Chapter Two, He Jin (02)

Tan Ruyi nodded slightly and gave Shen Zizhuo a brief glance, knowing in her heart that a man like him probably did not appreciate being called "Big Brother" by outsiders. Since childhood, due to her father's affairs, she had often gone to various families to apologize, which made her interactions with others always a bit more cautious, fearing that any lack of propriety would lead to dissatisfaction. She smiled and said: "Mr. Shen"

When Tan Ruyi returned, she felt like a defeated rooster, both angry and sad, yet unsure where to direct her frustration. Grandpa Tan was sitting on the steps at the door, rolling tobacco. Upon hearing Tan Ruyi's footsteps, he looked up for a moment, opened his mouth, and then lowered his head again

Tan Ruyi was suddenly choked by her tears. She picked up a stone and began to scribble aimlessly on the cement ground. After a moment, she came to her senses and realized that she had written a character on the ground. Instantly feeling flustered, she rubbed her eyes vigorously and quickly erased it with the stone.

Old Lady Shen smiled, patted Tan Ruyi's hand, and said, "You are a down-to-earth girl with a good character. Whoever marries you will truly be incredibly fortunate"

Thank you for your concern, my grandfather is recovering very well. He said he would come to pay you a New Year visit during the Spring Festival, and it is all thanks to your help

Tan Ruyi learned that Mr. Shen had suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage on the evening of the third day of the Lunar New Year after making a phone call, and he is still lying in the hospital. Grandfather Tan decided to visit the hospital. Tan Ruyi was concerned that her grandfather would be uncomfortable taking the bus, so she asked her younger brother, Tan Ji, to help arrange a small van. They set off for the city early the next morning

When Tan Ruyi and Grandpa Tan arrived, Mr. Shen had already been transferred to a general ward, and Shen Zizhuo stayed in the ward to provide care. During their third meeting, they were still not familiar with each other, and they merely nodded slightly to acknowledge one another.

The wedding preparations were quite rushed, everyone was busy, and Mr. Shen was still lying in bed, so everything was kept simple

This is the first kiss, she thought

Shen Zhixing smiled and said, "There is no need to obtain a certificate; we can simply hold a banquet to fulfill the old gentleman's obsession. To put it bluntly, this is something that will happen sooner or later for the old gentleman. As his juniors, we cannot fail to satisfy even his last wish."

The older generation tends to be somewhat superstitious, and Tan Ruyi found it neither strange nor did she take it to heart

Grandfather looked at her and asked, "Do you like him?"

Shen Zizhuo communicated in advance with the officiant, requesting that the ceremony be kept as simple as possible, minimizing any lengthy speeches. However, regarding the exchange of rings and the kiss, the officiant firmly refused to omit these elements: "Even joining a volunteer association requires an oath; you are getting married, and no matter how shy you are, you still need to express something, right? Otherwise, what is there for the guests who contributed to enjoy?"

The meager family savings had long been depleted when Grandpa Tan underwent heart surgery. Even if she sold herself, she could not raise the 200,000 yuan to repay the Shen family. Grandpa scolded at home for several days, and Tan Ruyi had to soothe his emotions to prevent him from becoming agitated and triggering another heart attack

At this time, it was already mealtime. Mr. Shen asked them to go eat first, but Grandpa Tan insisted on staying to talk with him. "Ruyi, you all go eat first and bring back some good food for Grandpa Shen."

Grandfather Tan's heart surgery went exceptionally well. Under her grandfather's instructions, Tan Ruyi brought several woven bags of local specialties as a token of gratitude to the Shen family. Mr. Shen has no daughters, and none of his three sons have daughters either. He has long been envious of other families' granddaughters who come to him to act cute. Now, seeing that Tan Ruyi is gentle, considerate, and attentive, he is even more fond of her. Upon hearing that Tan Ruyi will be teaching at a junior high school in the city starting this spring, he urged her to come and visit often. Mr. Shen has no daughters, and none of his three sons have daughters either. He has long been envious of other families' granddaughters who come to him to act cute. Now, seeing that Tan Ruyi is gentle, considerate, and attentive, he is even more fond of her. Upon hearing that Tan Ruyi will be teaching at a junior high school in the city starting this spring, he urged her to come and visit often

