“Xiao Jiu, is he the eldest son of the Zhou family?”
[Yes, sister.]
Then doesn’t that mean he doesn’t have long to live? Wen Zhile’s expression nearly slipped out of control.
As fellow Qi Luck Holders, Zhou Jihuai had it much worse than she did. At least she had lived until 1996, while he only made it to 1989—this very year.
Fortunately, Zhou Jihuai was focused on eating his dry rations and didn’t look at her. Realizing her lapse, Wen Zhile quickly lowered her head to adjust her expression.
Though her expression was easy to rein in, the shock in her heart lingered for a long time.
After finishing his meal, Zhou Jihuai continued driving.
About an hour later, Wen Zhile caught sight of the city gate of Jingzhou City in the distance.
The gate had been built in ancient times and never torn down, serving as a landmark of Jingzhou.
Zhou Jihuai pulled over by the roadside, glanced at his watch, and reached into his military uniform pocket, speaking unhurriedly, “In less than half an hour, a bus heading into the city will pass by. Wait by the roadside, and when you see it, wave it down and get on.”
He took out his wallet and quickly pulled out a stack of small change. “Remember to ride until the bus station before getting off. Just give the conductor one yuan—don’t give more.”
With that, he counted out the change and handed it to Wen Zhile. “The fare is five yuan. Here’s your change of ninety-five. The dry rations are on me.”
Wen Zhile thought he was being incredibly kind—charging only five yuan for a ride of over two hours, giving the rations for free, and offering so many reminders.
If she tried to thank him with money, he definitely wouldn’t accept it. Studying his cool, detached expression, Wen Zhile thought for a moment and sincerely expressed her thanks.
Zhou Jihuai: “You’re welcome.”
The young girl then carefully put away the change and opened the car door.
Zhou Jihuai watched her get out of the car, his gaze briefly sweeping over her thin, frail back. He added, “Keep your backpack secure. There might be pickpockets on the bus.”
Wen Zhile was taken aback for a second, then smiled. “I know, thank you. Once I’m settled, I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Zhou Jihuai gave a slight smile, watched her walk to the roadside, and started the jeep.
Over ten minutes later, a bus approached, and she raised her hand to wave.
The bus stopped beside her, and Wen Zhile stepped inside, handing the fare to the conductor.
There were only a few scattered empty seats in the bus. With her sallow complexion and coarse linen clothes, she looked as if she had just escaped from the slums, drawing little attention. The passengers glanced at her briefly before looking away.
The young girl went to sit in an empty seat in the last row, her backpack slung diagonally across her body. She held it tightly with one hand while the other gripped the window handle unconsciously, not loosening her grip even when pain shot through her palm.
She stared intently out the window, only letting out a long sigh of relief after the bus passed through the city gate.
Finally, she was back.
This was Jingzhou City, where she had lived for twenty years in her previous life.
Every little stall outside the window felt familiar. Only now did Wen Zhile feel a sense of grounded relief.
She released her grip on the handle and began to think about her next steps.
“Brother Huai!” The jeep’s door opened, and a young man in a police uniform carrying a black bag slid into the passenger seat, grinning widely enough to show eight white teeth. “I knew it was you from the license plate.”
“When did you get back? You’re not being fair—why didn’t you look me up when you returned? Are you waiting for someone here?”
As the bus gradually disappeared into the distance, Zhou Jihuai withdrew his gaze. “Just got back. Where are you headed?”
“To my grandma’s place, Mudan Hutong.” Shu Cheng’an buckled his seatbelt without being told. “This is the first time we’ve seen each other since I left the military. We have to grab a meal!”
“After I drop off these few pounds of shrimp at my grandma’s, let’s go eat out!”
Seeing him in such high spirits, Zhou Jihuai felt a weight lift from his heart: “Good.”
“Brother Huai, how many days off do you have? What brings you back? Did your family set you up with a girl?”
At the mention of matchmaking, Shu Cheng’an teased with a playful look: “Did you park your car here to check out some girl?”
Zhou Jihuai raised an eyebrow slightly: “Actually, yes.”
“!”
Shu Cheng’an was about to joke further, but Zhou Jihuai didn’t give him the chance.
“One week off. I’m back for my grandma’s birthday. From what I gathered on the phone, she’s celebrating at home this year.”
Hearing this, Shu Cheng’an dropped his teasing expression and felt genuinely happy for his friend: “That’s quite something. Grandma Zhou has finally returned.”