Chapter 01 Encounter Again

At the end of the day, Sister Liu asked, "Ningxia, how was today?" Ningxia put a string of jewelry into a transparent small bag and replied, "It was okay."

Grandmother will never know that her daughter, her own mother—Shen Huiyi—will never return again

"Grandma Sun, if you are unwilling to accept this small amount of money, I will have no choice but to hire a caregiver or nurse from outside."

Su Jiani rubbed her forehead with one hand, repeatedly exclaiming, "It hurts, it hurts!" while clinging to her mother's neck, acting spoiled and saying, "Mom, when I was little, you always said I was your little treasure, that you gave birth to me with love. But now, I find that you care less and less for me...

With beads of sweat on his forehead, Shen Ningxia swiftly plated the stir-fried dishes and carried them from the narrow kitchen to the small living room: "Grandma, it's time to eat!"

The old ceiling fan above the living room clattered, bringing waves of hot air. However, Shen Ningxia felt as if she were immersed in cold ice water, shivering with chills.

Shen Ningxia smiled and said: "I hope that one day I can fulfill Auntie's good wishes"

Only then did Grandma obediently close her eyes: "Alright, I will sleep obediently. Huiyi will not be angry when she returns."

She enthusiastically wrapped the colorful beaded bracelets around the girl's wrist in circles, exactly six strands, neither more nor less. The girl's complexion was already very fair, and with the strawberry quartz accentuating it, her skin appeared even more snow-white and radiant. The girl was quite fond of it and, after trying it on, refused to take it off: "Boss, how much is it?"

Shen Ningxia placed her large bag on the footboard, then she stepped on it and started the "Little Donkey." After passing through intersections illuminated by the glow of streetlights, she arrived at the most famous night market in Qidao, the Shili Night Market.

Su Jiani's parents have always treated Shen Ningxia very well, especially Su's mother. After learning about Shen Ningxia's family situation, she has shown even more affection and care for her, having suggested more than once: "Ningxia, let Auntie sponsor your university education. You know, Auntie’s family doesn’t lack this little bit of money."

Finally, with determination: "Shen Ningxia, if you do not come, I will not celebrate my birthday this year. You know, I am a person who keeps my word."

Xia Xia, Grandma will always take care of you. Grandma will forever cherish you, my dear...

After bargaining, the girl finally made the deal for one hundred eighty yuan. The other two girls also each took one back with them

This string of rose quartz is also beautiful

On the second day, Shen Ningxia opened her eyes at six o'clock as usual. Her grandmother was sleeping soundly on her side. She quietly lifted the mosquito net and got out of bed, as was her custom, first heading to the kitchen to wash the rice and cook porridge, and then to wash up and tidy the place.

Father Su smiled affectionately, showing no signs of concealing his satisfaction with having a daughter: "In the eyes of your parents, you will always be a child." Seeing her engaged in a lively conversation with Ningxia, he reminded her again, "Nini, Ningxia, don’t just focus on talking; the food will get cold. Hurry and eat, or it will become greasy."

Shen Ningxia closed her eyes for a moment, then raised her head again, only to see a faint reflection of a figure on the window glass. She was momentarily taken aback, then lowered her head once more and gently sliced the fish fillet.

How long has it been? Shen Ningxia herself is somewhat unclear. It has probably been about 10 years!

There are no vegetable buns today. I have made fish porridge

In a moment, three girls who appeared to be students gathered around: "Wow, this string of beads looks beautiful. The combination of blue and yellow beads is so bright and refreshing. It's perfect for wearing in summer."

When her mother was alive, she would visit her grandmother's house every weekend. On those two mornings, her grandmother would always hold her hand and leisurely walk down the stairs to the vegetable market. Passing by the pancake and fried dough stick shop at the street corner, her grandmother would always stop to buy her a fried dough stick, watching her eat it with a smile.

Grandma, it is good for you this way. You no longer remember those painful things from the past

Su Jiani, unaware of the circumstances, was extremely indignant: "Shen Ningxia, you are already thin, yet you still want to walk for exercise to lose weight. Tell me, what exactly do you want to become?" Ningxia always smiled faintly, leaving her speechless: "I want to become a flash of lightning!"