Mr. Shen's speech is not as fluent as it used to be, as if he has half a ping-pong ball in his mouth. He is currently receiving an intravenous infusion, and upon seeing Tan Ruyi arrive, he immediately extends his right hand from under the covers. Tan Ruyi hurriedly steps forward to shake his hand, greets him, and then gently places his hand back under the blanket, tucking the corner of the blanket in carefully

This gaze was laden with meaning, and Tan Ruyi discerned a hint of subtle sympathy within it. Her breath caught momentarily as she clenched her fingers and looked towards Grandpa Tan, "Grandpa, what is going on?"

By the time Tan Ruyi became aware, the matter was already settled.

The weather on the day of the wedding was indeed clear, with the rivers glistening after the snow and the sky high and cloudless. Tan Ruyi got up at 7:00 to do her makeup, and at 8:00, the groom's car arrived to pick her up. The secluded little town had never witnessed the sight of a Mercedes-Benz as the main wedding car, and for a moment, the entrance of the Tan family was filled with onlookers eager to see the spectacle

Although separated by a wall, the voices of the father and daughter arguing could be clearly heard from within. The previously silent Grandpa Tan stood up and said, "Nephew Shen, I truly apologize for making you witness this. This child Ruyi is not worthy of young Shen in terms of appearance and knowledge; you should find a more suitable match."

Madam Shen placed the ribs into the refrigerator, turned on the faucet to adjust the water temperature, and called over Tan Ruyi to wash her hands

Born precisely on the day of the summer solstice, at six o'clock in the morning

Shen Zizhuo picked up an apple from the plate, took a stainless steel fruit knife, and began to peel it deftly

Shen Zizhuo paused for a moment and said, "It's acceptable."

The waiter approached with two jewelry boxes, and Tan Ruyi hurriedly took them, retrieving the rings inside.

"Don't say that. If it weren't for Old Tan pulling me out from the pile of corpses back then, I would have been dead long ago. Such a small effort is hardly enough to repay a great kindness..." At this point, Mr. Shen suddenly paused, squinted in thought for a moment, then turned to look at Tan Ruyi and asked with a smile, "Ruyi, what is your zodiac sign?"

As he was speaking, Shen Zizhuo came out holding a plate of fruits and melon seeds. He placed the plate on the coffee table and sat back down on the sofa

Shen Zizhuo did not meet her first, but instead met Mr. Shen. Mr. Shen held her hand and, in a muddled voice, continuously expressed his gratitude, saying that from their first meeting, he could tell she was a kind-hearted good girl. He also mentioned that he had an excellent eye for people and that Shen Zizhuo and she were undoubtedly a match made in heaven. Mrs. Shen, standing by, wiped her tears and echoed Mr. Shen's words of thanks.

After that, the New Year arrives. By the time we finish visiting relatives at home, it is already the fifth day of the New Year. Grandpa Tan is eager to pay a New Year visit to the Shen family, so he urges Tan Ruyi to call the Shen family first to inquire about a convenient time.

Mr. Shen deeply agreed, "Indeed, I have four grandsons, and only one is still single and hasn't married yet..."

The moon still retained a perfectly round outline, and the moonlight streamed in through the window, blanketing the ground like white frost. The weeping voice of Mrs. Shen lingered in the air, and Shen Zizhuo gazed at the prominent veins on the thin back of Mr. Shen's hand, knowing that he could no longer remain silent. He silently nodded.

The host invited the parents to speak, and Shen Zhixing straightened his clothes and walked up. It was nothing more than some auspicious words about harmony and mutual respect. Before Tan Ruyi even noticed, he had already finished speaking

The moment Tan Ruyi took it, she suddenly felt Shen Zizhuo's gaze sweep across her face. She immediately felt a prickling sensation on her back, yet she did not dare to raise her head to confirm, only lowering it to take a bite of the apple

"Since you have come such a long way, I have nothing special to offer you," Mr. Shen insisted. Tan Ruyi could only awkwardly accept this, realizing that it was indeed an overreaction to push back and forth over an apple.

