I Got A Girlfriend After Losing My Memory (Transmigration) - Chapter 25.1
Tang Fuzhi’s mind seemed to lack a proper concept of family. As Grandpa Tao’s gaze turned toward her, she instinctively echoed Tao Ran’s greeting, stiffly saying, “Hello, Grandpa.”
The words hung in the air, surprising both Tao Ran and Grandpa Tao.
Grandpa Tao, having seen much in his long life, quickly recovered. His gaze shifted between Tao Ran and Tang Fuzhi before he let out a hearty laugh.
“Good, good, good!”
Three consecutive “goods” left Tang Fuzhi’s already hazy mind even more bewildered.
Grandpa Tao gave Tao Ran an approving look. “You’re quick on the draw, girl.”
She’d managed to bring the young lady home so quickly, even getting her to change her address. Truly a member of the Tao Family.
Though she’d lost her memories, Tang Fuzhi still noticed the subtle shift in Grandpa Tao’s expression when she addressed him.
The young woman, still unfamiliar with this world, instinctively turned to the only person she trusted. Her beautiful amber eyes were filled with confusion, as if asking, Did I say something wrong?
Tao Ran stroked her hair, her initial surprise quickly giving way to a wider smile. “You’ll be calling him that sooner or later.”
Tang Fuzhi nodded blankly, instinctively trusting Tao Ran.
Yet her gaze toward the two of them still held a hint of bewilderment.
The trio entered the house. It was Grandpa Tao’s first time here, and he carefully observed the interior.
The small apartment wasn’t large, but it felt cozy. Fresh white camellias adorned the table, and the dark green curtains were drawn back, allowing sunlight to stream through the glass and warm the sofa. It looked incredibly comfortable.
“Grandpa, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? Have you been waiting long?” Tao Ran grabbed a disposable cup from the water dispenser, filled it with hot water, and handed it to Grandpa Tao.
Grandpa Tao accepted the cup, his kindly face creasing into a warm smile. “No, I just arrived. I’ve missed you so much lately, I thought I’d come by for a visit.”
Tao Ran’s eyes softened. She had indeed been neglecting visits to the Tao Family Old Residence these past three months while caring for Tang Fuzhi.
She glanced at Tang Fuzhi, who looked a little lost, and quietly took her soft hand.
Tang Fuzhi looked up, her gaze meeting Tao Ran’s. From their earlier conversation, she could tell Grandpa Tao and Tao Ran had a close relationship.
Anything connected to Tao Ran made her instinctively relax, her subconscious trusting Tao Ran implicitly.
Tao Ran turned on the TV and sat down on the sofa, still holding Tang Fuzhi’s hand. “Grandpa, why don’t you stay for dinner?”
When Grandpa Tao nodded, Tao Ran moved with practiced ease to the refrigerator. After a quick glance inside, she asked in her usual manner, “Besides sweet and sour pork, how about mapo tofu, braised chicken feet, and tomato beef soup?”
These were all Tang Fuzhi’s favorites. She watched Tao Ran expertly tie an apron over her professional office attire, the contrast striking.
She glanced at Grandpa Tao, perhaps subconsciously remembering some social etiquette, and walked over to Tao Ran, silently taking out a tomato to wash.
“Let me do that,” Tao Ran said, her eyes darkening slightly as she watched the girl’s hands get wet. She quietly took Tang Fuzhi’s hand, turned on the faucet to wash it thoroughly, and then carefully dried it with a paper towel.
Tang Fuzhi watched Tao Ran’s focused movements, as if she were handling some priceless treasure. Her heart skipped a beat, and an inexplicable emotion surged from her chest.
“All done. Sit tight and go keep Grandpa company.”
Knowing that Tang Fuzhi was still unfamiliar with Grandpa Tao, Tao Ran had deliberately arranged for them to have some alone time.
Grandpa Tao was already very pleased with Tang Fuzhi and wouldn’t say anything inappropriate. Tao Ran was confident in that regard.
Tang Fuzhi took a few hesitant steps before glancing back, still a little nervous. Only after receiving Tao Ran’s encouraging gaze did she quietly turn and head toward the living room.
Grandpa Tao watched Tao Ran’s practiced movements, knowing she must do this often. Everything here was beyond his expectations.
Tao Ran, the future successor of the Tao Group, a formidable force in the business world, now lived in a modest apartment and cooked after work.
Not receiving an answer, Tao Ran glanced over, her eyes questioning.
Grandpa Tao finally snapped out of his surprise at seeing his beloved granddaughter cooking. He smiled warmly. “Anything is fine. I’m not picky.”
Tao Ran nodded, her movements efficient and skilled, clearly practiced.
Meanwhile, Tang Fuzhi sat on the sofa, feeling anxious.
Her amnesia had already left her feeling insecure. With Tao Ran’s constant presence and a week to familiarize herself with the neighborhood, her anxiety had gradually subsided.
Now, the arrival of a stranger, especially one who was Tao Ran’s grandfather, filled her with dread. She feared saying the wrong thing and upsetting the elderly man, leaving her temporarily speechless.
As Tao Ran had predicted, Grandpa Tao was favorably impressed with Tang Fuzhi.
