Just as dawn broke today, the old lady got up as usual for a walk in the courtyard. Then she practised a bit of tai chi. When she returned to the house, she still had not seen Zhan Yue come downstairs. She asked the housekeeper, “Old Eight has not got up yet?”
The housekeeper replied, “On normal weekends, the eighth young master sleeps until nearly noon before getting up. Unless he has made plans with friends to go out, or he needs to accompany an important client.”
“The eighth young master always says he is busy spinning around during the week. When the weekend finally comes, he wants to sleep properly for two full days.”
The old lady said, “What day is it today, and he is still lazing in bed? Wait here. I will go upstairs and call him myself.”
With that, the old lady started walking upstairs. The housekeeper wanted to support her, but she refused.
She could still manage two full laps walking in the courtyard. She did not need anyone to help her.
Usually, when she let people support her, it was her grandsons who did it. She was just giving them a chance to show filial piety.
The housekeeper then gave up the idea of helping the old lady upstairs. He stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched as she slowly made her way up.
Zhan Yue had actually set an alarm. But when it rang, he turned it off and went back to sleep.
He had even forgotten why he set the alarm for Saturday in the first place.
Last night he had social obligations that kept him out until late. The renovation at his house in Wansheng Garden was paused for the day today. Master Tang had something to attend to and could not come. He had told Zhan Yue about it last night.
So today he did not need to go over and supervise.
He had planned to sleep in properly.
Knocking sounds came one after another at the door. It was so annoying that Zhan Yue could not continue sleeping even if he wanted to.
He got out of bed barefoot and went to open the door. His handsome face still looked gloomy and dark. He thought it was the housekeeper knocking and was already full of anger.
He pulled open the door, ready to start scolding. Then he saw that it was his grandmother standing there. Zhan Yue froze for a second. “Grandma?”
“Still sleeping? The sun is already high in the sky. Get up quickly.”
“Then go to the Zeng family clinic and pick up Xiaoya. Have you forgotten? You and Xiaoya agreed that today she would come over to keep me company and chat, and also take a look around your big villa.”
Zhan Yue: “…… Grandma, I almost forgot. No wonder I set the alarm for Saturday.”
The old lady slapped him once. “You stinking brat. I thickened my old face to fight for this chance for you, and you actually forgot? Hurry up. Get ready and go pick up Xiaoya.”
Zhan Yue did not get angry after receiving his grandmother’s slap. Instead, he grinned cheekily. “Grandma, I will be ready right away. Give me ten minutes.”
“Be quick.”
“Got it.”
Zhan Yue turned and went back inside.
The old lady went downstairs and instructed the housekeeper to prepare some food, drinks, and all kinds of fruits that she thought were delicious. They were to welcome Xiaoya properly when she arrived.
Ten minutes later, Zhan Yue appeared in front of the old lady looking refreshed and energetic.
“Grandma, how do I look? My energy is good, right? Is there any problem with what I am wearing today?”
He was wearing a plain white short-sleeved T-shirt paired with black casual trousers. The stubble on his chin had been shaved completely clean.
“No problem. At home, casual clothes are fine. Your skin tone suits white tops. You look spirited.”
“Do you want to eat something before going to pick up Xiaoya?”
The old lady asked. Without waiting for Zhan Yue to answer, she quickly told the housekeeper to bring out Zhan Yue’s breakfast.
Zhan Yue had originally wanted to set off for the Zeng family clinic right away. But since his grandmother had already given the order, he said, “Then I will eat something before leaving. It is still a bit early anyway.”
The drive from his house to the Zeng family clinic was only about ten minutes. Unless there were red lights all the way, it would take twenty minutes at most.
Not far at all.
“Grandma, Beibei is not coming along?”
Zhan Yue asked.
He had thought his little niece would be coming with his grandmother.
