Yu Family Courtyard was an old mansion nestled deep in the alleys of Binnan. The shallow autumn sunlight spread over the black tiles and red walls, creating an atmosphere of ancient tranquility. After last night's rain, the courtyard was filled with white, gossamer-like mist. The intense fragrance of osmanthus flowers intertwined with this hazy misty veil; occasionally, a breeze would blow, gently dispersing the fog, and the fragrance would waft out, carrying for miles through the narrow alleys.
Mei Ran stopped in front of a wooden door. She wore a moon-white silk dress, her face serene as a clear mountain spring. She looked back, "Mr. Fu, you seem a little nervous?"
A flash of something odd passed swiftly over the man's handsome face. He put his hand to his lips and gave a light cough.
No way? Did she actually guess right?
Mei Ran took a step closer to him, then wrapped her hands around his neck, her smiling eyes curving, "It's not your first time meeting my dad."
How could it be the same? Last time, it was to help with antique appraisals, a half-public, half-private affair. But this time, he was here in a different capacity.
Even though he had prepared the necessary formalities as instructed by Aunt Huiyuan before coming, for some reason, Fu Shijin felt inexplicably nervous—an emotion he had never experienced before.
Probably because he felt unsure of his footing.
After all, what he was seeking was that man's one and only treasure, his beloved daughter.
Putting himself in the other's shoes, if his own future daughter brought another man before him... just thinking about that scenario felt unacceptable.
After seeing Mei Ran's childhood photos at the Old Master's place yesterday, Fu Shijin had a somewhat sleepless night last night, his mind circling around the thought: if he and she had a daughter in the future, what would she be like?
The thought of a girl somewhat resembling her calling him "Daddy" in a soft, milky voice turned his heart into a lake of spring water. He couldn't wait for daybreak, couldn't wait... to have a child with her right away.
Lost in thought, the girl's soft lips gently pressed against his. Fu Shijin was stunned for a moment before quickly turning the tables, pulling her waist tight against him.
However, he didn't dare kiss her too deeply. He still had to meet his future father-in-law later; he was afraid of leaving a bad impression.
But he did leave a mark: every time he kissed her, a layer of hazy, lingering light would appear in her eyes.
Fu Shijin thought for a moment, fished out his phone from his pocket, unlocked it, and showed it to her.
Mei Ran quickly saw the sole item under "My Likes": it was exactly the Weibo post that the "Fu Shijin Global Fan Club" had reposted from "Evening Breeze" yesterday, including the accompanying comments about the song "In the North Lives a Beauty."
He liked it? Why would he like that?
The man seemed to have guessed her thoughts; amusement showed in his voice, "Ran Ran, I'm quite certain that wasn't me."
Could it be...
Sure enough, as expected, Mei Ran's eyes suddenly widened. The hazy, soft glimmer in them was as if evaporated by warm sunlight, revealing a pure clarity once more.
Yesterday, she had used his phone to play a game and had also clicked in to see that Weibo. She must have accidentally pressed that button when exiting.
She had actually *liked* such a cringeworthy Weibo post that was “flattering” herself, and it was done using his Weibo account! His fans below must be starting a new wave of wailing and cheering again, right?
"Quick, take it back!"
Mei Ran tried to snatch his phone. Unexpectedly, he raised it high above his head. He was so tall she couldn't reach even on tiptoe; she could only cling to his shoulders and jump.
Fu Shijin endured the friction of her body's softest part against his chest, his breathing growing somewhat heavy. He grasped her hand, firmly stating his position, "For comments that state objective facts, I must show basic respect."
Was this little leverage something he planned to keep firmly in hand?
"Ran Ran," he suddenly leaned down, his warm breath washing over her, and proactively placed the phone in her hand, "Remember one thing: you cancel it once, and I'll re-like it once."
"Fu! Shi! Jin!"
At that moment, a rich, resonant voice came from inside the room, "Ranth, who are you talking to outside? Why don't you come in?"
The two looked at each other, their expressions somewhat indescribable.
They'd gotten too caught up in their antics. How could they forget there was an important person inside?
Mei Ran walked in first. Fu Shijin clenched and then relaxed his fist before following her inside.
Mei Hongyuan had arrived just after dawn. He rested in bed for a little over an hour to regain his energy. After chatting with the Old Master for a while (the Old Master wanted to go practice Tai Chi), he simply dozed off a bit more. In that half-asleep, half-awake state, he heard his daughter's voice.
"Dad."
The voice grew clearer. Mei Hongyuan looked up and saw his daughter standing at the doorway with a bright smile. He rubbed his temples, "It's cool in the morning, why didn't you wear an extra jacket?"
Sunlight filtered through the half-open wooden door as a tall, straight figure stepped in. Mei Hongyuan squinted to see the man entering clearly, a hint of surprise in his eyes, "Shijin, what brings you here?"
