TRMLCM Chapter 68

Chapter 68: Speaking

Autumn passed and winter arrived. It was December, and the north had already begun to snow. The temperature in City C, located slightly further south, was also gradually turning cold. The sunlight couldn’t dispel much of the chill, and a desolate atmosphere lingered in the air.

In the blink of an eye, Cheng Yi had been living at Shen Chang’an’s house for two months. He was never one for formalities, and the simple rural life hadn’t bothered him in the slightest. Of course, the main reason was that Shen Chang’an was by his side, so he adapted well to everything, no matter how unfamiliar or simple.

Life in the countryside was peaceful, free, and unrestrained. During this time, their relationship was like a gentle stream flowing under the sun, constant, tender, and subtle.

They kissed and embraced frequently, and even though they hadn’t taken the final step, Cheng Yi had certainly gotten his fill of affection.

In short, the young master was living a very happy life.

Grandma looked at the guest who had taken up residence in her home, exuding a lazy but still handsome aura. She then glanced at Shen Chang’an, who was sitting quietly beside him, opened her mouth, hesitated, and ultimately said nothing. She shakily got up and headed upstairs.

Grandpa’s health had taken a turn for the worse in the past few days. Illness struck like a mountain collapsing. The bit of energy he had managed to regain had vanished, and he lay sickly in bed, sleeping fitfully all day and hard to rouse. Occasionally, he would wake up briefly, utter a few words, and eat a few mouthfuls of liquid food.

Grandma stayed by his bedside day and night. Shen Chang’an offered to take shifts with her, but she stubbornly refused, telling him to rest.

Shen Chang’an was worried but couldn’t persuade her. Helpless, he could only check on her again late at night. Fortunately, Grandma was only stubborn about this one thing, teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

Grandpa lay in bed, breathing with difficulty, his breaths sounding heavy and shallow. If his body weren’t still warm, Grandma, who was wearing herself out caring for him, probably wouldn’t have been able to hold on.

The atmosphere at home had been gloomy lately. Even the rebellious Berber had been much better behaved. Cheng Yi, feeling the heavy atmosphere, could only offer silent companionship.

He had privately asked Shen Chang’an if they should take Grandpa to the hospital for another check-up. Shen Chang’an looked up at the clear, cloudless sky and paused for a moment before gently shaking his head, refusing. He said that it was also what Grandpa and Grandma wanted.

…

After lunch, Cheng Yi was casually strolling around the courtyard to digest his food. When Shen Chang’an walked out of the house, he saw him basking in the sun, lazily teasing the cat and chickens.

His lively movements were like a drop of warm water falling into the stagnant pond of the Shen family, creating ripples and injecting vitality that subtly eased the wrinkles on his brow.

Shen Chang’an leaned against the door, his cool eyes quietly watching. His gaze was soft as it rested on the man. After admiring him for a while, he straightened up, took a step forward, and was about to walk over when Grandma’s voice suddenly called out from behind.

“Chang’an, cough, your… your grandpa said he wants to sit in the yard and soak up the sun. Come and carry him down.”

Her aged voice sounded weak and slow. When Shen Chang’an turned around, he saw Grandma standing at the top of the stairs, having just come down from upstairs.

“Okay.”

Shen Chang’an calmly nodded in response, then went inside and went upstairs with Grandma.

Walking into Grandpa and Grandma’s room, he saw the man lying on the bed, facing the door.

Grandpa had been lying down for several days, but today he seemed much better. Seeing Shen Chang’an enter, a weak but kind smile appeared on his face, which had been ravaged by illness. His slightly dry lips parted, and he was actually able to speak today.

“Chang… An.”

His frail body lacked strength, and Grandpa’s voice was very small. His slurred words sounded blurry, but if one listened carefully, they could still discern what he was trying to say.

Shen Chang’an’s eyes were no longer calm. He now realized what he had overlooked.

Grandma had said that Grandpa himself had said he wanted to go outside and soak up the sun.

Grandpa could speak again!

Shen Chang’an quickly walked to the bedside, knelt down on one knee, and looked into Grandpa’s clear eyes. He was filled with shock and joy. With a slightly agitated expression, he reached out to help Grandpa sit up. Grandma stood at the door, a glimmer of tears in her eyes. She quietly turned her back, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand.

His eyelashes trembled, and a mist formed in his eyes. Shen Chang’an couldn’t control his emotions. His usually calm voice became hurried as he grasped Grandpa’s hand and asked anxiously, “Grandpa, how are you feeling today?”

Seeing Shen Chang’an’s excited appearance, Grandpa’s lips curved into a smile. His eyes, weathered by time, looked at him with kindness and satisfaction.

“I’m… fine. My Chang’an, you’ve grown up… but why aren’t you as strong as you were when you were little?”

His large, rough, wrinkled hand slowly rose and gently wiped away the tears that had spilled from the corner of Shen Chang’an’s eyes.

Grandpa gently patted his shoulder with his arm, then weakly dropped it back onto the quilt, startling Shen Chang’an. He hurriedly reached out to grasp the large hand.

“Grandpa is mistaken.” His voice was deliberately calm, a subtle denial like a child who had been exposed, unsure of what to do. It sounded like he was pouting, but if one listened closely, they could still hear a sob.

Shen Chang’an sniffed and didn’t forget the reason he had come upstairs. “Come, let me carry you down.”

Grandpa’s eyes narrowed with a smile, a fleeting gleam of moisture flashing within them. Summoning his strength, he replied with a vigorous voice, “Okay.”

Hearing their conversation, Grandma also walked over from the door. Seeing Grandpa look at her with gentle eyes, they locked eyes. Her lips slightly curved upward, and that familiar, somewhat shy smile appeared on her wrinkled face.

Time had passed, and they had grown old, but that radiant smile was still as beautiful as when they had first met.

Grandma reached out to help him steady Grandpa, and Shen Chang’an squatted down at the bedside and steadily carried him on his back.

Seeing Shen Chang’an carrying him, step by step, his gait steady and firm, Grandpa was both surprised and gratified.

The silent boy was still silent, but he had become more stable and mature.

This child had always been the pride of his heart.

But now the roles were reversed. The child who had clung to his back on the way to the hospital when he was sick had, under the man’s tireless guidance, grown straight and strong, taking on the responsibilities and supporting the family, just as his family had hoped and wished.

Perhaps because of the previous experiences of being carried around by Shen Chang’an and Cheng Yi, although his heart was filled with emotion, Grandpa didn’t show it on his face. He slightly turned his head, looking at his wife who was hurrying to keep up. The old man grinned, showing a smile that he thought was very handsome, wanting to make his wife happy.

But paired with his pale face, the smile looked very weak.

But Grandma still smiled…

Smiled, it was good that she smiled.