Sun Jingcheng first had the designated driver detour to the clinic to pick up Ke Yu before returning to their residential complex. Sun Jingfei had already fallen into a drowsy sleep.
When they arrived at the complex, Sun Jingcheng carried her upstairs on his back, settled her in, gave instructions to Ke Yu, and went downstairs.
Ke Yu saw him down. Sun Jingcheng said, “No need to see me off.”
Ke Yu said nothing and silently followed behind him. Coming out of the complex and standing at the roadside hailing a car, Ke Yu asked him, “Uncle, what’s wrong with my mom?”
“She’s in a bad mood.” Sun Jingcheng looked at his nephew who was almost as tall as him and said, “It’s not about you. It’s because the money she lent out hasn’t been returned.” Then he patted his shoulder. “Go back and take good care of your mom.”
Ke Yu went back. Sun Jingcheng called Zhou Yu—nothing important, just asking if she was asleep yet.
Zhou Yu’s first sentence was, “You’ve been drinking?”
Sun Jingcheng sniffed himself and said to her, “You have a dog’s nose?”
Zhou Yu said, “When you drink, you get nasal.”
…
The two fell silent, with nothing much to chat about. Zhou Yu spoke first: “I’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon at four.”
“Okay, I’ll come pick you up.”
“No need, the school has a car coming to get us.”
“Then are you still teaching the day after tomorrow?”
“As usual.”
“Then I’ll take you the morning after tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
…
They’d run out of things to say again.
Zhou Yu spoke first again: “Not home yet?”
“I’m at the street corner hailing a car.”
“Who were you drinking with?”
“Second Brother and Elder Sister.” Sun Jingcheng said, “The three of us drank a bottle and a half of baijiu and a bottle of red. Those two mixed them, I only had two glasses of red.”
“Mixing them will make you feel awful.” Zhou Yu said.
Sun Jingcheng slowly squatted down and simply sat on the curb, chatting with her. “Second Sister-in-law is pregnant.”
“Pregnant again?”
“She says if it’s a girl she’ll have it, if it’s a boy she won’t.”
“She’s always said she wants a daughter.”
“Let’s have a daughter too, or a boy if we can’t.” Sun Jingcheng said.
“Okay.” Zhou Yu responded softly.
Sun Jingcheng felt inexplicably happy, laughed out loud, and praised himself for becoming more and more emotional and soft.
…
Zhou Yu asked, “Is the company all moved?”
“All moved. I’ll bring you to see it when I get back.”
“Good.” Zhou Yu said, “I bought you a housewarming gift. I’ll put it in your office later.”
Sun Jingcheng nodded without speaking.
After a long while, Zhou Yu asked, “Should we hang up?”
“Let’s chat a bit more.”
“But you’re not saying anything.”
“I want to hear you talk.”
“I don’t have anything more to say either.”
“Then read me a poem.”
Zhou Yu recited one for him. Sun Jingcheng listened contentedly and said, “Let’s hang up.”
“Good night.” Zhou Yu said.
“Good night.”
Sun Jingcheng caught a ride back to the new district. Zhou Yu came out from the fire escape and quietly returned to her hotel room. The colleague in the next bed looked at her drowsily. Zhou Yu soothed her, “Go to sleep.”
Sun Jingfei felt she hadn’t slept well all night. First she was woken by a phone call, then choked by a smell. She got up to open the window and discovered she had vomited last night—there was a cleaned stain mark on the bedsheet.
She rubbed her face, feeling somewhat ashamed, and went out. On the refrigerator was a sticky note Ke Yu had left: Mom, there’s porridge in the pot. I went to the library.
Sun Jingfei looked at the rice porridge in the pot, went to the bathroom to wash up, then stripped the bedding to wash it. After drinking the porridge with nothing to do, she went to Ke Yu’s room to tidy up. While organizing the desk, she discovered a portrait of Zhou Yu in the compartment. She froze for a few seconds, then finally put it back exactly as it was.
Sun Jingcheng received Sun Jingfei’s call when he was busy at the family housing complex. A few days ago, Grandma had been washing her face in the bathroom when she accidentally slipped and hit her head on the sink. Nothing happened at the time, and the old lady didn’t say anything. The next day, Feng Yiqun noticed her mind wasn’t clear and called him to help take her to the hospital.
She stayed in the hospital for two days. Nothing else was wrong, just that sometimes she could recognize people and sometimes she couldn’t. The doctor gave the examination results and suggested taking her home to care for her, serving her good food and drink.