They are living well now, each of them looking quite respectable

Su Jiani raised her hand to perform a military salute: "At your command, Dad." She turned her head to make a face at Shen Ningxia, muttering in complaint, "In my dad's eyes, I will always be three and a half years old."

How is your online store doing

Grandma let out a sound and slowly turned over: "Alright, I will sleep once Huiyi returns." Shen Ningxia softly coaxed her: "Huiyi will be back soon. If you take a nap, you will be able to see her when you wake up. If she comes back and sees that you haven't slept yet, she will be upset."

Alright. Then I will dress you

The cleaning is done, and Grandma has not made a sound; she has taken out the large box for making jewelry again

Su Jiani's birthday was celebrated at their family restaurant. Shen Ningxia had designed a set of aquamarine jewelry for her in advance, consisting of a necklace and a bracelet. Paired with Su Jiani's exquisite white lace dress, it appeared particularly fresh and elegant

Two hundred yuan

Shen Ningxia took a deep breath, forcing back the moisture that threatened to well up in her eyes. She softened her voice: "Then shall we eat first, alright? We can eat while waiting for her to come back, shall we?"

Shen Ningxia helplessly said, "Alright, then I will go to the street corner to buy you some vegetable buns." Only then did Grandma clap her hands in delight, "Great. We have buns to eat! We have buns to eat!"

She gently touched Shen Ningxia's soft hair and earnestly advised her: "Ningxia, one must do what one is supposed to do at the right time in order to achieve a truly fulfilling and successful life"

Shen Ningxia once said to Su's mother: "Auntie, I have heard that some people are favored by heaven from the moment they are born, living a life free of worries and troubles. I think Jiani is one of them." Upon hearing this, Su's mother, filled with emotion, took her hand and gently patted it a few times, saying: "Good child, you will be like that too"

Su Jiani's birthday is approaching, and I have already made plans with her: "Ningxia, I only celebrate my birthday once a year. This year, it will just be my dad, my mom, and you having a meal together. You must come."

Mom, I am already 23 years old, I am an adult now, and my ability to cope has also strengthened. Why don't you just tell me the truth, am I not adopted by you?

Hearing her speak this way, Su's mother felt reassured enough to express her thoughts: "Ningxia, the conditions at the nursing homes nowadays are quite good. Have you considered sending Grandma there? It would make things much easier for you. If it's a matter of finances, don't worry, Auntie is willing to help."

Shen Ningxia hesitated for a long time before finally speaking softly: "Grandma, do you know who I saw today? I saw that bad woman..."

Shen Ningxia had originally extended her hands to assist her, but upon hearing those words, she was taken aback, halting all her movements

Mother Su was both angry and amused, so she teased her: "Yes, yes. You are the one I picked up. Right from the trash can across the street from our house... When I found you, you were all stinky, and it took your father and me three days to clean you up..."

It was only after she set up a stall at the night market, opened a store on Taobao, and earned money from the jewelry she designed that her life became relatively better. Now, apart from her studies, Shen Ningxia wants to earn as much money as possible so that she can take good care of her grandmother in the future. One must seize the opportunity to become famous early. Saving money is the same; it must also be done early

Grandma Sun truly cared for her and felt genuine compassion for her. Shen Ningxia understood and nodded, saying: "Thank you, Grandma Sun"

Shen Ningxia has been sensible since childhood, diligent in her studies, and consistently ranked among the top in her high school grades. She achieved excellent results in the college entrance examination and was admitted to a key university. Not wanting to leave her grandmother, she chose to enroll in the jewelry design program at Qidao University, which was nearby. Her grandmother had no objections to this and simply smiled at her, saying: "As long as you like it. If one can engage in a job they love and make a living from it, that is the greatest fortune in life."

Shen Ningxia gently wiped the crumbs from the corner of her grandmother's mouth and smiled softly, "Grandma, how does the food I cooked today taste?" The grandmother, like a child, fiddled with the chopsticks in front of her and took a long time to slowly nod her head, saying, "Delicious. This sweet and sour spare ribs are very tasty."

On that day, the lights of the Shen family did not go out until 3 a.m.

It's okay. How many transactions can be completed in a week? Anyway, there are no costs for the store, so I just casually take some pictures and put them up

Qidao is a seaside resort city that enjoys a spring-like climate year-round. Traditionally, it was during the winter months that people from the north would come to vacation and escape the cold. However, in recent years, due to the rapid economic development of the country and the booming tourism among students during the summer vacation, the summer season in Qidao has also transformed into a peak period. The night market along the coastal road is bustling with crowds, filled with tourists.