"Dad," Mei Ran reached back and took the man's hand. The two walked together to stand before Mei Hongyuan. She showed a hint of the daughterly demeanor she only displayed in front of her father, "I brought my boyfriend for you to meet."
Rarely caught off guard, it took Mei Hongyuan several seconds to react, "Have a seat."
He then looked at his daughter, "Ranth, why didn't you give Dad a heads-up?" Leaving him completely unprepared.
Fortunately, both the newly-met future father-in-law and son-in-law were naturally composed individuals. They quickly settled down and engaged in pleasant conversation. Mei Ran sat beside them listening, feeling a sweet sensation in her heart.
"Ranth, go make a pot of tea," Mei Hongyuan suddenly said.
Why suddenly send her away when they were talking fine just now? Was there something coming up she shouldn't hear?
Mei Ran stood up and glanced at the man opposite her. That gaze held so much hidden emotion.
Mei Hongyuan gave a light cough, "Go quickly and come back soon."
Reluctantly, she walked out. She'd thought of eavesdropping outside the door, but the sunlight blatantly cast her shadow on the ground, revealing her whereabouts. She gave up.
When she returned, the two inside had already begun discussing topics related to antiques, both looking calm and composed. Mei Ran felt slightly relieved.
She sincerely hoped the person she loved would also gain the approval of the father she respected most.
Mei Hongyuan took a sip of tea and smiled, "I heard from Old Liu that this time's Hong Kong Autumn Auction, Mei Ran went with you?"
Old Liu? Uncle Zhang? Mei Ran thought to herself, could talk about a "fiancée" or such have also reached her father's ears?
Fu Shijin took up the thread, "Yes."
Mei Ran: "Dad, does the tea taste good?"
Both men simultaneously: "..."
Seeing his daughter's flustered expression, and since the necessary discussion had concluded, Mei Hongyuan put down his teacup, "You two can go out now. I'm feeling a bit tired, want to rest for a while."
Mei Ran breathed a sigh of relief and quickly pulled Fu Shijin out of the room. She persistently questioned him about what exactly her father had said to him, but this man remained tight-lipped, holding his cards close to his chest, making her heart itch more and more unbearably.
After lunch, Fu Shijin was again taken by Old Master Yu to admire the flowers in the backyard. Mei Ran and Yu Sheng sat under the veranda eaves, chatting while sunbathing. Not more than a few minutes into their conversation, Yu Sheng received a phone call and immediately sprang up like a startled rabbit, covering the phone and retreating to her room.
Why did it feel like everyone was acting so mysteriously?
Mei Ran let out a light sigh. Originally intending to go back to her own courtyard for an afternoon nap, she inadvertently walked in the opposite direction. She gently pushed open a wooden door and entered.
Mei Hongyuan was sleeping soundly, breathing evenly. She approached the bedside and was just about to shake out the thin quilt at the foot of the bed when she inadvertently noticed a slightly yellowish corner of something peeking out from under the hand resting on his chest. Curiosity piqued, Mei Ran gave a slight tug.
It didn't move.
She tugged again.
Mei Hongyuan opened his eyes, fixed his gaze on her for a moment, then looked down at her hanging hand. Immediately, he loosened his grip, his voice filled with affection, "Naughty again."
Mei Ran withdrew the object from his hand. It turned out to be a photo of her mother, identical to the one on the tombstone. Except this one's corners were slightly curled, showing clear signs of frequent handling.
That her father carried her mother's photo with him wherever he went—Mei Ran had always known this. She looked up at him again.
"Dad..."
This was the first time she had seen him with red-rimmed eyes in front of her. Mei Ran's heart ached with sourness. She couldn't hold back; a single tear fell.
"What are you crying about?" Mei Hongyuan patted her back gently, "Dad is happy. Just now, I dreamed of your mother again. I even mentioned your matters to her. She knows you have a boyfriend now; you couldn't imagine how happily she smiled."
Mei Ran's tears flowed even more, unstoppable, pouring out like a tapped faucet. Mei Hongyuan patiently comforted her, letting her nestle in his embrace and cry.
"Dad, from now on, I'll stay by your side forever, keep you company, okay?"
After her mother passed away, he had never remarried, hadn't even thought about finding someone else. Mei Ran knew no one could replace her mother's place in his heart. But all these years, every time she saw him, he was always alone. Even when sick, there was no one intimately familiar with him to care for him at his side. She had also subtly probed about this.
She remembered at the time, this always composed and restrained man's eyes were full of desolation, "Ranran, you know? After your mother left, half of my life... withered away."
She understood his unfinished words: you are my other half of life.
So she never asked again.
"Someone this grown-up," Mei Hongyuan smiled, pulling a tissue from the bedside to wipe her tears, "still crying like a child." He gently flicked her nose, "If Shijin hears this, won't he get impatient with me? I'm not as strong as I used to be; in a fight now, I wouldn't have the upper hand. You have to consider that for your dad."
Mei Ran was teased into a "pfft" laugh, "He definitely wouldn't be like that."
