Momo's Gradual Change

C104. Grandpa!

Chapter 104

As they reached for the back seat, the two girls opened the door to find someone already inside.

Seeing who it was, Song Yimo’s face lit up with joy. “Grandpa! Dage, why didn’t you tell me he was coming, too?”

Zhai Muyang shrugged with a grin. “The old man wanted to surprise you. Zhiruo, you sit up front.”

“No need! We’ll all fit in the back.” Grandpa Zhai shifted over, beckoning them in.

Pulling Miao Zhiruo into the car, Song Yimo barely settled in before she made introductions. “Grandpa, this is Miao Zhiruo. I’ve told you about her. Miao Miao, this is my Dage’s grandfather. You can call him Grandpa, too.”

“Grandpa.”

“Good, good,” he responded warmly. “I’ve heard much about you from Yimo. When you’re on holiday, you must both come visit.”

“Definitely!” Miao Zhiruo replied, eyes sparkling. “I’ve heard the whole yard is full of peach trees, and I’ve been wanting to see them.”

“Come at the end of August, then. That’s when we’re ready to harvest. We’ll wait for you two before picking the peaches.”

Miao Zhiruo glanced at Song Yimo, her eyes brimming with excitement.

Song Yimo nodded encouragingly. “I was planning to bring you with me, of course.”

In the driver’s seat, Zhai Muyang kept glancing at the trio in the rearview mirror. The doctors had noted how his grandfather’s spirits had lightened, and he knew it was Yimo’s doing. Since her first visit, she had come to see him every month, bringing gifts from her grandmother, usually with Zhai Muyang joining her.

Only once, when he was away overseas, she had made the journey alone, her hands red from carrying heavy bags through buses and transfers. His grandfather, moved by her effort, had even called him to complain—not that Zhai Muyang had minded. Whatever had changed, his grandfather was certainly happier these days.

“Oh, Grandpa, how are those peaches? Dage says they’re delicious.”

“They’re quite good. Everyone at the care home loves them—big, juicy, and sweet. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty for you.”

“If they’re that good, maybe I can tell Miaomiao’s dad about them,” Song Yimo said thoughtfully. “He knows a lot of people now. Maybe he can even work out a deal with the care home to buy them. I promise the price will be fair.”

Grandpa Zhai exchanged a look with his grandson in the mirror—one of surprise from the elder, and one of pride from the younger, who now held his head a little higher.

“That’s a great idea. Are you able to make that call for your family’s shop?” Grandpa Zhai asked, smiling.

“Oh, not me. I’d just tell Miaomiao’s dad. If the peaches are as good as you say and the price is fair, he’ll decide.”

"I will complain to my dad, Momo. When did my parents disobey you? Your words are a hundred times more effective than mine." Miao Zhiruo scoffed playfully. “Grandpa, don’t listen to her modesty! Just one word from Yimo, and my dad would be on his way to negotiate.”

Song Yimo’s eyes widened. “Really? I’d never want to act as if borrowing money from me made me bossy—”

“Please!” Miao Zhiruo cut in, rolling her eyes. “With your easygoing nature, do you even know how to be bossy? If you do, show me now.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Relax! My parents already wish they could’ve had you as their own.” Miao Zhiruo leaned on Song Yimo with a sigh. “When I’m off at military school, will they even remember what I look like?”

Song Yimo chuckled and mussed Zhiruo’s short hair. Some things never needed to be said aloud—blood ties spoke for themselves.

Grandpa Zhai watched the two with a twinkle in his eye. “So, Zhiruo, have you already chosen your future school?”

“Momo helped me pick, and it’s perfect. I’m training for it already.” Miao Zhiruo flexed her arm, showing off the new muscle. “It’s only June, and I’m already as dark as coal. Imagine how I’ll look by September.”

Song Yimo patted her arm playfully. “You hardly ever stay fair for long; you should be used to it by now.”

Miao Zhiruo raised an eyebrow. “That’s called hope! You’re pale all year—try getting a tan and see how it feels!”

“I don’t tan; I just don’t.”

“Ugh, showoff!” Miao Zhiruo pounced, and Song Yimo blocked her with her backpack, successfully defending herself.

As the laughter settled, Grandpa Zhai turned to Song Yimo. “What about you? Have you thought about college?”

“I have, but I’m still not sure.” She rested her chin on her backpack, looking thoughtful. “I don’t have a preference for arts or sciences, though I’m leaning toward sciences for more options later.”

Grandpa Zhai nodded approvingly. “A wise choice. Science does give a slight advantage in admissions.”

“Oh, Grandfather, you don’t have to worry about Momo’s grades,” Miao Zhiruo piped up. “She’s inching up every month! Last time, she was sixth in her grade. By senior year, she’ll be a shoo-in for the top school in the nation, but she says she might not even choose it.”

“Her grades are good enough, I’m sure,” he replied with a smile. “But there are many top schools and programs beyond the top two. When you know your field, you’ll have many options.”

As the car slowed to a stop, Miao Zhiruo looked out the window. “We’re here already? That was quick.”

She opened the door and leaned back into the car, grinning. “Grandpa, I’m off. We’ve got five days of break, so Yimo and I will show you around the county tomorrow.”

"Alright," Grandpa Zhai tilted his head with a smile, waving her off. "Hurry on home."

"Goodbye, Grandpa! Goodbye, Zhai Dage! Yimo, wait for me at home tomorrow."

"Got it. I’ll tackle some homework tonight, and tomorrow, we’ll pick up a few physics practice tests to work on that weak spot of yours."

Miao Zhiruo playfully shook her fist at her friend, then shut the car door with a cheerful snap and dashed off.

As Zhai Muyang reversed the car, he chuckled. "No wonder Uncle Miao says he never has to worry about Zhiruo with you around—she actually listens to you."

"I listen to her, too! At school, she’s always managing me in one way or another. I’m so obedient my classmates joke she’s my guardian."

Song Yimo laughed, then sighed. "I don’t mind, really. If I don’t listen, she’ll just report me to Miao Mama. Miao Mama’s always worried my easygoing nature will get me into trouble. But honestly, I’m not that easily pushed around. Still, it’s fine—anything to keep them at ease. Uncle and Aunt Miao have enough on their plates without worrying about the two of us."

Grandpa Zhai reached over and patted her on the head, his affection for her deepening.

Zhai Muyang’s heart softened, too, as he understood exactly how Uncle Miao and Aunt He felt. If it were up to him, he’d keep her under his watchful eye every moment of every day.