Although the economy was developing, streetlights were still spaced far apart. Fortunately, days were long and nights short; it remained bright until seven or eight in the evening. So, Zhu Yanyi’s walk home was safe. The local customs were good—people rarely stole, and doors were often left unlocked. Especially during the current strict crackdown on crime, walking at night was very secure.
When Zhu Yanyi arrived home, Zhu Shun Yao had not yet returned from the new house construction site. By the time she had finished bathing, she finally came back.
Xie Xinlian didn’t bother heating up her food. She simply pressed the switch on the floor fan to make it spin, then continued reading her book nearby. Zhu Shun Yao went to shower first, then joined them for dinner. As she ate, she asked, “Your grandfather called you today. Did something happen at home?”
“No,” Zhu Yanyi shook her head, casually flipping through a book on medicinal herbs. “Uncle Yi Jun and Aunt Man Qing came to ask for medical help.” Then, remembering the incident earlier, she added, “This morning, Grandma and Dou Miao were pushed into the river by Wu Hua.”
“What?” Xie Xinlian was startled, dropping her book to the floor. “Are your grandmother and Dou Miao okay?”
“They’re fine,” Zhu Yanyi said. “Fortunately, A Dou happened to pass by and saved Grandma. As for Dou Miao, she seemed quite happy in the river.”
“I taught him to swim last year. He was probably showing off,” Zhu Shun Yao said, relieved to hear that Qi Qiao’er and Zhu Zhibin were safe. He then commented on his son’s nature.
“Exactly. She’s so bold. She even climbed out by herself, looking excited the whole time,” Zhu Yanyi said, recalling Zhu Zhibin’s expression with a helpless look. “I feel like my sister and I gave all our courage to her.”
Zhu Yanli, who was studying high school textbooks in advance, nodded in agreement. “Yes, Dou Miao is really very brave.”
“Boys should be brave,” Zhu Shun Yao said with a smile. “You don’t know about Cheng Xu from your godfather’s family. He returned recently. We found out he went to the border between Country E and our Huaxia. He acted as a border trader for a trip. They say he earned over five thousand yuan from it.”
Zhu Yanyi rubbed her forehead. “Godmother must be furious.” Border trading was dangerous; one mistake could cost a life.
Zhu Shun Yao continued, “That’s why women and men think differently. Letting boys explore while young is good for them. It helps them cherish their families more when they grow up and start their own lives.”
Xie Xinlian glanced sideways at Zhu Shun Yao. “So, you’re actually envious of Cheng Xu?”
Zhu Shun Yao sighed and took a sip of wine. “I’m limited by my age. But I’m happy working hard for my family now. Everyone’s perspective is different. Different views lead to different futures. I can’t walk Cheng Xu’s path because it can’t be copied.”
“Everyone’s life path is different,” Zhu Yanyi agreed with Zhu Shun Yao. “But Dou Miao is only six. You still need to talk to her seriously. Such reckless behavior isn’t allowed.”
“I’ll explain it to him properly when I have time,” Zhu Shun Yao said.