"I know," Mei Hongyuan said, "Nowadays, your heart and eyes are full of him." He sighed lightly again, "A daughter grown leaves one without a say..."
"Dad," Mei Ran playfully complained.
Mei Hongyuan put his arm around her shoulder, "Finding such a fine man like him truly gives Dad immense comfort."
Having seen countless people over the years, how could he fail to distinguish true feelings from false intentions? It was clear this young man was genuinely good to his daughter, and moreover, thought so far ahead.
"Dad," Mei Ran looked up, "We don't have much to do this afternoon. Shall we go take a look at Mama's old home?"
She was talking about her mother, Mu Rong's maternal home, located just across the river, about a ten-minute walk away. Since her uncle's family moved to Canada to settle down, the house had been vacant. But Mei Hongyuan had people come to repair it every year, after all, it was filled with memories of him and his wife.
The courtyard was covered in fallen leaves, and green moss grew thickly in the corners. Mei Ran stood by a swing, looked back with a blossoming smile, "I remember I fell right here when I was little."
"Mm-hmm," Mei Hongyuan also remembered, "It was the year you turned three. You even knocked out a front tooth back then. Your mother couldn't console you all afternoon and was so worried she cried non-stop. I held one of you in each arm, my shirt soaked through by the tears from both of you..."
Mei Ran felt a bit embarrassed. She walked over and linked her arm through his, "Let's go take a look somewhere else."
Even though people did come to clean regularly, empty houses always exuded a faint musty smell. A thin layer of dust had settled on the vase on the tea table. The two walked around the front and back halls, chatting as they went. Somehow, they mentioned Mei Mengran again.
"Has she been bothering you lately?"
Remembering the time in Hong Kong, Mei Ran shook her head, "No."
"Good," Mei Hongyuan nodded, holding her hand as they stepped over a threshold, "Let's head back."
Mei Mengran of course wasn't looking for trouble, because she was currently entangled with a big nuisance.
Wu Yuwan seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight recently, even her chin looked sharper. Her eyes appeared especially frightening.
"Ranran, Mama has important matters to discuss with you."
Mei Mengran sneered coldly, "Need money again, right? Do you really think I'm your personal ATM? Let me tell you, this time, don't even think about it!"
"Ranran, I'm sick."
Only then did Mei Mengran notice her odd appearance. It had just entered autumn, the weather not yet really cool, but she was wearing a thick coat, a dense layer of sweat covering her forehead.
Her voice tightened, "What's wrong with you?"
Wu Yuwan didn't answer. After a long pause, she said, "I need money for treatment. Ranran, you wouldn't just watch your biological mother die because she has no money for medical treatment, would you?"
"What about the money I gave you before?"
"Stolen," Wu Yuwan gritted her teeth, "That bastard didn't leave me a single cent!"
"You took the money I gave you to support some man, and instead got bitten by him," Mei Mengran snorted coldly, "If you knew today would come, why did you do what you did?"
A twisted feeling of delight rose within her.
"Ranran," Wu Yuwan wiped her tears and suddenly knelt down, "Mama was wrong. I shouldn't have treated you that way in the past!" She viciously slapped herself several times across the face, "Mama is sorry for you... In this world, you are Mama's only family!"
After all, this was the woman who had given her life, and now that she showed remorse, Mei Mengran's heart wasn't so hard as to disown her own family, but she also wasn't willing to be constantly threatened by her.
"I can give you money, but on one condition: you must hand over all the photos you have concerning my past."
"Yes, yes! Of course!" Wu Yuwan repeatedly agreed.
Believing she had solved this trouble, Mei Mengran happily continued practicing her singing. The finale of *The Good Chinese Singer* was approaching; she had to achieve good results!
Meanwhile, the moment Wu Yuwan stepped out the door, she was embraced by a man who darted out from the side. He asked impatiently, "Did you get the money?"
"Got it, got it. Your idea worked brilliantly. That girl totally fell for it." She poked his chest, "Where shall we go have fun tonight?"
Wu Yuwan indeed hadn't been feeling well lately, breaking out in cold sweats from time to time, frequently suffering insomnia at night. But in her youth, living in the mountains, she had picked up more than her share of ailments, so she didn't pay it much mind, simply buying some medicine from the pharmacy to take.
"Heh heh heh!" the man laughed, "Not like you don't know who I am!"
At this moment, Mei Ran was walking slowly along the little river, her arm linked with her father's. Not far away, an elderly sugar-pulling craftsman was surrounded by a group of schoolchildren carrying backpacks, chattering as they picked out shapes.
Suddenly, a flash of bright light gleamed before her eyes. She turned around in surprise.
"What's wrong?" Mei Hongyuan asked.
Beneath the dark gray sky, everything seemed calm. Mei Ran shook her head, "Nothing."
The two continued walking.
After they left, a man in black, wearing a baseball cap and carrying several cameras around his neck, emerged from a hidden narrow alley. He looked at the photo he had just taken, a slow smile spreading across his lips.