Sun Jingcheng understood—even if there was something wrong with her head, the doctor wouldn’t perform surgery or anything. She was too old. What remained was up to individual fate. The day after returning from the hospital, Grandma’s spirits weren’t good, and she needed someone supporting her all the way when going from bed to the bathroom.
Early this morning when he came, Feng Yiqun had borrowed a wheelchair and had him carry Grandma downstairs to push her around for a stroll. Grandma liked lively crowds and didn’t like staying home.
Sun Jingcheng wanted to tell Zhou Yu about Grandma’s condition, but Feng Yiqun stopped him. “Let her focus on her studies. When people get old, it’s inevitable.”
Since returning from the hospital, Grandma had changed day by day. At this point, she couldn’t recognize anyone at all, not even Feng Yiqun.
At noon, Sun Jingcheng returned to the clinic and brought up this matter. At the dinner table, Sun’s mother worried, “Later we should call Second Son and Third Daughter to go visit together.”
The usually taciturn Sun Youping also agreed, “Let’s go see her.”
“Mom, how old is Zhou Yu’s grandmother?” Sister-in-law asked.
“Over ninety, right?”
“Then I suppose… her time is near?”
“Her time has come.” Sun’s mother said, “Living to this age is worth it. Her daughter-in-law and granddaughter have always served her meticulously—she hasn’t lived in vain.”
After eating, Sun Jingcheng followed Sun Youping downstairs to the clinic to study. Before long, Sun Jingfei came over. Sun Jingcheng took off his lab coat and went out to the street with her, comforting her not to make a big deal of it.
“I’m making a big deal?” Sun Jingfei was exasperated. “You’re really talking without experiencing the pain.”
“This is very normal. I had a crush on our music teacher in middle school.” Sun Jingcheng instructed her, “Don’t take it to heart. Once this phase passes, it’ll be fine.”
Sun Jingfei said nothing.
Sun Jingcheng considered carefully, trying to downplay last weekend’s incident as much as possible. That morning he had temporarily gone home and saw Ke Yu writing homework with a completely flushed face while Zhou Yu was showering in the bathroom. When he came out of the bedroom again, Ke Yu greeted him and ran off. From that day on, Ke Yu stopped coming to the new district for tutoring.
“What do you mean?” Sun Jingfei asked him.
“I mean Ke Yu also understands shame, so there’s no need to be overly harsh.” Sun Jingcheng said patiently, “I originally considered saying something to him, but later felt it wasn’t necessary.”
“Ke Yu was at your house for tutoring and Zhou Yu took a shower in broad daylight?” Sun Jingfei couldn’t believe it.
“I fought with Zhou Yu about it that day too. She said she was busy with housework and got her period on herself…” Sun Jingcheng caught on and looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t mean anything.” Sun Jingfei snorted coldly. “I’m just curious.”
“Curious about what?” Sun Jingcheng’s face darkened.
“I’m curious that she’s so smart—could she really not detect Ke Yu’s little thoughts… forget it, forget it.” Sun Jingfei was very irritated.
Sun Jingcheng got angry and was about to fire back when Sun Youping called him from the clinic. Suppressing his emotions, he worked until four in the afternoon and received a WeChat from Zhou Yu: “At the clinic?”
Sun Jingcheng replied, “Yes.”
More than half an hour later, the school car brought Zhou Yu to the clinic. Sun Jingcheng went upstairs with her, asking if she was tired.
Upstairs, Sister-in-law and Sun Jingfei were busy in the kitchen—today was Jiarui’s birthday. When Sun’s mother saw her return from the business trip, she quickly told her to go rest in the inner room and not worry about kitchen matters.
Zhou Yu greeted Sister-in-law, who laughed at her, “Go rest awhile—you look listless.”
She also greeted Sun Jingfei, but Sun Jingfei didn’t respond. She didn’t mind and sat down on the sofa to rest. Just as she sat down, she heard Sun Jingcheng’s questioning voice, “Zhou Yu greeted you—didn’t you hear?”
“No.” Sun Jingfei replied.
“Say that again! You’re saying you didn’t hear?”
“What’s going on?” Sun’s mother hurried to ask.
Zhou Yu also got a big fright and went over to pull him. “What’s gotten into you?”
