The Merman I Picked Up Is Too Delicious - Chapter 23

The days spent alone with the little merman were both fun and fleeting.

On Sunday afternoon, Luo Qingyan went to the airport with her cousin and uncle to pick up her grandmother and aunt, who were returning from their trip.

“Mom! Grandma! Over here!” Tao Xingyou stood on her tiptoes and waved excitedly when she spotted her mother and grandmother. She even broke into a light jog to meet them.

Luo Qingyan and her uncle followed behind. Luo Qingyan walked a bit faster, trying to keep up with her cousin’s pace, while her uncle strode steadily at the rear.

“Xingyou, have you gained weight?” her aunt asked gently, holding her daughter’s wrist and examining her closely. “Your face looks rounder, and your chin seems fuller.”

“Mom! You’ve only been away for a few days, how could I possibly have gained weight?” Tao Xingyou wrapped her arms around her mother’s and leaned in close. “I’ve been working overtime for days, even yesterday! If anything, I should’ve lost weight! Did you have so much fun on your trip that you forgot what your own daughter looks like?”

“We video-called every day, how could I forget what you look like?” Her aunt affectionately bumped her head against her daughter’s. “Gaining weight is a good thing. It means you’re healthy and blessed. Look at the chubby babies in New Year paintings, they’re all plump and adorable. You, young people shouldn’t always be thinking about losing weight. Oh, and Qingyan, you look thinner. Have you not been eating well?”

“Exactly! Your chin is pointier, and there’s no flesh on your face,” her grandmother chimed in, holding Luo Qingyan’s hand and studying her face with concern. “I remember your face looked fuller just a few days ago. Your aunt even told me it seemed like you were eating properly. How come there’s no meat on your face now?”

“Grandma, I’ve been eating well, a lot, in fact,” Luo Qingyan reassured her, squeezing her grandmother’s hand. “Maybe it’s the video calls that make people look heavier. You’ve gotten used to seeing me on screen, so the real me seems different now.”

“That’s right! They say the camera adds ten pounds! I heard those skinny celebrities on TV look like twigs in real life, so thin a gust of wind could knock them over.” Tao Xingyou chimed in cheerfully before pausing, her smile faltering. “Wait, that means I should look thinner! So why am I the one who’s gained weight? Do I look even heavier than on video? Grandma, tell me, have I lost weight or gained? I think Mom just wants me to be chubby. She’s always complaining I don’t have enough meat on my bones.”

“Whether you’ve gained or lost weight, you’re still beautiful!” Her grandmother reached out and patted Tao Xingyou’s shoulder. “The girls in our family are always pretty!”

“Grandma isn’t just saying that, she’s absolutely right,” her aunt added with a serious yet playful tone. “When Grandma was young, she was known far and wide as a great beauty. Her sisters were too, each with their own charm, some plump, some slender. So, with genes like that, of course you’re all beautiful!”

“Excessive modesty is just another form of pride. Besides, as the popular saying goes nowadays, you’ve got to own your worth!” Her aunt lifted her chin slightly. “You two still have a lot to learn, you’re not quite mature enough yet.”

“Alright then, this great beauty will now take the greater beauty and the little beauties home! Let’s have a proper feast!” Her aunt’s voice was as bright and cheerful as her personality.

With Grandma and Aunt back home, dinner was naturally held at Grandma’s house.

This morning, Uncle and Cousin had already bought the groceries. The dinner menu Uncle prepared consisted of simple home-style dishes, not too complicated, and could be finished within an hour and a half after arriving home.

At first, Aunt and Cousin were also helping in the kitchen, but once the preparations were done, they left the kitchen and returned to the living room.

Luo Qingyan, meanwhile, accompanied Grandma in organizing the luggage, and then the two of them took Chestnut out to the yard to play for a while before also heading back to the living room.

With more people around, the living room instantly became lively.

“On this trip, Grandma was both happy and worried,” Aunt said, picking up an apple and starting to peel it. “Happy because she had a great time and said she’d like to travel again in the future. Worried because she was concerned about all of you at home. Ever since hearing about that case of the girl living alone, Grandma couldn’t wait to get back!”

“Don’t worry too much, those are just isolated incidents!” Tao Xingyou sat next to her mother, eyeing the fragrant apple. “When you go out to have fun, you should just enjoy yourselves fully, seize the day and make the most of it! Don’t overthink things!”

“Exactly, we’ll do our best to be careful, and leave the rest to fate.” Earlier this morning, Luo Qingyan had been thinking about how to tell Grandma that she planned to live alone over there, but now it felt even harder to bring up.

“We’re all ordinary people, who knows what the future holds?” Tao Xingyou chimed in. “Enjoying the moment is what matters most.”

