Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“What? How… how could this be…?”
His parents were both surprised and regretful towards this unexpected news. It had only been three days into the seven-day Golden Week Holiday. Now he had to leave on the fourth day?
To celebrate their son’s return, they prepared plenty of frozen fish and meat in the refrigerator, and only half of it was consumed. Even with that… he had to leave?
They found it very difficult to accept.
The mother proposed a solution. “Why not talk to the company and ask them to give you leeway? You tell them you can’t buy a ticket now and will return two days late… If they can’t, then tell them you’ll be a day late before you return. How about that?” she suggested.
She really wanted her son to stay for a few more days, even if just for one more day. It was already night now and if he left tomorrow at noon, it would’ve been too soon… Three days had passed in a blink of an eye. She still had so much to tell him, and many things that she wanted to do that she wasn’t able to do.
They planned to wait for Zhang Zian to recover from the fatigue of his work and, after a day of business, the three of them would go to the park, climb the mountain, and then eat out.
If she knew that he had to go tomorrow, she would have done all that the past three days…
The father thought her negotiation through a bargain was almost childish, but he didn’t say anything. What if it succeeded?
Zhang Zian understood that they wanted him to stay for a while because he also felt the same way. If he had the choice, he wanted to stay for a few more days or even stay longer, but…
He was reluctant to leave, but he nevertheless made up his mind and said, “I don’t have a choice, there aren’t many people in the company. The order amount is very big. I am a technical backbone for the company; they can’t do it without me… The Boss has promised to pay me overtime. And after we’ve finished with this order, he’ll return home for the holidays and give me more days off during the New Year’s Day holidays.”
Although they had several thoughts on the company depriving their son of his holidays, hearing that the company depended on their son made the old couple very happy. It proved that their son was a very promising and important member of the company.
The father sighed and said, “If that is the case, then we don’t have a choice. I hope that your boss will keep his word. Then, you can come back for a few more days on New Year’s Day. It’s only two months away anyway.”
Zhang Zian forced a smile and echoed, “Yes, it’s less than two months from New Year’s Day. I don’t have much time to rest now but I get to rest more for New Year’s Day, so it’ll be the same. Plus, I get overtime pay.”
“When it’s the New Year’s Day holidays and it’s cold outside, how is it the same? Things would’ve been much better if you applied to be a civil servant in Binhai City. Civil servants have time off and always get plenty of it,” His mother was still bothered by the issue.
The father persuaded, “Forget it, private companies are like this. Your time belongs to the boss so there’s no point whining about it, but… if you go back in advance, what about the date with the girl?”
The mother was awakened by these words. Compared to a few days off now or later, more importantly, her son and the girl managed to develop good chemistry between one another. They should’ve taken the chance to confirm their relationship whilst the holiday is still ongoing. However, this sudden situation changed everything… was he trying to make her anxious?
She raised her voice and said angrily, “If you really can’t then don’t go back, I won’t believe it. What will happen if you return two days later? Isn’t the company dependent on you? They wouldn’t dare fire you for it! Just call the company and say that you’re currently traveling abroad and can’t return!”
For her, marriage was more important than work.
“Think about what you’ve just said…” Father shook his head.
“What did I say? Is there something wrong with what I said?” The mother got angrier the more she talked. She couldn’t control her temper seeing that something good was going down the drain.
Zhang Zian said, “Listen. I’ve asked her about it. It just so happens that she also intends to go to the big city for her own personal development. She may go over a few days later and then we have time to meet there.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
His mother’s anger suddenly disappeared, and her eyes widened in surprise at the progress of her son and the lady growing more rapidly than expected. Otherwise, how could the lady be willing to follow him to leave Binhai city? She still wasn’t sure what personal development meant in the big cities. If she wanted to go, why did she choose to go now of all times?
His father went from a state of worry to one of happiness.
They chose not to ask for further details, such as the next steps in their relationships.
The times were changing, and issues between young people should be left for them to solve on their own.
Zhang Zian further explained his plans to them. He planned to send the gray parrot and monkey to the forestry bureau tomorrow morning, then go directly to the station to take the high-speed rail.
The parents felt that the timing was a bit off, but they let him be since he had already thought about it.
The usual dinner was already splendid. Today, it was even more splendid than usual after learning that he needed to leave. They also made the dishes that they had planned to make the next day. The food on the table could not be finished, so they urged him to eat more.
After dinner, the three of them sat in the living room watching TV as per the previous two days. They watched until nearly midnight, much later than usual, and only then did they go to sleep.
As for the guests, they found their own corners to rest without anyone telling them.
The next morning, the parents were surprised to see his bloodshot eyes and obvious dark circles.
“Didn’t sleep well last night?”
“Yeah, a bit of insomnia.”
Zhang Zian reluctantly forced a smile.
He almost didn’t sleep at all last night, staring at the ceiling with his eyes open. It wasn’t because he was not tired, but he merely wanted to cherish this moment for as long as possible.
“Then sleep again on the train,” His parents smiled and thought he couldn’t sleep because of how excited he was to meet his date.
His things had been packed up last night, and the empty suitcase was stuffed to the brim with souvenirs and snacks that he could have on the way back.
He ate his breakfast very slowly. While his parents had finished eating and were washing up, he had only eaten half of it.
“Hurry up, eat and go to the Forestry Bureau, Don’t miss the train, and eat again on the road if you get hungry.” His parents urged.
They didn’t want him to leave last night, but today they were worried that he would’ve missed the train.
“…alright.”
He silently scooped the rest of the rice into his mouth.
“You don’t need to wash your bowl, we will do the dishes. You should go soon and try to be early.” The father took the bowl from his hands without asking.
Every minute was precious, but he had no reason to keep dragging his feet.
The trunk and birdcage were placed at the door of the store.
The golden cat, tea-colored cat, black and white kitten, and the little monkey gathered silently at the door.
As he put on his coat, his gloomy face turned into one as bright as the sun when he turned around.
“Dad, Mom, I am leaving. Take care!”
