Chronicle of the 70s

After dinner, Xu Xi left, and before leaving, he had a long chat with Grandpa at the front door. It was May, and the evening was still a bit chilly. When Grandpa Li came back, Li Xianglu couldn’t help but blame him, "What was there to talk about? It’s cold outside, and you didn’t even think to put on an extra jacket."

Mr. Li sighed; his granddaughter just didn’t like Xu Xi. Usually, she did not react this strongly when he and Old Xun hung out.

Grandpa Li waved his hand and said, "Come on, let’s go inside; I have something to say."

Li Xianglu raised an eyebrow but first carried in the foot-washing water. Qin Xi was reading in the room and hurriedly put down his book to help carry the basin in. Mr. Li helplessly took off his socks and dipped his feet into the water.

As he washed his feet, he said, "I can’t go to Hong Kong anymore. I plan for you and Qin Xi to go there on my behalf."

"What?" Li Xianglu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why can’t you go? Just apply for it."

Mr. Li sighed. His past work involved too many secrets. It was not easy to go out because the authorities had already denied his request and had a discussion with him—he was afraid he might never be able to go out for the rest of his life.

Li Xianglu did not understand why he couldn’t go, but since even Xu Xi couldn’t handle it, it seemed the matter had already been decided. She sighed and asked, "What can we do there?"

Mr. Li chuckled and said, "Of course, there’s a purpose. Don’t you want to meet your grandmother? It’s a good opportunity to visit her on my behalf. When the policies improve, she might be able to come back."