Chapter 106: Reminiscing in Ning City (Sixth Update)

Jing Qingxin saw Gao Shen’s solemn expression, his gaze sweeping the surroundings with cautious vigilance, and instantly understood his actions. When Gao Shen’s eyes met hers again, Jing Qingxin promptly waved and produced a small basket.

Seeing Jing Qingxin follow his lead so closely, Gao Shen offered her a gentle, soft smile. He then took the basket, slung it over his shoulder, and carried his military pack in hand.

Once everything was settled, Jing Qingxin raised her hand and knocked rhythmically on the courtyard gate.

“Who is it?” A warm male voice called out from inside.

Gao Shen’s expression softened at once with warmth. He replied loudly, “Teacher, it’s me, Gao Shen!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the two waiting outside heard movement from within, and soon the gate swung open. Standing inside was a man of around fifty, slender and slightly dried-skinned, with the marks of time at the corners of his eyes. Yet his demeanor was gentle and scholarly, his refined aura unmistakably that of a cultured man.

“Xiao Shen, it really is you! How did you come to Ning City?” Mr. Zhang asked in excitement. The teacher and student had not seen each other for six years—the last time was before Gao Shen left for the army.

“Teacher, have you and Mrs. Zhang been well these past years?” Gao Shen asked with heartfelt concern. It was obvious that the teacher had grown thinner and older, quite different from the vibrant figure in his memory. Life had indeed been hard for him.

“We’re well, very well! The two of us are fine, though we always worry about you. And you, too—after joining the army, you never came back to visit us,” Mr. Zhang complained affectionately.

The couple had no children of their own and had always cherished Gao Shen as if he were their own son. Yet, due to the stubbornness of Gao Yaohua, who insisted against them officially adopting Gao Shen, they had to remain teacher and student. Still, the bond between them was unchanged.

“Mr. Zhang, Gao Shen, let’s go inside and talk,” Jing Qingxin said with a smile. Though she understood their joy at reuniting after years apart, lingering at the doorway was hardly appropriate.

She also noticed that, compared to when they met Liu Gang earlier, Gao Shen was visibly moved.

Mr. Zhang quickly glanced at Jing Qingxin and then invited, “Yes, come in! Your teacher’s wife will be back by noon. If only you’d sent a telegram ahead, we’d have been prepared for your arrival.”

He led them inside, grumbling as he went. The recent letter from Gao Shen had surprised them—surprised not by his visit, but by its contents. The couple had discussed it through the night and eventually agreed to his proposal. Gao Shen hadn’t given many details, but his words were earnest and sincere, asking them for a favor for the very first time.

They trusted Gao Shen. Though they didn’t know his reasons, they believed he must have his difficulties and motives. So they didn’t hesitate for long before agreeing.

What’s more, the couple had always wanted a child, even if only by adoption, and his wife especially hoped for a daughter. Now, their wish could finally be fulfilled.

After Gao Shen’s letter, there had been no further correspondence, and nothing more was said about the adoption. The couple could only wait patiently.

“We don’t need to prepare anything; we aren’t outsiders,” Gao Shen declared.

Mr. Zhang chuckled, “We should at least prepare some food, shouldn’t we?”

“No need. We brought ingredients with us,” Gao Shen replied with a light laugh.

Mr. Zhang stared in surprise—was that possible? He was at a loss for words! Well then, they even saved the expense of a meal.

Gao Shen drew Jing Qingxin closer and introduced her warmly, “Teacher, this is my wife, Jing Qingxin—your goddaughter.”

“What? When did you get married?” Mr. Zhang’s gentle expression cracked, and he exclaimed in surprise.

It wasn’t that he was overreacting, but Gao Shen’s earlier letter hadn’t mentioned any relationship between the two—only an earnest request to adopt a young woman.

“Not yet. We’ll hold the wedding after the adoption is official,” Gao Shen replied cheerfully.

Jing Qingxin watched the exchange with a smile, delighted to see Gao Shen so relaxed in front of others. Though his own family bonds weren’t close, he still had Mr. Zhang and his wife to fill the gap of elder care.

“Hello, Mr. Zhang. I’m Jing Qingxin, and I apologize for any trouble we bring to your home,” she said sweetly, bowing slightly in a gesture of politeness and grace.

No matter if the couple agreed to help because of Gao Shen’s request or for other reasons, she was deeply grateful. She wanted to be with Gao Shen, and in these times, that required a fabricated identity. Besides, Mr. Zhang and his wife held a special place in Gao Shen’s heart. In any case, Jing Qingxin was determined to get along well with the couple and leave a good impression—for what mattered to Gao Shen mattered to her.

“No need for courtesy! We’re all family now. Please sit—let’s chat properly,” Mr. Zhang said with a smile. His first impression of Jing Qingxin was excellent; her gaze was clear, her manners polite, and she was undeniably beautiful.

The three sat in the living room and chatted, mostly Mr. Zhang and Gao Shen catching up on the years spent apart and each other’s circumstances.

Jing Qingxin quietly listened for a while, not interrupting their lively conversation. She glanced around the living room—it was simply furnished, with only a table and wooden stools, but everything was tidy and clean.

Against the wall were a few farming tools, and when she entered the courtyard, she’d seen a small vegetable patch by the wall. Clearly, Mr. Zhang and his wife lived a modest, simple life.

After her inspection, Jing Qingxin looked at their basket, then began unpacking its contents onto the table.

Two wild pheasants, some scattered shiitake mushrooms and wood ear fungus, a large package of peach blossom cakes, a bag of special flower tea, another of red dates and goji berries, some medicinal herbs, and a small bamboo basket of fresh peaches.

Once everything was arranged, Jing Qingxin took the bamboo basket into the kitchen, washed the peaches, and placed them in a small enamel basin. In truth, the vegetables and fruit grown in “Luminescent Brocade” carried their own vitality and could be eaten unwashed, but outsiders wouldn’t know that—so she went through the motions.

She brought the basin to the living room and placed it on the table, handing Mr. Zhang and Gao Shen each a peach. Since it was almost noon, the peach served as a pre-meal fruit.

“Oh, this peach is so sweet! I must say, Su Yun and I haven’t tasted peaches in ages. The flavor brings back memories,” Mr. Zhang exclaimed.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Zhang, there are more than ten left, and Mrs. Zhang’s portion is saved,” Jing Qingxin replied cheerfully, easing his brief melancholy.

“Good, good! Su Yun will be delighted to see you both when she returns,” Mr. Zhang said with a smile. It had been a long time since his home felt so lively.

—Extra Notes—

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