Chronicle of the 70s

After both had calmed down and seated themselves for over ten minutes, Li Xianglu consoled, "Grandpa, don’t be sad anymore. Aren’t we together now?"

With that, she handed over a handkerchief, which Mr. Li accepted with a smile, wiping away his tears before addressing those around him, "This is my granddaughter, Li Xianglu, Xiangxiang. This young man here is An Chenggang, the younger son of grandpa’s comrade-in-arms. You can call him Uncle. And that’s your uncle’s wife, call her little aunt."

Li Xianglu politely greeted, "Uncle, little aunt."

Both of them responded with a delighted exclamation, and Xu Hui, feeling embarrassed, rubbed her hands together and said, "I got so flustered earlier that I forgot to pour water for everyone."

With that, she headed towards the corridor and soon returned with an old kettle, pouring a bowl of hot water for each of them. Then she apologized, "Uncle Li, we don’t have any tea at home."

Mr. Li chuckled while holding his bowl, "No matter, hot water is just fine."

Li Xianglu smoothly picked up her bowl and took a sip of the hot water. She noticed both adults had something to say but seemed hesitant to speak.

The boy, who had been cautious with the pastries, caught his father’s glance and hurriedly grabbed a small stool to go outside, taking his sister with him.

Li Xianglu smiled and carried a stool out as well. Shanghai weather wasn’t as cold as Guanzhong’s but it was quite damp. The cotton-padded jackets the children were wearing felt stiff to the touch. Li Xianglu felt their clothes, sighed softly, and asked in a low voice, "Are you cold?"