Grandmother's voice is soft and gentle, filled with kindness and affection: "Grandmother does not wish for you to achieve success or glory in the future. Those are external matters, all ephemeral. Grandmother simply hopes that you will live a life that is smooth, healthy, and happy. Oh, my dear, I hope that after you start working, you can find a good boyfriend who treats you well, engage in a relationship with the intention of marriage, and then marry and have children... live a simple and ordinary life. If it could be like that, Grandmother would feel it is enough. Oh, my dear, I hope that after you start working, you can find a good boyfriend who treats you well, engage in a relationship with the intention of marriage, and then marry and have children... live a simple and ordinary life. If it could be like that, Grandmother would feel it is enough..."

Shen Ningxia held a knife and fork, staring blankly at the golden-brown cod fillet in front of her, which emanated an enticing aroma, as if unsure of how to begin.

Everyone burst into laughter. Su Jiani rubbed her nose and made a funny face, saying, "Wuwuwu, Mom is the worst!"

Unit 203, Building 3 of Osmanthus Community, is a typical household. At this moment, the small space, stuffy and hot, is filled with the enticing aroma of delicious food.

"Ningxia, what is wrong with you?" Su Jiani opened her five fingers and waved them a few times in front of her. She initially intended to tease her, but was astonished to find that even in this state, Shen Ningxia did not notice her.

Shen Ningxia and her grandmother relied on her grandmother's retirement pension of over 2,000 yuan for their livelihood. Although some medical expenses were reimbursed by health insurance after her grandmother fell ill, certain medications had to be imported, which were extremely expensive. Consequently, Shen Ningxia began her working career, starting as a McDonald's crew member, then a waitress in a coffee shop, followed by a sales representative in a shopping mall, opening a Taobao store, and even setting up a stall at the night market to sell her own designed jewelry

Shen Ningxia rubbed her sore neck, moved the materials box from the corner of the small living room, and sat down at the small dining table to begin her bead stringing work. Rose quartz, strawberry quartz, amethyst, and agate sold well today, and the stock was running low, so she had to prepare some more

Su Jiani gently touched her shoulder: "Hey, Ningxia, what are you thinking about so intently?"

"Is this what you designed?" one of the girls asked with a tone of skepticism

Su Jiani's face was neither flushed nor out of breath: "Isn't there a nanny? Otherwise, why invite her to the house?" Su's mother was infuriated, "Do you think you have a point?" Saying this, she gave her a sharp knock on the forehead.

It is a stifling and unbearable summer evening, with weather akin to that of a steamer. The Osmanthus Community in the old district of Qidao City, like all old urban areas, is characterized by dilapidated and crowded houses, with a cacophony of voices throughout the day.

Years have passed, and I think we have all forgotten each other's faces. Is this what they call fate? I never thought we would meet again

I just took a close look at that person named Du Weian, and he is even more handsome than the stars on television and in magazines... Clearly, he could rely solely on his looks, yet he is also so capable... This Du Weian, it seems he must have saved the galaxy in his past life..." Su Jiani's voice floated around my ears like smoke, rising and falling.

The sound seemed to come from beyond several mountains, faintly echoing. Shen Ningxia regained her senses, and that group of people was approaching step by step, leaving no room for her to avoid them.

Ningxia gently touched her grandmother's arm, which had no flesh at all, just a loose, soft layer of skin over the bones. She slowly rubbed her face against it, feeling her grandmother's body warmth

Su Jiani pretended to cry heartbreakingly: "I knew I was picked up... Wuwu... Wuwu... You don't care about me at all..." Su's mother pinched her ear: "If I had known, I wouldn't have picked you up. I might as well have let you stink to death in the trash can."

This time at the restaurant was no exception. Su Jianni pulled her out of the private room: "Ningxia, do you know how much we all dislike Lin Xiner from our class? Yesterday she..."

Su Jiani: "I wholeheartedly support this. Ningxia has become my sister-in-law, so I will never have to part with her again"

Mother Su said, "I understand," then stood up and said to Father Su, "A friend has arrived, I will go greet them." She then smiled and instructed her daughter, "Jiani, please take good care of Ningxia."

