Chapter 170 - 164 days of visions, and the fragrance of flowers (2727 characters)
Out of the wolf’s den and into the tiger’s lair. After stepping off the bus, the scorching heat at the station seemed to roast Tian Sangsang’s skin inch by inch.
Tian Sangsang held Meng Shuyan tightly in her arms, the little guy’s face just as flushed. Fortunately, she had planned ahead, preparing iced orange juice at home and hiding it in a black water bottle that wouldn’t draw attention.
Meng Shuyan took a sip from the bottle, curiosity and intensity gleaming in his jet-black eyes as he exclaimed, "Wow, Mom, the city is so big."
There were no cars constantly zipping around in their village, nor people bustling back and forth everywhere. Yes, he liked this vast place. It broadened his horizons all at once. So, the world could be this big after all.
"Indeed. From now on, we’re going to live here." Tian Sangsang gazed at the scene before her. It wasn’t exactly rivers of cars and crowds like dragons, but it carried a wholly new and unfamiliar vibe. Perhaps a change of environment wasn’t such a bad thing after all. She had never realized just how exhilarating exploring unknown territory could be.
Life could go on anywhere, as long as one’s heart let go of some unfounded attachments.
Sometimes, it’s not the body that needs more weight, but the heart that could stand to feel a little lighter. That makes life so much easier.
Tian Sangsang strolled around with Meng Shuyan, taking in the sights. In the early 80s, the streets of East Sea Province’s cities were pretty impressive—spacious and open. Vendors had already begun setting up small stalls along the roadsides, selling various goods, and shops like noodle houses, bun shops, grocery stores, and department stores dotted the area. Occasionally, fashionable young women with bright eyes, white teeth, and slender legs passed through the crowd, causing Tian Sangsang’s heart to leap with excitement.
Uh-oh. She suddenly wanted to shop for clothes.
After inquiring about the prices at some city stores, Tian Sangsang first headed to a bookstore to buy a newspaper. To get to know a place, reading the local papers was one way to start.
Then, she handed the newspaper casually to Meng Shuyan and took him up to the second floor of the department store to browse clothing. One outfit caught her eye—a floral short skirt paired with a lace top and classy little leather shoes. Refreshing yet stylish, it gave her the urge to change her entire style. Unfortunately, her current figure didn’t suit such attire at all.
"Mom." Suddenly, Meng Shuyan tugged gently at her pant leg.