the knife on the table, almost without hesitation.
He gripped the handle tightly, opened his left hand, and raised the blade into the air. The urge to taste blood was stirring.
Everyone’s hearts were in their throats, but at this moment, the closed door was suddenly opened, interrupting everything.
Master Jia was annoyed and furious. “Damn it! Who’s the blind fool?!”
The person who came in was in his fifties, wearing a black Zhongshan suit, looking very leisurely. Master Jia, after seeing him clearly, quickly stood up. “Yo, Director Yuan.”
Director Yuan glanced at the people inside and ignored Master Jia’s eager greeting.
He walked up to He Ran, reaching out to take the short knife from He Ran’s hand, while saying to Master Jia, “Old Jia, don’t go too far. There are some things you can dominate, but some people, you also have to see clearly. Times have changed, and you should move with the times.”
Director Yuan’s words had a deeper meaning, hinting without being explicit, but the discerning could understand very well.
Master Jia hurriedly responded, “Yes, yes, yes.”
“And you, young man, don’t be impulsive.” Director Yuan looked at He Ran with a smile, his tone becoming normal. “Old Jian and I were just discussing things here. He saw you when you came in.”
He Ran realized it was Jian Xi’s father.
Director Yuan led He Ran out of the private room. An ignorant younger subordinate asked Master Jia, “Why did you let him go?”
“Let him go my ass!” Master Jia was furious. “Do you know who was next to him?! The top guy in the Municipal Public Security Bureau! He’s about to be promoted to the Provincial Public Security Department!”
He Ran followed the man out. Just as he was about to thank him, Director Yuan patted him on the shoulder. “I’ve heard too many grand words. You young man can skip that. Come to Old Jian’s office for tea when you have time. This kind of tea house is flashy but not substantial, come less often.”
After saying that, without giving He Ran a chance to speak, he walked down the stairs with a smile and got into the waiting car.
Both cars had red-letter license plates. He Ran watched them drive away. Some people’s words didn’t need to be too clear; his appearance was an indestructible guarantee.
He Ran understood that the rash decision he made when his life took a downturn, and those tangled grudges and contradictions, might just be wiped clean from now on.
He was a decisive person. That afternoon, he went to Jian Yanqing’s office.
The Municipal Party Committee Building was renovated and rebuilt in 2014, located in the new economic zone, a quiet place amidst the bustle, with a square and dignified exterior.
Jian Yanqing had already made arrangements, so when He Ran registered his ID at the security office, the person in charge came out. “Mr. He, please follow me.”
The elevator went straight to the twenty-fifth floor. The neat and uniform offices inside were simple and elegant. The largest one belonged to Jian Yanqing.
He Ran took a deep breath and walked in. Jian Yanqing was facing away, pouring tea.
Without turning his head, he said, “Xiao He’s here? Sit down.” Then he turned around and handed him a cup. “This is Mao Feng tea, I don’t know if you’re used to drinking it.”
He Ran quickly stepped forward and took it with both hands. “Thank you, Mayor Jian.”
This was in the Municipal Party Committee, and He Ran was sensible and well-mannered, using very proper address terms.
Jian Yanqing nodded. “It’s just the two of us, no need to be so formal. Just call me Uncle.”
He Ran: “Uncle, you helped me this morning, I troubled you.”
Jian Yanqing held his teacup, blowing away the steam. “For Xiao Xi, no matter how much trouble, it’s what parents should do.”
He Ran’s voice was calm. “Uncle, I like Jian Xi very much. I will give her a good life, I will work hard.”
Jian Yanqing was amiable, putting the lid on his cup. “Jian Xi’s mother is a very thoughtful woman. If there’s anything inappropriate, Xiao He, don’t take it to heart. As for Xiao Xi’s choice, I respect her.”
He Ran was moved. “Uncle, I wouldn’t dare to take it to heart. Auntie’s considerations are thorough.”
Jian Yanqing rarely showed a smile. “Don’t be nervous either, just treat it as a casual chat. I like to hear young people’s thoughts.”
The fragrance of tea and books filled the entire office. The old and the young sat opposite each other, talking freely.
But the harmonious scene didn’t last long. A call came from the Jian family.
Jian Yanqing answered, and after a few sentences, his brow furrowed deeply.
“What? You went to steal the household registration book?”
———
That’s right, Tao Xinglai kept his promise and really went to steal the household registration book.
Unfortunately, his skills didn’t live up to his expectations, and Tao Xihong caught him red-handed.
Originally, Tao Xihong was going to the hospital for a routine medical check-up. After going out, she remembered she had forgotten her ID card, so she returned. As soon as she went upstairs, she saw Tao Xinglai rummaging through the cabinets in the bedroom.
The nature of the problem was a bit serious. Tao Xihong flew into a rage and picked up the feather duster to beat him.
Tao Xinglai was covered in feathers from the beating and cried as he called Jian Yanqing and Jian Xi one after another to complain.
Jian Xi was immediately annoyed. “Did she really hit you? How many times?”
Tao Xinglai cried in the wind, “The duster even broke.”
Only then did Jian Xi feel relieved. “That’s good.”
Ignoring the protests on the phone, Jian Xi hung up lightly.
She took a deep breath. This troublemaker...
The hospital where Tao Xihong was getting her check-up was the same one they usually went to. Jian Xi got up, went to the medical examination center, preparing to smooth things over for Tao Xinglai and say some good words.
As soon as she entered the lobby, she saw the trembling old lady in line at a glance.
Jian Xi recognized her and quickly went to greet her. “Grandma? What are you doing here?”
He Ran’s grandma held the payment slip, looking pleasantly surprised. “Oh, Xiao Xi.”
Jian Xi was quite nervous. “Grandma, are you feeling unwell? Here, give me the slip, I’ll pay for you. There are too many people here, come with me. I know the doctors, I’ll go say hello to them for you.”
Grandma said no need. “Everyone is queuing, don’t make things difficult for your work. I’m fine, just that my blood pressure is a bit high, I came to get it checked.”
Jian Xi insisted, supporting her. “You’re old, you have priority.”
Grandma was puzzled. “What priority?”
Jian Xi was embarrassed to answer, thinking in her heart, “Family priority.”
She looked up and saw Tao Xihong had also arrived and was entering the lobby.
“Mom.” Jian Xi waved at her.
Tao Xihong took off her sunglasses. Just as she was about to speak, her gaze froze, staring at the old woman beside Jian Xi in almost disbelief.
Jian Xi was wondering, why was her mother staring at He Ran’s grandma so intently?
Tao Xihong’s expression slowly changed from surprise to ecstatic joy. She walked over quickly and called out:
“Teacher Li!”
Google Sites
Report abuse