"When I was a kid, my mom often whipped me with a jujube branch, but the dates from this tree are the sweetest. I’d eat them from when they were still green until they dried right on the tree. By New Year’s, Mom would make date flower cakes."
Shen Xianjun spoke as Qin Nian looked at the dates hanging from the tree. Shen Xianjun plucked one, wiped it clean, and handed it to her.
She took a bite—it was sour and astringent.
Shen Xianjun also picked one for himself. The tartness made his teeth ache. Back then, he’d sneak handfuls of these dates—no wonder his mother had beaten him for it.
Qin Nian couldn’t help but laugh at Shen Xianjun’s expression.
So he hadn’t known how sour the dates were either. She’d thought he was teasing her on purpose.
"Xianjun, the dates aren’t ripe yet."
Changshun came out at the sound of laughter and saw Shen Xianjun and his wife.
"Brother Changshun," Shen Xianjun greeted him.
"This must be your wife. Come inside for a bit."
Changshun invited them in.
"Brother Changshun, I won’t stay long. I want to take my wife around a little more before we leave tomorrow."
Changshun looked disappointed and a little lost.
"Brother, there’s work in the capital. The village head will announce it to every household soon. It’s eighty-five a month for skilled workers, with a raise after three months. Unskilled laborers get seventy. If you want to go..."
Shen Xianjun started, but Changshun shook his head.
"I can’t. There’s too much land at home. Your sister-in-law and I can’t manage it all alone, and the kids are still young. If I leave, she won’t be able to handle everything."
"It’s fine, Brother. My mom said Auntie will be back for New Year’s. You can discuss it then. The work is tough—no breaks all year. It’s hard when the family needs you."
Shen Xianjun didn’t press further.
"What time are you leaving tomorrow? Could you take some things for them? It won’t take up much space."
"Sure. We’re leaving at seven-thirty."
Shen Xianjun nodded.
"Good, good. Then you two go ahead and walk around."
Changshun nodded repeatedly.
They didn’t stay out too long in the village. Once it got dark, there were no streetlights—even with electricity, everyone saved where they could.
Early the next morning, Changshun brought over a bundle—two sets of clothes inside.
"My wife made these for the elders. Have a safe trip."
With just those words, he set the things down and left.
Before the car departed, the village head and others saw them off at the entrance, reluctant to let them go. They only returned to work once the car was out of sight.
Inside the car, they found cucumbers, persimmons, yellow apricots, boiled eggs, and flatbreads—all prepared for the journey.
Back in the residential compound, Li Wen and Li Wu counted on their fingers.
"Only two days have passed? I miss Grandma so much!"
"I miss Grandma Yang too. The cafeteria’s cold noodles aren’t as good as hers."
Wang Xing chimed in.
With no classes today and Professor Wen called away on urgent business, the kids were left to play in the compound.
"Xingxing, Li Wen, Li Wu."
"Uncle Wang!"
"Dad!"
The children turned to see Wang Xing’s father.
"Xingxing, your grandparents are in trouble. I’m taking you to see them. Your mom’s waiting outside."
Wang Xing’s father looked anxious.
"Oh. Li Wen, Li Wu, I’m going with my dad to see my grandparents. Don’t run off, and tell Grandma Wen I left with him."
"Okay! Bye, Uncle Wang!"
The twins nodded.
When Hu Zhenghao returned, only the twins were there.
"Wang Xing’s brother went with his dad."
Hu Zhenghao didn’t think much of it. He had a lot of homework and had only come out after finishing it.
"Come on, let’s go swimming. The pool’s open again!"
The good news instantly lifted the twins’ spirits.
At the pool, Hu Zhenghao’s classmates were already waiting—most kids came around this time.
"Let’s have a contest today—who can hold their breath underwater the longest! The winner gets to be the boss! What do you say?"
The kids cheered. Being the boss was serious business. Fighting was out of the question—they’d get scolded. And competing in studies? No way. Those "other people’s kids" were the worst.
"Wow! If I win, can I be your boss too?"
Li Wu was thrilled. The thought of everyone obeying him was too good to pass up.
"You? A little kid like you? No way. Zhenghao might have a shot, though."
Hu Zhenghao’s classmates laughed.
"Hey! Don’t underestimate me! I’m joining too!"
Li Wu pouted but worried about fairness. He suddenly dashed off.
"Li Wu! Where are you going?"
Hu Zhenghao called after him.
"I’m getting Grandpa Liao to be the judge!"
Small as he was, he knew how to pull strings.
Army Commander Liao burst out laughing but followed along.
"So you’re competing to see who can hold their breath the longest, and the winner’s the boss? Rules clear?"
"Crystal! Longest breath wins!"
"Alright, then I’ll be your referee."
Army Commander Liao pulled out a whistle. The kids stretched and jumped into the water, ready.
"You’re not joining?"
Army Commander Liao glanced at Hu Zhenghao.
"I’ll help you judge. It’s hard to keep track of everyone alone."
Hu Zhenghao smirked.
"Hey, Zhenghao, why aren’t you getting in?"
His classmates were curious.
"I don’t want to bully the younger ones. We’ll compete another time. Today’s just for them. With so many kids, Grandpa Liao needs help watching."
He sounded so earnest that they bought it—one less rival was fine by them.
Li Wen sat quietly beside Army Commander Liao. No one questioned it—he was always the calm one.
The whistle blew, and the kids submerged.
Ages varied. Some were just there for fun, popping up almost immediately and clinging to the edge to watch.
Nearly every second, someone gasped for air. By the one-minute mark, only five kids remained underwater—including Li Wu.
At a minute and a half, two surfaced, panting.
Nearing two minutes, another emerged, only to realize someone was still below.
Past two minutes, one kid was clearly struggling.
"Gasp—gasp—gasp—"
Another head broke the surface.
"Whoa! That little guy’s gonna win? Why isn’t he coming up?"
Everyone stared at Li Wu, still underwater. Even Army Commander Liao stepped closer, ready to pull him out.
At two and a half minutes—almost three—Li Wu finally burst up.
"Hahaha! I won! Huff—huff—I won!"
Out of breath but overjoyed, he cheered.
