Until Next Time - Yizhan

Chapter Twenty Two

"I think that must be the house, Cheng!" Zhan couldn't contain his excitement as he pointed to a two-story house that looked almost like a replica of his grandpa Tang San house. Except this one was freshly renovated and in great shape.

Zhoucheng pulled up the car next to a fence that was made of sturdy steel mesh. It looked like it was made from heavy iron with some holes in it. The plants growing on the fence were lush and full of flowers.

Zhan hopped out of the car in a hurry. He walked over to the open gate, took a quick look inside, and spotted an elderly woman watering a plant.

"Good afternoon," Zhan greeted the old lady as he entered the gate, who had her back on him. Her white hair was tied up in a ponytail, with a pintuck holding it in place.

As she turned around, her gaze locked onto Zhan, as if trying to figure out who he was. She adjusted her glasses down her nose, and her white eyebrows almost touched.

Zhan came to a halt, feeling that familiar wave of anxiety wash over him.

"Ta-Tang San? Is that really you?" She dropped the water hose on the ground and stepped closer to Zhan.

Zhan tears flowed uncontrollably, and he felt frozen in place.

This can't be true! The old woman stopped walking when there was only one step between the two of them.

" Tang San, is that you?" she said in a trembling voice brought on by old age.

"Z-Zhan is... my name. N-not Tang San..." Zhan cried, tears streaming down his face. A smile crept onto the old woman's cracked lips, and her watery eyes lit up.

"Zhan... Tang San... Is that still matter?" She reached out with both hands and hugged Zhan.

Zhan burst into tears. "Wen Qing..." After a little while, the old woman released him, her eyes scanned Zhan. "Just like I remember you. Nothing's changed. It seems like it was just yesterday..." she said.

It was only yesterday, Wen Qing... he wanted to say but words got caught in his throat.

The elderly woman took hold of his arm and ushered him into the house. "Come, Tang San, come in."

Zhan exchanged a brief glance with Zhoucheng before following the old woman without a second thought. The amazement and shock in his chest were almost worn him out.

"Take a seat, Tang San," the old lady said and pointed to the empty seat. Zhan sat down as he keeps his gaze fixed on the elderly woman, just as she did with him. "What would you like to drink Tang San? Coffee or tea?" asked the old lady.

Zhan wiped away the tears with the back of his palm and gently held the old woman's delicate arm as she turned to make her way to the kitchen.

"No need to worry, Wen Qing. I won't take long. Who is... here with you?" Zhan asked, glancing around the spacious house. The furniture, although old, is well maintained. A mix of new and ancient furniture. From the living room, he could see the modern kitchen. The surroundings have a touch of luxury.

Back in 1948, Wangyin was quite well-off. The old woman smiled again. Zhan estimated she was probably couldn't be older than ninety-seven. But she still appeared quite lively and still looked pretty strong for someone her age.

"I have two helpers with me in this house, Tang San," she said. "One is in the kitchen at the moment, and the other is with my granddaughter, Wangyin's niece daughter. They'll arrive soon..."

"I-is... Uncle Lujin visiting you?" Zhan asked hesitantly.

She gave a wistful smile. "Things have changed, Tang San. I know Lujin is being held back by his wife. Linran is the one who encouraged my grandson to settle in another country."