He gazed into her clear, sincere eyes, recalling her efforts to resolve the misunderstanding between him and his granddaughter. His heart softened. He pulled a jade bracelet wrapped in red cloth from his pocket and pressed it into Tang Fuzhi’s palm.
The cool, smooth, and warm sensation startled Tang Fuzhi. She instinctively tried to push it back, but fearing she might damage such a precious object, she didn’t dare use too much force.
Grandpa Tao smiled warmly, his actions firm and leaving no room for refusal. “This was part of her grandmother’s dowry for her mother. But due to some unfortunate circumstances, it’s been kept here with me all these years.”
“I was originally planning to give it to Tao Ran today, as it’s a memento from her grandmother.” As he spoke of his late wife, the smile in Grandpa Tao’s eyes faded, replaced by sorrow. “Seeing you two so happy now, her grandmother and mother would have no regrets. Consider this our family’s gift to you.”
Hearing this, Tang Fuzhi felt even more reluctant to accept. She waved her hands frantically. “Such a valuable item should stay with Tao Ran.”
Grandpa Tao firmly slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.
The young woman’s fair, delicate skin contrasted beautifully with the vibrant, lustrous, and exquisitely carved jade bracelet, enhancing her natural elegance.
“If it weren’t for you, Tao Ran and I might never have resolved our misunderstandings and learned the truth,” Grandpa Tao said, his voice filled with emotion as he recalled the past.
Resolved our misunderstandings? Tang Fuzhi wondered. Was I really that capable before I lost my memory?
“Besides, this bracelet is traditionally passed down to the eldest daughter-in-law. But since my wife and I only had one daughter, Tao Ran’s mother, we gave it directly to her.”
“When she passed away, it should have gone to her only daughter, Tao Ran. But since that girl clearly likes you, and you’re practically our Tao family’s daughter-in-law now, we’re passing it on to you according to our ancestors’ customs.”
Despite these words, Tang Fuzhi still felt uneasy. She didn’t know the bracelet’s exact value, but something passed down through generations, even without a price tag, carried priceless sentimental weight.
Tao Ran was cooking, but her ears were tuned to the living room. Fortunately, the apartment was small, and the kitchen wasn’t far from the living room, so she noticed Tang Fuzhi’s discomfort.
She stopped chopping vegetables and called out, “If Grandpa gave it to you, just accept it.”
Only then did Tang Fuzhi stop trying to take off the bracelet.
Tao Ran still needed time to finish cooking, and since Tang Fuzhi had accepted the gift, she felt obliged to keep the old man company.
The two weren’t very familiar, so the only thing they could really talk about was Tao Ran.
Grandpa Tao was a kind old man. He smiled warmly as he reminisced about Tao Ran’s childhood. “You wouldn’t believe how mischievous that girl was when she was little! Climbing trees, playing in the mud, always covered in dirt like a little mud doll…”
Tang Fuzhi had initially intended only to amuse Grandpa Tao, but as their conversation progressed, she gradually became absorbed in it. She especially enjoyed hearing Tao Ran’s embarrassing childhood stories, laughing so hard she clutched her stomach.
The pleasant time passed quickly, and the meal was soon ready. Tao Ran carried the dishes to the dining table, her expression one of helpless resignation.
“Grandpa, please stop bringing up my embarrassing stories. Besides, I’m all grown up now.”
She had hoped to help the two get acquainted, but Tao Ran hadn’t anticipated her grandfather’s lack of tact, dredging up old grievances.
She was a grown woman now, and she had her dignity to consider.
Grandpa Tao’s laughter only intensified. He teased Tang Fuzhi, “Look at her! She dared to do all those things as a child, but now she won’t even let us talk about them!”
Tang Fuzhi covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, but when she caught Tao Ran’s fierce glare, she took advantage of Grandpa Tao’s presence, knowing Tao Ran couldn’t do anything. Her laughter grew bolder, showing no restraint whatsoever.
The young woman was naturally beautiful, and when she laughed, her eyes curved into crescents, her amber irises sparkling like starlight, utterly captivating.
Tao Ran sighed inwardly.
What else could she do? One of the people at the table was her grandfather, and the other was her girlfriend. All she could do was indulge them.
The meal was a lively affair, except for Tao Ran, who was constantly being exposed for her past misdeeds and couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
As Grandpa Tao finished his meal and prepared to leave, he turned back to look at Tang Fuzhi, his kind eyes softening. “If you have time, you should bring your parents over to the old house for a meal sometime.”
A flicker of confusion crossed Tang Fuzhi’s eyes at the mention of “parents.”
Fortunately, Tao Ran reacted quickly. She stepped closer to Tang Fuzhi, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and squeezed gently. “Let’s wait a while. It’s still too soon.”
Grandpa Tao, with his years of experience, immediately sensed something was off between the two. But when his gaze met Tao Ran’s steady eyes, he ultimately said nothing. He trusted Tao Ran completely. Besides, matters between young lovers were best left to them.
After Grandpa Tao left, Tang Fuzhi turned to Tao Ran. “Who are my parents? How come I haven’t seen them since I woke up?”
The young woman’s eyes were clear and untroubled. Perhaps due to her amnesia, even the word “parents” evoked no flicker of emotion in her gaze.