Fog Returns to the Capital

Chapter 153 Returning to the Capital Amidst the Mist [The End]

……

So the day before they were to get their marriage certificate, Zhou Jinghuai took Li Wu back to the Zhou family's old house.

When they arrived, several black Hongqi cars were already parked in the alley.

Li Wu was very nervous the whole way, especially when the car was parked outside the old house.

"Don't be afraid."

Zhou Jinghuai led Li Wu into the Zhou family's courtyard, gently reassuring her, "I'm here."

Zhou Jinghuai led Li Wu through the front courtyard, down the winding corridor, and into the deep courtyard.

The long road seemed to be Zhou Jinghuai leading her through her entire life.

Along the way, servants would see them and immediately stop to greet them.

Walking into the backyard, Li Wu saw a man in a white shirt standing under a huge Podocarpus macrophyllus tree, making a phone call. The tree was tall and had a dense canopy, making him appear as serene and elegant as the pine.

approach.

Zhou Bowen had just finished his call.

He turned around, his gaze pausing slightly when it fell on Li Wu. Then he said gently, "You've arrived."

"Your uncle and the others are chatting in the living room, waiting for you."

Zhou Jinghuai gave a brief introduction, and Li Wu, following his instructions, obediently called out, "Big Brother."

Zhou Bowen smiled and agreed, his demeanor no longer as upright and dignified as in political news reports. He now appeared more gentle and refined, making him seem more approachable. "Although this 'elder brother' address is seven or eight years late, I finally heard it today."

Li Wu was stunned for a moment, still somewhat unable to grasp the meaning behind Zhou Bowen's words.

But Zhou Jinghuai had already led her inside, adding casually, "It's not too late if you can hear me."

Zhou Bowen, “…”

They hadn't walked two steps when they ran into Zhou Lingxi and Chen Youjin, who had come out specifically to look for them.

"Little uncle."

The moment she opened her mouth to call out, Zhou Lingxi straightened her back slightly.

Even though she was already married, her childhood habit of being afraid of her uncle made her subconsciously restrain herself whenever she saw Zhou Jinghuai.

Chen Youjin, standing beside Zhou Lingxi, remained calm and composed, and also addressed her as "Uncle."

Zhou Lingxi got married last year.

At first, everyone in the Zhou family thought she would end up with Xu Mingze. After all, the two were childhood sweethearts and had been inseparable since they were young.

Later I don't know what happened.

Xu Mingze went to the army and never came back.

The following year, Zhou Lingxi followed her family's arrangement and married Chen Youjin.

Before Zhou Jinghuai could even introduce her, Zhou Lingxi's eyes were already glued to Li Wu, unable to look away. "This is my legendary little aunt! I've finally met her in person today. She's so beautiful..."

Li Wu looked at the girl in front of her, who was about the same age as her, and said with a smile, "The legend?"

"that is--"

After saying just two words, Zhou Lingxi glanced at her uncle and immediately changed the subject, only praising Li Wu for being so beautiful.

However, when Zhou Jinghuai wasn't paying attention, Zhou Lingxi still secretly mouthed to Li Wu, "I'll tell you later."

Li Wu smiled.

She's also quite quirky and mischievous.

But the further Li Wu went, the faster her heart beat, and she felt a growing, uncontrollable tension.

Zhou Jinghuai had asked everyone about their schedules beforehand before arranging the meeting for today. So basically the entire Zhou family was there.

When Li Wu arrived at the hall, she heard voices coming from inside.

Li Wu paused slightly.

Zhou Jinghuai subtly tightened his grip on her hand, as if to comfort and empower her, and led her straight inside.

Of all the people in the room, Li Wu immediately noticed the person sitting in the main seat.

He was wearing a simple white shirt, but he exuded an aura that was beyond the reach of ordinary people.

In just a fleeting glance, Li Wu instantly tensed up.

The living room suddenly fell silent.

