The next day, Qi Jianyi woke up with a heavy sense of dread, knowing she would have to face her relatives. It felt as though each passing minute was a reminder of time slipping away, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was moving forward without her.
She dressed mechanically, shared a silent breakfast with her family, and then climbed into the car like a lifeless soul. As they drove, she stared blankly out the window, lost in her thoughts.
The vibrant scenery outside barely registered in her mind, and she didn't notice the concerned glances from her family members, who were puzzled by her unusual silence.
After what felt like an eternity, the car finally came to a stop in front of a grand mansion with tall, imposing gates. Qi Jianyi sighed deeply as she took in the sight. "Well, here we are," she murmured under her breath, resigned to her fate.
Qi Jianyi took a deep breath before stepping into her grandparents' home. It was her first time meeting the rest of her relatives, and the weight of the moment made her feel deeply anxious.
She feared that she might falter in her role and give them the opportunity to discover that she wasn't the real Qi Jianyi. Although a part of her doubted they would notice, her nervousness remained undiminished.
"Jianyi, what are you doing? Come in quickly!" Mrs. Qi called out, snapping Qi Jianyi out of her thoughts, wondering what had her so preoccupied.
Qi Jianyi forced a smile and quickened her pace. "I'm coming, Mom," she replied.
"Don't forget to greet your grandparents properly. It's been a while since you last saw them," Mrs. Qi gently reminded her daughter. She had noticed that Qi Jianyi had been unusually preoccupied lately, often lost in thought, causing her to forget even the simplest things.
Qi Jianyi smiled like an innocent child, responding, "I understand, Mom. Don't worry." She assured her mother, her tone light and comforting.
But inwardly, Qi Jianyi couldn't help but wonder how distant the real Qi Jianyi must have been for her own mother to feel the need to remind her to be cordial with her grandparents.
"Grandpa, Grandma," Qi Jianyi greeted the two elders warmly. Her smile grew more sincere as she took in the sight of their weathered faces, marked by the gentle lines of age. A pang of envy stirred within her for the real Qi Jianyi, who still had the joy of having grandparents in her life.
Qi Jianyi had lost her own grandparents from both sides of her family when she was very young, leaving her with only distant memories of their presence.
As a result, every New Year's celebration in her family lacked the vibrancy that came with having elders around. Their gatherings were quieter, missing the warmth and wisdom that grandparents bring to such occasions.
Grandpa He's face lit up with a wide smile at the sight of his eldest granddaughter. He only had two granddaughters—Qi Jianyi and little He Ran, who was just three years old.
Little He Ran travelled often with her father, Qi Jianyi's youngest uncle, so she was rarely around. Meanwhile, Qi Jianyi, his other granddaughter, had always kept her distance and seldom visited them.
"Xiao Yi, you finally remembered to visit your grandpa and grandma!" Grandpa He said warmly, gently rubbing Qi Jianyi's head.
Grandma He shot her husband a playful glare and pulled Qi Jianyi closer to her. "Don't listen to that old man. Come here, let Grandma take a good look at you," she said, smiling lovingly at her granddaughter.
"You've grown so much," she murmured, her voice tinged with a bit of melancholy as she observed how time had passed.
Qi Jianyi leaned into the warm palm that gently caressed her cheek, her smile widening to reveal a row of pearly white teeth. "I'll be twenty-one in a few months," she declared proudly, a hint of childish delight slipping through her otherwise mature demeanour.
"Yes, yes, you'll be twenty-one soon. Ah, time flies—you've grown up so fast, and your grandma has grown older too," Grandma He nodded, a soft smile on her lips as she pinched Qi Jianyi's cheeks affectionately.
"When I was your age, I was busy running away from your grandpa," Grandma He teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What about you? Who are you running away from?"
But before Qi Jianyi could respond, Grandpa He quickly interjected with a huff of disapproval. "What are you talking about? My granddaughter isn't like you. She deserves someone who knows how to take care of her. These young men nowadays are so disrespectful and unserious. Don't go planting any bad ideas in Xiao Yi's mind," he said, his voice protective as he stroked Qi Jianyi's hair.
"Xiao Yi, don't rush into love. Enjoy your life first," Grandpa He advised, his tone serious as he imparted his wisdom.
Rolling her eyes, Grandma He playfully twisted her husband's waist, her voice tinged with mock dissatisfaction. "What? You think it was bad that I got married early? Wasn't it you who forced me into it? Dragging me along to live at the military base for years—and this is how you repay me?"
Their light-hearted banter filled the room with warmth, making Qi Jianyi feel a deep sense of belonging and love, even if it wasn't truly her own.
Grandpa He clicked his tongue, realising his mistake. Why had he even tried to argue with his wife? Quickly, he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her into his arms.
"Yes, yes, it's my fault. You can blame me, okay? Who made me fall in love with you so much that I couldn't wait to marry you before joining the military?" he whispered softly, his voice full of affection.
Qi Jianyi watched with a tender smile as her grandparents interacted like young lovers, still filled with the vigour and warmth of their enduring love. The sight touched her deeply, reminding her of the strength and beauty of a love that has weathered the years. Something that is very difficult to find nowadays.
"Stop it, the kids are watching," Grandma He said, pushing her husband away, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. Despite her protest, Grandpa He smiled proudly, seemingly delighted to show off his love.
Just then, He Zejin entered the room, his expression exaggeratedly displeased. "Grandma, Grandpa, Cousin Jianyi visits, and suddenly I'm forgotten?" he complained, feigning distress.
Grandpa He, irritated by his grandson's antics, smacked the back of He Zejin's head lightly. "I've watched you grow up. You're not worth my attention!" he said with playful ruthlessness.
He Zejin gasped dramatically and wailed, "No—I'm supposed to be your number one!" he cried, latching onto Grandma He in a tight hug.
"Okay, enough, both of you. So childish," Grandma He scolded, rolling her eyes at the two men before gently pulling Qi Jianyi away with her. She much preferred spending time with her granddaughter over her four mischievous grandsons.