It is unclear how much time has passed, but Shen Ningxia has regained her senses. The room remains very quiet, with only the ceiling fan continuing to whirl above, making a clanging sound.

Grandmother lay down and murmured again, "Why hasn't Huiyi returned yet?"

Upon hearing this, Granny Sun let out a long sigh from inside the door

Summer, childhood hardships, the wind blows by. Everything will pass. Everything will pass.

Grandma Sun smiled affectionately at Shen Ningxia, her eyes reflecting an unmistakable love: "Ningxia, drive slowly and be careful on the road"

Tears slowly slid down Shen Ningxia's eyes: "But I, I will never forget it for the rest of my life."

The place is already brightly lit, with each stall illuminating with bright lights to attract customers, making the night market street appear as if it were daytime. The vendors have set up their stalls early, and those fortunate enough have already begun trading

After finishing the meal, Shen Ningxia filled a wooden tub with water for her grandmother to take a bath, helped her wash clean, changed her into pajamas, and assisted her to bed: "Grandma, take it slow. Be careful not to bump your head."

This woman, nurtured by wealth and prosperity over the years, has remarkably shown little change in her appearance. Her well-tailored clothing and exquisite jewelry exude an air of nobility and distinction in every gesture and movement.

In today's society, as long as one has some money, by dressing up and presenting oneself in public, even a prostitute can resemble a noblewoman

Leaving her grandmother's room, Ningxia collapsed onto the old sofa in the living room. In such hot weather, her clothes had become damp and then dry, only to become damp again, likely to the point where they could be wrung out for salt crystals.

Su's mother was particularly fond of it and exclaimed, "Ningxia, it seems you have the talent for this profession. Although I don't understand much, I do recognize that design and aesthetics rely on innate ability! They cannot be forced!" Su Jiani, feeling jealous, interjected, "Mom, I also have talent, okay?"

Many times, Shen Ningxia felt that her grandmother was living in great pain. However, occasionally, Ningxia thought that it might not be a bad thing that her grandmother no longer remembered anything or knew anything.

At that moment, not far down the corridor, someone was being led in by a waiter. Shen Ningxia had originally been smiling and about to offer some words of comfort, but as soon as her gaze met that of the beautiful woman and the young man approaching her, she instantly froze. In that instant, it was as if she had been pushed off a towering cliff, with only the sound of the howling wind left in her ears, her entire being completely in a state of weightlessness

Shen Ningxia replied with a smile, "Yes, I am majoring in jewelry design at school." The girl responded with an "oh," her expression clearly showing some skepticism.

Soda Green "Meeting Again"

Shen Ningxia once came across a passage online, which roughly conveyed that every girl has a best friend with whom she must go to the restroom together. Su Jiani was such a best friend to her; every time they went to the restroom, they had to stick together. Su's mother often remarked: "Even biological sisters are not as close as you two."

In a moment, the main dishes ordered by the four people were served, and Su Jiani had ordered steak. As usual, Su's father moved her bone china white plate away. Su Jiani pouted playfully, "Dad, I can do it myself, I'm not a little kid anymore!" After cutting the steak into small pieces, Su's father placed it back in front of his daughter, saying, "Go ahead and eat."

Bite by bite, Shen Ningxia, as usual, carefully finished feeding her grandmother before she began to eat her own meal in a hurry

During high school, my grandmother's memory began to decline, and she often mislaid things. When I asked her what was wrong, she merely brushed it off, saying, "As one gets older, memory fades; that's just how it is." Shen Ningxia noticed that her grandmother continued to prepare meals for her daily and took care of her daily needs, so she did not pay much attention to it.

It was as if a clear blue sky had suddenly been struck by a thunderstorm, hitting Shen Ningxia with a force that shattered her very soul. She had never imagined that her grandmother, who had worked so hard all her life, would fall ill with such a disease. At that time, she had just started university, focused solely on completing her four years of study as quickly as possible, so that she could start working and earning money, allowing her grandmother to enjoy a comfortable life.

Why is this world so unfair? Good people do not live long, while bad people can live arrogantly and comfortably

She took Ningxia's hand and earnestly advised, "Ningxia, Grandma Sun only agreed to your proposal because she couldn't persuade you otherwise. You are such a stubborn child. Good child, you need to change this temper of yours; being too rigid can lead to breakage! Do you understand?"

