Why did the system take my request to take photos with a cosplayer seriously?

What she longed for was recognition of her identity and the love she lacked from her family, so Ding Heng took her to meet her maternal grandparents.

Ever since the loss of their daughter, the elderly couple has always felt a void in their hearts, and now Wenjing perfectly complements that void.

Having lost her daughter and being quite old, she naturally hopes her grandson can get married soon.

Although Wenjing had only met them a few times, in their eyes, she was the perfect granddaughter-in-law!

So her grandmother couldn't wait to give her the gold bracelet, partly out of a desire to keep her "tethered" to Ding Heng.

Wenjing lowered her head and gently stroked the gold bracelet.

The bracelet is old and has many fine scratches on the surface.

I wonder how many years Ding Heng's mother wore it.

I don't know how many years my grandmother kept it.

Now it's on my wrist.

heavy.

The weight made her feel a little uneasy.

Chapter 145: Celebrating the Little New Year with the Girls

On the day before the Lunar New Year, Ding Heng and Wen Jing got up very early.

The winter sky was not yet fully bright, and a fine drizzle was falling in the air.

When she went out, Wenjing couldn't help but shiver, even though she was bundled up.

Winters in the South are sticky and cold, with the chill seeping into your very bones.

After getting on the bus, Ding Heng glanced at the girl and asked, "Are you sleepy?"

"Fortunately."

Wenjing loosened her down jacket slightly and yawned lazily: "Grandma said yesterday that she's going to fry meatballs today, so I have to go help her early."

"There's no need to be so early, it's only six o'clock."

"Shall we go soon... There's a lot going on around the end of the year, so let's help out as much as we can."

Ding Heng smiled and reached out his hand.

Wenjing immediately stepped forward and rubbed against the man's palm, obedient and docile.

The car stopped in an old street in the suburbs; it was already broad daylight.

The shop door was half open, and several boxes of newly arrived drinks were piled up at the entrance, their red and green packaging exuding a strong festive atmosphere.

Wenjing pushed open the door and entered, and the aroma of hot oil wafted towards her.

"grandmother!"

She called out cheerfully, rolled up her sleeves, and went into the inner room, "Let me help you!"

Grandma was standing in front of the stove, her apron covered in flour, and holding a ball of minced meat in her hand.

Hearing the noise, she turned around, her face beaming with a smile: "Come in and warm up, it's cold outside, isn't it?"

"not cold."

Wenjing tied on her apron and went to the stove: "Grandma, what are we frying today?"

"Meatballs, lotus root sandwiches..."

As she spoke, Grandma pushed the seasoned minced meat over, saying, "Try this. These are all things Ding Heng loved to eat when he was little."

Wenjing took the basin and skillfully began to roll the balls. She was always efficient and her movements were quick and steady.

Grandma was increasingly pleased with herself: "You little girl, you're so skillful."

Ding Heng didn't join the commotion in the kitchen; instead, he stayed in the front to help his grandfather watch the shop.

As the year draws to a close, convenience stores are doing much better business than usual.

People coming and going are all neighbors, buying cigarettes, alcohol and drinks, and chatting about everyday things.

"Old Sun, your grandson's back?"

An old man carrying two packs of cigarettes gestured towards Ding Heng with his lip: "Young man, you're in college now, aren't you!"

Grandpa chuckled and said, "It's holiday time, come back and stay for a few days."

The old man clicked his tongue twice: "Old Sun, you're lucky. Unlike me, my own grandson isn't even home for the New Year."

"Sigh, children and grandchildren have their own blessings. They're making a lot of money out there, ready to take care of you."

"Hey...sigh!"

After the old man left, the shop became quiet for a while.

Ding Heng leaned against the counter and began chatting with his grandfather.

"Grandpa, how have you been lately?"

"I'm fine, I can eat and sleep well."

"How about we don't open this shop next year? I'll arrange for you two to go on a trip and relax."

"I don't care, but I guess your grandma won't like it if the door is closed."

The old man kicked the ball to his wife, which amused Ding Heng.

"Should I go and persuade Grandma?"

"Oh well, it's good to keep it running. It'll keep me occupied and prevent me from getting bored."

Grandpa sighed: "When people get old, they are afraid of being idle. Once they are idle, they start to think about all sorts of things. It's better to find something to do, and the days will pass by faster."

Ding Heng nodded and said nothing more.

For the two elderly people, being busy is not a burden, but a way to enjoy life. Sudden changes, on the contrary, make them feel uncomfortable...

"Dinner's ready!"

A quiet, cheerful shout came from the inner room, interrupting the grandfather and granddaughter's conversation.

The four of them enjoyed a lively meal together, and after the meal, Wenjing insisted on washing the dishes.

The water was gurgling, and the girl's profile was softly illuminated by the light from the window. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her fair and clean forearms.

Ding Heng stood at the door and asked, "Shall I take you back to your hotel later?"

Wenjing continued working: "No need, I'll stay with my grandparents a little longer, and then I'll take a taxi home later."

"Row."

Ding Heng walked over and reached out to pat her head: "I'll be going now. Remember to message me when you get to the hotel."

"Ah."

Wenjing turned her head and said in a soft voice, "Drive carefully on the road."

Ding Heng turned and walked out. As he passed through the living room, his grandmother was tidying up the shelves and glanced back at him.

Are you leaving?

"Yes, I have something else to do."

"Go ahead, go ahead, it's good to have Xiaojing with me."

"Okay, I'll come another day."

Ding Heng walked out of the store and started the car. He saw Wen Jing running out of the store and waving at him from the rearview mirror.

The tiny creature, wrapped in a thick down jacket, hopped and skipped around like a little rabbit.

He honked his horn in response and turned out of the old street.

At 3 p.m., Ding Heng parked his car downstairs at Hua Qing's house and took out his phone to send a message.

[Ding Heng]: Senior, I've arrived.

Ten minutes passed, and there was no reply.

Ding Heng's lips curled slightly as he opened an app and flicked it with his finger.

Ten seconds later, the phone vibrated.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: I'm changing clothes! Can't you wait a bit?

Ding Heng could almost picture Hua Qing looking like this—her phone lying on the bed, standing in front of the wardrobe, frantically searching for clothes, her face flushed with anger and anxiety.

He typed slowly.

Ding Heng: Okay.

Putting away his phone, Ding Heng leaned back in his seat and looked out the car window at the gray sky.

A few moments later, several young girls walked out of the building entrance.

Qianqian ran ahead, wearing a bright yellow down jacket. She recognized Ding Heng's car from afar and waved excitedly, "Brother Ding Heng!"

Ding Heng rolled down the car window and nodded to them: "get out of class is over?"

"Uh-huh!"

Qianqian ran over and leaned against the car window: "Teacher Hua is still upstairs, let us go first."

Xiao Zhu and Peng Qi also came over and greeted them all at once.

"Thank goodness you came! Teacher Hua dismissed our get out of class early!"

"How much longer will your teacher, Ms. Hua, need to work?"

"It will probably take a while."

Qianqian said playfully, "Brother Ding Heng, you need to be patient. It's a lot of trouble for girls to put on makeup."

The girls walked away laughing and joking, while Ding Heng continued to wait.

About half an hour later, the unit door opened again.

Hua Qing's attire was as always, a bright yellow Song-style ruqun paired with a matching cape, the edges of which were trimmed with white fur, making her look both aloof and noble.