Momo's Gradual Change - VOL. 1

C174. Big Brother Will Be There for the Wedding.

Chapter 174: Big Brother Will Be There for the Wedding

Song Yimo took another bite, her voice muffled as she asked, “Will Chunzi be able to leave tomorrow?”

Wu Ting stood up, took down her backpack, and, pulling a tissue from the outer pocket, handed it to Song Yimo. “I asked her. She said her dad wants to come help out.”

“Uncle Zuo... is that okay?”

“I think it should be fine. Even though Auntie Zuo has had a hard life, she’s never stopped providing medicine and dialysis for Uncle Zuo. He’s not as strong as most, but I think he could handle small tasks like collecting money and chopping vegetables. According to Chunzi, her dad even cooks at home when he’s feeling well and sometimes brings meals to her mom.”

Still, with Uncle Zuo’s sickly look, he might scare off customers. As Song Yimo kept eating, she came up with a less-than-perfect idea. “We can’t just stop him from coming; that’d hurt his pride. Have Chunzi buy a few masks for him, tell him it’s for his health. Let’s make sure he doesn’t overthink it.”

Wu Ting understood immediately. “I’ll mention it to her later.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Miao Zhiruo appeared, arms full and with a bottle of water tucked under her arm, just in time to overhear.

Taking the water, Song Yimo explained her worry.

Miao Zhiruo set down a bowl of fish ball soup in front of her and placed several skewers of squid in the middle for all to share. “Will Uncle Zuo be okay wearing a mask?”

“After enduring so many years of illness, he’s long used to hardship. If it’s for his family’s business, he’ll adapt.”

They continued chatting while eating, staying under the shade of the umbrella for nearly half an hour. When they left, it was almost eleven.

By then, more tourists were coming in for lunch, so they naturally gave up their seats.

Wu Ting handed her backpack back. “The sun’s so intense. You two should head back; it’s not far. You can come here anytime.”

“I’ll just stop by the restaurant on my way to check on things, then head home. The exit near there is closer to my place. Tingzi, don’t forget to tell Chunzi to be at my house by ten tomorrow morning. My brother will have a car ready to take us to the airport.”

“The airport?” Wu Ting blinked in surprise. “Weren’t we taking the train?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? My brother’s already booked round-trip tickets for us—as a graduation gift.”

Over the past two years, Wu Ting and Zuo Chun had grown close to Song Yimo and knew her big brother was genuinely wealthy. Zhai-ge was warm toward them too; in their senior year, he’d even sent them gifts from abroad.

But plane tickets? Those were pricey…

It made sense now why Song Yimo had taken their ID cards a few days back—she must’ve needed them to book the tickets.

Feigning surprise, Miao Zhiruo teased, “Zhai-ge really is an angel. I looked it up; taking a train to Tibet City takes over thirty hours—so much time wasted on the journey! Flying means more time to explore. Mo-mo, I’ll gladly take him up on the offer.”

“When have you ever held back?” Song Yimo rolled her eyes with a grin. “So, it’s settled. Tomorrow at ten, my place.”

Wu Ting felt a pang of understanding. She owed Song Yimo more than just this gesture. What was there to feel awkward about?

“Alright, we’ll be there on time.”

After saying goodbye to Wu Ting, Song Yimo and Miao Zhiruo made a quick stop by the restaurant, and once they were sure business was bustling, they left the scenic area.

The sun was blazing—it felt like the heat was almost tangible, sticking to their skin.

Stepping through her front door, Song Yimo was greeted by the sizzling sounds of stir-frying mixed with the familiar chatter. Home had never felt more welcoming.

“It’s so hot this year, and it’s only June! What’ll we do in July and August?”

Overhearing her, Grandpa Zhai chuckled as he set the table. “News says this summer might be the hottest in the last decade. I checked the temperatures in Tibet City—they’re actually a bit cooler than here.”

“You’re too thoughtful, Grandpa.” Song Yimo’s eyes drifted to the shoe rack, spotting her brother’s sandals on the top shelf. “Grandpa, is my brother out?”

“He’s busy; don’t worry about him. He won’t go hungry.” Though Grandpa Zhai wasn’t in business, he’d heard about some high-ranking people staying at the rehab center lately—people with notable financial influence. His grandson usually steered clear of officials, preferring not to get entangled.

Who knew what had changed his mind this time?

After dinner, Miao Zhiruo accompanied her grandmother for a visit, then went home to pack for the trip.

Song Yimo took a shower, her hair wrapped in a towel. She pulled out a new suitcase she hadn’t used yet, setting it open on her bed.

In her past life, she’d been focused on making money and had missed out on any graduation trips. As a teacher, she’d taken only a couple of trips. Traveling, especially to high-altitude places, wasn’t something she had much experience with.

She placed a few outfits into the suitcase, adding a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel.

What else?

She didn’t wear makeup and wasn’t into skincare yet, so none of that was necessary. Oh, she’d pack a tube of hand cream.

After grabbing an unopened tube from Grandma’s, she was ready to close the suitcase.

“All set?” The door was slightly open as her brother, Zhai Muyang, entered, carrying a multi-purpose camo backpack.

Song Yimo turned around. “Pretty much, I think. Did you bring that bag for me?”

“Yes. Carry this one on your trip. I packed some essentials—if you experience altitude sickness, take these herbs immediately. And there’s a box of multivitamins; all of you should take them.”

Opening the bag, Song Yimo found herself at a loss for words.

Inside were sunglasses, an umbrella, a hat, a water bottle, a camera, a small pharmacy’s worth of medication, and things she hadn’t even thought to bring.

"The sun’s fierce over there, so I got you sunscreen and lip balm. Remember to use them every day. And this mist spray—just spritz some on if your face feels dry. There’ll be some persistent people there, asking you for money. You’re too soft-hearted; I’m sure you’ll end up giving to everyone. I exchanged a bunch of small bills and put them in this outside pocket. But don’t get too generous—those folks don’t know when to stop. The more you give, the more they’ll come flocking…”

Song Yimo listened intently, yet somehow, she felt as if she was in a dream, the words drifting past her. Having a big brother who thought of every little detail for her—she must be the luckiest person in the world.

“If you need help, remember to find Zhou Qing. He’s ex-special forces, a survival expert. Oh, and did you pack long sleeves or short sleeves…?” Zhai Muyang trailed off, noticing that Yimo seemed lost in her own world. Smiling, he leaned down and asked, “Yimo, are you even listening? Am I nagging too much?”

“I used to wish someone would fuss over me, and now here you are, Dage. But… will there come a day when you won’t be around to nag me anymore? Like… if you got married…”

Yes, someday, her big brother would get married. The thought left Song Yimo’s mind blank for a moment.