Jian Qing tilted her head and laughed with affection, answering her grandfather's soft gaze, "Hmm."
Jian Qing lifted a hand to pat the top of her head, their harmonious interaction reminiscent of a typical grandfather and granddaughter duo.
Sitting up straight, Jian Qing affectionately rested her head on her grandfather's shoulder, wrapping her arm around his, "Grandpa, you must also take care of yourself. I'll be back soon."
"Alright." Jian Qing grinned back.
Looking unintentionally at the silver hair at his temples, Jian Qing suddenly felt a pang in her heart. Grandpa was getting old, really old.
"Grandpa, while I'm not here, don't sneak drinks. I'll have Uncle Qin keep watch on you." Keeping her melancholy feelings aside, Jian Qing advised him, her eyes gleaming humorously.
Despite the old man looking hale and hearty, the effects of his excessive drinking in his youth were now starting to show. Bai Jue had more than once told him to limit his alcohol intake, but the old man, who had enjoyed drinking for more than half his life, found it hard to give it up completely. Whenever Jian Qing and Jian Luo weren't home, he found his way to the cellar to sneak a few sips, only to be busted by Uncle Qin each time.
A hint of embarrassment flickered in Jian Qing's eyes as she lamely agreed with a laugh, "Got it, you cheeky one!"
Watching their grandfather sheepishly eat his words, Jian Luo couldn't help but laugh, reveling in his misfortune.
Jian Qing let out a cunning laugh and snuggled up to her grandfather, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Caught off guard, the old man chuckled merrily, his earlier gloom disappearing instantly, leaving a joyful aura around him.
"Hahaha!"
Jian Luo, who witnessed Jian Qing's affectionate moment with their grandfather, was now envious and complained loudly, "Sis, you're too biased towards Grandpa."
"Want me to give you a kiss too?" Jian Qing arched her eyebrows and teased.
Certainly!
Jian Luo's eyes lit up as he moved closer. Just as he was about to offer his face, a well-calloused hand brushed him aside.
"Off you go, how can a grown-up still act like this." His sweetheart, Little Qingqing, could only kiss him – not this meddling kid.
Jian Luo twitched his lips at the sneering tone of the old man – maybe his age made him believe he himself was still young?
They were clearly hogging the affection, how audacious!
Even though he believed in respecting his elders and caring for the younger ones, this behavior was unbearable. He began to argue with his Grandpa.
Jian Qing, nestled comfortably on the couch, watched peacefully as Jian Luo argued with Grandfather. A radiant smile lit her eyes, her gaze drifted out the window, seemed as though it could pass through the sky to reach Beijing.
Ah, Beijing!
...
The summers in Beijing approach unusually quickly. After a heavy downpour, the sweltering sun instills irritability in everyone.
The airport was teeming with people coming and going, playing out scenes of departures and reunions filled with both tears and laughter. Every day, accompanied by the sweet voice announcing over the speakers, planes take off and land one after the other.
Stepping off the plane and out of the airport, she was greeted by the unfamiliarity of this foreign land. Jian Qing hid most of her stunning face behind a large pair of sunglasses to keep her identity undisclosed. Dressed in a black shirt, jeans, and sneakers, her casual attire couldn't conceal the nobility in her demeanor.
Without any signs of luggage, carrying just a black backpack, she appeared to travel lightly. Her bulky suitcases had been taken care of by her grandfather's staff yesterday. Hence, Jian Qing just hopped onto the plane with her backpack.
After texting her grandfather she arrived safely, Jian Qing took out a duck-billed cap from her backpack, casually placing it on her head before hailing a taxi outside the airport.
Despite the vast crowds at the airport every day, taxis are readily available, especially during the day. Within a few minutes, Jian Qing had already hopped into a taxi.
"Take me to Shijin Haoting!" Jian Qing announced her destination before turning her gaze to the window.
The driver looked curiously at the woman in the backseat - Shijin Haoting was home to the elites of Beijing. What was this young woman doing there?
Considering it to be none of his business, the driver didn't try to pry further and immediately hit the road.
The car sped along the streets, the sights outside quickly passing by. Uninterested in the changing landscape, Jian Qing leaned back to rest her eyes.
Seventeen years since she last set foot in Beijing.
Returning to Beijing after seventeen years, she still struggled to find any affection for it!
When she opened her eyes again, glimpses of extravagant and exquisite villas could be seen through her car window, surrounded by lush gardens with scattered fragrant flowers, even perfuming the air with hints of floral scent.
The residence chosen by her grandfather was indeed excellent, a decision she approved.
In the blink of an eye, the taxi pulled over. Jian Qing handed the driver a few banknotes from her bag, uttering thanks.
Taking the money, the driver realized she had paid extra. As he looked up to inform her, he found she was already too far away. Looking at the red Mao-era banknotes in his hand, he shook his head in resignation.
Oh well, anyone who could afford to live in this part of the town would not worry about such petty cash.
Considering it as a tip, the driver left the place cheerfully.
Based on the information she had gathered earlier, Jian Qing quickly located her villa. The villas were distanced from one another providing ample privacy. She preferred the tranquility.
Looking at the code-lock at the entrance, without a second thought, she typed in some numbers. "Beep", the gate opened.
Indeed, it was her birthday contraseña!
Opening the door, instead of entering immediately, she busied herself with the lock, the glint in her eyes revealing her expertise. The swift motion of her rounded and manicured fingertips was a sight to behold.
In no time, she retrieved her hand with a relaxed demeanor, slung the backpack on her shoulder and strolled in, closing the door behind her.
Admiring the interior for a bit, Jian Qing proceeded upstairs.
After an entire day sitting on a plane, she needed sleep.
After a refreshing shower, she let her hair air-dry and crashed into the bed. Pulling the blanket over her, she was ready to fall asleep.
As soon as her eyes closed, the familiar ringtone echoed. Squinting her eyes, she felt around for her phone by the bed, grabbing it and answering without checking, "Hmm… I've arrived."