Chapter 53: Arriving at Aunt’s House in the County Town

“N-no… it’s nothing, really. Thank you, big brother, for shielding me for so long just now.”

A faint blush colored Zheng Qiushui’s cheeks, her voice as delicate as a whisper, yet sincere.

She glanced down at the brand-new cloth shoes on her feet—hand-stitched by her mother especially for this trip, with two small plum blossoms embroidered on the uppers.

At this moment, she silently thanked the kind, dependable-looking young man beside her. Without him, her precious shoes might have been trampled in the bustling crowd.

Lin Junsheng smiled, revealing a row of white teeth. He had thought Zheng Qiushui was unaware of his help, but she had only been shy just now.

“It’s nothing, really. When out and about, we should help each other. By the way, where are you headed? To the town market? I hear it’s lively today, with an opera troupe performing.”

Zheng Qiushui shook her head, a flicker of worry passing through her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, replacing it with a resolute smile.

“No, I’m going to the city. My grandfather… he’s not feeling well and is currently hospitalized at the county hospital. I have to go see him. Everyone else in the family is busy; I’m the only one who can make the trip.”

Her eyes darkened slightly as she spoke.

Lin Junsheng frowned.

“Ah, the elderly do tend to have health issues. But don’t worry too much; maybe he’ll recover soon.”

“Really? I hope so…”

Zheng Qiushui nodded gratefully.

“By the way, where exactly are you going?”

“Coincidentally, I’m also going to the county town, but I’m visiting relatives. My aunt lives there. She’s been eager to see me, so I’m taking the chance while I’m free.”

Actually, if it weren’t for Liu Siyao’s invitation, Lin Junsheng seldom ventured out.

The two chatted on the bus, sharing various amusing stories.

Lin Junsheng recounted tales from his childhood—like sneaking into the opera house to watch a performance, only to be scolded by his father when caught.

Or how he and his friends tried catching fish by the river but accidentally fell in, thankfully rescued by a passing villager.

These stories captivated Zheng Qiushui, who laughed like tinkling bells.

Soon, the bus slowly pulled up at the somewhat aged station in the county town.

Zheng Qiushui and Lin Junsheng stood side by side by the door, her cheeks faintly flushed, eyes shimmering with reluctance.

In this shy and innocent era, farewells always carried a gentle, reserved tenderness.

“Goodbye, and take care on the road.”

Zheng Qiushui’s voice was soft, like a breeze gently brushing Lin Junsheng’s heart.

He smiled and nodded, secretly planting a seed of hope for their next meeting.

Stepping out of the station, Lin Junsheng took in the 1980s county town before him.

Rows of red brick and tiled houses lined the streets, like guardians of history quietly whispering tales of the past.

Interspersed among them were newly built structures, standing proudly as heralds of a new era with their modern silhouettes.

The streets were bustling with people; the crisp ringing of bicycle bells mingled with the vendors’ calls, while melodious tunes drifted from a distant radio.

Following the familiar yet slightly faded memories in his mind, Lin Junsheng weaved through the lively, life-filled streets until he reached the entrance of the residential compound where his aunt Lin Huijuan lived.

Though not new, the building’s exterior was alive with climbing ivy, lush and green.

The scorching summer sun beat down, and Lin Junsheng was already drenched in sweat, the bus’s stifling heat still clinging to him.

“Knock! Knock! Knock!”

He quickened his pace up the narrow stairwell, reaching the fifth floor in no time.

His aunt’s apartment was 501, the first door on the right after the stairs.

The faded green paint on the security door was peeling, and rust spots marred its surface.

Eagerly, Lin Junsheng knocked.

The door slowly opened, revealing Liu Siyao’s gentle yet mischievous smile.

“Oh, that was fast. In such a hurry to see your big sister, huh?”

She teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Well, it was your order—I wouldn’t dare disobey.”

“If I hadn’t mentioned Jingjing, would you be this enthusiastic?”

Liu Siyao deliberately elongated her tone, as if awaiting a response.

“Hey, sis, let me in first, will you? It’s like a steam room out there.”

Lin Junsheng said as he sidled inside.

He set down the bamboo basket he had carried all this way—quite tiring.

Though small, this eighty-square-meter home exuded warmth and the essence of a lived-in household.

In the living room, an old sofa took a prominent place beside a 14-inch black-and-white Panda-brand television—a luxury in the 1980s.

That Panda TV cost 480 yuan!

And it wasn’t easy to get a purchase voucher for it.

A Seagull-brand electric fan rotated lazily, offering a faint breeze.

Family photos adorned the walls, capturing precious moments and memories.

Liu Siyao had already prepared a room for Lin Junsheng—the one his brother Liu Zhiyu used to occupy.

Due to work, Liu Zhiyu now lived in a forty-square-meter unit provided by his company, which was sufficient.

Liu Siyao worked at the cultural center, a bureaucratic institution without housing benefits.

But their boss had a house.

Aunt Lin Huijuan and uncle Liu Guoan were busy working overtime late into the night.

At home, only their cousin Lin Junwei, soon to return from school, and the exuberant Liu Siyao remained.

Neither of them was skilled in cooking; they could only manage stir-fried cabbage with rice.

After Lin Junsheng put his things away, he headed to the living room.

Liu Siyao grabbed his arm. “Xiaosheng, tonight we’re not eating those boring old dishes at home. I’ll take you to a state-run restaurant for something fresh! It’s on me—I promise you’ll be amazed!”

She waved her wallet with a flourish, exuding confidence.

Lin Junsheng didn’t hesitate.

“Alright.”

He nodded, then asked, “What about Liu Jingjing? When’s she coming?”

“She said she’ll come tomorrow—something came up at home,” Liu Siyao shrugged helplessly.

Lin Junsheng thought for a moment.

Since Jingjing hadn’t arrived yet, and there was still time, he decided to head to the post office to exchange the money on the remittance slip.

“Sis, I’ll head out for a bit and come back later.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Buy some books at the bookstore. The town’s bookstore and reference room are too limited.”

“Alright, go ahead. It’s too hot outside; I won’t follow you. I’ll make a call to get your second brother; we can all have dinner together tonight.”