Daughter
Zhan Aiping and her husband took their children on a train to Shanghai. Since this was their second consecutive train ride, the two kids had already lost interest in the journey, looking listless and gazing out the window from their parents’ arms.
They didn’t bring much luggage this time, having sent unnecessary items back to Yunnan via a separate transport truck from their in-laws’ house. Otherwise, with the children in tow, they couldn’t possibly handle the mountain of bags they originally packed.
The kids’ toys especially filled up their bags – with grandparents and several uncles buying new toys and clothes, it was more than they could carry. Little Tangyuan only brought her panda plush, while Guobaorou clutched his toy car. He now owned not just two but eight or nine cars – practically enough for a mini parking garage line-up.
Zhan Aiping remarked to Gu Sheng, “Why do toy makers only make cars? They should make a gas station or a fuel depot!”
Gu Sheng, puzzled, responded, “…?”
She continued, “You see, our little Guobaorou could spend ages playing with his cars. If he had a gas station to refuel them, he’d be occupied all afternoon.”
Laughing, Gu Sheng said, “Are you planning to write a suggestion to the toy manufacturer?”
“Playing with cars is one thing,” he thought, “but his wife actually wants a gas station accessory – what a dedicated ‘logistics support’ approach, likely a mark of her doctor’s practicality!”
Zhan Aiping smiled and nudged Gu Sheng with her elbow, “Comrade Gu, why don’t you sketch a model for it?”
Gu Sheng, taken aback, asked, “What are you planning?”
Confidently, she replied, “Draw a gas station model. When I send my suggestion to the toy company, I’ll include the design sketch!”
Gu Sheng chuckled, shaking his head at his wife’s sudden, quirky ideas. “Let’s talk about it when we get home,” he said, and Zhan Aiping nodded.
As the train pulled into Shanghai, they stepped off with their kids. The weather was cold, no snow but a damp chill. The two little ones toddled along beside their parents like two ducklings, hand in hand, hats and gloves secured. “Walk slowly, don’t slip,” she reminded them.
Once out of the station, the family boarded a bus that wove through diverse cityscapes. The kids peered out the windows, especially captivated by a row of lovely townhouses.
The streets of Shanghai were wide, bustling with pedestrians and a good number of cars. Guobaorou’s eyes lit up as he watched them. “Cars!” he exclaimed, mesmerized by the big vehicles with people inside, different from his small toy models.
“Yes, cars,” Zhan Aiping laughed, wiping the corner of his mouth. “One day, when you earn enough, buy a car for mom.”
“Cars!” he cheered.
After two years away, Shanghai had many new sights. Passing familiar spots, Gu Sheng asked, “Do you regret anything?”
She shot him a look, rolling her eyes, “Enough with that nonsense – it’s been two years.”
Grinning, Gu Sheng replied, “I just wanted you to know, it’s pointless to regret. You may not be the mom of three, but you’re still a mom of two.”
They planned to visit their friends first, then her former classmates, before stopping by the toy factory to submit her “serious” suggestion.
When Professors Sun and Qi Shuwan heard the news that their goddaughter would be visiting with her children, their usually quiet household sprang to life. For years, even at New Year’s, they celebrated with little fanfare, avoiding social gatherings. But this year, they cleaned, shopped for holiday goods, and bought clothes, toys, and snacks for the kids – anything that seemed fitting.
The Sun couple, getting on in years with little need for expenses, figured it was better to spend joyfully.
“What’s up with old Sun next door?” asked He Sheng. His neighbour, He Sheng, had children and grandchildren, but he often voiced disappointment in them. His son and daughter, now married with families, still didn’t meet his expectations, yet he took some comfort in contrasting himself to Sun’s household, which, despite its comforts, felt empty.
“I don’t know,” replied his wife, Liu Fangshi, watching Qi Shuwan haul shopping bags in. “I heard they’re buying loads of children’s stuff – maybe they’re preparing for the New Year?”
Quietly, He Sheng speculated, “If their kids hadn’t left, they’d be holding grandchildren by now.”
“Don’t say that,” Liu Fangshi cautioned, “it sounds a little bleak.”
“Old Sun’s been acting strangely cheerful lately. I even suspect that he and his wife might have encountered a ghost or something unclean,” He Sheng remarked with a frown.