When Shen Zizhuo reached the door, he paused slightly, glancing at Tan Ruyi. Tan Ruyi turned her head away, her neck stiffened, exuding an air of stubbornness, resembling a cornered beast ready to fight to the death.

Mr. Shen said: "Grandma has something to attend to today, otherwise she would be in charge of delivering the meals"

Tan Ruyi managed to smile, "Grandfather, it's nothing, Shen Zizhuo is quite a good person."

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, Tan Ruyi came to the Shen family to deliver some local specialty goods. Coincidentally, the man who helped her open the door was also present that day. The room was warm, and he was wearing only a thin ash-gray cashmere sweater, with the sleeves slightly rolled up, sitting with his head bowed on the sofa, peeling oranges for Mr. Shen.

After waiting for about half an hour, a car finally arrived. Tan Ruyi immediately opened her umbrella and stepped forward, following the driver as he parked the car and entered the community gate. She found the floor where the Shen family lived according to the address, and when she reached out to press the doorbell, she realized that her hand was shaking violently, unsure whether it was due to the cold or her nervousness

Tan Ruyi was washing rice when she heard a noise. She walked to the window on the second floor and looked down, seeing Shen Zizhuo standing under the camphor tree below. She was momentarily taken aback. Shen Zizhuo was wearing a long black coat, which made him appear tall and slender. His face still bore a somewhat aloof expression, and his gaze was deep and indifferent, just as it had been the last few times she had seen him.

Tan Ruyi was taken aback and immediately pushed open the door, "Dad, what did you promise?"

Tan Ruyi was preparing for her employment matters, and only found time to try on the wedding dress just before the wedding banquet. She herself was not particularly interested, but since Mr. Shen insisted, she decided to comply with his wishes

Shen Zizhuo's gaze swiftly swept over, lingering on her face for a moment before slowly moving away

The man remained silent, quietly observing her while holding the doorknob.

Tan Ruyi still felt a sense of reluctance. After pondering for a few days, she decided to go into the city to find Shen Zizhuo, hoping to see if there was still room for maneuver.

After completing the will, Mr. Shen dismissed everyone else, leaving only Shen Zizhuo behind.

Mr. Shen looked at him for a while, noticing that his expression remained calm and indifferent, and unable to discern his emotions, he sighed and temporarily set aside what he intended to say

After just a few seconds, the door opened. Tan Ruyi instinctively clenched her fingers, and as she raised her eyes, she saw a poised and elegant man standing before her. Without having time to think further, she stepped forward and urgently said: "I am looking for Mr. Shen Liangping!"

The two began to speak from the time of the war, with Mr. Shen often struggling to articulate, while most of the time it was Grandpa Tan who took the lead in conversation. Both had walked through the gates of death, and as they reflected on their more than eighty years of life, they felt increasingly open-hearted, finding clarity in their days.

Mr. Shen observed that Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhuo were attending to him, one holding chopsticks and the other passing a bowl, in an orderly manner, as if they had a tacit understanding, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face

Grandpa Tan sat down with the support of his cane, "Old Shen, I have just recovered from my illness, and you have fallen ill again." He intended to make a light-hearted joke, but to his surprise, it carried a hint of sentimentality.

During the war in 1940, Grandpa Tan braved enemy artillery fire to rescue an injured fellow villager with the surname Shen from a pile of corpses and carried him back to the camp. After the war, the Tan and Shen families often kept in touch, but later, the Shen family moved to the city, and their contact gradually diminished

After Shen Zizhuo finished his drink, he handed it to Mr. Shen, but Mr. Shen pushed his hand aside, saying, "Give it to Ruyi, I won't drink it. Save room for delicious dumplings at noon."

Tan Ruyi crouched in the shadow before her grandfather, took his pipe, gently tapped it against her feet, stuffed the rolled tobacco leaves into it, and handed it back to him. Her grandfather took out a lighter, lit it, and took a deep puff.

The marriage between Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhuo must be discussed from the very beginning

Tan Weiguo's gaze shot over, and upon seeing the anger on Tan Ruyi's face, he couldn't help but turn cold. He threw down his chopsticks, crossed over the stool, and walked towards Tan Ruyi. Grabbing her ponytail, he yanked her out of the corridor and, lowering his voice, scolded, "What do you know! Do you think with your conditions, you can find something better? Being able to marry into a family like the Shen's is already a stroke of luck."