Sun Jingcheng pointed at the sofa. “Sit over there—this has nothing to do with you!” Then he cursed at Sun Jingfei, “You’re really not a good person!”
“You’re the good person!” Sun Jingfei cursed back at him.
“You’re still acting tough?” Sun Jingcheng looked at her.
“Don’t start trouble—I’m annoyed!” Sun Jingfei shot back.
“Apologize to Zhou Yu! If you apologize, this is over. If you don’t apologize, it’s not finished.”
Sun Jingfei ignored him.
Sun Jingcheng went over to grab her and was scratched by her. Sun’s mother and Sister-in-law were frightened and hurried to mediate—how did talking turn into physical contact? Sun Jingcheng forcefully slammed the dining table, his neck rigid as he cursed her for being an ungrateful wretch—tutoring his son and now finding fault with it!
Zhou Yu instantly understood what was going on and tightly grabbed Sun Jingcheng, dragging him aside. Sun Youping heard the commotion and came upstairs to look at them.
Sister-in-law and Sun’s mother didn’t understand the reason and couldn’t explain what was happening. Sun Jingfei didn’t speak. Sun Jingcheng was furious beyond words.
Right then, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law came upstairs carrying a cake. Before they could ask the reason, Sun Jingfei threw off her apron and went straight downstairs. Sun Youping called to him, “Fourth Son, come down.”
Sun Jingcheng followed him down. Sun Youping led him to the street and asked, “What’s going on? I saw you two arguing earlier.”
Sun Jingcheng felt very wronged and explained everything in detail. After hearing it, Sun Youping fell silent and said, “Your sister was wrong in this. I’ll have her give an explanation later.”
Sun Jingcheng stood there until he had calmed down, then went back to continue working. Zhou Yu came down from upstairs, looked at the injury on his eyelid, and asked him, “Does it hurt?”
Sun Jingcheng said nothing.
Zhou Yu said again, “I’m fine.”
Sun Jingcheng nodded. “Go rest awhile.”
Sun Youping beckoned to her. Zhou Yu went over. “What is it, Dad?”
“Jingfei doesn’t know better. I’ll apologize on her behalf first.” Sun Youping said gently.
“It’s fine, Dad.” Zhou Yu hurried to say.
Second Brother also came down from upstairs and pulled Sun Jingcheng outside to chat. Sun Jingcheng didn’t tell him the reason, brushing it off with a few words. Upstairs, Second Sister-in-law looked at Sister-in-law, wanting to get the gossip. Sister-in-law shook her head, indicating she also didn’t know the reason.
At mealtime when the children all came back, the matter was over—no one mentioned it again. Sun Jingfei only came back when they were blowing out the candles. She hadn’t gone far—just sat in a nearby mall for a while.
At the dinner table, although Second Brother and his wife livened up the atmosphere, Sun Jingcheng and Sun Jingfei ignored each other from start to finish. The happiest person at the whole event was the little birthday boy Sun Jiarui—so happy that he generously shared the cherries from the cake that he loved most with Yuyan.
It wasn’t until after dinner when everyone went home that Sun Jingcheng received a WeChat message and went downstairs. Sun Jingfei asked him, “You didn’t tell Zhou Yu about it, did you?”
Sun Jingcheng turned to go upstairs.
Sun Jingfei grabbed him. “I was being overprotective of my child.”
“All better now?” Sun Jingcheng looked at her. “Then I’m going up.”
“Call Zhou Yu down.” Sun Jingfei said, “I see there’s a café at your complex entrance.”
“She might not be free.” Sun Jingcheng’s anger hadn’t subsided.
Sun Jingfei said nothing. After a long while, she said, “Once you have your own child, you’ll understand…” She didn’t continue and waved her hand. “I’m heading back.”
“You go reserve a table. I’ll go upstairs to call her.” Sun Jingcheng entered the elevator.
Sun Jingfei sat outside smoking and sent Ke Yu a WeChat, telling him to sleep first—she’d be back soon. Ke Yu hesitantly asked her why she didn’t talk to Uncle at the dinner table. Sun Jingfei replied, “Over some money matters. Already resolved.”
Ke Yu replied, “Oh. Then don’t drink too much.”
Sun Jingfei replied, “Okay. Go to sleep early.”
Ke Yu replied, “Don’t fight with Uncle.”
Sun Jingfei replied, “Okay.” After sending it, she saw Sun Jingcheng and his wife across the street. The two were dressed casually, walking over at a leisurely pace as if strolling.
