009: Entwined and Graceful

"Isn't it tiring to carry it? Just let it slide along the ground."
"The roads in the countryside aren't as easy as you'd think. The main roads are paved, but the side paths are still just dirt tracks."
"Let me ask, are you heading back to your hometown?"
"This is my second time here—the last was twelve years ago."
"No wonder. But it really hasn't changed much in twelve years, has it?"
"Not much at all."
The two of them walked across the damp ground. She lifted her gaze to take in the brick houses around them, as if recalling the past.
"By the way, is your family in the east block or the west block?"
This was local slang only the residents of Qinglong West Village would understand. The village stretched wider from east to west, but was short from north to south. A main road divided it, with shops mostly to the east and residences to the west.
"It should be to the left, I think. I’m just following my memory."
"Alright."
They continued onward. The road was nearly empty. Only a few old folks moved about; young people and children were nowhere to be seen.
Most of the younger generation had moved to the city, buying or renting homes for work. Their children went to school in town as well, so only the elderly remained.
"Ahem!"
"Are you coming down with something, or is it something else?"
"Just a minor issue. I’ve already been treated, but I’m still a bit weak. That’s why I’ve come home to recover, where I won’t be disturbed."
"I see."
At a crossroads, they turned left and suddenly, two dark shapes darted out. He felt a hand grip his arm tightly.
"Are you afraid of dogs?"
Xu Lin glanced at the two yellow mutts that had slowed their pace, then looked at her anxious eyes.
"No, I even used to keep one. I was just startled, sorry."
She let go, only to find her hand oddly damp. His clothes were soaked through.
After turning left, they walked a little further and finally entered a narrow alley—a dead end with just one house at the end.
Unlike others, who had fitted their doors with new security locks, this house still had a wooden door, its red paint peeling and faded.
The area in front was a mess, covered in leaves and weeds piled half a meter high—a clear sign that no one had lived here in a long time.
"I lived in the village for ten years as a child, yet I barely remember anything about it."
"This was my grandfather’s house. My mother and I stayed here for a few months when I was young, but we never returned after some things happened.
"My grandfather went to our new home for treatment, and after he passed, this place was left abandoned."
Though her voice was calm, her fingers trembled slightly as she traced the rusty lock.

"Alright, you’re home now. I’ll be on my way."
"Since you’ve helped me this far, help me clean the house. At least check for rats or bugs."
"Alright, but I’ll need some compensation for my trouble."
"What do you want? I’ll give you anything."
Her voice was still hoarse, but it made his chest flush hot—Xu Lin was genuinely at a loss. He really had to watch what he said.
Inside the courtyard, it was surprisingly tidy. Apart from some weeds, what stood out most were the wildflowers circling the yard and two sturdy trees.
The courtyard wasn’t large—just a north-facing and an east-facing room. She took a few steps and pushed open the door to the north room.
Finally, he was out of the rain and inside. The house was traditionally decorated, with no modern appliances. Dust covered the wooden furniture.
"You didn’t prepare in advance. It won’t be a quick job to get this place ready for rest."
She nodded helplessly.
"Come to my house."
"Alright."
"You agreed rather quickly."
"I have nowhere else to go for now. But staying at your place isn’t a long-term solution."
"So you really intend to stay at my place for a few days? Just rest at my house for now—I’ll find someone to clean up here."
"Don’t be fooled by the village’s size. There are a few old craftsmen who specialize in cleaning houses—mostly after apartment renovations. Cleaning a bungalow is nothing to them."
"Alright, I’ll cover the cost when the time comes."
"We’ll talk about that later. Hurry up—my grandpa’s waiting for me to eat."
They locked the door and retraced their steps to the crossroads, heading to the east block. After a short walk, they stopped in front of a general store.
"Your house?"
"Yes," Xu Lin nodded and went inside.
She looked at Xu Lin’s soaked jacket and felt uneasy—he’d been drenched the whole way, while she’d been under an umbrella. It didn’t feel right.
As soon as Xu Lin entered, a tall, robust old man rose from his recliner. Seeing him drenched, he called out,
"Jinling, get your eldest grandson a dry towel!"
"Lin is home?"
A thin old lady hurried in from the backyard, hands still covered in soap suds.
"Grandma, why are you washing by hand again? Didn’t I buy you a washing machine?"
"My hands are still nimble, and it’s not that cold yet."
She took a new towel and draped it around his neck, gently drying him off.
"I can do it myself."

"Hurry and change your clothes. Didn’t you bring an umbrella?"
Old Master Xu came over, pulling off his coat and scarf.
Xu Lin, seeing their stern faces, didn’t feel cold at all—if anything, he was starting to feel warm.
After wiping off the water and turning on the air conditioner, he realized—she still hadn't come in. He opened the door to find her still standing outside.
"What are you doing out there? Come in."
"You didn’t invite me in. I didn’t think it was proper."
"There’s no need for such formality."
Xu Lin smiled helplessly, took the umbrella, and put it away.
The old couple inside were startled. Who was this? Could she be his girlfriend?!
After all, this boy had never been one for groups, especially not with girls.
But he was still in school—wasn’t it too early for romance? Did Xu Feng and his wife know about this?
Xu Lin had no idea what they were thinking. She came in carefully, bowing slightly.
"Hello, Grandpa and Grandma."
"Hello, dear. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," she replied softly, sitting down with noticeable restraint.
"Xiao Lin, make her some hot tea—she’s been cold all the way."
"Alright."
Xu Lin headed to the back room, thinking, I was cold too, you know... Hope they don’t get the wrong idea.
Sitting there, she felt the couple’s gaze and realized she was still wearing a mask and hat—not very polite! She quickly removed them.
Now the old couple could see her face clearly. The old lady’s expression shifted from confusion to delight as she got up and walked over.
A few minutes later, Xu Lin returned with a teapot and, at a glance, saw a striking beauty with wavy hair sitting on the sofa, his grandmother beside her.
Unlike Ji Yun or Su Qingwan, this woman’s beauty was more commanding—refined features, both elegant and bold.
Her face combined the sculpted lines of the West with the gentle grace of the East: heroic brows, warm red lips, a touch of sorrow in her eyes, and a pallor from exhaustion.
She seemed unreal, as if she’d stepped out of a painting... Painting? Suddenly, a sense of familiarity struck him, and then he heard her say,
"Yes, Chu as in 'beginning,' and Chan as in 'entwined.' Chu Qingchan."
Xu Lin was stunned. Chu Qingchan... No way... She was the diva, Chu Qingchan?!