Wow, look at this string. Each bead is a different color, and they look so unique together. Boss, are these really red agate and turquoise?

Shen Ningxia: "Thank you, Grandma Sun." Grandma Sun waved her hand: "What are you talking about? I am being paid for this."

Shen Ningxia lowered her eyes and scooped a spoonful of soup: "This is kelp soup, give it a try. Is it fresh?" Grandma took the spoonful of soup that Ningxia had handed over and drank it down after blowing on it to cool it, then said the words "delicious".

Where can one calculate what salary? After my grandmother's illness was diagnosed, as the doctor had said, her condition indeed worsened. Ningxia was worried that she would be in danger alone at home, so she asked Grandma Sun, who lived in the same community, to help take care of her. However, such assistance was acceptable once or twice, but after that, Ningxia felt embarrassed. Therefore, she suggested giving Grandma Sun some compensation, but as soon as she mentioned it, Grandma Sun chased her out the door. However, such assistance was acceptable once or twice, but after that, Ningxia felt embarrassed. Therefore, she suggested giving Grandma Sun some compensation, but as soon as she mentioned it, Grandma Sun chased her out the door.

The room contains only a small window, and it is now evening. The light filters through the emerald green gauze curtain, growing increasingly dim.

It is unclear how long she had rested, but only then did Ningxia have the strength to get up and quietly enter the bathroom to take a shower. She also washed the clothes of herself and her grandmother, taking them to the small balcony to dry. By the time everything was taken care of, the clock showed that it was already past one in the morning

Su Jiani forked a piece of steak for her, saying, "Try some of mine." Then, as usual, she forked some cod, put it in her mouth, and while blowing on it to cool it down, exclaimed that it was delicious

Shen Ningxia remained silent. The cost of the night market is fixed every month; even if you do not set up a stall for a day, you still have to pay that amount. ... Recently, it just happens to be the peak season ... ... Su Jiani has been classmates with her for several years, so she naturally noticed the hesitation in Shen Ningxia's expression. She couldn't help but pout, putting on a pitiful little look: "Ningxia, you are my best friend. If you don't come, my birthday will be no fun at all ... ... "

Shen Ningxia bowed repeatedly and said: "Thank you, Grandma Sun. I am always troubling you."

Shen Ningxia shook her head: "Auntie, perhaps it seems to you that I am taking care of my grandmother. But in fact, it is my grandmother who is accompanying me." Upon hearing this, Su's mother was taken aback for a moment, her eyes moist as she took her hand and patted it: "Good child. Your grandmother is a fortunate person." After that, the topic was never mentioned again.

A few simple incandescent lamps illuminate the jewelry, refracting a brilliant and sparkling light, making the various pieces of jewelry appear even more exquisite and beautiful

Shen Ningxia nodded: "Yes, all of these are designed by me, and I have hand-strung each bead one by one. The beads here are all genuine gemstones. However, since they are made from leftover materials, the beads are relatively small and the colors are quite varied. Look at this strand of strawberry quartz; I designed it to have a gradient color effect, paired with a 925 lotus silver clasp, not dyed plastic, so it will never change color no matter how long you wear it. You can try it on; our wrists as girls tend to be slender, and sometimes smaller bead strands look better than larger ones."

Grandma then nodded and said, "Alright."

Before me, it seems another dimension of time and space has appeared, within which there is a family of three. A young couple is clapping their hands, singing the birthday song for their daughter. The birthday candles flicker and dance, reminiscent of the crescent-shaped eyes of the child when she smiles. That distant and ethereal happiness, whenever recalled, evokes a sense of a dream from a past life

Shen Ningxia had no time to think carefully, hurriedly responded, and quickly rushed into the bedroom: "Grandma..." Grandma had a thin layer of fine sweat on her forehead, staring blankly at her, as if she did not recognize her at all: "Where is Huiyi, where is our Huiyi..."

The path from the box door to the restroom was like the undulating waves of the sea, and Shen Ningxia walked with uneven steps, not even knowing how she managed to get there

Shen Ningxia had no time to grieve. She swiftly tidied up the dishes and utensils, then picked up the small shoulder bag and the large bag from the corner of the living room, preparing to head out. At that moment, an elderly woman pushed the door open, and Ningxia looked up and called out: "Grandma Sun..."