She stubbed out her cigarette and waited somewhat unnaturally for them to come over. Seeing Zhou Yu, she asked, “Summer vacation is coming soon, right?”
…
“Soon, just these few days.” Zhou Yu said with a smile, “Just now your brother was discussing going to climb Mount Hua.”
“He goes wherever it’s dangerous.” Sun Jingfei responded.
The three sat for a while before going back—tomorrow was Monday and Zhou Yu still had to teach. On the way home, Sun Jingcheng explained his sister’s situation, saying she spoke without thinking… blah blah blah, a whole bunch.
Zhou Yu had already gotten over it, but now she had an issue again. “What did I say? She wanted a way out, didn’t I give her one?”
…
“You mean I made things difficult for her?”
“I didn’t mean that.”
“Then what do you mean?”
“Why do you always twist my meaning?” Sun Jingcheng looked at her. “You clearly know that’s not what I meant.”
“Fine, I know you siblings have a good relationship. Stop going on about it.” Zhou Yu was annoyed with him.
“Things were just fine—how can you just get worked up out of nowhere?” Sun Jingcheng said, “It’s my low emotional intelligence, I can’t speak properly, okay?”
“Your emotional intelligence is indeed low.” Zhou Yu told him, “You shouldn’t have mentioned the shower incident.”
Sun Jingcheng said nothing. He had always regretted this—if he hadn’t mentioned it, nothing would have happened tonight.
“I don’t care to meddle in your sibling affairs either.” Zhou Yu couldn’t help but say, “You mortgaged the house to loan her money to buy a house—I couldn’t be bothered to care.”
Sun Jingcheng hadn’t expected her to bring this up and explained, “It was just a coincidence at the time. I originally wanted to tell you, but later the money was repaid so I didn’t mention it again.”
Zhou Yu couldn’t be bothered with him.
“You women can really hold onto things… how long ago was that?” Sun Jingcheng was at a loss.
“Not long—just a few months.” Zhou Yu replied.
“You didn’t say anything then and bottled it up until now?”
“I didn’t bottle it up. I just mentioned it casually tonight. I didn’t take it to heart at all.”
“I originally wanted to tell you…”
“But didn’t you end up not telling me?” Zhou Yu was annoyed.
“The situation was very complicated at the time…”
“Fine, stop going on about it—I don’t care at all.” Zhou Yu emphasized.
“If you don’t care, why won’t you let it go?” Sun Jingcheng shot back. “Your face looks awful.”
…
“I won’t let it go?” Zhou Yu couldn’t believe it. “If you hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have said anything.”
“I didn’t ask—you brought it up yourself.” Sun Jingcheng looked at her.
…
Zhou Yu froze for a few seconds and refused to talk to him anymore. Exhausted.
“You’re clearly the one who brought up old grievances first, and you’re blaming me.” Sun Jingcheng looked at the elevator, talking to himself.
Zhou Yu didn’t wait for the elevator anymore—she took the stairs.
Sun Jingcheng followed behind her, puzzled. “Tonight wasn’t about Ke Yu’s matter—how did it get to the loan issue from half a year ago?”
Zhou Yu stopped climbing, stretched her muscles, turned to look at him. “Tonight’s matter is over. Speaking of last night—last night you broke my beloved bowl?”
…
“I didn’t break it—just a small chip got knocked off the rim…”
“Just?” Zhou Yu couldn’t believe it. “You think a bowl with a chipped rim is still usable?”
“If it’s not usable, just replace it.” Sun Jingcheng said it lightly.
“Can’t replace it. This set of tableware is unique.” Zhou Yu stared at him.
…”Then what do you want to do?” Sun Jingcheng asked.
“Bite you once or kick you once to relieve my fury.”
Sun Jingcheng finally recognized the situation—no matter what, he wasn’t escaping tonight. He was baffled. In this lifetime, he had encountered three formidable characters: his mother, Sun Jingfei, and Zhou Yu. And each generation surpassed the last.
He thought about it and negotiated, “Can you bite my butt? You can bite as many times as you want…” Before finishing, seeing Zhou Yu raise her foot, he laughed and ran away. When he ran down and took the elevator, he received a WeChat from Sun Jingfei: “Little brother, you didn’t tell Zhou Yu the reason we fought, did you?”
[If you mentioned the shower thing, you really have no emotional intelligence.]
Sun Jingcheng fired back: [Go to hell, all of you!]