Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

107 Entering the House

"Why is that?" Shen Qiuhua couldn't understand the purpose of such a rule.

Yang Qiong shrugged. "Who knows? It's just an old tradition passed down through generations, and everyone follows it." Since she was a woman and not bound by the rule, she hadn't given it much thought.

By the time the two entered the village, the sky had darkened. Despite the dim light, it was clear that the village was not small. Houses were built into the mountainside, closely packed together, with small paths winding between them. The village seemed quiet, with only the occasional sound of dogs barking.

Though Yang Qiong hadn't returned for years, she was familiar with the place. The village hadn't changed much- it looks exactly the same as it was years ago.

When they reached her family's door, Yang Qiong glanced back at Shen Qiuhua before knocking. "Mom, Dad, I'm home." She spoke in the local dialect, which Shen Qiuhua found difficult to understand.

Before long, an elderly woman appeared from behind the low courtyard wall. She looked outside for a moment before tentatively calling out, "Is that Xiao Qiong?"

"It's me," Yang Qiong nodded.

The woman came over and opened the gate. Before she could say anything, a large yellow dog darted out, startling Shen Qiuhua.

"Don't worry, it's our dog. Lao Huang." Yang Qiong stepped in front of Shen Qiuhua, allowing the dog to jump up on her. "Lao Huang, you're still alive?" Yang Qiong's words, though factual, felt oddly out of place.

Lao Huang was indeed old. After one excited jump, he settled down, circling Yang Qiong and occasionally glancing at Shen Qiuhua but not barking.

"See, he's well-behaved." Yang Qiong petted the dog's head, and Lao Huang quietly accepted the affection, letting out a soft whimper.

"Xiao Qiong, who is this?" The woman pointed to Shen Qiuhua.

Distracted by the dog, Yang Qiong had momentarily forgotten to introduce them. "Mom, this is my colleague, Shen Qiuhua. Qiuhua, this is my mother."

Shen Qiuhua, poised and graceful, greeted Yang's mother without hesitation. After exchanging pleasantries, Yang's mother invited them into the house.

The house was simple, even shabby. Upon entering, they were immediately in the kitchen, where the strong smell of smoke made Shen Qiuhua cough. As she looked around, she realized that the house was made of wood, which gave her a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of her past life.

On a long bench sat an elderly man, puffing on a pipe by the fire. When he heard the door, he didn't turn around, only asking, "Who's knocking?"

"Xiao Qiong is back," Yang's mother replied, though there wasn't much joy in her tone.

The man, his face weathered with age, finally turned to see Yang Qiong. He nodded. "You're back. Have you eaten? We were just about to eat." He stood up and walked over.

Yang Qiong introduced Shen Qiuhua to him. This was her father, already in his sixties, still relatively healthy despite a persistent cough from years of smoking.

When he heard that this elegant young lady was Yang Qiong's colleague, Yang's father said nothing more, merely nodding in acknowledgment. The two women followed him through the kitchen and into what appeared to be the living room, Shen Qiuhua quietly observing her surroundings.

Just then, a seven or eight-year-old girl ran out from a room further inside. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the two of them, blinking her big, dark eyes at Yang Qiong and asking, "Auntie?"

Yang Qiong walked over and patted her head. "You must be Erhong, right?"

The little girl nodded before turning and running back into the room. Shen Qiuhua felt a bit sad watching this scene, seeing how unfamiliar the niece and aunt were with each other.