The meal concluded harmoniously, dissolving amidst jokes.
Everyone packed their luggage and embarked on their journey home.
On the plane, Lu Mingzhe and Xiang Wan sat together.
Xiang Wan, wearing an eye mask, slept leaning on his shoulder.
Lu Mingzhe held her soft hand, after much thought, he decided to share his true feelings.
"I've already reached an agreement with her; divorce is possible anytime, so you don't need to worry."
"I won't keep you in limbo without status or a name. When we get back, I'll tell her to set a date to finalize the divorce."
"Since I said I would marry you in front of everyone, I will definitely marry you."
A tempest surged within Xiang Wan.
She hadn't expected that the seemingly carefree and unrestrained Lu Mingzhe harbored such intentions.
In an instant,感动 (gratitude), 惊喜 (surprise), flooded her heart.
She longed to lift her head and see what he looked like now.
But ultimately, she restrained herself.
Feigning calmness, she nodded: "Whatever you think is best."
By the time the plane landed, it was already evening. Lu Mingzhe accompanied Xiang Wan home.
Her brother cooked, and the two assisted in the kitchen.
Suddenly, Grandma called.
Xiang Wan took her phone to the living room to answer, but Grandma's loud voice still carried into the kitchen.
"Went out to play? Did you have fun these past few days?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about me. It's just that you never find a boyfriend. You're getting older, and I'm always worried."
"Grandma, can you not bring this up every time you call?"
"I don't want to say it either, and I know you'll get annoyed if I talk too much. But you're about to turn thirty, and other people's children are already running errands. I'm anxious for you."
Her brother peeked out the kitchen door, then quietly told Lu Mingzhe.
"Why won't my sister mention you to Grandma? Does she not plan to marry you?"
"Aren't you afraid she'll be pursued by someone else? Why not seize the opportunity to make your presence known to my grandma?"
In the past, Lu Mingzhe was never around when Grandma called, so he had no chance to make an impression.
But today...
As Xiang Wan was placating her grandmother, he walked over.
He snatched the phone.
"Hello Grandma, my name is Lu Mingzhe."
Grandma, hearing a young man's voice, was momentarily stunned.
"Oh, who are you?"
Xiang Wan felt a bit embarrassed, unsure of what he was doing, and instinctively tried to snatch the phone back.
Lu Mingzhe dodged slightly, pulled her into his arms, and held her down.
"I'm Xiang Wan's boyfriend, my name is Lu Mingzhe. Hello Grandma."
"You're Xiang Wan's boyfriend? She, she has a boyfriend?"
"Yes, isn't it outrageous? We've been dating for a long time, and she never mentioned me to you."
"Oh, this naughty girl."
Grandma was instantly surprised and delighted.
"I always thought there was something wrong with her, not wanting to find a boyfriend at her age. Turns out, she deceived me so thoroughly!"
Lu Mingzhe chatted with Grandma, exchanging words back and forth.
Finally, he even made a promise to Grandma.
"We'll come back to see you tomorrow, are you welcome?"
"Of course, very welcome!"
"It just so happens that Grandma planted a lot of vegetables this year, and they've all ripened. She can't eat them all by herself. Come back quickly, I'll pick more for you to take home."
After hanging up, Xiang Wan looked shy.
"Why did you suddenly tell her that? Old people tend to overthink."
"Suddenly? She's overthinking? I'm already planning to marry you, shouldn't she know?"
Xiang Wan rolled her eyes at him.
"The divorce isn't finalized yet, we're still in an improper relationship. Don't forget."
Lu Mingzhe pinched her cheek.
"Can you stop raining on my parade? My marriage is no different from being unmarried. You're still taking it seriously."
"Alright, it's settled then. Let's take another day off work tomorrow and go have a look."
Though Xiang Wan feigned annoyance, her heart was overjoyed.
After dinner, they started packing, then dragged her brother and Lu Mingzhe to the mall to buy gifts for Grandma.
That night, she was too excited to sleep, sharing many childhood memories with Lu Mingzhe.
Lu Mingzhe felt his heart soften seeing Xiang Wan so petite and lively.
Such a good girl, he had been blind.
For the past few years, he had treated her as if they were in that kind of relationship.
Fortunately, he hadn't missed her.
The next morning, the two set off for their hometown.
Lu Mingzhe drove, and Xiang Wan sat in the passenger seat.
Looking at his young, handsome face, and then at the scenery blurring past the window.
It felt as if everything had suddenly fallen into place, and she felt incredibly content.
They drove the car all the way to Grandma's small courtyard.
Along the base of the courtyard wall, many loofahs and bitter gourds were planted, their lush green leaves climbing over the entire wall.
Even before entering, they could sense the vibrant atmosphere inside.
When they got out of the car and looked, the main door was locked, and Grandma wasn't home.
Xiang Wan's brow furrowed instantly.
"I told her not to plant so much, not to go to the market to sell. This old lady never listens."
"Let's go find her at the market."
The two drove the car to the town market.
They searched stall by stall along the street.
Soon, Xiang Wan spotted Grandma amidst a group of middle-aged people.
In front of her, a white snake-skin bag was spread out, with washed tomatoes, water spinach, beans, bitter gourds, cucumbers, and a steelyard scale placed on it.
Grandma was thin, her hair streaked with white.
She wore a simple floral print short-sleeved shirt for the elderly, sitting quietly, waiting for customers.
Seeing her, at her age, still working so hard to make a living.
Xiang Wan couldn't help but recall her difficult life in previous years, her nose stinging, tears nearly falling.
She pointed him towards Grandma.
"The oldest one there is my Grandma."
"My family is this poor. Ever since my dad passed away, she's been raising my brother and me by selling grains and vegetables."
"Are you sure you won't be embarrassed if you associate with someone like me?"
What nonsense was that?
When you love someone, you want them to be happy.
Seeing her or her family not doing well only evokes heartache, never disdain.
Lu Mingzhe pinched her cheek, first lecturing her, then comforting her.
"Alright, stop being sad. If Grandma sees you like this, she'll think I've bullied you."
"Adjust your emotions first, I'll go take a look."
Lu Mingzhe walked directly towards Grandma and squatted in front of her.
He wore a white t-shirt and black casual pants.
A pair of white sneakers, immaculately clean.
Sunglasses perched on his forehead, his features so young and handsome, like he had stepped out of a television screen.
Grandma looked him over, her eyes kind.
"Young man, are you here to buy vegetables?"
"Yes. How much are all these vegetables? I'll buy them all."
"Buy them all? How many people are in your family? Can you finish them?"
"We can finish them, please calculate the total for me, and pack them all up."