620. Departure
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Mother’s approach really perked up Grandfather quite a bit.
But it seems like he misunderstood something.
These past few days, he’s been pestering Lin Nan, asking her when Mother is going to marry her Class Teacher.
At this point, the only thing Grandfather is really worried about is Mother’s marriage situation.
Lin Nan knows it’s nowhere close to happening. Even though Mother mentioned that there might be a possibility next year, that’s only if they don’t run into any major issues during the dating phase. If they discover any completely unacceptable quirks midway and refuse to change, well, that would most likely put the kibosh on the whole thing.
After all, they’re not like Lin Nan and Chen Yao, who have known each other for years and can dive straight into marriage once they start dating.
Class Teacher’s gift of liquor has been hidden away by Grandmother, leaving Grandfather lacking in spirit during meals. He keeps staring at the empty glass, feeling like something’s missing in life.
Chewing on what’s allegedly low-purine boiled lean meat, his slightly aged teeth struggle with the tough stuff, leading to more toothpicks in use than usual.
Without the liquor, the food seems bland and boring, or maybe it’s because Grandmother didn’t add any salt to the boiled meat.
Lin Nan and Chen Yao sit across from him, whispering and giggling like a couple of conspirators. After a moment, Lin Nan looks up and says to Grandfather and Grandmother, “I’ll be leaving with Chen Yao this afternoon.”
Since Grandfather dropped his worry about Mother’s marriage, he’s been in a slightly better mood, or maybe it’s just that the grief over Great-Grandmother’s passing has faded with time.
Of course, Lin Nan thinks the main reason is that Grandfather has such a lovely and considerate granddaughter like her to look at every day; it’s bound to cheer him up!
The food here is something she can barely tolerate, there’s no computer for entertainment, and the small-town internet café is a smoke-free zone—which is just plain wrong. So, after a week, Lin Nan’s daily life consists of watching TV on her phone, playing with birds and cats, and chatting with Chen Yao.
“So early?” Grandfather pauses, chopsticks poised mid-air, then suddenly brings up Wu Jiaming’s situation. “Jiaming went to the county for work yesterday. I think he’s delivering takeout?”
“Yeah, when we chatted this morning, he mentioned he can make a few dozen bucks a day.”
Since it was Jiaming’s first day as a delivery person, he’s not exactly racking in the dough with his limited deliveries.
Lin Nan hesitates for a moment, then says, “I’ll find time to hang out with him.”
Chen Yao glances at his girlfriend, unsure whether she’s genuinely naïve or just pretending.
Grandfather shuts his mouth, glancing meaningfully at Grandmother, who’s busy eating her meal.
Not sure if it’s stubbornness or just a habit, but it’s rare to see Grandmother sitting at the dining table. She usually stands by, bowl in hand, making life a bit awkward for everyone, especially Chen Yao who’s been trying to maintain some semblance of intimacy with Lin Nan all week—quite the feat with Grandmother lurking nearby!
“Lin Nan, once you leave, there won’t be anyone around to chat with your Grandfather,” Grandmother says knowingly, picking up on the fact that Grandfather doesn’t want to look too needy.
“Is that so…” Lin Nan contemplates, looking at Chen Yao. “I noticed you and Grandfather seemed to get along pretty well these past couple of days; maybe Chen Yao should stay behind to keep him company? I have some stuff to do in the county.”
Before Chen Yao could even come up with an excuse, Grandfather’s eyes light up, and he nods enthusiastically, “That sounds great! Chen Yao staying is totally fine!”
With Lin Nan leaving, there’s one less person to monitor Grandfather’s drinking, and Chen Yao is a neutral party, so it’s not a huge concern.
Grandmother, however, sees right through Grandfather’s motives and slams her bowl down with a resounding bang, startling Grandfather into lowering his head. “But it’s not good for you two to be apart.”
Although he knows drinking is bad, Grandfather just can’t help but crave the tasty liquor, like telling a smoker that cigarettes are harmful—usually goes in one ear and out the other! He can only pretend to quit, maybe swear an oath or two while he’s at it.
Usually so domineering, Grandfather seems to be wonderfully subdued by his chubby, unassuming wife.
This scene is quite a rarity.
Grandmother usually has a gentle demeanor, and Lin Nan has rarely seen her with such a sour face; even less so has she seen Grandfather shrink back!
But there’s something warm and fuzzy about this whole situation.
After lunch, Lin Nan and Chen Yao head to the bedroom to pack their bags.
They don’t have much stuff—a suitcase is more than enough for their clothes and random bits, so packing goes smoothly.
Just as they’re halfway through, the bedroom door swings open.
Grandmother stands in the doorway, looking at Lin Nan, who’s crouching on the ground. “Come out for a minute.”
If the door isn’t locked, Grandmother usually barges in, which has kept Chen Yao on high alert this entire week, trying to keep things from getting too cozy with Lin Nan for fear of being caught in the act.
Lin Nan sets down the half-folded clothes, stands up, and reminds Chen Yao, “Make sure to fold the clothes neatly before putting them in; don’t just shove them all in!”
“Got it!”
Stepping out of the bedroom and gently closing the door behind her, Lin Nan heads to the third-floor hallway, then looks at Grandmother with a hint of curiosity.
Ever since Grandmother found out Lin Nan had turned into a girl, her attitude has been somewhat lukewarm.
Although, over time, Grandmother is starting to come around, she hasn’t quite returned to the same affectionate demeanor as before.
You see, when Lin Nan was still a boy, Grandmother would always boast about how handsome he was in front of her cousins, sneak him the most money when gifting, and spend time imparting wisdom on him—causing Jiaming to turn green with envy!
Now facing Grandmother again, Lin Nan finds herself feeling a little nervous.
Grandmother is a bit on the plump side, but that only adds to her charm and warmth. She looks Lin Nan up and down and, after a moment, notices Lin Nan shyly turning her head away, breaking into a smile.
Then, she pulls out a wad of cash from her pocket and thrusts it into Lin Nan’s hands, saying, “If you find the food at Chen Yao’s house unbearable, use this money to buy some things you like.”
“Huh?” Lin Nan stares at the money in confusion.
Getting money is totally normal, but this is a bit excessive, don’t you think?
Didn’t you have an issue with your grandson suddenly becoming a granddaughter not too long ago?
Panicking, she tries to return the money, but Grandmother continues, “You and your mother don’t really have a place in the county. If someone bullies you, use this money to rent an apartment; it shouldn’t be too expensive. Otherwise, just come back! We don’t mind having two more bowls at home.”
“I won’t be bullied!” Lin Nan grips the thick wad of cash, trying to stuff it back into Grandmother’s pocket.
Despite her chubby frame, Grandmother moves surprisingly fast, but Lin Nan’s reflexes are quicker, and as Grandmother retreats, she manages to thrust the cash back into her hands.
If it was a few dozen bucks, or even a couple hundred, Lin Nan wouldn’t have minded, but this wad has to be over a thousand!
As Lin Nan secretly revels in the effectiveness of her magic once more, she sees Grandmother’s expression darken. Suddenly, she lowers her head and mumbles, “Then I’ll take a little less?”
Grandmother’s face lights up anew, pulling a single bill from that wad and shoving it back into Lin Nan’s palm, before she merrily waddles down the stairs.
Lin Nan stands there, dumbfounded, scratching her head—today’s Grandmother seems a little too nice to her.
Even if Grandmother doesn’t lack money, she’s never been this generous before!
