Moving House
Looking at everything they had packed, Ye Feng's mother felt a headache coming on. She had thought there wouldn't be much and that Ye Feng's father could simply drive it over, but now there were bags and bundles everywhere. The sight of his pile of flowers and plants in particular made her want to hit someone. In the end, to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, Ye Lin found a moving company online.
Before long, the movers arrived and carried the packed boxes downstairs one by one, while Ye Feng's mother greeted the neighbors outside.
"Meijuan, are you moving?"
"Yes. Xiao Feng made some money out there and insisted on getting me a bigger house. I couldn't stop him no matter what I said. Sigh, kids these days just won't listen. He doesn't even know to save his money for a wife." Ye Feng's mother complained, but she couldn't hide the pride on her face.
"Your son is filial, so just count your blessings. Your family raised two students who got into prestigious universities. You can enjoy the good life from now on."
"As long as the kids are doing well, that's enough for me. Sister He, I have to go. Old Ye's calling me. Come visit when you have time!"
Amid everyone's envious gazes, she left the home where she had lived for half her life.
At East Lake Villas, Ye Feng's mother directed the movers to put everything in the living room on the first floor. Ye Feng's father settled his flowers and plants in the yard, then sat in the yard's pavilion, admiring them in blissful comfort.
If he could just get a few old friends together and brew a pot of tea, they could sip tea and admire the flowers. Tsk, tsk, the thought of such a life filled him with anticipation.
A shout from Ye Feng's mother interrupted his thoughts. With no choice, he got up and returned to the villa.
When Ye Feng's father came back, his mother said, "Old Ye, hurry up and take the clothes to the second floor. You can tend to your flowers when you're done."
Ye Lin chose a room on the third floor, put the dolls she had brought on the bed, and arranged her photos at the head of the bed. Once she was finished, she lay on the soft bed, laughing out loud from time to time.
Near noon, Ye Feng woke up again. Feeling a little better, he got up and washed.
After driving away from the East Lake Hotel, Ye Feng passed a residential complex, where his eyes lit up at the sight of a breakfast cart. It had been a long time since he'd had jianbing guozi, and he really was craving some.
He got out of the car and went over to the cart. "Ma'am, one jianbing guozi and a bag of breakfast milk, please," he said to a woman in her forties.
The woman skillfully spread the batter for the pancake. Before long, Ye Feng took the finished jianbing guozi, scanned the code to pay ten yuan, and returned to his car.
Taking in the familiar aroma, he bit into it with a look of pure enjoyment. Not bad, it tasted just as he remembered. After being away for so long, he still wanted a bite of this.
Ye Feng quickly finished eating and drove toward East Lake Villas, wondering whether his parents had finished getting everything in order.
When he arrived at the villa, his father was tending to his flowers. Seeing this, Ye Feng teased, "Dad, how about I buy you a plot of land so you can have fun running a flower-growing base? The Master once said, 'To know something is not as good as to love it; to love it is not as good as to delight in it.' Dad, you'd definitely do a great job."
His father's eyes lit up, then dimmed again. "I'm getting old. I won't go to all that trouble. I'll just grow a few flowers in the yard."
Seeing the change in his father's expression, Ye Feng knew he was tempted. It looked like he would have to prepare a surprise for his dad.
His mother, who was watching TV in the living room, saw him come back and hurriedly called him over.
"Xiao Feng, Mom doesn't object to you drinking when you're out, but you have to drink in moderation. It wouldn't be good if something happened. And you must never drive after drinking."
"Don't worry, Mom. I know my limits."
"Mom, I want to hire two housekeepers, one to clean and one to cook. What do you think?"
Ye Feng's mother knew her son was concerned about her, but she felt there was nothing wrong with her health, so she refused. "Son, Mom's still in good health, so there's no need for housekeepers yet. We can find some when I'm old and can't manage anymore. You're graduating soon, so hurry up and bring a wife home, and give Mom a grandson as soon as you can."
Li Xiaona's image appeared in Ye Feng's mind. His mother would surely like her when she met her, and Ye Lin would probably become best friends with her. As he thought about it, he unconsciously began to smile.
His mother gave him a look that said she had known it. Before she could ask, Ye Feng made his escape.
Ye Lin had just opened her door after hearing footsteps when she saw him rush up to the third floor. She asked in confusion, "Brother, what happened? Is Mom going to hit you? That can't be right. If she's going to hit anyone, it should be me."
Hearing her question, Ye Feng said irritably, "What nonsense are you talking about? How could Mom possibly hit anyone? Your graduation banquet is tomorrow. I'll go buy you a few outfits."
At his words, Ye Lin showered him with flattery and urged him to hurry up and leave.
The siblings drove to Yansha Town. Unlike an ordinary shopping mall, each brand had its own separate European-style storefront, and the connected stores resembled a miniature town. Its various sections were clearly divided, so shoppers could head straight to the area they needed. With seats everywhere as well, it was a godsend for men.
Ye Feng pulled Ye Lin straight to the clothing section. He didn't want to accompany his sister around the entire town.
"Kiddo, is there a brand you like? I don't want to go into every single store."
Ye Lin thought for a moment, then wheedled, "Brother, I don't know which brand to choose either. Just come look around with me."
With no other choice, Ye Feng could only play the tool and accompany her.
The two entered Prada. At first, the sales associate wasn't particularly enthusiastic when she saw Ye Lin, but after spotting Ye Feng entering behind her, she immediately came over with a warm welcome. As an employee at a luxury store, she had a sharp eye and could tell at a glance that his Armani outfit was expensive.
"Sir, miss, welcome to Prada. Please let me know if you need anything. I'll be delighted to assist you."
Ye Feng pointed at Ye Lin and said, "Put together a few outfits for her." Then he found a place to sit down.
Ye Lin was dazzled by the selection. She thought every piece was beautiful, and just as she was wondering what to choose, the sales associate offered a timely introduction. "Miss, the item you're looking at is one of this year's new arrivals, the spring set. It would suit you very well. It's youthful and full of vitality, and with your particularly fair skin, it would be a perfect match. You can try it on and see how it looks."
Before long, Ye Lin had tried on three outfits. He liked all three and didn't know which to choose when a woman who looked like a student also walked into the store. She was very surprised to see Ye Lin there.
"Ye Lin? What are you doing here?"
Ye Lin looked at the newcomer and frowned. It was her classmate Zheng Guoguo, with whom she didn't get along very well. Ye Lin also wondered why Zheng Guoguo was always competing with her, whether in schoolwork, clothes and appearance, or even making friends. If Zheng Guoguo couldn't beat her, she would spread rumors to slander her.