If Han Yi were just a regular kid, that would be fine, and not acknowledging him wouldnât matter. But he is so exceptional that itâs hard to let go and have him take someone elseâs surname.
Han Yi and Xiao Wan are unaware of what Mei Shuping is thinking. The couple left the courtyard gate and caught a tram heading to Tiananmen, arriving a little after eleven.
Around them, there were vendors selling candied haws, rice cakes, and crispy pastries. Lin Wan wanted to eat everything she saw.
Han Yi bought one of everything for her, his hands full of food. Lin Wan ate a bite of this and that, savoring each delicious morsel.
"Did we come to visit Tiananmen, or to just eat?"
"If it werenât for you, if we could get up earlier, perhaps we could have played inside for a while."
"Alright, alright, itâs my fault, Xiao Wan. Donât you think between these two things, being together is the most important? After all, time waits for no one; Tiananmen wonât run away and we have plenty of time later on. When Little Star grows up, Iâll bring you guys here again."
Lin Wan laughed and glanced at him. They didnât wait long before Mom and the others drove over.
Although they didnât go inside, taking a picture at Tiananmen was good enough to mark the visit.
The family took a group photo at the entrance of Tiananmen. Then Mei Lang Jun drove them to a nearby private restaurant, as the state-run ones were closed for holidays.
By the time they arrived, the small private restaurant was already packed. "Their business is really thriving," Lin Wan remarked.
"I say, why donât you and your mom move to Capital City? Look at this small shopâs business â if your large hot pot restaurant moved here, its business would surely be even better. Then I could see you both every day and help take care of Little Star. Wouldnât that be wonderful?" Liang Qian sincerely wished for Liang Hongmeiâs family to move there.
"Ai Yi is in S City; Brother is in the S City Government. Wherever they are, my mom and I are there. Our household registration is there, so weâve settled there for now. But... what Mom said makes sense; once we go back, Mom and I can consider opening a larger restaurant here in Capital City. Itâs feasible."
Liang Qian found Lin Wanâs rationale reasonable. Her husband and brother were over there, so moving wasnât something to be done lightly.
However, Liang Qian pondered about discussing with Old Mei about possibly transferring Xiao Yi and Ah Hui over here.
Mei Lang Jun knew Han Yi, and the two frequently went on missions together. Of course, Han Yiâs missions werenât the teamâs command; heâs merely a striker, usually following Mei Lang Jun, the team leader. They have great rapport.
Lin Yinghui had just touched the political scene, learning a lot after six months. Recently, going out with Mei Lang Jun, he met many friends in Capital City, contrasting his lively demeanor with when he first arrived.
While the four men were happy, they dared not drink. The meals there were quite good, and the family enjoyed them thoroughly. After a brief rest in the restaurant, Mei Shuqing took them to visit the Forbidden City.
The group included two sons, daughter, son-in-law, all handsome and outstanding, each standing out. Walking together attracted many glances.
The happiest were undoubtedly Mei Shuqing and his partner, suddenly gaining a pair of children, grinning widely all year. Watching the kids laughing and chatting, full of harmony, Mei Shuqing beamed with pride, "Wonderful, children all around, this is true happiness. Comparing to Old Lin, a solitary man, Iâm definitely much happier."
"Come on, heâs having a hard time; he just hasnât married all these years. If things were normal, maybe heâd also have plenty of kids now."
"Old Lin is unlucky. Previously, during the war, he was sharper than me. If he hadnât gone... got injured and returned, his current position wouldnât be lower than mine."
"Hey, isnât Old Lin considering finding someone else?" Liang Qian had met Lin Guozhi once; a man in mid-life, dignified and looked quite good, about Hongmeiâs age, seemingly quite suitable.
Though she thought this way, she dared not speak it out, worrying that the Lin Family might disapprove, especially since Hongmei had no family background and came with two children. Lin Guozhi, a bachelor with family and influence â men at forty are said to bloom, such a man could easily find a never-married young woman.