Grandmother can no longer distinguish between sweet and sour ribs and sweet and sour tenderloin; she refers to all foods with a sweet and sour flavor as "sweet and sour ribs"

Shen Ningxia: "Yes. I need to string more bracelets these days. I'm really worried that I won't have enough time!"

Shen Ningxia had no choice but to stand outside the iron gate, murmuring her heartfelt words: "Grandma Sun, I know you have been neighbors with my grandmother for many years, and I also know that you care for us. I understand that you are upset after hearing what I said. However, Grandma Sun, the doctor said my grandmother's condition will only worsen. How can I ask you to help take care of her every day? Given my grandmother's situation, if no one is there to look after her, what if something happens... But, Grandma Sun, the doctor said my grandmother's condition will only worsen. How can I ask you to help take care of her every day? Given my grandmother's situation, if no one is there to look after her, what if something happens... then I would truly hate myself."

Shen Ningxia smiled: "Sister Liu, you seem to be in such a good mood. Did you open a few accounts tonight?" Sister Liu beamed with joy: "I just sold three printed long skirts."

Under such a combination of soft and hard tactics, where is there a place for Shen Ningxia to refuse

Shen Ningxia always shook her head: "Thank you, Auntie. I currently have a part-time job, and my tuition and living expenses are completely fine." Every time Su's mother heard this, she would sigh: "Alas, my child, you are truly working too hard."

Su's mother often used Shen Ningxia as a role model, earnestly advising her daughter: "Nini, look at Ningxia, and then look at yourself. You travel several times a year, spending money on clothes and cosmetics as if it were flowing water. When you have no classes, you sleep until the sun shines on your backside every day. You won't do any chores at home... Aren't you ashamed?"

At this moment, Su Jiani grasped her arm and exclaimed softly, "Ah! Ningxia, look, isn't this the wife of the city's richest man, Fang Liming, Du Fanghua, and one of the heirs of the Fang family, Du Weian..."

It was already past eleven o'clock at night when I returned home. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the cool and quiet atmosphere inside the room. Shen Ningxia gently lifted the mosquito net; Grandma was already fast asleep, her two thin arms exposed outside resembling two bamboo poles, easily breakable with a slight bend.

Mother Su shook her head and sighed: "Nini, look how ladylike Ningxia is. As for you, you still act like a child; why can't you grow up?" Shen Ningxia smiled silently. If it were possible, she wished that Su Jiani could remain this innocent and lovely forever, never having to grow up.

The stall next to Ningxia belongs to her long-time neighbor, Sister Liu. At this moment, she is shaking a stack of money in her hand, counting it one bill at a time while greeting Ningxia: "Ningxia, you are here."

Shen Ningxia's body trembled violently, and she looked at her as if she had been electrocuted, her face displaying a kind of gritted-teeth pain. Yet, in just a few seconds, Shen Ningxia had already regained her usual faint smile: "Jiani, what is it?"

Su's mother once hesitated and suggested: "Ningxia, there is something that I am unsure whether I should say or not. If I say something wrong, please do not blame me for being talkative. It is simply because I truly care for you and feel for you." Shen Ningxia smiled and replied: "Auntie, it's alright. Please feel free to say whatever is on your mind."

No, I want to get up. I am hungry

Shen Ningxia deftly unfolded the simple folding table and said, "I hope I can sell more today, just like you." Upon hearing this, Sister Liu burst into laughter and replied, "Ningxia, you really know how to make us feel small. In this ten-mile night market, if you were to acknowledge a second place in business, no one would dare to claim the first."

If there are no customers, Shen Ningxia sits beside her stall making handicrafts, stringing bracelets and necklaces. When customers arrive, she stands up with a smile and greets them: "Come take a look, these are all designed and handcrafted by me. Each piece is a unique special custom item"

Mr. Su is a sincere and honest man, happily watching them from the side, occasionally serving them tea and drinks. Since Mr. and Mrs. Su are present, the restaurant manager personally came to their private room to provide service. At one point, the manager said to Mrs. Su, "Mrs. Zeng has brought her daughter and is dining in the adjacent private room."

