vrcanaries Chapter 130 Recalling the past
Chapter 130 Recalling the past
Ye Wanqing's memory of the past that Zhao Jinyu mentioned was a little vague, but those past scenes were eventually covered by the dust of time, becoming hazy and distant.
"There are many things I can't remember clearly, but your mother was very beautiful. I remember this very clearly."
At that time, Ye Wanqing was still a little girl who knew nothing about the world. The bell for kindergarten always rang earlier than her parents' footsteps returning home.
Her parents, who were teachers, were busy teaching all day long, and the kind Grandma Wang became her warmest support during her childhood.
From the kindergarten gate to the warm dinner at night, to the happy time fighting with Grandpa Zhao for the remote control, Grandma Wang's home is always full of laughter and joy. Until night falls, her parents will come to pick her up and take her back to her own nest.
During that long summer vacation, her parents went far away for further studies, and Ye Wanqing became an indispensable part of Grandma Wang's family.
I remember that there was a gentle aunt who came to visit with a handsome young man. They were relatives of Grandma Wang.
My aunt has superb craftsmanship, especially in baking those mouth-watering cakes. To Ye Wanqing, those sweet pastries are like a fairyland in her dreams, because her mother always disciplines her strictly and limits her desire for sweets.
As for Zhao Jinyu, at that time, he was just a vague shadow in Ye Wanqing's memory bank.
Zhao Jinyu heard this and smiled understandingly, then naturally changed the subject: "Are you planning to rest here for a while, or settle down permanently?"
"Let everything be as fate dictates. Where your heart leads you is your destination."
The daily competition with Grandpa Zhao on the chessboard has become the most peaceful enjoyment in Ye Wanqing's heart. The leisurely and contented feeling is beyond words.
Zhao Jinyu heard this, and a hint of teasing flashed across his brows: "Could it be that you plan to set up camp here and become our permanent guest?"
"What's wrong with that? We have the warmth of home here, too."
Ye Wanqing winked playfully, and the fireworks in her hand seemed to feel her joy. She simply leaned her crutches gently against her side, freeing her other hand. Then, two fireworks danced in her hands, and sparks bloomed in the night sky like bright stars.
Zhao Jinyu smiled without saying a word, just quietly admiring the light in her hands, enjoying this rare tranquility and beauty.
"Of course, my grandparents often mention you and have a high opinion of you." He finally spoke, with a hint of sincerity in his tone.
“They are also the warmest presence in my heart.”
"By the way, how's the preparation for your new book going? I've been looking forward to it for a long time."
Ye Wanqing raised her head, her eyes piercing as she exchanged a smile with Zhao Jinyu: "You don't want to take my new book for yourself now, do you?"
Zhao Jinyu imitated her, a playful smile on her lips: "Why not? Good things are naturally better to be taken first."
Ye Wanqing couldn't help laughing at his amusement: "Of course, but I haven't finished the final touches yet."
"So, you agreed?"
She lowered her head, her gaze gently falling on the fireworks in her hand. The faint light seemed to tell their story: "We are old friends who have cooperated many times, right?"
"And, I believe, this won't be the last time."
Snowflakes were still floating lightly in the air, and a thick blanket of snow had already covered the rooftop.
The light of the fireworks gradually dimmed. Ye Wanqing looked at the silvery white world, and a faint sense of homesickness welled up in her heart: "It's been a long time since I built a snowman with my own hands."
"Want to relive the fun of your childhood?"
"Forget it, it's late, it's time to go home, Mr. Zhao."
Without the company of Grandma Wang and Grandpa Zhao, her way of addressing him returned to its original politeness and sense of distance.
Zhao Jinyu sighed softly: "Since our two families have a deep connection, it seems that there is nothing wrong with calling me Brother Zhao."
“Although it makes sense, it still feels a bit out of place.”
Zhao Jinyu glanced at his watch and said, "It's late. You should get some rest."
"Well, it's time to rest."
Zhao Jinyu stretched out his hand and motioned her to hand him the remains of the fireworks.
She obediently handed the relic in her hand to him, picked up her crutches again, and walked downstairs step by step.
Because of his leg injury, every step seemed extremely heavy.
Zhao Jinyu followed her silently. Her steps were very slow, and he adjusted his pace accordingly, keeping a synchronized rhythm with hers.
On normal days, Ye Wanqing could walk up the stairs in just a few seconds, but tonight, it took her a full ten minutes.
Finally, they each stood in front of their own door.