Liu Fangshi, looking disturbed, warned, “Don’t say things like that. It’s best not to talk about such things…”
What “unclean” things? Even though many people secretly burn paper offerings during the Qingming and Ghost Festivals, it’s still something not openly discussed. Despite heavy restrictions, many still believe in such traditions.
Doctors, especially surgeons, tend to be superstitious and believe in fate. Having seen countless cases of life and death, some situations are simply beyond explanation—some called miracles, others a matter of “fate.”
“Do you think they’ve run into something supernatural?” He Sheng’s family noticed the unusual behaviour next door and suspected that Professor Sun and his wife were getting involved with something unorthodox.
He Sheng knocked on their door and suggested, “Old Sun, why don’t you and your wife join us for New Year’s dinner?”
Professor Sun didn’t even blink. He suspected He Sheng’s intentions were less than genuine. Why would he go to someone else’s house to watch their family reunion during the holiday season?
Besides, He Sheng would probably start bragging about his grandchildren, making him feel uncomfortable—it wouldn’t be the first time.
“We’ll celebrate by ourselves,” Professor Sun replied.
“It’ll be more lively if you come to our place,” He Sheng insisted.
“We’ll have a lively time on our own. Why should I come to your place to watch your family?” Professor Sun replied. He now had a daughter, grandchildren, and no need for He Sheng’s pity.
He Sheng laughed, “What do you even have to celebrate? Are students coming to see you? That former student of yours, Zhan Aiping…she’s been gone for a while, hasn’t she?”
Bringing up Zhan Aiping was like poking an old wound, as Professor Sun had once proudly praised her as a student. But now…things had changed, right?
Professor Sun wasn’t fazed in the slightest. He was a private person, so news about his life rarely spread. He simply enjoyed his own happiness without needing others to know.
“We’re happy as we are. Don’t meddle,” he replied, while Qi Shuwan busily prepared rooms and toys for the grandchildren, full of energy.
He Sheng scoffed, “You really are stubborn.”
Smugly, he thought of his own children and grandchildren and assured himself that he’d never end up lonely like the couple next door. “I’ll bring my grandkids over to wish you a happy New Year,” he added.
Professor Sun knew He Sheng was just looking to show off, so he didn’t respond.
….
Downstairs, Zhan Aiping, Gu Sheng, and the kids were already waiting. She felt a bit nervous; it had been years since she’d seen her teacher and his wife, and she hesitated, feeling a little homesick now that they were so close.
“Mom?” Guobaorou looked up at her curiously.
Swallowing, she replied, “Mom’s taking you to meet your grandpa and grandma.”
“Grandpa and grandma?”
She led her family upstairs and stood before the familiar door, hand raised but hesitant to knock. Gu Sheng waited patiently by her side without urging her. The two little ones clung to her legs, bundled up and round like two waddling penguins.
Just as she finally gathered the courage to knock, the door next door swung open, and Zhan Aiping glanced over curiously.
He Sheng, stepping out, was startled to see the young family standing there. A couple he didn’t recognize, along with two kids…could they be Professor Sun’s former students? Or had they knocked on the wrong door?
“Mr. He,” Zhan Aiping greeted him, recognizing him at once.
Startled, he asked, “…Who are you?”
“I’m Zhan Aiping,” she replied directly.
His eyes went wide. “You’re…Zhan Aiping?”
He scrutinized her, struggling to remember the lively, confident student she used to be. She now had long hair, fairer skin…quite beautiful, actually.
“Yes, I’m Zhan Aiping,” she continued. “This is my husband, Gu Sheng, and our children. Kids, say hello to Mr. He.”
The children, conditioned to greet strangers, opened their mouths to say “grandpa,” but He Sheng quickly stopped them, “No, no, don’t call me grandpa! Just call me uncle.”
Though technically old enough for the “grandpa” title, he still felt youthful and preferred “uncle.” Being around young students made him feel full of energy.
“Alright, I misspoke. Sweeties, say ‘Uncle He,’” she corrected.
“Uncle He,” they chorused sweetly, one after the other.
Delighted, He Sheng replied, “What charming little ones.”
Then his eyes landed on Gu Sheng, noting his tall, handsome build, and thought, “With parents like this, no wonder the kids are so adorable.”