Sister Liu: "The school has just started its vacation. The peak season of summer is about to begin"

Grandmother's fingers were warm, gently brushing against her skin like a mother's tender kiss. Shen Ningxia felt her eyelids growing heavier, and eventually, she truly fell asleep

Su Jiani pretended to cry dramatically. Su's mother laughed heartily.

Later, when her mother was no longer there, she thought of her mother every day and cried every day. When she became tired from crying, she would lie on the bed and doze off. Her grandmother, thinking she had fallen asleep, touched her face and choked back tears, saying: "Huiyi, Huiyi, why are you so foolish? Xiaxia is still so young, how could you bear to leave her and just go like this..."

Mother Su pinched her nose and smiled indulgently: "Yes, you are the most talented. The most talented at being spoiled!"

Although she said so, Shen Ningxia was well aware that she could never be as pure and happy as Su Jiani in her lifetime. The crystal ball that belonged to her was shattered on the ground when she was ten years old.

Grandmother sat on the sofa, holding a small cushion, persistently tugging at the lace, as if she had not heard a thing. Shen Ningxia approached her and gently called out: "Grandmother, it's time to eat. I made your favorite sweet and sour pork."

Grandmother's hands have always been so warm and soft in her mind, bringing a sense of comfort to others

Su Jiani found herself talking dry-mouthed for a long time, yet Shen Ningxia did not respond with a single word. She turned her head and saw Shen Ningxia standing dazed in front of the sink, seemingly lost in thought.

My grandmother, who has suffered from dementia for several years, suddenly remembered this person, this name

Shen Ningxia: "This set of jewelry is called Eternal Guardian Star. A life protected by a guardian star is bound to be fulfilling and happy." Su Jiani was deeply moved and tightly held her hand: "Ningxia, we will be good friends for a lifetime, protecting each other for a lifetime. Is that alright?"

Su Jiani thought she must be seeing things, how could the always smiling Ningxia have such a fierce expression? She smiled and said, "I said I would pack two portions of dessert for Grandma to take home. I remember last time I brought Grandma the rose fairy milk jelly, she liked it very much and even said it was tofu..."

Sister Liu laughed and said, "How could I possibly compare to you all?" As she spoke, Shen Ningxia skillfully took out a folded piece of black velvet from her large bag, shook it open with a swift motion, and laid it on the folding table. She then displayed various types of jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, on the black velvet.

Su Jiani always said, "Mom, since you like Ningxia so much, why not let Ningxia be my sister-in-law?" Su Jiani has an older brother who stayed in the United States after graduating. The family has always wanted him to return to manage the Su family's catering business, but he is not interested. Su's mother smiled and said, "If Ningxia agrees, I will make grand arrangements tomorrow. A girl as wonderful as Ningxia is truly hard to find these days."

Shen Ningxia wiped her sweat and gently replied, "Huiyi has gone out and will be back shortly. Grandma, why don't you sleep a little longer..."

Shen Ningxia bowed to her once more before saying goodbye and leaving downstairs. Granny Sun looked at the slender figure disappearing around the corner of the staircase with deep sympathy, letting out a long sigh: "Alas, this child truly makes one feel heartbroken"

The year when my grandmother was diagnosed with her illness was a time of great financial strain. During that period, she attended classes at school and only ate the steamed buns she brought from home for lunch. With only two yuan for bus fare each day, it was insufficient for transfers, so she mostly walked part of the way. Her close friend, Su Jiani, found it quite strange and often asked about it, to which Ningxia always replied that she was walking to exercise.

Shen Ningxia nodded and smiled: "Alright, we will protect each other for a lifetime"

I want to eat vegetable buns today

Shen Ningxia had something on her mind, but she did not make any excuses and simply said: "Alright. Thank you." At this moment, all she wanted was to go home, to see her grandmother as soon as possible.

Shen Ningxia was momentarily taken aback again. However, she quickly regained her composure, lowered her eyelids, and adjusted the thin blanket for her. "Huiyi will be back soon," she said. She lowered the mosquito net, turned on the only air conditioner in the room, and instructed, "Grandma, you must be good. I'm going to the night market. You should sleep well, and I will be back shortly."

