Knowing that her son is coming back, there seems to be endless energy.
Not only did she tidy up the adjoining room, but she also cleaned up the kitchen again, always thinking of making things neat and clean so that her son would feel comfortable staying.
Actually, Xinyan guessed that Granny Zhang didnât want her son to feel guilty and wanted Uncle Shanzi to know that sheâs been doing well all these years.
Xinyan saw it all with her eyes and felt the pain in her heart.
The suffering of these years is only known to Granny Zhang herself.
When Granny Zhang calmed down, Xinyan explained the situation to her in detail.
Just afraid that she would be overwhelmed by too much at once.
After listening, Granny Zhang asked, "So, this time your grandma and grandpa are coming back with Uncle Shanzi?"
Xinyan nodded and linked arms with Granny Zhang, "But at that time, we might trouble you again."
Granny Zhang, hearing this, chided, "What trouble are you talking about? When I was in Beijing, didnât you all treat me like family? Donât worry, Iâll look after them well. More people just add to the liveliness."
Not knowing what crossed her mind, Granny Zhang slapped her thigh, "Then tomorrow we must get some more quilts; the ones at home have been used for so many years, they really canât be used anymore."
Xinyan quickly reassured her, "Iâll personally go tomorrow, you just wait at home. In case they arrive, you can see Uncle Shanzi first thing."
Granny Zhang, upon hearing this, suddenly felt unsettled.
Xinyan quickly said, "Take deep breaths, we mustnât get too excited; itâs not good for your health."
Granny Zhang, knowing Xinyan was looking out for her, complied. Once she calmed down again, she said, "I really do want to see Uncle Shanzi. This way, I can give Grandpa Zhang an account of things even from the underground."
The two chatted for a long time; Granny Zhang spoke of many old stories, which made Xinyan respect her even more.
The next day, Xinyan got up early, finished her exercise in the yard, washed up, and Granny Zhang had already finished cooking.
As Xinyan helped serve the food, she said, "Granny Zhang, once we finish breakfast, Iâll go shopping. Is there anything else you would like to add?"
Granny Zhang raised her hand to reach for her waist, but Xinyan stopped her, "You know my situation well, no need for such formalities."
Granny Zhang knew that even if she persisted, the girl probably wouldnât accept, so she didnât press, "Alright, just do your best to make them comfortable."
Xinyan gave a slight nod, picked up a bun in front of her, and started eating, "Pickled cabbage filling, is this made from the new batch?"
Granny Zhang smiled and said, "Just a small batch for this craving; itâs not yet the season for pickling cabbage."
Xinyan said with a mock grievance, "With them coming back, you wonât be willing to leave with me, and there goes my pickled cabbage!"
Granny Zhang understood her teasing well, "Your cooking skills are no worse than mine, stop fooling around."
Xinyan pretended to be jealous, "So with Uncle Shanzi coming back, Iâve been pushed aside?"
Granny Zhang was amused by her expression, poking her forehead, "No one can replace your place in Grannyâs heart."
Originally intending to make Granny Zhang happy, upon hearing this, Xinyanâs eyes unexpectedly became moist, and their hands clasped together.
Thinking of past and present lives, Xinyan gently patted Granny Zhangâs hand, "I know."
Granny Zhang wanted to say more when they heard Grandma Suâs voice at the door, "Xinyan girl, I made some bread in the morning and brought some for you to try."
Xinyan looked at the bread Grandma Su brought, "Oh, youâve got several flavors here, havenât you?"
Grandma Su beamed, "Sugar is expensive, so I made only a few, the rest are with scallion and spicy sauce, they taste good; try them."
Xinyan stood up smiling, went to the kitchen and got a small basin, "Thank you so much; just looking makes me hungry."
Seeing Xinyan enjoyed them, Grandma Su said, "As long as you like them, Iâll make more for you next time."
Xinyan couldnât let her, "Trying them is enough; I canât let you spend like that."
Grandma Su laughed, "Theyâre not too fancy; if you enjoy them, it makes me happy."
Granny Zhang, not letting her leave empty-handed, gave her a bowl of pickled cabbage and meat buns, "I just steamed these in the morning, take some back for everyone to try."
After exchanging pleasantries in the courtyard, Grandma Su finally left with her bowl.
Having had breakfast, Xinyan went back inside to grab her backpack, "Granny Zhang, Iâm heading out now."
After a few reminders, Granny Zhang let her go.
Thinking that Uncle Shanzi and her grandparents would stay for a while once back, Xinyan decided to choose carefully while shopping. This time would be a chance to completely redo Granny Zhangâs room too.
Taking care of Granny Zhang was an obsession spanning two lifetimes.