“You’re here to see Professor Sun?” he guessed, recalling the recent odd behaviour at his neighbour’s place. “Let me tell you, things have been strange over there—”
Just then, Professor Sun’s door opened, and he grumbled, “If anyone’s strange, it’s your family.”
He continued, “You had the kids call you ‘uncle,’ so go ahead and call me ‘uncle’ too.”
He Sheng was left speechless: “?????”
“Aren’t you overstepping a bit?” Professor Sun retorted with a hint of annoyance. “You realize it’s inappropriate, don’t you? Shameless! My daughter brought her children here, and you’re keeping them outside.”
Then, turning to Zhan Aiping, he asked, “Why didn’t you just knock? Where’s that boldness from your school days?”
Zhan Aiping smiled sheepishly and called to her kids, “Come on, darlings, call him ‘grandpa.’”
The two little ones obediently looked up at Professor Sun and, in their soft, childish voices, called out, “Grandpa.” Hearing their sweet voices, Professor Sun felt his heart melt. “Come in, come in; it’s cold outside,” he said, ushering them in.
Professor Sun’s eyes moved from his adorable grandchildren to Gu Sheng. His smile froze briefly, but he said nothing, inviting the family in with warmth.
He Sheng, utterly baffled, asked, “Wait…what’s going on? Old Sun, how did you become a grandpa?”
Professor Sun replied, “I have a daughter, a son-in-law, and now two wonderful grandchildren. Just look at these two little ones—aren’t they adorable?”
“Yes, absolutely adorable—like the children on New Year’s paintings,” He Sheng said.
Inside, Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping helped the kids settle on the couch. They sat obediently, side by side, and Qi Shuwan handed them some candy, which the children politely thanked her for.
Guobaorou received a few new toy cars, and Zhan Aiping thought to herself that they’d need not only a gas station but also an open-air parking lot at this rate.
“You must be exhausted from traveling with the kids,” said Qi Shuwan. “Tonight, I’ll cook a meal for you.”
“Aiping,” she continued, “whatever your godfather says, don’t take it to heart. You know how he is—his words can be annoying. Just let them go in one ear and out the other.”
Professor Sun, feeling a bit slighted, protested, “This is her first visit, and you’re already saying things like that?”
Smiling, Qi Shuwan looked at Gu Sheng approvingly, clearly pleased with her goddaughter’s choice. The children were also delightful.
“Godfather, don’t be too hard on me!” Zhan Aiping joked.
“You come to my house and start by saying that?” Professor Sun said, feigning indignation.
Zhan Aiping grinned, “It’s the New Year—no talk of academics.”
“Exactly,” Qi Shuwan added, “Let’s just enjoy ourselves with the kids—they’re so well-behaved.”
“Grandma!” Guobaorou called out.
“They can recite poems and sing too,” Gu Sheng mentioned.
Excited, Qi Shuwan said, “Old man, why don’t you go start cooking while I play with the kids for a bit?”
Professor Sun shot back, “Didn’t you just say you wanted your daughter and son-in-law to try your cooking? Now you’re trying to pass it off to me?”
Qi Shuwan smiled and, with a sigh, went to prepare the meal, while Gu Sheng joined her to help in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Professor Sun, delighted by the presence of his son-in-law helping out, fetched an apron for Gu Sheng, feeling quite pleased with the “son-in-law helping out” tradition.
“Godfather, you see, I’ve got good taste—Gu Sheng’s cooking is delicious,” Aiping bragged.
“Is that so?” he replied with a grin. “Then tomorrow, let him handle the cooking so your godmother can have a break.”
Zhan Aiping sighed but teased, “I just worry that once you taste his cooking, you won’t want him to leave.”
Professor Sun scoffed, chuckling.
As Zhan Aiping updated Professor Sun on the past few years, he sat with one grandchild on each knee, reluctant to let them go.
“So, you want me to go easy on you?” he said. “Fine—just have a few more kids so I can be surrounded by grandchildren.”
“Two is enough,” she replied, laughing nervously.
After the meal, Zhan Aiping showed Professor Sun some of her recent work, including science stories, surgical techniques, and notes on special cases and treatments.
