Chapter 29: Grandma

“Siyuan, did you come alone? I haven’t seen you in days.”

Grandma held Shen Siyuan’s hand, studying him closely, her eyes shimmering; her hands were thin, skin stretched over bone, veins clearly raised.

“I’m sorry, Grandma, from now on… from now on I’ll come back to see you often.” Shen Siyuan said.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how familiar they sounded—he had said this before.

“Why are you apologizing to Grandma?”

Grandma feigned annoyance and pulled him inside the house.

“Grandma’s got something tasty for you.”

She bustled inside and pulled out a bag of small bread rolls from somewhere.

Shen Siyuan took it, glanced at it, and said: “Grandma, these have expired.”

“Expired?”

Grandma looked at the large remaining bag in her hand and sighed deeply.

“I kept them too long. I’m sorry.”

She apologized to Shen Siyuan with deep guilt.

Shen Siyuan suddenly felt his eyes dampen; he forced himself to say: “Grandma, why apologize? It’s not your fault—I’m the one who’s been gone too long. I should be the one saying sorry.”

“Our Siyuan’s grown up, learned how to talk now.” Grandma chuckled.

“By the way, Grandma, Mom and Dad brought you some things.” Shen Siyuan hurriedly said.

He took everything off the back seat of his motorcycle.

“These are two old hens, already cleaned and cut into pieces—I’ll put them in the fridge for you, remember to take them out and stew them, don’t just leave them there too long…”

“And these eggs too—boil them, don’t be stingy; it’s hot now, they’ll spoil if you keep them too long…”

“And these shoes—Mom bought them for you…”

“This box of mosquito repellent—later I’ll show you how to use it…”

"And these blood pressure pills—you must take them every day, don’t secretly throw them away, take care of your health, if I find out, I’ll get mad…"

…

“Good grandson.”

“What is it?”

“You’re so annoying, just like your parents, always nagging.” Grandma chuckled.

“You said I grew up, right? When people grow up, they get naggy.” Shen Siyuan said.

“Then it’s better you don’t grow up—I like you the way you were when you were little.” Grandma said.

“No matter how big I get, I’m still your grandson.”

Shen Siyuan picked up the items to put them in the fridge, then realized it wasn’t even plugged in—she used it as a storage cabinet.

“Electricity’s expensive, I don’t use it, no need to waste money.” Grandma said firmly.

“How much could it possibly cost? It’s not worth worrying about.” Shen Siyuan said helplessly.

“Still, don’t waste it—save it. You haven’t married yet, by the way, your mom set you up with so many, none of them good enough?”

“Grandma, can we not talk about this?”

“I don’t want to bring it up, but I’m anxious—you shouldn’t be too picky, tell Grandma, what kind of girl are you looking for?”

Grandma held onto Shen Siyuan’s hand tightly, as if letting go meant he’d fly away.

“Grandma, I’m not picky—I just want someone I find pleasant.” Shen Siyuan said.

“That’s even harder to find!”

“Hehe, Grandma, you really know your stuff.”

“I won’t push you, but I’m old—I don’t know if I’ll live to see you marry. Just thinking about it, I won’t rest easy in death…”

That’s not pushing? You’re pushing way too hard.

“Grandma, you’re in great health—you’ll definitely live to see that day.”

“I know my own body—do you know better than I do?”

“Alright, I’ll find a girlfriend as soon as possible and bring her home so you can take a look.” Shen Siyuan sighed, patted his chest in promise.

“Good grandson, don’t lie to Grandma.”

“Why would you say that? When have I ever lied to you?”

“Hmm, Grandma believes you.”

…

“Good grandson, how many days are you staying this time?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow afternoon.”

“That’s such a rush?”

“Can’t help it—I have to work on Monday.”

“Then stay here tonight, go back tomorrow afternoon.”

“Can’t—I’ve got a date arranged by Mom, I have to meet her tomorrow morning.”

“Ah, right, right…” At the mention of a date, Grandma perked up immediately.

“Then I won’t keep you tonight—it’s summer, my place isn’t as convenient as yours, go home, freshen up, change clothes…”

“This outfit’s fine.”

Shen Siyuan chatted with Grandma for a long time and even taught her how to use her phone.

His dad bought her a basic elderly phone—loud volume, long battery life, simple operation—he said Grandma refused to learn and couldn’t figure it out, but that was nonsense.

As Shen Siyuan taught her, she beamed with joy, fiddling repeatedly, asking over and over…

“Press this to answer the call—I’ll call you when I have time…”

“When that battery icon turns empty, remember to charge it…”

“Did you memorize my number? If you miss me, call me—I’ve got plenty of time, anytime’s fine…”

“Won’t that disturb your work?”

“No, a single call won’t take long.”

“Then how can I see you through the phone?”

“Huh? Grandma, you know about video calls?” Shen Siyuan was surprised.

“I heard it from Gui Zhi—she often video calls her son Tao Tao.”

Gui Zhi, whom Grandma mentioned, was a neighbor; her son and daughter-in-law worked away with their grandson and often video-called her, though her age was only slightly older than Shen Siyuan’s mother.

“Your phone’s no good—you need one that does video calls.”

“Then why didn’t your dad buy me one like that?” Grandma said, slightly angry.

Uh~ Shen Siyuan didn’t know how to explain—she could barely manage the basic phone, let alone a smartphone.

“Are those phones expensive?” Grandma asked again.

“Not too much.”

“Look how stingy your dad is—he won’t spend money on me, I wonder what he’s hoarding all that cash for? Money’s meant to be spent.” Grandma complained.

You weren’t saying that just now.

“Grandma, when I come back next time, I’ll buy you one.”

“Why waste money like that? Let your dad buy it for you—I’ll be fine. Keep your own money.”

“Alright, when I get home tonight, I’ll tell him.”

Shen Siyuan stayed at Grandma’s until evening, then rode off on his motorcycle.

He didn’t want to leave—Grandma pushed him to go.

Though she hated to let him go, she feared the night road wasn’t safe.

As he left, she forcibly shoved a hundred yuan into his pant pocket—refusing to take it back.

Shen Siyuan couldn’t argue with her, so he accepted it for now, planning to give it back to her next time his father came.

“When you meet the girl tomorrow, take her to town and buy her something tasty.”

“I know. I’m going.”

Shen Siyuan revved the throttle and headed back the way he came.

After riding a short distance, he stopped, turned around—and saw Grandma walking slowly behind him, already past the village entrance.

Her vision was poor, she couldn’t see him from that distance—but she still raised her arm and waved.