I currently have one remaining wish, which is to witness the day when Ruyi gets married

Grandpa Tan chuckled and said, "Back in the day, Comrade Shen used to say that if fate allowed, we should definitely become in-laws. Unfortunately, he had three sons, and I only have your father as my one child"

Grandfather sighed and remained silent for a while. The air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke, and after an unknown period, I suddenly heard Grandfather's hoarse voice say: "I fear you may be reaching too high and suffering for it"

Mr. Shen spoke for a while, becoming slightly out of breath.

Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhuo sat in the back seat, silent. In the front passenger seat, the bridesmaid from the wedding planning company hired by the Shen family attempted several times to liven up the atmosphere. However, seeing that the expressions of Tan and Shen did not resemble those of a couple about to get married, but rather like they were going to their execution, she muttered to herself and decided to let it be.

It is cold outside, and Tan Ruyi's face is slightly red from the chill. She placed the food she brought back on the cabinet and glanced at the saline bottle hanging by Mr. Shen. "It will be finished soon. Can you sit up to eat once the nurse removes the needle?"

After listening, Tan Ruyi placed the wine bottle on the cabinet and scanned the faces of the four people standing in front of her, ultimately resting her gaze on Tan Weiguo, "I do not agree."

Old Lady Shen was so happy that she couldn't close her mouth, "When I was young, I loved the Sichuan pepper oil from our hometown, it is both fragrant and numbing. Just a few drops in the noodles, and everyone at home loved it." Old Lady Shen gestured towards the living room, "Your Grandpa Shen is quite picky; over the past few decades in the city, he has never been satisfied with any meal."

Tan Ruyi felt her heart sink deeper, realizing there was no hope, and finally fell silent. After a few seconds of stillness, she took a step back and slightly bowed, whispering, "I apologize for the disturbance." She reached for the umbrella standing beside her and was about to turn and leave

Just as things were gradually calming down, Tan Weiguo encountered a problem. After drinking, he injured someone in a collision, and the victim's family demanded that he pay 120,000 yuan for a settlement, or else they would see him in court. Tan Weiguo, who both feared and resented power, dared not go to court, so he secretly went to the city to find Shen Zhixing without informing Tan Ruyi.

"Why don't you say this is for your own sake! What do you plan to do with 200,000 yuan? Are you going to gamble again? ... ..." Tears had already welled up in her eyes, and Tan Ruyi sniffed, managing to hold back her emotions.

There was no time for her to savor the moment; she had to compose herself and toast table by table. Shen poured for herself first, and she followed closely behind. Amidst the gradually increasing sounds of blessings from table to table, she began to develop a slight illusion, as if she were indeed hosting a splendid wedding; the person by her side was truly the husband with whom she would walk through the rest of her life.

Mr. Shen calculated for a while longer, gathered his fingers, and gently patted his thigh, saying, "Good, this fortune is favorable."

Tan Ruyi listened on, her heart in turmoil, feeling a wave of deep sorrow; her wedding had ultimately turned into a "spectacle".

Tan Ruyi was taken aback, while the man in front of her had already turned and entered. Tan Ruyi quickly patted the rainwater off her body and followed him.

Tan Ruyi lowered her head, looking at the gray and dusty road surface, her voice dropping, "I have only met him a few times"

Tan Weiguo immediately laughed and said: "Yes, yes, it is indeed as it should be, my father's illness relies entirely on your Shen family..."

Only Mr. Shen was thoroughly enjoying himself, as a joyous occasion was approaching, and his spirits were noticeably lifted. He took out a photo from the time he married Mrs. Shen to show Tan Ruyi. In the photo, the young couple both appeared vibrant and spirited; Mrs. Shen was dressed in a qipao, and the black-and-white image did not diminish her radiant beauty in the slightest. Mr. Shen then advised Tan Ruyi to definitely choose a red qipao.