Professor Sun skimmed her notes and commented, “So, you’ve been learning some Chinese medicine?”
With an approving nod, he noted her mix of Eastern and Western approaches, seeing her progress as commendable, if basic.
As he reviewed her surgical techniques and medical records, he scribbled notes with a red pen, meticulously wearing his reading glasses late into the night, while Qi Shuwan watched from the side, feeling tired just from observing his energy.
She took out the sample copy of Science Stories and flipped through it casually.
But just a few pages in, she was hooked, laughing uncontrollably as she read at the bedside.
Qi Shuwan was laughing so hard that tears began to well up.
Professor Sun adjusted his glasses, slightly irritated, “What’s so funny? Laughing so much over a book.”
But Qi Shuwan couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing again.
Professor Sun: “…”
His curiosity piqued, “What on earth did your goddaughter write to make you laugh like that?”
Wiping her tears, Qi Shuwan said with a chuckle, “My daughter is quite the writer—so talented!”
“Very talented.”
“She really shouldn’t have gone into medicine! She’d be perfect writing articles for the publicity department.”
“Nonsense.” Professor Sun snatched the book from her hands, his curiosity now in full force. Settling by the bedside lamp, he read through two articles and found himself laughing, too.
He muttered between laughs, “What kind of nonsense is this? All mystical and whimsical.”
Qi Shuwan teased, “But isn’t it scientific too?”
Professor Sun gave a dismissive snort, “Not exactly serious work.”
He stayed up reading for most of the night and, as a result, didn’t get up until midday. When he finally rose, Gu Sheng was entertaining the children, and Zhan Aiping and Qi Shuwan were chatting and shelling beans together.
Zhan Aiping enjoyed talking to her godmother, who was warm, caring, and motherly, just the kind of mother figure she had always wanted.
Meanwhile, Gu Sheng took over cooking lunch, and Professor Sun, now well-fed, played a few games of chess with his “son-in-law.” Then, after checking the time, he decided to take his son-in-law and grandchildren out for a walk, leaving Zhan Aiping at home to keep Qi Shuwan company.
Professor Sun urged Qi Shuwan to come along, but she waved him off. “I’m not going with you.”
She found it embarrassing.
So, Professor Sun set off next door to He Sheng’s house to show off, “Hey, Old He, come meet my son-in-law—handsome, isn’t he? My daughter has good taste. And look at these two kids—so clever, just like their parents.”
Standing tall and proper behind Professor Sun, Gu Sheng felt cheerful. It was moments like these when he got to hear Professor Sun actually praise him.
“You really are…” He Sheng sighed. While Old Sun found himself a great daughter and son-in-law, He Sheng felt a pang of jealousy because his own son-in-law couldn’t compare.
“And my grandchildren are just as bright, just like me when I was a kid…”
Back at home, Zhan Aiping chatted with Qi Shuwan until her godmother left to run errands. Not long after, there was a knock at the door. When Zhan Aiping opened it, she was surprised to find Xue Ningjia standing there with bags in hand. They both froze, staring at each other.
Zhan Aiping had heard that Xue Ningjia had gone to the northwest and hadn’t yet married; she was back in Shanghai visiting family, and it was quite a coincidence to run into each other.
Xue Ningjia recognized her, and her smile faltered slightly. “It’s you!”
Seeing her brought a sharp pang to Xue Ningjia’s heart. The tough life in the northwest had aged her by seven or eight years, robbing her of her previous glamour, while Zhan Aiping looked fresh and vibrant, her beauty blooming in the gentle climate.
If Xue Ningjia weren’t so familiar with her, she might not have even recognized her.
She’d heard from a mutual friend that Zhan Aiping had reconciled with Professor Sun and even received a dress from Qi Shuwan. This news felt like a thin silver needle occasionally pricking her heart, stirring a strong desire to leave the northwest. She didn’t want to stay there anymore.
And now that Zhan Aiping had mended her relationship with Professor Sun, was she using this connection to return to Shanghai? The He Mingzhang family had already received their due punishment, but Xue Ningjia believed she didn’t deserve any blame for what happened back then.
“Zhan Aiping, is Professor Sun at home? I came to visit him and his wife.”
Zhan Aiping invited her in. “Come in.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Xue Ningjia asked, “Are you alone here?”
