It had been quite a while since she last returned to the village, so Tian Sangsang took Meng Shuyan for a walk around. Tian Family Village was surrounded by a cluster of villages, tranquil yet harmonious, mundane yet dynamic.
Tian Sangsang suddenly felt a little exhausted and lowered her head to softly ask, "Yanyan, do you want to go to the city with Mom?" Perhaps being in a different place could cure the sickness that heartbreak had brought. She had gone through so much before without thinking of leaving, simply because none of it had truly weighed on her heart. But now, faced with just one Xu Yiyuan, she felt like retreating.
"Mmm, mmm, mmm!" Meng Shuyan bobbed his fluffy head, raised his dark eyes, and said seriously, "Mom, if going to the city makes you happy, then let’s go. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be."
Tian Sangsang’s heart warmed, her voice slightly hoarse, "My dear son, do you think Mom’s been a little off recently?"
"Very off!" Meng Shuyan corrected her, blinking expectantly, "Mom, can you stop being in the future?" It was really scary how she barely ate anything every day. She seemed so pitiful, and she had grown so thin. He was deeply worried that if she kept losing weight, she might end up as small and frail as he was.
"Alright! Mom promises you!" Tian Sangsang nodded firmly and picked him up to plant a kiss on his cheek.
From not far away, a pair of familiar figures approached.
Widow Meng was walking briskly with Li Zhengxiong.
Widow Meng was surprised at first but then confirmed it before saying, "Sangsang, it really is you! Just now, I was wondering if it looked like you, but I didn’t dare to be sure. Now that I’ve taken a closer look, it really is you. Since you started spending time in the town, you’ve grown prettier." Widow Meng always had a way with words, and this time, as she sized up Tian Sangsang, she had to admit from a woman’s perspective, Sangsang did look more beautiful than before. If one were to summarize her appearance in five words, they would be "melancholy little chubby girl."
Seeing it was the two of them, Tian Sangsang immediately greeted them with a smile, "Brother Li, Sister-in-law Meng!" Ever since she moved to the town, she hadn’t crossed paths with them much.
Li Zhengxiong seemed a little shy and avoided looking at her.
On the other hand, Widow Meng was the enthusiastic one. She glanced bashfully at Li Zhengxiong before turning back, "Sangsang, Zhengxiong and I are getting married. I’ve been saving a wedding invitation for you, so you absolutely have to come when the time comes."
Tian Sangsang was stunned but didn’t let it show on her face. "Sister-in-law, congratulations to you both! I’ll make sure to prepare a wedding gift!" To be honest, she was quite surprised. First, it was Yao Fangfang and Chen Ming, and now Li Zhengxiong and Widow Meng—everyone seemed to be celebrating happy events, except for her, who remained stuck in gloom. But Li Zhengxiong and Widow Meng getting married—it was so sudden...
"What matters most is your presence. The more people there are, the more blessings we’ll have." Widow Meng didn’t have many relatives, and Li Zhengxiong didn’t have many either. A widow remarrying wasn’t something the villagers necessarily looked upon favorably. Widow Meng genuinely hoped that someone would wish her well, which led her to think of Tian Sangsang.
"Sister-in-law, I’m sure you two will live a happy and harmonious life together." Suddenly remembering she planned to head to the city in a while, she wondered if she’d make it in time. Tian Sangsang smiled and asked, "By the way, Sister-in-law, when is your wedding?"
"We’re still arranging everything, no fixed date yet. At the latest, it’ll be next month." Widow Meng’s cheeks flushed, "I’ll let you know once it’s confirmed."
Li Zhengxiong looked a bit unhappy. He pulled Widow Meng close and said in a low voice, "Sangsang, if you’re busy, there’s no need to come. Don’t let it disrupt your business."
"Not at all, Brother Li. I’m even hoping to share in your joy." Tian Sangsang said with a grin.
Seeing her smile, Li Zhengxiong seemed momentarily lost, shaking his head. "Alright then. Traveling from the town to the village isn’t so convenient, so I’ll come and pick you up when the time comes. My wife and I still have errands to run, so we’ll get going first."
"Alright, go ahead." Tian Sangsang raised her hand in a wave.
Li Zhengxiong walked away quickly, almost as if he were fleeing the scene. Watching their retreating figures, Tian Sangsang felt contemplative. She didn’t know why the two of them were getting married, but it was clear to her that Widow Meng was someone who knew how to live a stable life and take care of others. She hoped everyone could find peace and happiness.
Tian Sangsang carried Meng Shuyan in her arms and began walking toward home. Halfway there, an elderly figure brushed past them.
The old woman hadn’t initially recognized her, but after taking a few steps, she turned back for a closer look and shuffled over to her. "Well, isn’t this a surprise? It really is little Sangsang! You’ve slimmed down, not as coal-black as before. Much easier on the eyes now. Now you actually look a little like one of my Tian Family granddaughters."
She mumbled to herself as she spoke, leaning slightly on her cane, her bent figure looking hunched. Listening to the voice and studying her face, Tian Sangsang gradually recognized the old woman as the original owner’s grandmother.