As soon as they entered the door, they saw Han Yi in formal wear. Their eyes met, and Han Yi showed a hint of puzzlement.
"Xiao Yi, you’re just in time. Your Grandma fell today and twisted her ankle," Mr. Jin explained hurriedly upon seeing Han Yi.
On hearing that Grandma was injured, Han Yi’s gaze moved away from Lin Wan. Without asking further, he quickly stepped forward to inquire about Grandma’s condition.
"Don’t be too worried, the doctor has already examined her and brought medicine. She’ll recover in half a month resting at home. Come on, quickly carry your Grandma inside."
Han Yi couldn’t spare time to thank anyone, he carefully carried Grandma inside.
This courtyard is his Grandma’s ancestral residence. Their ancestors dealt in rouge and soapberry business. Later, his Grandma’s grandfather stopped the business to avoid trouble. After liberation, he responded to policies and d eighty percent of his property. The only thing left is this small residence.
Grandma originally had two brothers who died during the war, so the ancestral house was left to her.
The house isn’t big, with three rooms in the main house and two rooms in the west wing; one for storing things and the other for Grandma’s soap-making tools, a kitchen, and a bathroom in the east.
Along the courtyard walls, there were some winter vegetables planted. And a water pump.
Grandma lived in the room on the east side of the main house. After putting her down, Han Yi checked her foot, which was severely red and swollen, and estimated that elderly healing would take some time.
Aunt Jin quickly heated the kang (heated bed). On her way out, she saw Lin Wan standing in the room and immediately pulled her to sit down, "I’m so sorry, young lady! With so much going on, I forgot about you. Please sit and have some tea while I go make some food. Stay for dinner tonight."
Lin Wan promptly stood up, waved her hands, and said, "No need, it’s getting late; I should be heading back. Otherwise, my family will worry." Saying this, Lin Wan started to leave, "Aunt, go ahead with your work; I’ll be heading off."
"How can this be? If it weren’t for you today, Han Gu would have suffered. You must stay for dinner and let us show our gratitude."
"There’s really no need; it was just a small gesture. It’s truly late now. If I don’t return soon, my family will be really anxious." Lin Wan wanted to stay, but now wasn’t the time for her to remain.
After speaking with Mrs. Jin, despite her trying to pull and persuade her to stay, she directly took her scarf and hat and went out the house.
Outside the alley, Lin Wan let out a big sigh of relief. Knowing Grandma was out of danger, she felt content.
As for her and Han Yi, Lin Wan felt their fate would unfold the following summer. She needed to wait, patiently wait.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Lin Wan stepped carelessly and slipped; her body uncontrollably tilted backward. Nervously, she shrank her neck and closed her eyes, prepared to fall; suddenly, a large hand caught her back steadily.
"Han Yi?" After being steadied, Lin Wan opened her eyes and saw Han Yi in a military coat with a hat on.
"Traveling in heavy snow, remember to watch your step," Han Yi said somewhat awkwardly, releasing Lin Wan with a serious expression.
"Oh... thank you." Although Han Yi’s voice wasn’t gentle, Lin Wan felt very happy inside. In the past, she might have thought Han Yi was scolding her.
But now it was different. After everything, she knew Han Yi was actually concerned about her.
"Why did you come out?"
"I’m sending you back."
"No... there’s no need. It’s snowing heavily; it’s impossible to ride. I can go back alone."