If she couldn’t find someone who attracts both her soul and body, she’d rather stay single.
Of course, that’s what she told Jiang Cheng, who also expressed his understanding.
As for Grandma Shen, Shen Yue didn’t mention it.
Time passed, and Zhaung Zhuang entered middle school.
In his first year of middle school, Zhaung Zhuang grew twenty centimeters taller.
He moved from the front row to the back row in class, his height surpassing 1.85 meters.
Every time Jiang Cheng took Zhaung Zhuang out, he felt like he was bringing along a bodyguard.
In middle school, Zhaung Zhuang’s grades changed dramatically as well.
From being at the bottom of the class, he steadily rose to the top three.
In the high school entrance exam, he achieved the top score and got into Qing University, choosing microbiology.
Jiang Cheng and Shen Que were indescribably proud.
In Zhaung Zhuang’s second year of high school, Grandma Shen suddenly caught a cold, which developed into pneumonia.
By then, Grandma Shen was already 93 years old.
Everyone came back.
Shen Xing brought along the twins he has with Xing Er, and Shen Yue was already reduced to tears.
Zhaung Zhuang was also given leave by Jiang Cheng; everyone was at the hospital with Grandma Shen.
In earlier years, Grandma Shen’s health had already been somewhat frail, and she had been hospitalized once, nearly passing away that time.
Now it was happening again, and no one thought Grandma Shen would pull through.
Xing Er did her utmost to help Grandma Shen recuperate, but the aging of the body is not something anyone can stop.
That day, Grandma Shen was in good spirits; everyone appeared happy on the surface but felt heavy inside.
"Don’t wear mournful faces; my life has been worth living."
"The first half of my life was full of hardship, but with you all in the second half, I have not suffered at all and even gained new perspectives."
"Don’t cry; this is a joyful departure."
"Pack up today; we’re going home."
Grandma Shen wanted a dignified departure, and Jiang Cheng and the others didn’t want to upset her in her final moments.
The family packed their things and went home.
At home, Grandma Shen brought out several boxes, giving each person a share.
"These are my savings, small portions for you, a token to remember me by."
"The larger portion goes to Jiang Cheng...Aunt promised it was yours, and it’s all yours."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Cheng couldn’t hold back his tears any longer, embracing Grandma Shen as he cried.
"Aunt— I don’t want you to go!"
"When you go, who will I gossip with?"
Jiang Cheng’s cry made everyone else unable to hold back their tears.
Grandma Shen’s eyes glistened with tears as she held Jiang Cheng’s head.
"I had almost forgotten about that; if you hear any good gossip, remember to tell me, alright?"
"Don’t cry; to die peacefully without pain or disasters is a blessing."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng forced back his tears and nodded.
"Okay, I’ll tell you everything! Whatever I hear, I’ll tell you."
"Good, very good!"
Grandma Shen stood up and said to everyone, "I’ll cook for you, and we’ll have a meal together."
Grandma Shen insisted on cooking, and everyone accompanied her to help.
As they helped, they were simultaneously criticized by Grandma Shen, reminiscent of the days when they lived in the courtyard house in S City, where she used to criticize them in the same manner.
The meal was prepared in this atmosphere, and everyone sat down to eat together.
Grandma Shen ate very little, continually watching everyone eat, her face full of smiles.
That night, Grandma Shen went to sleep as usual.
Xing Er and Jiang Cheng kept vigil beside her.
At six the next morning, Grandma Shen passed away in her sleep.
Xing Er withdrew her hand from checking Grandma Shen’s pulse.
"Aunt left peacefully, without suffering."
Jiang Cheng held Grandma Shen’s still warm hand, crying and smiling, "That’s good, that’s good."
Grandma Shen’s funeral was simple, attended only by family and friends.
After cremation, Grandma Shen’s ashes were placed in the courtyard house.
Jiang Cheng would sit there with a book every day, chatting with Grandma Shen.
Days went by like this; Zhaung Zhuang entered university and went abroad for further studies after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.
When he returned from abroad, he joined a research institute, officially becoming part of the national team.
At forty-five, Jiang Cheng and Shen Que started withdrawing from the company, preparing for early retirement.
After handing over the company to professional managers, Jiang Cheng and Shen Que began their retirement life.
In the spacious courtyard house, only the two of them were left.
It was somewhat quiet.
Jiang Cheng and Shen Que simply decided to keep pets – two dogs and a cat.
They also planted some vegetables and flowers in the yard; every day was spent caring for the pets, watering flowers, and tending to plants, fully embracing what seemed like the innate farming instincts of Hua Xia people.
Moreover, they began traveling everywhere.
They’d go out for a while to play and then come back to rest.
Under the ginkgo tree in the courtyard, there were two rocking chairs, one on each side, with a little wine being sipped, and their greying heads together.
In leisure, they’d watch the sunset together, and at mealtime, one would ask if the porridge was warm with a smile.
Amid prosperity outside, they cherished their warmth at home.
The two accompanied and protected each other.
The relaxed and loving retirement life lasted until Zhaung Zhuang got married.
At fifty-six, they welcomed a grandson.
Two of them!
Twin boys.
Zhaung Zhuang had a whirlwind marriage; both he and his spouse were researchers and busy.
The task of raising the children fell on Jiang Cheng and Shen Que.
From then on, the spacious courtyard house bustled with activity every day due to the little ones.
The family pets finally experienced the "challenge" of their lives because of the children.
The two little ones grew gradually; the elder was cool and quiet, while the younger was sweet-talking, able to praise even a stone.
Yet, both shared a common affection for their grandparents.
Although they loved their parents as well, their parents were often absent.
Fortunately, Jiang Cheng and Shen Que did not spoil them; they raised the little ones well.
As the two little ones grew, Jiang Cheng and Shen Que became elderly with white hair.
When the two turned eighteen, Jiang Cheng was seventy-six, and Shen Que was seventy-nine.
The two were in good health and could still eat two bowls of rice each.
The cool elder inherited Jiang Group and Shen Group, while the younger chose to venture into new technology, researching daily.
No matter how busy they were, they made sure to come home at least once a week, to dine, chat, and take a walk with Jiang Cheng and Shen Que.
In their later years, the similarly aged Shen Xing and Xing Er moved back to the courtyard to live with Jiang Cheng and Shen Que.
At this point in old age, age seemed much more leveled out.
The four would play mahjong occasionally; there was one for gardening, one for vegetable planting, one for fish keeping, and one for dog walking.
Each had their hobbies, ensuring the days were not monotonous.
As for Shen Yue, she became a model in her later years, even appearing on foreign magazine covers.
She had passionate relationships, married, and had a daughter.
But eventually, the relationship turned estranged, and she left, taking her daughter with her.
Shen Yue, who was soft with little personality as a child, turned out to be the most unconventional as she aged.
She often said her eccentricity was supported by Jiang Cheng’s courage.
Thus, she also imparted plenty of courage to her daughter.
As the seasons changed and time flowed like a river.
Another New Year arrived in the blink of an eye.
The now gray-haired Zhaung Zhuang and his spouse, who were once the little ones, returned with their wives.
Shen Yue also returned from abroad with her daughter, and everyone gathered together.
"Dad — You sit here."
"Uncle, eat this; it’s soft."
"Juice is here!"
Amidst the bustling noise, there was immense joy in the hall.
Jiang Cheng and Shen Que sat at the main seat, watching the four generations united; they instinctively exchanged a glance.
Shen Que held Jiang Cheng’s hand.
"Thankfully, I have you."
"Luckily, I met you."
The two shared a silent smile.
Fortunate to have known you, no regrets in this life.
The End.