Shen Zizhuo let out a soft "hm" and said nothing further

Those born in the Year of the Metal Horse

Mr. Shen was very surprised by Tan Ruyi's visit. After listening to Tan Ruyi explain the situation, he immediately called the boss to have him contact the best doctor at the hospital, and personally went to the town to bring Grandpa Tan to the city. Initially, Grandpa Tan was very angry at Tan Ruyi for taking matters into her own hands, but he quickly calmed down under Mr. Shen's persuasion. The two had not seen each other for decades, and once they started talking, they could go on for days and nights without finishing.

Last year, Tan Ruyi's grandfather suffered another heart attack. Although he narrowly escaped death, the surgery could no longer be delayed. Only the top-tier hospitals in the city dared to perform heart bypass surgery. Tan Ruyi was eager to find a reliable attending physician, but the barriers to the best hospitals in the city were exceedingly high. The Tan family had neither connections nor financial resources, making it impossible to secure an appointment with a prominent expert.

The cheers surged in waves, striking her eardrums, and Tan Ruyi found her mind blank. By the time she regained her senses, the ceremony had already concluded, and the sounds of clinking glasses and lively conversation filled the air.

Now, the groom may kiss the beautiful bride

Mr. Shen's smile gradually faded from his face, and he sighed, rubbing his stiff left hand, and said with difficulty: "Last night, I dreamed of the time when I was at war, with the sound of cannon fire every night. I never knew which day I would be shot dead by an American soldier in my sleep. Now that I am old, I am more afraid of death. But after being ill once, I have come to see everything with indifference. I thought carefully, and there is nothing particularly worth remembering, except for one thing: I once promised Old Tan that if fate allows, I would definitely become relatives with him... Now that I am old, I am more afraid of death. But after being ill once, I have come to see everything with indifference. I thought carefully, and there is nothing particularly worth remembering, except for one thing: I once promised Old Tan that if fate allows, I would definitely become relatives with him..."

However, shortly after the Lantern Festival, Mr. Shen fell ill again. This time it was more severe, resulting in hemiplegia, and it took him a considerable amount of effort to say a single sentence. Mr. Shen feared that he might not survive the next episode, so that evening he immediately summoned his lawyer and family to draft a will

Have you ever had a romantic partner?

After having dinner, Tan Ruyi served Mr. Shen half a banana and some warm water. The minivan was still waiting outside, so the two could not delay for too long. Mr. Shen did intend to keep them for the night, but Tan Ruyi thought that with an additional patient in the Shen family, they were already overwhelmed and staying would only add to their troubles

"She is... she is a good girl... your personality is too indifferent, with her complementing you, it is just right..." His murky eyes fixed on Shen Zizhuo, "I... I have never betrayed anyone in my life, there is just... just this one wish left unfulfilled, Zizhuo, at the very least... at the very least, you must fulfill it for me"

Come in

Tan Ruyi smiled and said, "Grandma Shen, if you like it, when I come to take up my position after the New Year, I will bring you a few bottles."

At mealtime, Tan Ruyi's father, Tan Weiguo, returned from the construction site. Tan Weiguo greeted him warmly and sent Tan Ruyi to buy a few bottles of good wine. When Tan Ruyi returned with the wine and was about to enter the door, he suddenly heard Tan Weiguo's voice from inside: "Two hundred thousand in betrothal gifts, that's the amount, I have agreed!"

"What Mr. or Miss, how very formal—just help yourself, go and get some fruit and sunflower seeds."

After much effort, the guests finally arrived. Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhu ascended the stairs, where the entire hall on the floor was filled to capacity. The Shen family has a wide circle of acquaintances, and even after several rounds of trimming the guest list, there were still more than forty tables.

The officiant spoke at length and then said: "Please have the groom and bride exchange rings"

Tan Ruyi served a small half bowl of soup, "The rice is a bit coarse, Grandpa Shen, you should still eat the food at home in the future"

Mr. Shen squinted his eyes again, muttering to himself, calculating with his fingers, and then asked: "On what date and at what time were you born?"

After washing her hands, Tan Ruyi went to the living room, where Mr. Shen invited her to sit down and introduced her, saying: "This is Shen Zizhuo, who is old enough for you to call him elder brother; Zizhuo, this is my old comrade's granddaughter, Tan Ruyi, whom you met last time."

