A little over ten minutes later, Li Dehai arrived in a sampan boat that Li Haochen would never forget. The moment he saw it, tears welled up uncontrollably.
Li Dehai extended a hand and patted Li Haochen’s shoulder, exhaling deeply. “Child, it’s all in the past. You’re doing so well now, they’d be very happy if they knew.”
“Mm!”
Li Haochen stood there blankly for a while, then sighed, wiping away his tears. “Uncle, let’s go back.”
They transferred all the red sea bream from the live bait tank to the sampan, checked everything, picked up the two large suitcases, and locked the door before heading home.
“Haochen, you drive, okay?”
“Okay!”
The sampan was very well maintained by Li Dehai, looking as good as new, which showed how much care he put into it.
Gripping the outboard motor control lever, Li Haochen smoothly increased the throttle. The sampan slowly started to move, the throbbing sound of the diesel engine feeling incredibly familiar.
“Going home.”
At home, everything was as it used to be, tidied immaculately. There was just less hustle and bustle. Li Haochen put down his suitcases, picked up the broom and rags, and cleaned everything once more, even though there was no dust.
Just as he put down the rag, Murong Yanran called. “Are you home yet?”
“Just got here. Why is there static on your end?”
“Nothing, just packing some things. What time is your brother’s banquet?”
“It starts at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon and will probably go until past 8 in the evening. By the way, why did you pack so much cash in the boxes?”
“Uh… for your expenses, and the goods have arrived. Contact them when you have time. I have to go handle some things. Bye.” As soon as she hung up, Murong Yanran smiled and pulled her suitcase out into the yard. “Auntie Lian, we’re leaving!”
“Okay, let’s give the boy a surprise, hehe!”
Looking at his phone, which was already ringing, Li Haochen felt a sense of helplessness. After tidying up, he went over to Li Dehai’s place. Arriving there, he once again felt the genuine affection of family.
After dinner, Li Haochen and Li Dehai distributed all the gifts he had brought back, one for each family and person. They weren’t worth a fortune, but the sentiment was deeply appreciated. Everyone was very happy to receive them, especially the elders, who were as delighted as if their grandchildren had received candy.
After finishing this, Li Haochen went alone to his parents’ grave. He didn’t bring any offerings, as it was a joyous occasion tomorrow and it wouldn’t be appropriate.
Li Haochen squatted down, gently wiping the dust off the tombstone with his hand. He pulled out the weeds around the grave and then sat quietly beside it for two hours.
Standing up, he looked again at the black and white photos on the tombstone. “Mom and Dad, your child is going back now.”
Leaving the graveyard, Li Haochen called the express delivery company. Within half an hour of returning home, the package was delivered. As expected of SF Express, they were quite fast.
Murong Yanran had bought too many things, all household appliances, filling the main hall of Li Family Village to the brim. Li Haochen didn’t know how to arrange them all, so he eventually entrusted them to several respected elders of the village for distribution according to need.
Li Haochen’s great generosity not only earned him the praise of the village but also made people from villages miles around extremely envious, with everyone speculating if he had struck it rich.
“Haochen, are you deliberately trying to make me angry? What you spent earlier was already quite a lot, and now you’ve brought back all these appliances. Do you have too much money?” Li Dehai, upon hearing the news, grabbed Li Haochen and gave him a stern scolding.
“Uh… Uncle, you’ve misunderstood. I didn’t buy these.”
“What? Not you? Then who’s the idiot who has too much money and nowhere to spend it?”
“Ahem, that idiot is my girlfriend.”
“…You’re dating? Buying so many appliances, does your family have a lot of money?”
“Uncle, I know you have your concerns, but don’t worry. I’m not short of money now.”
Seeing Li Haochen say this, although still a little doubtful, Li Dehai didn’t say more. He trusted Li Haochen’s character.
With plenty of time before the family dinner that evening, Li Haochen decided to go into the city to finalize the gold jewelry he needed to give as gifts. Otherwise, preparing it tomorrow would be very inconvenient.
He put on the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watch Murong Yanran had given him and changed into a Prada casual outfit before heading to the bus stop.
Sitting on Bus Number 7, he looked at the familiar streets. In a few months, there had been many changes. Several thirty to forty-story high-rise buildings stood out conspicuously amidst the surrounding low-rise houses.
“This development is so fast. In another two years, this whole area will probably be skyscrapers.”
While marveling at the passage of time and the rapid development of the city, he had already arrived at his destination, Wanda Plaza.
Arriving here again, he was no longer filled with the same astonishment and surprise. Looking at the dazzling array of goods, he felt nothing, as the items here were now easily obtainable for him.
Before, he hadn’t dared to look too closely; now, he had no interest in looking. He headed straight for his destination, Zilin Jewelry.
Li Haochen’s arrival immediately piqued the interest of several sales assistants. Those in sales usually had a keen eye, and they likely recognized his attire.
Just as they were about to approach him, a stunningly beautiful woman walked out from inside and quickly called out to her, “Manager.”
The woman smiled and walked directly towards Li Haochen. “Handsome, would you do me the honor of having a meal together?”
Li Haochen was startled. He took a closer look and exclaimed in surprise, “Zilin?”
“Good thing I didn’t get it wrong, or you’d be dead. Let’s go, let’s sit somewhere outside.” Zhang Zilin didn’t wait for Li Haochen to speak and directly pulled him outside.
They went to the Bird’s Nest Cafe on the top floor and found a small private room.
Zhang Zilin’s bell-like eyes scanned him up and down like a scanner. “Tsk tsk tsk, not bad. Wearing Prada all over, looking quite dapper. It seems you’re quite profitable as a fishing influencer.”
Li Haochen’s face darkened. “Class monitor, can you please speak nicely?”
“Handsome, truly handsome, so handsome I want to pounce on you. Happy now?” Zhang Zilin rolled her eyes and pouted.
“Knock, knock, knock…”
“Miss, here is your coffee. Please enjoy…”
“Thank you!”
Zhang Zilin tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and stirred her coffee with a hint of melancholy. For a moment, they both fell silent.
Li Haochen took a sip of his coffee, put down the cup, and looked at Zhang Zilin. “Aren’t you studying in Modu? How come…”
“Mmm, something came up at home, so I’m back to help.”
“Your… studies – you’re not continuing?”
“Taking a leave of absence for a while. We’ll see about the future.”
Li Haochen pondered for a moment and then said, “Is there anything I can help with?”
“I…” She swallowed the words, sighed, and shook her head. “It’s fine, it will get better. Enough about me, how about you? How are you?”
“Me…? Pretty good, I can eat and sleep!”
They both deliberately avoided the previous topic and instead chatted about their recent lives and reminisced about funny or embarrassing moments from their school days.
“Memories are like yesterday!”