"Do not eat porridge, do not eat porridge. I want to eat vegetable buns, vegetable buns!" Grandma is completely like a spoiled child when she stubbornly throws a tantrum

Shen Ningxia enthusiastically greeted: "Why not try it on! It won't cost you anything to give it a shot"

On the small dining table placed against the wall, there was only an extremely simple dish and soup—sweet and sour pork tenderloin and kelp tofu soup. Shen Ningxia brought a spoonful of rice to her grandmother's lips: "Grandma, come, open your mouth. Ah!" Grandma obediently opened her mouth, swallowing a bite of rice along with a small piece of the sweet and sour pork, chewing slowly and carefully.

It was not until a later day that my grandmother got lost near our home, which made her realize that something was wrong. After taking her to the hospital for examination, the doctor diagnosed her with dementia and stated that her condition would only worsen in the future

The waiter in charge of seating was extremely respectful: "Mrs. Fang, Mr. Du, this way please"

The summer in Qidao is quite sultry, and Shen Ningxia feels as if she is a fish stranded on the beach, wanting to stick out her tongue just to catch a breath. Fortunately, after one evening, her business has been good, selling more than ten bracelets.

It is evident that the Du family has achieved success, and even their chickens and dogs have risen to prominence. Each of them is dressed in a manner that resembles a person of refinement, as if they truly hail from a wealthy and noble family

Mrs. Fang, a new socialite in this city, has become one of the distinguished ladies and upper-class individuals of Qidao! Shen Ningxia silently scoffed in her heart

Shen Ningxia turned her face away with a cold smile, unwilling to meet their gaze. However, she was still a step too late. Mrs. Fang and the man beside her clearly recognized her, momentarily stunned, and slowed their pace. It was like a slow-motion scene from a movie, with each subsequent second stretching out unbearably long as Shen Ningxia slowly brushed past them.

Grandma Sun: "Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about! Ever since you moved here, your grandmother and I have become as close as sisters. If I were to become like her now, your grandmother would treat me the same way. Hurry back quickly, finish up early, and don't tire yourself out too much"

On a sweltering summer night, the air was so stifling that not even a whisper of wind could be felt. Standing at the base of her building, Shen Ningxia held a bag of desserts in her hand and suddenly felt an inexplicable chill.

In such a scene of tender maternal love and gentle whispers, Shen Ningxia would always be lost in thought and envious every time she witnessed it

After a long while, Grandma Sun finally opened the door from inside and reluctantly replied: "Alright. I will agree to your request. But you must not hire any outside caregivers. Firstly, their fees are exorbitantly high, and secondly, they are not related to your grandmother. Having them take care of her would merely be a formality; they would not genuinely care for her well-being. I wouldn't even feel at ease with that."

During the winter and summer vacations in high school, the sensible her once had the thought of wanting to work part-time, but each time her grandmother would sternly stop her: "You are at an age for studying, so you must focus on your studies. There will be plenty of opportunities to work and earn money in the future. Do not get things backward. If you work part-time when you should be studying, when the time comes for you to truly work and earn money, you will find yourself regretting not having enough education or knowledge, and you will have to go back to study. Such a life, even if successful, will not lead to significant achievements."

Shen Ningxia lay quietly in her grandmother's arms, inhaling the unique and familiar scent of her grandmother, remaining silent.

She stood downstairs in silence for a long time before finally making her way upstairs. Upon returning home, her grandmother was already asleep. Grandma Sun had not yet left and, upon seeing Ningxia, said: "Your grandmother is doing quite well today; she even chatted with me for a while before sleeping and surprisingly remembered some things from the past." Noticing Ningxia's weary expression, she kindly advised, "You should wash up and rest early. Grandma Sun will also be leaving now"

Ningxia took a shower and pulled back the mosquito net before getting into bed. Grandma had already fallen asleep, and the entire room was extremely quiet, with only the sound of the air conditioner humming. Since there was only one air conditioner in the house, every summer, Shen Ningxia would sleep with Grandma. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to it

Shen Ningxia specially designed a set of sapphires for Su Jiani, complemented with pure silver beads and stars. Once completed, she felt satisfied and decided to try it on. At that moment, she suddenly heard her grandmother exclaiming: "Huiyi ... Huiyi ..."

Grandmother looked up from a pile of toys, a faint smile appearing on her wrinkled and loose face: "Just wait a little longer, our Huiyi hasn't returned yet."