Zhou Zongyi watched the two people walk in hand in hand. When his gaze fell on Li Wu, he only glanced at her briefly before calmly looking away.

Then, he looked at Zhou Jinghuai and said, "Why didn't you bring your grandparents over for a meal? It's been six or seven years since I last saw them."

They were still standing up for their only grandson.

"The elderly are not in good health, so Lili and I plan to visit them in a couple of days."

Zhou Jinghuai responded gently. Afterwards, Zhou Zongyi asked Li Wu a few simple questions, all related to work.

Li Wudu answered each question carefully.

However, Zhou Bowen, who was standing to the side, mentioned that he had seen Li Wu's name on the talent program list some time ago.

Zhou Zongyi glanced at her again and said slowly, "The future is promising."

Li Wu naturally dared not accept the offer, and said modestly, "It just so happens that the field I'm researching is one that interests me, so I spent more time and effort on it. In addition, with the guidance of my mentors and seniors, I've only just barely managed to get started."

His words were spoken so humbly and politely that no one could find any fault with them.

The atmosphere inside the room was much more relaxed than when I first entered.

Timely.

With a kind expression, Grandpa Zhou gently beckoned to Li Wu and said, "Li girl, come here."

Li Wu had already met Old Zhou before.

Whether Zhou Jinghuai had given prior notice or not, the old man didn't give her any trouble, nor did he display the solemnity he usually did when she ascended the city gates for the grand ceremony. Aside from work, Old Zhou was clearly more concerned about her personal life.

Li Wu glanced at Zhou Jinghuai.

Zhou Jinghuai gently squeezed her soft little hand, as if to comfort her, then released it and said gently, "Go."

Li Wu nodded, walked over to Old Zhou, and smiled sweetly in response, "Grandpa Zhou..."

……

Zhou Jinghuai sat down to the side.

"When are we getting our marriage certificate?" Yang Shuhua asked, lowering her eyes and taking a sip of tea.

"I'm going to pick it up tomorrow."

"Has the wedding banquet date been set?" the aunt next to her asked.

“I haven’t discussed it with Lili yet,” Zhou Jinghuai replied gently.

"Then you guys decide on a date, so your mother and I can make arrangements in advance."

The elders started talking about the wedding banquet again, saying that it's not appropriate to have a large-scale event in Beijing. They suggested having two events, one in Nanjing and a larger one…

……

Within a minute or two, Zhou Jinghuai found himself glancing at Li Wu.

Li Wu, who was talking to Old Zhou, seemed to sense something. She looked up and inadvertently met the man's warm gaze.

The thousands of mountains and rivers that once separated us now seem to have shrunk to just a few meters.

He walked alone up the long steps, across mountains and seas, and brought her home.

That moment.

It was as if all sound had vanished, and the whole world had fallen silent.

Li Wu could only see Zhou Jinghuai.

—In her world, there is always that ray of light shining upon her.

……

After leaving the Zhou family's old residence, Zhou Jinghuai took Li Wu back to Yuqing Garden.

As I walked along, seeing the increasingly familiar scenery, all the past events rushed towards me in the misty dawn.

When Li Wu saw the century-old magnolia tree in the backyard, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks.

Magnolia blossoms, like mist and snow. The seasons cycle, and another new year begins.

Looking at the tree full of white blossoms, Li Wu couldn't help but sigh softly, "I thought I would never see this tree bloom again..."

Before she could finish speaking, Li Wu turned around and met Zhou Jinghuai's gaze, at which point she suddenly stopped talking.

Eyes facing each other.

Li Wu could see the doting and deep affection in his eyes with perfect clarity.

Li Wu's heart trembled.

A moment later, Zhou Jinghuai embraced Li Wu and made a vow for eternity:

"Lili, this will always be your home."

The wind and moon are gentle, and the world is just right.

Li Wu now has a home.

—There are people who love her, and people she loves.

……

【Finish】