Professor Sun and Qi Shuwan were both out, so Zhan Aiping poured her a cup of tea. As Xue Ningjia looked around, she noticed the many “toys” scattered around—dolls, a tin kangaroo, toy cars, and a rattle drum, all adding a gentle, childlike warmth to the place.
Zhan Aiping answered coolly, “Yes.”
After pouring the tea, she sat down leisurely. Seeing her calm and indifferent demeanour, Xue Ningjia felt a bitter resentment. She suspected that the rift with Professor Sun years ago had been influenced by whatever trouble Zhan Aiping had stirred up, affecting his view of her.
Now, here they were, both stationed away from Shanghai: one in the northwest, the other in Yunnan, both banished to remote areas.
Xue Ningjia suspected that Zhan Aiping was also trying to return through her connections. But she had gotten here first, beating her to it.
Xue Ningjia picked up a panda plush toy, and Zhan Aiping spoke up, “That belongs to my daughter.”
Xue Ningjia was taken aback, “Oh, really?”
“Yes, I have a son and a daughter. Professor Sun took them out for a walk.”
Xue Ningjia was shocked, thinking it shameless of Zhan Aiping to even bring her children along.
“Did you stay at Professor Sun’s house last night? You brought the children with you?” She silently cursed Zhan Aiping, assuming she was shamelessly using her children for sympathy.
Xue Ningjia thought of her own situation as she rubbed her rough fingers, hardened over the past two years. She was determined not to stay in the Northwest a moment longer—she wanted to come back.
Zhan Aiping added, “And my husband.”
Xue Ningjia blurted out, “You brought your whole family?”
Zhan Aiping smiled calmly, “It’s the New Year; it should be lively.”
Xue Ningjia fell silent.
Now, even Zhan Aiping had turned into someone who played up to others.
Xue Ningjia said, “Zhan Aiping, the professor is very disappointed in you. He said he’d never forget what you did—that was his exact words.”
“I made mistakes back then, but He Mingzhang—” Zhan Aiping laughed coldly, “You still have the nerve to mention him in front of me.”
Xue Ningjia replied, “That was your own fault, nothing to do with us. You can’t pin it on me—I didn’t bring He Mingzhang to find you.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “He Mingzhang has already confessed everything to me.”
Xue Ningjia turned pale, panicking. “Zhan Aiping, I’ve suffered these two years in the Northwest as a way of atoning for my mistakes to you.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “Xue Ningjia, your own family isn’t innocent either.”
“You went to the Northwest voluntarily,” she reminded her.
Xue Ningjia remained silent, biting her lip. When He Mingzhang’s family got into trouble, it affected the Xue family as well. Frantic at the time, Xue Ningjia fled to the Northwest, thinking she could escape the chaos. She didn’t see how it was her fault. If she hadn’t involved He Mingzhang with Zhan Aiping, none of this would have happened, and her family wouldn’t have been implicated. She had begged Professor Sun for help, but he had refused.
Resolving to secure Professor Sun’s support now that she was back, Xue Ningjia asked, “How long have you been here? Why hasn’t the professor sent you away?” She had chosen this exact day to avoid imposing on New Year’s festivities, thinking it would be a good time to visit. She hadn’t expected to run into Zhan Aiping here.
Zhan Aiping replied, “I told them before the New Year I’d be visiting. Xue Ningjia, watch your tone, or you’ll be the one asked to leave.”
The two had long since shed any pretence of friendship, but Xue Ningjia’s resentment only grew. Why should she suffer in the Northwest while Zhan Aiping thrived?
Xue Ningjia said, “Professor Sun used to like me best; he looked down on you and praised me privately.”
Zhan Aiping replied, “That’s funny—he always liked me more and secretly thought I was better than you.”
Xue Ningjia’s face darkened.
The two sat together in strained silence until Professor Sun and Gu Sheng returned with the children, who were asking for milk. Professor Sun announced, “Let’s go back and make some milk for the little ones.”
“Do we have guests?” Professor Sun noticed. “Xue Ningjia?”
“Pr-Professor Sun…”
With the two adults and two children returning, the room felt significantly smaller. Soon, Qi Shuwan came in carrying groceries. “The lady down the street gave us some treats. Son-in-law, could you help me in the kitchen?”
