The old man appeared to be as surprised as Weiwei, but he managed his reaction significantly faster. While Weiwei was still staring helplessly, the old man threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed: "What a pleasant surprise! It's so nice to see you once again, miss!"
He remembers me, too!
Here Weiwei observed Qi finally joining her in being surprised.
"You know each other?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"Well, we haven't been properly introduced, but we did meet, didn't we, miss?" The old man approached Weiwei with an extended hand. "I'm very happy we get to meet again! Under much more pleasant circumstances, mind you. Now I finally get a chance to repay you for your kindness."
"What do you mean?" asked Qi, still clearly confused.
"Oh, I didn't tell you, grandson, when you were away this young lady generously helped me and was very nice to me when I wasn't feeling well," the old man rattled off loudly, laughing and nodding while shaking Weiwei's hand with warmth and care. "I'm forever in your debt, miss. Why am I calling you miss, ah?" he exclaimed. "It's Weiwei, isn't it?"
"Yes, uncle," Weiwei finally managed to put in a word.
"Weiwei, of course, it's Weiwei, I never forget the name of someone who helped me. My name is Feng Ping."
"It's a pleasure to visit you, Grandfather," said Weiwei humbly.
"Wait," Qi tried to interrupt him, "you weren't feeling well? When was it?"
"I'll tell you about it later," the old man waved his hand dismissively. "What's important now is for me to thank this wonderful young lady properly." He motioned toward a room next door. "A nice dinner has been prepared, and now I feel I should've done more for Weiwei. Come, my dear, come!"
With a light touch on her shoulder, the old man steered Weiwei into the dining room, while a still dumbfounded-looking Qi followed the two of them.
"Now I feel even happier," Grandfather Feng continued talking. "It was meant to be an important occasion, but seeing you made it much more joyous. Sit down, Weiwei, sit down, make yourself comfortable."
They sat down at a round table covered with an old but clearly expensive gold and red tablecloth. Dishes with steamed fish, duck, and other meats were arranged for everyone to share in an eye-pleasing manner and were only waiting for the guests to start.
Weiwei wasn't sure how much food she would be able to manage– after recognizing the old man from the park in Mr. Feng she had completely lost her appetite.
Grandfather Feng in the meantime kept his focus on Weiwei, peppering her with questions.
"Tell me more about yourself, Weiwei. What do you do? How did you meet my grandson?"
The last question was an obvious one, but it caught Weiwei somewhat off guard. She didn't want to tell Grandfather Feng about crying on the rock and wanting to end her life the day she met Qi.
"We met by accident," she said, glancing at Qi and hoping he understands what to say and what to keep under wraps. "It happened by the harbor. I was very sad that day, and your grandson was very kind to me and bought me a cup of tea."
"She was bullied at work," added Qi before catching Weiwei's pleading glance.
Don't tell him too much about my suffering. I don't want pity – or ridicule.
"Really? That's too bad. Did you handle that?" asked Grandfather Feng.
"Yes, don't worry about it, Grandfather," Weiwei rushed to steer the conversation in another direction. "It was a temporary problem, and I've been just fine since."
Grandfather Feng nodded. "I know very well how tough it can be out there. It's bad that you got bullied at work. But the fact that you retained your compassion and willingness to help others is a gift. That's much more important than dealing with nuisances. My grandson is very lucky to be dating a young woman like you."
"In fact," said Qi, ignoring another imploring glance from Weiwei, "I have something to tell you, Grandpa."
He had his grandfather's attention. The old man's face was full of keen interest. "What is it?"
Here we go…
"I wanted to tell you that I've proposed to Weiwei, and she accepted my proposal."
The old man's face at first displayed only surprise, but quickly a wide smile stretched his face, and he turned to Weiwei.
"Is that right, Weiwei?"
Weiwei's heart was racing and she only nodded in response.
"Then we should celebrate today!" proclaimed Grandfather Feng. "I never thought I'd live long enough to witness the day! My grandson getting engaged! This calls for the best wine!"
He exploded from his chair and shuffled to a buffet of red wood and opened one of the glass doors. Pulling out a thick bottle, he repeated, eyes gleaming: "Celebrate!"
He brought the bottle to the table and showed it to Qi. "We should drink this Kweichow Moutai," he said. "Grandson, I congratulate you."
"Thank you, Grandpa."
"Congratulations, Weiwei," said Grandfather Feng. He poured the wine and raised his glass. "Children, may your love be like the best wine—richer and deeper with time. I wish that every day you spend together is filled with love, understanding, and support. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, and many children to bring you joy and carry on your legacy! Gān bēi!"