Ye Wanqing took out the key from her bag, gently inserted it into the lock, turned it, and the door opened. "I'm going back. Thank you for your company tonight, Mr. Zhao. Good night."
"Good night."
He waved gently and watched her go into the house. The coldness of the corridor seemed to penetrate the heavy door. Ye Wanqing pushed it open and stepped inside.
The house was quiet, and the tranquility of the afternoon made the air seem particularly fresh but with a hint of coolness.
Ye Wanqing turned on the light, which filled the entire room, but it seemed unable to dispel the faint sadness in her heart.
She changed into comfortable slippers, walked to the window, looked at the snowflakes falling outside, and an indescribable emotion surged in her heart.
She slowly walked into the living room, and a chill quietly invaded every inch of her skin, making her shiver.
The kettle on the coffee table had been cold for a long time. She was extremely thirsty. Her fingertips lightly touched the cold handle of the kettle, and she was penetrated by a cold current. She involuntarily retracted her finger and decided to endure the thirst for the time being.
The phone screen suddenly lit up, and Qin Zhuyu's message appeared before her eyes. The words revealed her concern for her, asking whether her leg injury had improved.
The message was sent at around four o'clock in the afternoon. Ye Wanqing was immersed in her own thoughts and had not noticed this concern from afar until this moment.
She smiled slightly, her fingertips dancing lightly on the screen, and replied briefly: "I am recovering slowly."
Then she clicked on Su Zimo's New Year's greeting message. The message was filled with blessings and thoughts. Her fingertips gently slid across the screen, and a warm current surged in her heart, but she didn't reply.
New Year greetings flooded her WeChat list, but she had no intention of responding to them one by one and just wanted to immerse herself in her own world.
Ye Wanqing reluctantly sat on the sofa for a moment. The biting cold made her unbearable, so she supported herself with a cane and walked back to the room step by step with difficulty.
She turned on the electric blanket, hoping that the warmth could dispel the chill.
The bathroom in this old house is simple and old, without a heater, and is freezing cold.
She turned on the shower and waited patiently for the water temperature to rise gradually. Only after she was sure that the water temperature was suitable did she step into the bathroom.
The pain in her left leg made this bath extremely difficult. She wiped her body carefully, and every movement seemed so difficult.
It took her more than forty minutes to finally finish her bath.
After taking a shower, she wrapped herself in a soft towel and took a cup of freshly boiled water, savoring the warmth. Then, she turned off the lights in the room and got into bed.
Perhaps it was the reunion with her old friend that brought back memories of the long-forgotten past. In her dream, she returned to her carefree childhood.
When my parents were still alive, every Spring Festival was so warm and wonderful. They would invite my grandmother to come and share the joy of the New Year's Eve dinner with neighbors like Grandma Wang and Grandpa Zhao.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, she always couldn't wait to wake up, holding a small red envelope filled with New Year's money, and happily wishing a happy new year to her parents, grandmother and Grandma Wang.
At that time, her biggest wish was to save enough money to buy a big house and house her whole family and dear neighbors.
Because of going to bed early the night before, Ye Wanqing woke up at around five o'clock the next morning.
The room was still cold. She was not used to keeping the electric blanket on all night, so she just enjoyed the warmth briefly before going to bed.
She reached for her phone, but the cold touch made her shudder again. Seeing that it was still early, she sighed softly, lamenting that she had woken up too early.
However, despite her efforts to fall asleep again, she could not fall asleep. So she curled up in bed, holding a novel in her hands, and immersed herself in the world of the book.
At around eight o'clock, Ye Wanqing could no longer lie down.
She mustered up her courage, endured the cold, and put on a thick sweater and a pair of loose jeans.
Just as she finished washing up, there was a knock on the door. She took a tissue and jumped to open the door.
"Good morning." Standing outside the door was Zhao Jinyu, who greeted her with a smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Zhao." Ye Wanqing responded with a smile.
Zhao Jinyu smiled helplessly: "My grandma asked me to invite you over for breakfast."
Ye Wanqing did not refuse. She was alone and her leg injury had not yet healed, so it was indeed difficult for her to prepare breakfast by herself.
"Okay, just wait a moment," she said as she left the door open, turned around and jumped back in.
Zhao Jinyu didn't step into the house, but just stood at the door and looked around quietly. The decoration style of this old house was simple and simple, and every detail revealed the traces of time.
While he was immersed in memories of the past, Ye Wanqing had already walked out with a cane.
She wore an extra scarf, which was a warm beige color, making her look gentle and charming.