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The sunlight spilled onto the streets of the small town, bringing a touch of warmth, but the atmosphere at Grandma Zhuang's house was somewhat delicate. Huang Ling and Xiao Ting had finally recovered from their illnesses, which should have been a cause for celebration, yet Grandma Zhuang had other calculations in mind.
Zhuang Tunan had been accepted into Tongji University, a matter that should have brought pride to the family. Grandma Zhuang thought about throwing a banquet to celebrate and gain some face among the neighbors. However, truth be told, she wasn't entirely willing; after all, hosting such an event would cost a considerable amount of money, and she was always one to save wherever possible. The sudden need to host a grand feast made her feel a bit pained and reluctant.
But having already announced the celebration, she had no choice but to proceed with the arrangements. She found a decent restaurant in town and notified everyone who was to be invited, including Song Ying's family.
On the day of the banquet, guests arrived at the restaurant one after another. Grandma Zhuang wore a smile on her face, though it seemed tinged with reluctance. Huang Ling understood her thoughts but said nothing as she brought Xiao Ting along.
Everyone gathered around the table, where steaming dishes filled the air with enticing aromas. Yet, despite the feast, there was an underlying sense of insincerity that dulled the atmosphere. Grandma Zhuang wanted Xiao Ting to share a bowl of wontons with her, but Huang Ling refused. The third daughter-in-law was forced to share with Grandma Zhuang, her face dark as if covered in soot, clearly displeased. Lin Dongzhe was engrossed in his bowl of pork noodles, enjoying every bite while mumbling about how delicious it was. Suzhou sat nearby happily devouring chicken leg noodles, relishing the meal.
Observing this scene, Huang Ling smiled at Grandma Zhuang and said, "Grandma Zhuang, you really went all out today; thank you." Grandma Zhuang waved her hand dismissively, saying it was only right to celebrate Zhuang Tunan's acceptance into university. However, inside she was calculating the expenses of this meal and sighed quietly, hoping it would end soon so she could wrap up this somewhat awkward banquet.
The gentle sunlight bathed the streets of the small town but failed to illuminate Huang Ling's complex feelings at that moment.
Previously, Zhuang Hualin had repeatedly expressed a desire for Peng Fei to come study in Suzhou. Her words were filled with earnestness and hope for her child to grow up in a better environment. However, Huang Ling had many concerns; she worried whether they could properly accommodate Peng Fei and feared it might disrupt her own child's life and studies.
Now that Zhuang Tunan had been accepted into Tongji University—a joyous occasion—Huang Ling felt her spirits lift considerably. Coupled with Zhuang Hualin's renewed request for Peng Fei to study in Suzhou, Huang Ling hesitated for a long time. After all, they were relatives, and now that her own family had gained some glory, it seemed unreasonable to refuse any longer.
With a soft sigh, Huang Ling finally nodded in agreement. She picked up the phone and spoke with a hint of resignation yet also relief: "Zhuang Hualin, let's do as you suggested; let Peng Fei come study in Suzhou. I hope he can learn well and achieve great things in the future."
On the other end of the line, Zhuang Hualin was overjoyed upon hearing this news. She repeatedly thanked Huang Ling with excitement in her voice: "Oh my goodness! Sister-in-law, thank you so much! Don't worry; I will take good care of Peng Fei and ensure he focuses on his studies in Suzhou without letting you down."
After hanging up the phone, Hualin eagerly began making arrangements for Peng Fei's move to Suzhou. Huang Ling gazed out the window, silently hoping that Peng Fei would embark on a wonderful academic journey in Suzhou—a new ray of hope added to their recent joyful days.
The warm sunlight illuminated every corner of Suzhou as Peng Fei arrived in this city filled with excitement and anticipation for his academic journey.
At that moment, Zhuang Tunan was also preparing to head off to Shanghai for school. The family gathered together cheerfully, exchanging words about seeing him off and wanting to witness him step through the university gates before feeling truly at ease.
However, Zhuang Tunan remained resolute. He gently waved his hand and smiled: "Mom and Dad—and everyone—it's fine; I can go by myself. I'm old enough to take care of myself; there's no need for you all to fuss." Although everyone felt a pang of reluctance in their hearts upon hearing this, they understood that Zhuang Tunan had made up his mind and let it be.
As Zhuang Tunan dragged his suitcase further away until his figure disappeared down the street, his family suddenly came back to reality—a wave of melancholy washed over them.
Song Ying stood by the roadside watching him leave; tears instantly welled up in her eyes as they streamed down uncontrollably. She raised her hand to wipe away her tears and said with a choked voice: "When my child goes off to school one day, how will I bear it? Just thinking about it makes me so sad." Her shoulders trembled slightly; anyone who saw her would feel their heart ache.
The others stood silently nearby with somber expressions on their faces—eyes filled with concern and reluctance for Zhuang Tunan.
Once they regained their composure, their gazes turned toward Lin Dongzhe with teasing glints in their eyes.
Someone broke the silence first: "Lin Dongzhe! You better work hard and learn from Zhuang Tunan; aim for a prestigious university too! That way we can all share some glory!" The surrounding crowd nodded in agreement while laughter mixed with expectations filled the air.
Song Ying stood aside still holding onto her handkerchief from wiping her tears earlier. She sniffled and glanced at Lin Dongzhe half-jokingly yet half-seriously: "I don't dare hope he’ll get into any big university; if he can just get into a vocational school, I’d be grateful! Just don’t let me worry about him every day!" As she spoke, a slight smile appeared on her lips—though it was teasingly said; there was also an underlying concern for Lin Dongzhe’s future reflected in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, Lin Dongzhe’s face flushed red as he scratched his head awkwardly: "Oh come on! Stop teasing me! I’ll work hard!" His expression elicited another round of laughter from everyone around them—this laughter echoed through the streets slightly easing the earlier heaviness of their farewell.
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