Chapter 334: How Wonderful It Would Be If You Were Still Here

Chapter 334 If Only You Were Still Here

It was nearly evening by the time they arrived in Qinglian County.

Uncle Mu, being sharp-eyed, spotted the state-owned diner and said to Fu Yuanhang, "We didn’t tell Auntie we’d arrive today, so she probably didn’t prepare food for us. Let’s grab two takeout dishes to bring back and eat with her."

Fu Yuanhang nodded. "Alright."

The two went into the state-owned diner and ordered red-braised pork and steamed carp to go.

Uncle Mu was already a bit hungry, but he resolutely closed the lunchbox and packed it away, not giving in to temptation.

Since it wasn’t town fair day, Uncle Mu’s tractor wouldn’t be waiting at the crossroads.

The two teenage boys didn’t have much to carry, and with their hardy stamina, they walked at a brisk pace. Still, it took them over an hour to reach the village.

Luckily, they were hardy, and the winter in S City wasn’t too cold. If they’d been in the north, heading back to the village at sunset would’ve likely left them frozen solid on the way.

"Hey, is that Ah Hang? You’ve grown so tall! I almost didn’t recognize you."

Fu Yuanhang nodded at the woman. "Hello, Mrs. Niu."

Uncle Mu, a friendly guy, also greeted her cheerfully.

"My, you’ve grown tall too! Weren’t you the one who came last time? You two are really close."

Uncle Mu nodded. "Ah Hang and I came to pick up my Auntie to spend New Year’s in the city."

Mrs. Niu looked at him in surprise. "That’s wonderful. We’ve all been saying Zhengtu’s mom doesn’t know a good thing when she has it. Zhengtu is so capable, yet she insists on slaving away by herself in the village."

"Last time, when word got out that your mother might leave, your uncle’s family even eyed your house. They asked if it could be used for their son’s wedding once she left—since it’d be empty anyway. Their family’s grown, and they’re cramped for space. How shameless!"

Fu Yuanhang’s expression darkened, his lips pressed tightly together.

Uncle Mu, however, was indignant. "How shameless! Why should outsiders live in my Auntie’s house? Ah Hang and I come back every summer and winter break to visit. If they take it, where would we stay?"

Mrs. Niu nodded. "Exactly! If you ask me, your uncle’s family is truly small-minded, only able to see what’s right in front of them."

Everyone in the village knew how capable Fu Zhengtu was and that Su Taotao had become a factory director. If they’d treated his family even a little better, Fu Zhengtu might’ve remembered their kindness and given them a hand.

Even if they couldn’t become full-time workers, they could’ve at least gotten temporary jobs at Su Taotao’s factory, with a chance to become permanent later.

Wouldn’t that be better than breaking their backs farming?

They dug their own grave.

"Ah Hang, I heard your sister-in-law became a big factory director. Is that true?" Mrs. Niu wasn’t trying to gain anything—she was just curious.

Fu Yuanhang shook his head. "I spend my days either at school or taking art lessons. I don’t keep up with grown-up stuff. I should head back now. Goodbye."

Mrs. Niu scratched her head, not daring to press further.

However, news of Fu Yuanhang returning to take Zhou Linglan to the city to enjoy her blessings spread like wildfire through the village.

By the time they reached home, Zhou Linglan was already getting dinner ready.

Before he’d even crossed the threshold, Uncle Mu shouted, "Auntie!"

Zhou Linglan thought she must be hearing things—with the year winding down.

When she opened the door, two teenage boys taller than her stood at the entrance.

Bundled up against the winter cold, she almost didn’t recognize them.

Uncle Mu dropped what he was holding and rushed forward to hug Zhou Linglan. "Auntie, Ah Hang and I came to get you! Did you miss us?"

Fu Yuanhang stood at the door, his eyes smiling. "Mom, we're home."

Their contrasting temperaments—one warm and exuberant, the other calm and reserved—might have made an outsider think Uncle Mu was Zhou Linglan’s own son.

Startled by Uncle Mu's sudden hug, Zhou Linglan took a moment to react before patting his head.

"So good to have you back, come inside, it’s cold out."

Uncle Mu let go of her and went back to pick up their things, chattering a mile a minute.

Fu Yuanhang had never seen someone talk so much—from stories about the island to their train ride and even shopping for clothes—the words just kept pouring out.

The chatter made Fu Yuanhang's head spin as he silently carried the lunchbox to the kitchen to reheat it.

The courtyard hadn't seen such life in ages, and Zhou Linglan’s smile never faded.

She poured water for Uncle Mu while offering him a fresh orange.

Uncle Mu didn't stand on ceremony, downing the water in one go before peeling the orange to eat.

Zhou Linglan went to the kitchen to help Fu Yuanhang. "Why so much food? We already have vegetables at home, plus cured meat and eggs."

"That was all Uncle Mu's doing," Fu Yuanhang deflected.

Zhou Linglan chuckled. "That’s fine. If Uncle Mu likes it, then it’s worth it. Honestly, I could've made the trip alone—I know how to take the train. You didn’t have to make the trip."

Fu Yuanhang said, "I wanted to come home."

Zhou Linglan paused, then nodded. "That’s true. Once we leave, who knows when we'll be back."

Fu Yuanhang replied, "Whenever you want, we can come back every summer and winter break."

Zhou Linglan smiled. "We'll play it by ear. After being away so long, your sister-in-law has to juggle work and taking care of Chenchen. She's probably overwhelmed."

Fu Yuanhang nodded. "That’s why we’re leaving the day after tomorrow. Brother’s away on business, and we don’t know when he’ll be back."

Zhou Linglan sighed. "Your brother’s job… it’s hard on your sister-in-law."

Fu Yuanhang didn’t say more. They were all busy, all devoted to the family, but overall, his sister-in-law had sacrificed the most for them and the household.

Dinner was hearty—cured meat with mixed-grain rice, stir-fried greens, and two extra dishes Fu Yuanhang had brought. Everyone ate until they were stuffed.

Having slept poorly on the train, Fu Yuanhang and Uncle Mu bathed after the meal and were out like lights.

After the boys fell asleep, Zhou Linglan stayed up late packing.

Some belongings at the bottom of her chest hadn’t been touched in years, but tonight, she couldn’t help but unpack them.

A black-and-white photo wrapped in a red scarf—her wedding photo with her husband—had yellowed with age.

Zhou Linglan gave a faint smile as she traced the young yet solemn face in the photo, holding it to her heart, her eyes reddening.

"Lei, if only you were still here…" Only with him would it be a real family reunion.

Setting the photo aside, she reached for another bundle tied with a tight knot.

Unwrapping it, long-stored keepsakes came into view. She couldn’t recall the origins of most, but when she uncovered one particular item, she went completely still…