After lunch out, the two returned home, freshened up, and took a brief afternoon nap. They spent the early afternoon on weekly planning—homework, journaling, tidying up, and doing laundry. By the time all this was done, it was already past three. Exhausted, they collapsed on the sofa and began watching Tom and Jerry. Just then, the door creaked open, and Shen Lang stepped inside.
Seeing his brother's appearance, Shen Nan couldn't hold back her laughter. Shen Lang was utterly filthy. His black crewneck shirt was practically caked with dirt, looking more brown than black at this point. Shen Zheng grimaced as he approached, commenting, "Shen Lang, what did you do—dig tunnels, or roll in the mud? Go wash up. I'll grab some fresh clothes for you." He carefully took Shen Lang's bag, as his brother cautioned, "Be careful with that—it's got stuff that can't be dropped."
"Yeah, yeah. Now hurry, you little mud monkey."
After changing into fresh clothes and setting his dirty ones in the washing machine, Shen Lang came back out, grabbed a bottle of yogurt from the fridge, and offered a wordless greeting to his siblings before slumping onto the sofa like a contented, lazy cat.
"So, Mr. Zhou Ba-Pi," Shen Nan teased, "what were you up to today?"
Without opening his eyes, Shen Lang muttered, "Strolling around. So, what's for dinner? We're out of supplies, so we'll have to hit the supermarket later. You two coming along? I won't be able to carry everything by myself."
Shen Nan perked up, her interest piqued. "Any perks involved?"
Stretching with a yawn, Shen Lang replied, "I'm in a good mood today, so let's call it a holiday treat. As long as it's reasonable, I'll agree. Think fast, though—I'm not doing this twice."
"Potato chips?"
He gave a slight nod, not saying a word.
"Gummy bears?" Seeing him nod again, Shen Nan grinned and elbowed Shen Zheng, whispering something conspiratorially.
Downstairs, Shen Nan was about to fetch her bike, thinking it would be more convenient given the distance to the supermarket. But Shen Lang waved her off. "Forget it. Let's just take it easy today. I don't have the energy for a cycling expedition."
Shen Nan looked at her brother wide-eyed, but he just shrugged, leaving her speechless. Once at the supermarket, each sibling grabbed a cart and began an all-out spree, liberated from their usual budget restrictions.
For Shen Zheng and Shen Nan, it was a rare opportunity to exploit their younger brother's generosity. They piled their carts high with everything indulgent—dried fish, chocolates, beef jerky. Soon, they were embarrassed by the overflowing carts, drawing curious glances from two store employees who had followed them around. Initially entertained by the children's enthusiasm, the employees began to wonder if this was more than just shopping.
When Shen Lang approached with his own nearly-full cart, he glanced at the employees and turned to his siblings. "Done? If not, I'll wait a bit, but once I pay, don't start nagging for more."
Seeing them nod enthusiastically, he directed them towards the checkout line.
At the register, the cashier's eyes widened at the sight of the three kids with their overloaded carts. About to say something, she paused, watching in surprise as Shen Lang pulled out his wallet. Silently, she scanned each item, her surprise growing as she rang up the endless array of goods. She didn't know whether to feel amused, shocked, or simply speechless.
When they got back to their building, Shen Nan still seemed incredulous, surveying the bags around them. "Big Brother," she whispered to Shen Zheng, "what's with our little brother today? Did something trigger this? This almost feels like a dream."
Shen Zheng shrugged. "No idea, but he looks pretty happy, despite being tired. Maybe something good happened?"
"Maybe," Shen Nan replied thoughtfully, crossing her arms. "He did look a bit... different today. Not like his usual stoic self."
Shen Zheng chuckled. "You better hope he didn't hear that. And honestly, what kind of sister describes her brother like that?"
"Enough chatter," he added. "Stay here and keep watch. I'll help Shen Lang carry this up. Luckily, we have an elevator—no way I'm lugging all this upstairs."
Just then, a familiar voice called from behind, "Whoa, did you rob a supermarket or something? What's all this?"
"Dad, you're home!" Shen Nan spun around, rushing towards her father. Leaning in, she whispered playfully, "I think Shen Lang got hit with a case of generosity today. He insisted on treating us, so I had no choice but to nobly oblige."
Shen Zui surveyed the mounds of white plastic bags and gave his two sons a hand, making several trips to bring everything inside. When he finally dropped the last bag on the floor, he slumped onto the sofa, exhausted. The heavier bags had fallen to him, with his sons mostly assisting. He had no idea what the trio had bought, but his arms felt like they'd nearly given out.
Eyeing the collection of bags, he turned to his youngest son with a mix of amusement and bewilderment. Shen Lang, however, seemed unfazed. Calmly, he sorted the groceries, placing the meat and vegetables in the fridge, and organizing the rest in the kitchen.
Shen Zui chuckled, gently nudging Shen Zheng and Shen Nan out of their grocery-stacking fervor. But the two were so absorbed they barely noticed, casting him annoyed glances for interrupting their 'serious business.'
After changing clothes, Shen Zui joined Shen Lang in the kitchen, watching him move with purpose. "Alright, kid, what's gotten into you today? You're usually tighter with your wallet than a miser. Let your old man in on the fun too."
Shen Lang shrugged, the barest of smiles playing on his lips. "Just in a good mood. That's all there is to it."
Shen Zui shook his head, knowing better than to expect anything more. "Fine, fine. Since you're here, I'll take over—except the beef. Leave that for me. I'll be back in a minute after I tidy up my things."
After dinner, Shen Zui felt a surge of warmth as his children handed him a pack of cigarettes and a new lighter. For a moment, he basked in the glow of affection, savoring the feeling like the embrace of sunlight. Maybe these gifts weren't of great material value, but knowing his children had thought of him, down to the last detail, left him both moved and proud.
As he basked in the evening's warmth, a vision surfaced in his mind—a woman's face, haunting and familiar, filled with both longing and sorrow. It was a memory of their mother, the figure who had left them all in an unfillable void. He wondered where she was now, and if she too was thinking of the children they had once loved together.