Miss Tan

On the eve of the wedding, Mr. Shen presented her with two agate bracelets, stating that they were once worn by Mrs. Shen. The quality of the agate was exceptional, and it complemented the qipao beautifully. It was then that Tan Ruyi understood Mr. Shen's profound intention. Unable to decline, she ultimately accepted them.

The elderly man before her was nothing but skin and bones, and his once clear gaze had become murky and shadowed in just a few days. He looked at her with a mournful expression, resembling a child begging for candy. The words of refusal rolled around in her throat several times, but no matter what, she could not bring herself to utter them

Shen Zizhuo set up the dining table again and arranged the food he had brought back; Tan Ruyi carefully inspected the disposable chopsticks for any splinters before handing them to Mr. Shen.

Mr. Shen nodded busily: "Alright, just like that"

Mr. Shen invited Tan Ruyi to have lunch, and Tan Ruyi accepted the invitation, accompanying Mrs. Shen to the kitchen to check the New Year supplies. Half a bag of self-dried potatoes, a whole slab of premium pork ribs, two bottles of homemade chili sauce, a large jar of broad bean paste, and a small jar of Sichuan pepper oil.

Mr. Shen extended his still agile right hand and grasped Shen Zizhu's hand tightly, "Self... self-drinking, you know what I want to say..."

Tan Ruyi hurriedly waved her hand, "I won't eat, no need to trouble yourself."

Tan Ruyi was drawn to him by his gaze, observing his skilled movements as the fruit knife in his hand seemed to come alive, effortlessly peeling the apple skin in a continuous, even strip that hung down long.

As she saw no hope in seeking medical help, Tan Ruyi listened to her grandfather recount an old story.

Mr. Shen asked again, "What do you think of the Ruyi?"

As they were speaking, Shen Zizhuo pushed the door open and entered. Old Lady Shen hurriedly invited Shen Zizhuo to take Tan Ruyi out for a meal

Tan Ruyi remained silent for a long time before gritting her teeth and saying, "You are being foolishly filial."

Tan Ruyi's thoughts stirred as she fixed her gaze on her grandfather lying in the hospital bed, just about to speak, but her grandfather waved his hand and said, "I know what you want to say, but it's not possible. Ruyi, we are old comrades; when I saved him back in the day, I never sought any reward in return. During those years of famine, our family could only eat Guanyin soil, and I never once asked him for help."

The rainwater evaporated, and a layer of chill enveloped her. Tan Ruyi's shivering intensified as she spoke, her voice trembling by the end. The man before her, however, continued to gaze at her with indifference, showing no intention of stopping her or allowing her to enter. His eyes, deep as the ocean, were cold and sharp, as if they could see right through her.

Tan Ruyi hurriedly said, "Mr. Shen, you can eat by yourself."

Tan Ruyi's scalp was numb with pain, and she was trembling with anger, "It is none of your business who I marry."

That day it was raining heavily. Tan Ruyi returned from a school interview and borrowed an umbrella from a hotel. Due to the hurried nature of her departure, she had not brought any warm clothing, only wearing a formal coat over a thin purple knitted cardigan that she had on for the interview. When Tan Ruyi arrived outside the community, she was shivering from the cold. Unfortunately, she still had to swipe her access card to enter, and the security guard strictly adhered to his duties, showing no leniency. Tan Ruyi was unwilling to return just like that, so she took the umbrella and waited under the eaves of a shop outside the community.

The car quickly arrived at the reserved hotel, where Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhuo stood at the entrance to welcome guests. The spring chill was still biting; she wore only a fur cloak over her red qipao, shivering from the cold. After standing for a moment, she suddenly noticed that the hotel staff were all dressed in red qipaos as well. She felt even colder, and the smile on her face was merely a shell, ready to fall apart at any moment.

Tan Ruyi felt particularly uncomfortable, yet she could not help but lower her head to look at herself. She was completely soaked, and a small puddle of water had formed beneath her black high heels. The wet stockings clung to her skin, and her disheveled hair was dripping with water. This appearance was not only inappropriate, but also quite ungraceful. However, Tan Ruyi could not afford to dwell on it for long and hurriedly began to explain.

After the infusion, Shen Zizhu raised the hospital bed; Tan Ruyi placed a pillow behind Mr. Shen's back, carefully supporting him. Once the bed was stabilized, she asked: "Is this alright? Should it be a bit higher?"

