FID – Chapter 596

Chapter 596: Recognition

Laughter erupted under the ancient pagoda tree.

Inside the carriage, Grandpa Liu chuckled and scolded, “These old fellows.”

“Grandpa, don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll brew you a big pot of tea, enough for everyone,” Liu Yusheng giggled, lifting the carriage curtain to glance outside.

The village’s winery and homes had all been renovated, looking fresh and new, with no trace of the devastation left by the flood.

“We’re finally back. It’s been less than two months, yet it feels like we’ve been gone forever… Home is still the best.” Grandma Liu also looked outside, sighing softly.

When returning home, even the air carried a sense of peace.

“Of course, home is the best,” Liu Zhiqiu chimed in from the driver’s seat. “So, Grandpa, Grandma, stop wandering around all the time. When you’re away, not only do you feel unsettled, but Uncle and my father are left at home like abandoned children—so pitiful.”

“…” Everyone in the carriage was caught between laughter and tears at his words.

Sitting quietly in the innermost part of the carriage, Li Junyue listened to the Liu family’s cheerful banter and their frequent greetings to the villagers. The warmth and harmony of it all made her envious—yet also self-conscious.

It felt as though she could never truly belong in such an atmosphere.

That thought dimmed the light in her eyes.

With a soft neigh, the carriage came to a halt at the entrance of the Liu family’s courtyard.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, people rushed out to greet them.

Leading the way were Dalin and Erlin, both scrambling to get ahead. As they squeezed through the doorway, they elbowed each other, each trying to push the other back.

It was as if they were competing for favor, making for a comical sight.

“Father, Mother, you’re finally back! It’s been two months—did you not miss us at all?”

“All you care about are your grandchildren and their spouses. You don’t even want your own sons anymore! Sons are the closest family—grandchildren are a whole generation apart!”

Their sour and childish complaints made the two women behind them blush with embarrassment.

Only Wei Hong remained composed. While the family exchanged greetings, she quietly walked around to the back of the carriage, unloading the luggage and carrying everything into the courtyard.

With Liu Zhiqiu’s help, the old man stepped down from the carriage and immediately gave both the two a flick on the forehead.

“Can’t you two act a little more mature? Are you saying life was unbearable without us at home? Just listen to yourselves! Aren’t you ashamed, talking like this in front of the children? I’m embarrassed for you!”

Rubbing his head where he had been flicked, Liu Erlin muttered, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s not like this is the first time…”

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the old man raise his hand again. Panicking, he quickly dodged backward. “Ow! Father, don’t hit me! The kids are watching! If they start copying this, it won’t be good. You have to save me some dignity!”

Liu Dalin, who had just helped Grandma Liu down from the carriage, glanced at Liu Erlin’s pitiful expression and said, “Father, go ahead and teach him a lesson. Your son has thick skin—if you don’t discipline him properly, he’ll never learn. Just look at him, acting so childish. Where’s the dignity of an elder? He needs to be taught!”

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a smack on the back of his head—this time from his mother. 

“You’re both just spouting nonsense! Is this how you two behave at home all the time? There’s no sense of propriety at all!”

After scolding them, the old lady turned to call Chen Xiulan and Du Juan over. “Lend a hand and help Junyue down. She’s injured, so be careful.”

Chen Xiulan and Du Juan exchanged a glance before peeking into the carriage, only to see Li Junyue sitting inside.

What was going on? Shock and confusion filled their hearts, but now wasn’t the time to ask questions. 

So, without hesitation, they both reached in and carefully helped Li Junyue down from the carriage.

Liu Yusheng also stepped in to help. Noticing the confusion in her parents, second uncle and aunt’s, she said, “Father, Mother, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, let’s talk once we’re home. It’s a bit complicated and not something that can be explained in just a few words. But from now on, Junyue will be living with us.”

Hearing this, Du Juan glanced at Liu Zhiqiu, who was joking around with Grandpa Liu, Liu Dalin, and Liu Erlin. She nodded and said, “We hadn’t received any notice before, so I’ll go prepare a room right away. We still have brand-new bedding, which will be perfect.”

“Second Aunt, please prepare two rooms in the inner courtyard—one for Junyue and one for Xianrou. It’ll be more convenient for me to take care of Junyue’s injuries if she’s nearby.”

“Alright, two rooms it is. They can stay in the inner courtyard with you—it’ll be good company for you as well.” Du Juan nodded immediately, understanding Liu Yusheng’s intentions.

Li Junyue wouldn’t be treated as a guest in their home.

At that moment, Li Junyue finally spoke softly, “Thank you, Second Aunt.”

Seeing how much weaker she looked compared to before, Du Juan sighed. “Child, there’s no need to be so polite with me. If anything, I should be the one thanking you.”

She still vividly remembered the sight of this young woman, covered in blood, having taken a knife to the chest to save their family’s Zhiqiu.

Meanwhile, Qian Wanjin, Shi Xianrou, and Xue Qinglian had all jumped off their horses, already calling for everyone to head inside.

The newly renovated Liu family courtyard looked just the same as before.

It was still a three-section courtyard.

The only changes were the replacement of the roof beams and the reconstruction of damaged walls, but the overall layout remained untouched.

Liu Yusheng took a walk through her small courtyard in the third courtyard. The house was just as it had been, with the rock garden, stone table, and stone stools still in place.

However, the flowers and plants she had originally planted were gone, replaced by numerous potted plants.

Some bore flowers, while others were lush green trees.

It still looked elegant and refined.

Her gaze swept over the bonsai plants, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Her parents, second uncle, and second aunt must have put a lot of effort into arranging her courtyard. Otherwise, given their personalities and habits, they would never have paid attention to things like potted plants.

Back in the front courtyard, the whole family sat in the main hall, recounting everything that had happened between the two elders and Li Junyue.

Dalin and Erlin’s faces paled slightly. Even though the ordeal had passed and their parents were standing before them, the thought of how dangerous it had been still left them shaken and fearful.

If they hadn’t met Li Junyue back then… 

They didn’t dare to imagine what would have happened to their parents.

“Junyue, from now on, just stay here at the Liu family and make yourself at home. Don’t worry, your uncle and aunt will treat you as one of our own. We won’t let you suffer any grievances,” Liu Dalin said solemnly.

There was no need for further words—just the fact that she had risked her life to save their parents was enough for him to fully accept her.

Liu Erlin added, “What I want to say is the same as your Uncle Dalin. From now on, whatever happens, we’ve got your back!”

Every face before her was filled with gratitude, and their eyes shone with sincerity.

At that moment, Li Junyue knew—the Liu family had truly accepted her.

This realization filled her with both relief and bittersweet emotions.

Yet, amidst those feelings, there was also a hint of secret joy.

If she had earned the approval of the Liu family, did that mean her chances with Liu Zhiqiu had also grown?

“Thank you, Uncle Dalin, Uncle Erlin,” she said softly, sneaking a glance at Liu Zhiqiu before quickly lowering her eyes to hide her emotions.

Now that she had been given this chance, she… would never let Liu Zhiqiu go.

She knew her life might not be long.

If her condition didn’t improve, she might only have three to five years left. Even so, she wanted to be with him.

Even if it was just for a few years, a few months… or even a few days.

The man on the other side seemed to sense her secret glance. He looked in her direction briefly, and as he withdrew his gaze, a faint, hidden smile appeared at the corner of his lips.