Chapter 16.2 - 杏仁 Almond
It was noisy on the other end, probably in a hotel, with the sound of clinking glasses. Shen Xifan laughed and said, “Although it’s not yet midnight, I’m afraid calling you later will turn into a hot line, so I’m calling early. Also, I’m afraid I won’t last until midnight because I’ve had quite a bit to drink today, and I’m already a little tipsy.”
No wonder the little girl had so much to say. He asked, “How much did you drink?”
Shen Xifan hesitated, “I think it’s about half a jin of white liquor and half a bottle of red wine. I feel full from drinking, so I think it’s a bit of a waste. I didn’t eat much. My family is all a bunch of alcoholics, and after toasting around, they came for a second round. There were over twenty people, and even my little cousin got drunk.”
She rambled on, gesturing with her hands, while a child beside her giggled, “Aunt, you’ve had too much to drink.”
Shen Xifan glared at them, “I can still drink!” Then she turned back to He Suye and sincerely said, “I can still drink, really. Believe me, come find me tonight, let’s have some peanuts and pickled beans as snacks, open a bottle of Wuliangye, and we won’t stop drinking until we’re drunk!”
The colorful fireworks exploded in the sky, lighting up his face. He Suye smiled gently, “Little girl, stop showing off. Go back and sleep. If you keep drinking, I’ll make you some herbal medicine.”
Shen Xifan talked for a long time before hanging up the phone. He Suye rubbed his numb hands, then went into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of hot water, holding it in his hands to warm them. He opened his mouth to call out to He Shouzhen, but realized that his throat was a bit hoarse. He probably had forgotten to put on his coat when he rushed to answer Shen Xifan’s call earlier, and standing in the freezing cold for half an hour had taken a toll on him, even someone in good health couldn’t handle it.
But inside, he felt sweet, and a faint smile lingered at the corner of his mouth. He Shouzhen, seeing this, quickly remarked, “Uncle, you look like a cat that stole fish! Dad smiles like that too!”
The next day, he did have a bit of a cough, but he didn’t mind. He hurried to the supermarket before it closed, buying a lot of things, then called his uncle to invite him to go to his grandfather’s house to celebrate the New Year.
He Suye’s grandfather was a high-ranking officer in the military, strict and tough, with high expectations for his children. Though He Suye was the youngest grandson, he was deeply cherished, and his affection was never hidden. Since his mother passed away, He Suye had visited his grandfather’s house more and more frequently, always going for meals during holidays and festivals. In fact, among everyone in the family, he saw his father the least.
Over there, after handing out red envelopes to the younger generation, a lively feast began. The Yu family was large, with three uncles and one aunt, plus several tables set up for the younger generation.
Grandfather Yu still maintained his authoritative family style. After the meal, he went to his study, and the atmosphere immediately became much livelier. He Suye’s uncle sat next to him and joked, “Hey, haven’t seen you bring a girlfriend back for us to meet?”
Everyone burst into laughter. His little niece curiously asked, “What’s a girlfriend?”
Another nephew proudly said, “A girlfriend is a woman who can kiss my uncle!”
The innocent words made everyone laugh even harder, including the little nanny who covered her mouth and laughed secretly. He Suye also smiled and said, “No rush, I’ll wait until the right one comes along.”
The others wouldn’t let it go and kept pushing him, “No way, no way! You’re getting a penalty! A drink! Quick, fill his cup!”
After a whole meal, He Suye had drunk a little more than usual. He went to the bathroom to wash his face, and Grandma Yu called him, “Suye, your grandfather wants you in his study.”
Grandfather Yu was sitting by the chess table. When he saw He Suye enter, he beckoned him, “Suye, come play a game with me.”
He took the white pieces, while Grandfather Yu took the black. Since they didn’t often play, He Suye lost after just one move. Grandfather Yu nodded and said, “Although you lost, you’re still good. It’s been a while since we played, huh?”
He Suye thought for a moment and replied, “It’s probably been a year.”
Grandfather Yu took a sip of tea and said, “While you’re here, help me check my leg. The old injuries from the war cause it to ache whenever it gets cold.”
As He Suye examined his leg, Grandfather Yu slowly spoke, “Suye, we’ve never blamed your father.”
He Suye softly responded, “Hmm.”
Grandfather Yu continued, “I’m a bit old-fashioned, maybe too unsympathetic. I still hope to have my children and grandchildren around in my old age. Your father only has you as his son, and now your mother is no longer with us. After all, it’s lonely in old age.”
He Suye’s nose grew a little sore, and he didn’t dare look up at his grandfather. “I know, Grandpa.”
“Your father’s father mentioned it when he came for tea last time. He said he’d scold you both properly, but I know you’re a sensible kid. You’ll figure it out.”
“I’ll definitely find a chance to talk to Dad.”
The streets on New Year’s Day were bustling with people. The long-hidden sun peeked through the clouds, and the trees and walls were dripping with water. Even the dim sunlight felt warm, enough to melt the ice and snow.
After drinking and standing in the cold wind, He Suye’s cough worsened. He took a detour to the city’s largest traditional medicine shop to get some herbs.
The medicine shop had three female pharmacists on duty. A middle-aged man was throwing a tantrum. “What’s wrong with your pharmacy? You can’t even handle a prescription. I’m treating an illness here! Can you afford to waste time? Where’s your boss? I want to file a complaint!”
A young girl trembled as she spoke, “I’m sorry, I’ll keep looking! I’ll keep looking!”
He Suye walked up to another pharmacist and said, “Please prepare 10g of Ephedra, 10g of Almond, 10g of Aster, 10g of White Peony, 10g of Fritillaria, 20g of Tangerine Peel, 10g of Platycodon, and 20g of Licorice. Three doses, to take with me.”
The middle-aged man looked at him strangely, but He Suye smiled without saying a word. Eventually, the middle-aged man asked, “Young man, my father has stomach issues. I came here to get medicine for him on New Year’s Day, but they lost the prescription. Could you help me fill it?”
He Suye coughed all the way back home, thinking with a wry smile that even doctors get sick. From now on, he swore never to pretend to be strong in front of patients. He realized it had been years since he had been ill, but he had stubbornly let himself fall victim to the wind and cold.
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