Chapter 722: Neighborhood Bonds

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Gu Zi reached out to embrace Aunt Zhang, who responded with a look of surprise and gratification. It was clear that she hadn’t expected such an intimate gesture from Gu Zi. Aunt Zhang was thrilled by the embrace, her voice trembling with excitement. “Gu Zi, it’s been so long,” she said. “If I had known you were coming, I would have dressed up a bit.”

Gu Zi’s eyes curved into crescents as she laughed. She had come to visit after a lifetime of laborious work that had left her physically and emotionally drained. In this life, she yearned for a peaceful and comfortable existence, filled with family meals, seasonal greetings, and occasional travels.

In terms of her career, she had no grand ambitions. She didn’t desire a tumultuous career or vast wealth. To her, having enough was sufficient. She had no interest in the so-called high society or social networking. Instead, she cherished the everyday bonds with her neighbors, believing that the most ordinary things were the most precious.

Gu Zi, leading Aunt Zhang and Shi Tou, walked towards her house. As they approached the front door, she noticed that the entrance and the ground outside were spotlessly clean. The ivy she had planted on the outer wall was thriving, covering the entire wall in a neat pattern. Clearly, someone had been taking care of it.

Looking at the well-maintained house, Gu Zi was reminded of her request to Aunt Zhang before she moved. She had casually asked her to look after the house, not expecting Aunt Zhang to take it to heart. Gratefully, she said, “Aunt Zhang, you’ve been such a great help in looking after my house.”

Aunt Zhang, surprised that Gu Zi had noticed her efforts, smiled modestly. As she helped Gu Zi open the door, she said, “It was nothing, really. Sometimes the children play here and make a mess, so I clean up. And I trim the plants and water them when I pass by…”

Gu Zi invited Aunt Zhang and Shi Tou inside. Soon, the rest of the family joined them.

Su Bing, carrying the sleeping Su Le, went straight upstairs. Su Li greeted Shi Tou and handed him some candy from his pocket. Gong Xin, clearly exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa after greeting everyone good night. Su Shen was the last to enter, carrying two large paper bags filled with gifts that Gu Zi had prepared for Aunt Zhang and Shi Tou.

Gu Zi took the bags from Su Shen and handed them to Aunt Zhang. “Aunt Zhang, I bought you a set of clothes that I thought would suit you,” she said. “And for Shi Tou, I got a baseball cap. It’s quite popular among the city kids. Please, don’t refuse. I’ll need your help in the future to look after the house.”

Aunt Zhang was about to decline, not because she expected a gift in return for her help, but because she genuinely enjoyed looking after the house. However, Gu Zi’s words stopped her. Seeing the blue baseball cap, she thought it would be a nice gift for her grandson.

Shi Tou was about to start school in town, and wearing the cap would certainly make him look stylish. Shi Tou himself was drawn to the attractive cap. “It’s so nice, Grandma! Can I have it, Auntie?” he asked.

Gu Zi immediately placed the cap on Shi Tou’s head. “Shi Tou, you look so cute and lively with it on. Don’t you think so, Aunt Zhang?”

Aunt Zhang, seeing her grandson looking much more fashionable with the cap, couldn’t bring herself to refuse. As she prepared to leave, she said to Gu Zi, “You’re leaving for the city tomorrow, aren’t you? Why not stay a few more days?”

Gu Zi shook her head. “We came for the wedding. Su Shen and I have work, and the kids need to prepare for school. It’s better to return to the city sooner.”

Aunt Zhang paused for a moment before saying, “I see. I’ll go to the field early tomorrow and pick some fresh vegetables for you to take back to the city. They’re homegrown, so they’re safer to eat.”

Gu Zi didn’t refuse. She knew Aunt Zhang wasn’t the type to take advantage of others. Having accepted Gu Zi’s gift, Aunt Zhang naturally wanted to reciprocate. If Gu Zi refused, it would seem inappropriate.