At this point, Qi Shuwan was very comfortable with Gu Sheng, who smiled and said, “Mother-in-law, let me help you with that.”
“It’s quite heavy.”
Meanwhile, the two kids clung to Professor Sun’s legs. “Grandpa, we want milk…”
During the holiday, they’d become experts at charming their family members, hitting up their favorite people first before getting around to mom and dad, who couldn’t escape anyway.
“Alright, Grandpa will make you some milk.”
Xue Ningjia watched in shock as Professor Sun went to prepare milk, surprised at how this once stern, strict professor now doted on the children like a devoted grandfather.
Zhan Aiping stood up, looking at her two chubby little “piglets” with mock disdain. “You’re still eating? You’ve both put on weight over the New Year.”
“Mama…”
Xue Ningjia couldn’t help but ask, “Are these your children?”
“Yes, this is my son and daughter.”
“But…why are they calling Professor Sun ‘Grandpa’?”
Qi Shuwan laughed, “Now Aiping is our goddaughter.”
Xue Ningjia was stunned. How did that happen?
“Madam, one daughter isn’t enough—consider taking me as a goddaughter, too,” Xue Ningjia pleaded.
Just then, Professor Sun emerged, hearing her words and responding, “I don’t need that many daughters.”
Qi Shuwan added, “We’re quite happy with just Aiping. Now, little ones, come over here to Grandma.”
“Grandma…” The two children clung to her affectionately.
Xue Ningjia said, “Good things come in pairs, Professor. I know you’re still upset with me, but back then, Aiping and I were like twin stars. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if we both could be your daughters?”
Professor Sun replied coldly, “Enough of that.”
Qi Shuwan added, “Just because one person shows up doesn’t mean we’ll take everyone in.”
“Aiping has long since left the service…she’s always been Old Sun’s favorite student. We used to think it would be wonderful if she could be our daughter…”
Xue Ningjia’s face turned sour.
Without even staying for a meal, she left quickly, embarrassed.
After arriving in Shanghai, Zhan Aiping also sought out information on the Anti-venom research and learned that the team in Guangzhou had made significant progress. The treatment showed good results with minimal side effects and was now set for broader application. She managed to get contact information for the team members involved in the Anti-venom research there.
Zhan Aiping also had Gu Sheng sketch a model gas station—she was serious about sending a suggestion to a Shanghai toy factory in the hopes that they would make a miniature gas station.
Gu Sheng drew over a dozen sketches, and Aiping finally selected a few of the best. She penned a letter and had it sent along with the designs.
Gu Sheng laughed and said, “If they really take your suggestion, will you ask someone to buy a gas station set for our son?”
Zhan Aiping waved her hand, thinking it would be fun for the kids to play house with it.
While in Shanghai, Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng visited her old school to catch up with familiar teachers, including Ye Fangjing, who was now married.
Ye Fangjing said, “Though I didn’t marry my childhood sweetheart, my husband is a good person.”
“Congratulations!” Aiping replied.
Ye Fangjing added, “I envy you—becoming a mother with a pair of twins, a son and a daughter in one go.”
…
After staying a few days, the family prepared to leave. Qi Shuwan packed plenty for them, saying, “Aiping, I know you like tea, so here’s some for you to take back.”
Aiping laughed, “Godmother, I just brought some Pu’er tea.”
“Old, aged tea is delicious. Your godfather doesn’t even like tea—he just gulps it down without savouring it. Here, take these tea cakes.”
Looking at the tea cakes Qi Shuwan had packed, Aiping was astonished. These were vintage Tongxing teas, some aged for three or four years, even one aged 21 years.
“Godmother, you should hold on to these teas,” she suggested. They could appreciate in value, much like jade, and in the future, could fetch a high price.
“If they just sit around here, that’s the real waste.”
Aiping thought it would be equally wasted with her—unless she waited to sell them after many decades. But she didn’t see much point in that; perhaps they could be kept as collectibles, something to pass on if the kids ever needed to sell off family heirlooms someday.
Professor Sun’s house held a trove of treasures, and when Aiping refused the tea, Qi Shuwan still pushed a few tea cakes into her bag. “There’s no point letting your father have the good tea. He can’t tell the difference between black tea and green tea—he just wants something to stay awake. Giving him good tea is a waste.”
