Chapter 48  Siyi, You Like Zimo, Don’t You

Huajie Courtyard!

The Xia Family!

“I don’t agree!”

“This time it’s just a loan, only for six months. My sister wants to open an internet café. She’ll pay us back once she makes some money.”

“The money from the last time she opened a noodle shop hasn’t been repaid yet, and the time before that, and the one before that—none of it has been paid back!”

“She paid back the time before last, didn’t she?”

“She paid your ass!”

“What did you just say?”

“If the money ends up in your mom’s pocket, you think it’ll ever come back?”

The Huazi family was fighting again.

The whole courtyard could hear them. But no one tried to stop them anymore.

“Fighting over money again.”

Grandma Bai (Bai Zimo’s grandmother) sighed.

“Money, once you don’t have enough, all kinds of problems come to the surface.”

“Grandma, if you have time, go check out some houses. It’s time to buy one.”

Bai Zimo had suggested buying property a while ago. But the elderly were used to life in the courtyard. Housing prices were still low now, without the traits of financial assets. He originally planned to take action after turning eighteen. Take advantage of the low prices before they skyrocketed…

Anywhere in a city would be a good investment. But if it was for asset value, then it has to be in places like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Suzhou, or Hangzhou.

“Hmm, I was thinking of waiting a few years and buying a place in the city as your wedding home.”

Bai Zimo broke into a cold sweat.

“Seriously… That’s not necessary.”

“What do you mean ‘not necessary’?”

Grandma smiled.

“The way Huazi and Siyi look at you is clearly different!”

“Grandma, let’s talk about the house instead!”

“Families keep fighting over money. The harmonious days in the courtyard are gone.”

“Yeah, it doesn’t feel the same living here anymore.”

Once, everyone in Huajie Courtyard felt like one big family. But over the years, cracks had begun to appear. Fishing trips weren’t profitable, investments failed, and hearts drifted apart.

“I’m getting old, and I don’t know if I’ll live to see you married…”

“I worry that once I’m gone, no one will love my precious grandson anymore!”

_____

The Xie Family!

“Wanghe! Have you decided on your college preferences?”

“Yeah.”

“Which ones?”

“Tsinghua, Peking University… at the very least, Renmin University.”

“Ahaha, be serious. What’s your real plan?”

“What do you want me to say? Do you really think I can get into college with these grades?”

Xie Wanghe was feeling frustrated.

He had just been lectured by Bai Zimo at school about college.

“Why not? You’re not stupid. There’s still a year to go. If nothing else, at least get into a technical college. Don’t be like your dad and spend your life on a fishing boat.”

Crash!

They both turned to see Xie’s eldest brother stumbling in from outside, plopping down on the couch.

“What are you two talking about? Looking down on fishermen, huh… You dare look down on fishermen?”

Liang Haihong frowned.

“Ugh, who were you drinking with this time? You’re drunk again.”

“Boss Sun…”

The once high-spirited eldest Xie brother had changed. Now, he was just a man worn down by life. And just like that, the Xie family broke into another argument over money. Every household had its own struggles. Grandma Ma sighed as well.

“Siyi.”

“Yeah?”

“You’ve always been a good child, keeping everything inside. You like Zimo, don’t you?”

Ma Siyi blushed.

“Grandma!”

“I can see it. And it’s good. He’s capable—your future won’t be too hard with him.”

“Grandma, why are you saying these things…”

She suddenly felt a little scared.

Scared of growing up, because growing up meant Grandma was really getting old.

“My health is getting worse. I worry you’ll suffer if you go back to your mother’s place. You might as well live with Grandma Lin.”

“I’ve saved up a little money with Grandma Lin, in case you struggle during college. Let Zimo look after you more.”

_____

Ma Siyi’s eyes filled with tears. All these years, she had depended on her grandma. Even though Bai Zimo had always looked out for her, Grandma was her dearest family.

The price of growing up—Could be scars, could be setbacks.

Could be a moment etched in memory, or an unshakable sorrow.

“Don’t say such things, Grandma!”

“I’m old and useless now. What I worry about most is you. If you and Zimo end up together, we can sell the house in the courtyard and let him invest the money for you.”

“Grandma, we will be together.”

“Silly girl. You’ll have to rely on yourself in the future.”

“Don’t cry, Grandma is fine now. I just want you to be prepared, so you’re not overwhelmed when things happen. Talk to Zimo if anything comes up.”

“Grandma…”

How do you hold on to youth?

How do you turn white hair black again?

Look at time—it waits for no one.

Look at people—how pitiful they can be.

Back then, everything seemed wrong.

And in the end, all we can do is cry.