"I called him earlier this year; that guy is now in S City District. Heâs estimated not to return to Z City for the New Year, for fear of introductions at home. He still insists heâs married, so I scold him for being narrow-minded. Even if married, no news for years means sheâs likely remarried. Only a fool would wait for him all this time. Besides, whether he can remember is another matterâitâs a distant prospect. This is his downside: too stubborn."
"Itâs a pity," Liang Qian wasnât feeling sorry for Lin Guozhiâs forgetfulness but for Liang Hongmei. She thought someone as good as Hongmei deserved an excellent match. Finding someone suitable after such difficulty, but he wasnât interested; the problem is, Hongmei foolishly plans to live alone with her children without considering finding someone.
Sigh...
...
Far away in S City, Liang Hongmei was enjoying a hot pot meal with Min Qinggu at home. Little Star was sleeping soundly nearby.
Xiao Gu was an orphan, renting in a tubular building, and except visiting the orphanage kids during the New Year, he had little else to do.
Thus, Liang Hongmei invited Xiao Gu to spend the New Year with her. From yesterday to today, Min Qinggu dined at Liang Hongmeiâs home.
...
Lin Wan and the group spent the day outside, returning home so tired that her legs felt like lead, especially after being worn out by Han Yi for hours in the morning and nonstop strolling in the afternoon. Upon getting home, she didnât want to move, just collapsing onto the bed.
Liang Qian chose not to cook and had Mei Lang Jun buy several dishes back from a restaurant, while she simply prepared two kinds of soup at home. Since it was rare for everyone to be together, a hearty meal was in order.
Han Yi has a task tomorrow, so he couldnât drink much alcohol. Mei Shuqing and his sons, being military personnel, abstained from heavy drinking during holidays, having just a few sips.
While the men drank, they chatted over matters of mutual concern. Meanwhile, Lin Wan and Liang Qian sat aside, eating while watching TV.
The family talked and laughed until after eight, then washed up and went to bed.
"Where do you have duty tomorrow?"
"Not far."
Lin Wan knew he wouldnât say, so she didnât press further, cuddling him without wanting to let go. Han Yi, having had a little drink, was right beside her, the fragrance of alcohol stirring Lin Wanâs emotions. Having not seen his wife for half a year, Han Yi certainly wouldnât miss this rare chance. As Lin Wan snuggled closer, Han Yi suddenly sprang to his feet, rubbing against her legs over their clothes.
"Only two more days, two days and the task will end. Iâll take you around Capital City, then weâll head back to see Little Star."
"Mm. How long can you stay?"
"Till school starts. No tasks during regular days, Iâll come back to see you guys on holidays."
"Mm." Lin Wan, her hair down, was slightly flushed under Han Yiâs embrace.
"Wifey, youâre truly beautiful," he said, giving her nose a soft kiss before moving to her enticing lips.
For the young couple, tonight promised to be another sleepless night...
Han Yi got up just past six in the morning, and Lin Wan rose even earlier to prepare breakfast for everyone.
Lin Wan made dumplings for Han Yi, which he quickly ate before changing into his uniform and leaving straight away.
Today was the second day of the New Year, a time when families visit the wifeâs family, and Liang Qianâs family lived in Capital City. With her husband and son both on break, there was no missing it this year.
Today, only Lin Yinghui and Lin Wan were left at home. Shi Lan finally thoughtfully gave her a call.
"Considering itâs New Year, I worried about disturbing you. Are you free today? Letâs go for a stroll."
"What about your Ning Jiang?"
"Out on a mission, said heâd be back today, likely evening. Iâve been bored in the guesthouse, heard Dashilan is quite lively, letâs check it out."
"Mm, sounds good."
They set a meeting point and hung up, hurriedly dressing, grabbing her money, and stepping out eagerly.
Lin Yinghui, feeling unwell from yesterdayâs drinking, didnât join them.
...
"Have you been staying at the guesthouse lately? How did you eat for New Yearâs Eve?"
"Dining out at restaurants these days, Capital City also has private restaurants open for the holiday."
"Youâve been eating at restaurants every day?"