“He prefers the cheapest tea with a bit of sugar,” she added.
At that time, most households had a teapot or thermos, often the green or red metal kind, with one typically filled with tea and another with hot water. Tap water wasn’t high quality, so when boiled, it sometimes tasted strange; adding tea helped mask the flavour, and many families always had tea on hand, though it was rarely any expensive kind.
Aiping said, “I’m like him; I mix my tea with milk.”
“Oh, that’s just wasting the tea, absolutely wasting it,” Qi Shuwan exclaimed. “But take it anyway; out of sight, out of mind—better you have it than him brewing it all wrong.”
“He’d probably think it tastes bad,” Aiping joked.
“It’s not bitter at all; it’s sweet,” Qi Shuwan replied, laughing. “He just thinks the dark colour makes it look too much like herbal medicine.”
“He prefers his sweet little teas,” she added. “If you’re curious, try it with milk to see if the tea or milk flavour comes through more.”
Aiping thought, I wouldn’t dare—this is aged tea, and she had no desire to try. But with her godmother insisting, she accepted it anyway.
“Make sure to come back often, and call every month. I want to hear my grandchildren’s voices,” Qi Shuwan said.
Professor Sun teased, “This son-in-law is useless. When will we get a phone at home?”
Aiping laughed, “There’s a phone in my office. When I get a chance, I’ll call with the kids.”
“Call often; the more, the better,” Professor Sun replied.
As they reviewed her books and materials, Professor Sun went over each carefully, giving her his critiques. “When you’re back, go over this and make some revisions.”
Zhan Aiping said, “Alright, the health school in our county even asked me to help write a textbook. Once I’ve completed it, I’ll send it over for you to review, godfather.”
After returning from her visit to the Spring City Medical College and discussing with Dr. Qin, the health school principal had contacted her to collaborate with other instructors on a comprehensive training textbook.
Zhan Aiping didn’t mind this type of work; in fact, she quite enjoyed compiling books.
Professor Sun asked, “When will your Science Stories be available at the Xinhua Bookstore?”
Zhan Aiping was surprised. “Didn’t you and godmother already read it? Are you planning to buy a few more copies?”
Professor Sun replied matter-of-factly, “Of course. My goddaughter wrote it—I must show my support.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “I’m not sure when it’ll be available at Xinhua, but it should be soon.”
“I’ll talk to someone at the bookstore about it.”
“No, no, please don’t rush them!”
She felt a bit embarrassed; traveling from her family to Gu Sheng’s family, then to Professor Sun, and finally visiting Ye Fangjing, it seemed she’d been promoting her “masterpiece” at every stop.
Would the Writers’ Association contact her in the future? She doubted that her work would ever gain recognition from traditional literary circles, especially with the emergence of truly remarkable writers in the 1980s.
“Maybe I should just focus on textbooks!” she thought. She enjoyed writing materials that others would be “forced” to read for thier classes.
Professor Sun said, “If I’d known you enjoyed teaching and writing so much, I would’ve kept you here as a teacher.”
Zhan Aiping laughed, “Then I’d be following in your footsteps!”
They exchanged smiles.
After a journey of over half a month and several stops, not only were the children exhausted, but the adults were worn out too. Celebrating the New Year truly was a test of endurance. Finally, they bid farewell to Professor Sun and his wife, and Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng, with all their luggage, boarded the train back home—this time for real.
After seeing them off, Professor Sun called Dean Xu and enthusiastically described his “daughter’s” many talents and the intelligence and cuteness of his two grandchildren.
“In any case, thank you for bringing me such a wonderful goddaughter,” he concluded.
Dean Xu quietly chuckled, thinking that this “thank you,” which was really just bragging, was not something he wanted to hear.
“She’s still young and could use more experience…”
“My daughter even writes books, so if you see it in the Xinhua Bookstore, be sure to buy a few copies…” Professor Sun went on, clearly overflowing with things to say about his goddaughter.
After hanging up, Dean Xu reviewed some materials. The military hospital and local hospital were planning a collaborative program to train doctors…perhaps he could find a way to bring Zhan Aiping to the military hospital for further study.
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