Shen Zizhuo paused for a moment, slowly turned around, remained silent for several seconds, and then spoke in a deep voice, "I apologize"

The cheers surged like a tide, and at that moment, Tan Ruyi was completely flustered, not daring to raise her head, her heart pounding like a drum. Suddenly, a pair of hands gently pressed against her waist, and then Shen Zizhuo's breath slowly drew closer. Before she could react, a strange sensation pressed against her trembling lips.

Tan Ruyi gritted her teeth and said, "Dad, what do you take me for"

Tan Ruyi shook her head and smiled, saying, "I graduated from normal university and went to teach in a rural area right away, so I didn't have time to date"

Shen Zizhuo guessed what Mr. Shen was about to say, yet remained silent and was unwilling to take the initiative to pick up this topic himself

Tan Ruyi was aware of her grandfather's stubbornness, so she did not bring it up in front of him. However, she secretly inquired about it. After several twists and turns, she finally learned the address of the Shen family. Taking advantage of her trip to the city for a middle school interview, Tan Ruyi decided to pay a visit.

Mr. Shen is quite optimistic, "I am already eighty-two years old, having lived for so long, it wouldn't be a loss to go at any time. Moreover, isn't it true that I have been saved now?"

Now the apple has also become a thorn stuck in the throat

A few years ago, during the period of returning farmland to forest, his youngest son came back once and rested at our home. The youngest is a businessman, while his two older brothers are a doctor and a university teacher

This matter felt like a thorn embedded in Tan Ruyi's heart. She often recalled the gaze of Shen Zizhuo that carried a hint of sympathy on that day, which left her feeling stifled and a sense of helplessness akin to being unable to turn the tide.

That day, Grandpa Tan was sitting in front of the building playing chess with the neighbor. Suddenly, a Land Rover drove in from the street and came to a steady stop in front of his building. The car door opened, and Shen Zizhuo, along with his father Shen Zhixing, got out. Upon seeing the Shen family arrive, Grandpa Tan immediately dropped his chess pieces and smiled as he went forward to greet them, then called out to the second floor, asking Tan Ruyi to prepare a few more dishes.

Grandpa Tan smoked a cigarette and briefly recounted the sequence of events

Shen Zizhuo did not speak, and got up to walk straight towards the room. Tan Ruyi felt a bit uneasy, and Mr. Shen waved for her to sit beside him, smiling as he asked, "How is your grandfather?"

As she walked out of the hospital doors, the anger that Tan Ruyi had felt upon her arrival had dissipated significantly, gradually replaced by a profound sense of sorrow and detachment. She paused, and in a low voice said: "There is no need to eat, I must return home to take care of my grandfather"

Mr. Shen instructed: "Serve yourself, and peel an apple."

As Shen Zhixing and Shen Zizhuo just stepped out the door, Tan Weiguo's hand swung towards Tan Ruyi's face, "How did you end up being such a worthless burden!"

Shen Zhixing felt somewhat awkward, yet he still smiled, stood up, exchanged a few polite remarks, and took his leave with Shen Zizhu.

Several hundred people in the audience were intently focused, as if they were witnessing an execution. Tan Ruyi, holding the ring, was lost in thought, her finger being grasped by someone. She immediately came to her senses and saw Shen Zizhuo holding her finger, sliding the ring onto it. She promptly followed suit.

After Tan Ruyi left, Shen Zizhuo asked Mr. Shen whether he wanted to lower the bed. Mr. Shen shook his head, "Ruyi is truly a thoughtful girl. You have brought me meals for two days, yet you have never noticed whether the rice is coarse or not"

A few days later, Tan Ruyi met with the members of the Shen family once again

The difficulties from all sides seemed like a net closing in on her

"Bah!" Tan Weiguo spat, "You are just as ungrateful as your mother. I am doing this for your own good, so don't be so unappreciative!"

Tan Ruyi smiled, but her gaze dimmed—given her family's situation, any suitor would have to be wary of her background

Tan Ru thought for a moment and asked, "How is Mr. Shen doing these days?"

As they were speaking, Tan Ruyi and Shen Zizhuo returned