“Alright then, let’s enjoy!” Aunt finished peeling the apple, cut it into several pieces, and handed them out to everyone. “It’s true that life is unpredictable. On this trip, there was a couple in our tour group, both university professors. They raised an exceptionally talented child, a medical doctor who studied abroad and got into a top hospital in City A. Think of how many lives he could have saved! But then… sigh, a car accident took him. It seems heaven envies the gifted!”

“Sigh… the old burying the young,” Grandma let out a long sigh. “The couple grieved at home for a long, long time and only with great difficulty decided to go out to clear their minds. When other tour members brought up the case of the woman living alone, the couple accidentally let it slip. They hadn’t wanted to mention it, they’re still deeply upset and would start crying whenever it came up, unable to stop.”

“Oh! Speaking of which, another tour member mentioned how their daughter found a partner on a dating website,” Aunt quickly swallowed a bite of apple and sat up straighter. “At the time, everyone agreed that having a family is still better. If nothing else, at least there are two people, so you can look out for each other when something happens.”

“Mom, you’re not thinking of sending me and Sis to online dating, are you?” Tao Xingyou frowned in distaste, the apple in her hand suddenly seeming less appealing. “You can’t judge a person’s heart, especially online. Don’t just focus on the success stories, those are one in a million. Usually, what you encounter are… well, there might even be scams!”

“I know the internet isn’t reliable! Your grandma and I were actually thinking of someone we know.” Aunt quickly exchanged a glance with Grandma. “Do you remember Granny Lu? The plump, very kind one. Before we left on our trip, she mentioned that her grandson is on leave and coming back to G City soon. Their family also hopes he can find a partner early, and it just so happens that he’s around your age, Xingyou. You could get to know each other.”

“On leave and coming back to G City? So, he doesn’t live here normally?” Tao Xingyou speared another piece of apple with her fork. “Where does he usually live?”

“T City, just in the neighboring province. Not far at all.”

“It’s not too far, but not exactly close either. Taking the high-speed train would still take three to four hours. Do you really want your daughter to be in a long-distance relationship?”

“You could start by getting to know each other as friends. You’re always saying you want to date but haven’t found the right person. If you meet your true love, distance definitely won’t be an issue. He’s a really handsome young man!”

“Handsome? Really?” Tao Xingyou perked up with interest. “How handsome? I hope it’s not just the matchmaker’s idea of handsome.”

“Let me show you his photo!” Her aunt put down her fork and picked up her phone. “I’m not lying, he’s genuinely good-looking. He was even the campus heartthrob in college!”

“You even have a photo? Did you give him my photo too?” Tao Xingyou was curious but also a little worried. “College… campus heartthrob… To be that popular in college, he must be an internet celebrity, right? Someone that handsome doing a blind date? It sounds too good to be true.”

“He’s a clean-cut guy, just really busy with work, so he hasn’t had time for a relationship.” Her aunt scrolled through her phone to find the photo. “Look, tall and handsome!”

“Oh, a family photo!” Tao Xingyou took the phone, zoomed in with two fingers, and her eyes lit up. “Not bad at all! Is he really single? I hope he’s not just telling his family he’s single while actually having a girlfriend. That would be so awkward if we met.”

“You could just be friends!”

“Being friends and going on a blind date are different. A blind date is just that, a blind date. Making friends should happen in other settings, like at someone’s wedding or a New Year’s party. I think blind dates are a good way to meet people, but we need to be clear about the situation. The other person should also be willing to go on a blind date.”

“He is, he is willing.” Her grandmother, who had been listening cheerfully, chimed in. “The Lü family’s grandson is quite introverted and doesn’t really know how to interact with girls, so he hasn’t found the right one. When he was in T City, he went on a blind date. The girl was interested at first, but later said he was too… not good with sweet talk. Honestly, it was just a personality mismatch.”

“Right, your grandmother and I have discussed it. In a relationship, opposites should complement each other.” Her aunt took over. “That young man is quiet, while you’re lively. You need someone to listen to you and keep you company, but not necessarily respond too much, it’s a perfect match! And if you really hit it off, maybe his personality could even change!”

“Exactly, just go and see!” Her grandmother reached out and patted Luo Qingyan’s hand beside her. “Let your sister go with you. Young people can have a meal or tea together. If you don’t like him, just forget about it. Don’t young people like to split the bill on blind dates these days? We’re not taking advantage of anyone. Or we can treat, Grandma will pay for it.”

“Ahhh! So lucky, Grandma’s treating!” Tao Xingyou clasped her hands over her chest. “Since Grandma said so, I have to go!”

“Qingyan, you’re older than Xingyou and have met more people through work. Help her keep an eye out.” Her grandmother patted Luo Qingyan’s hand.

“Oh, um, okay.” Luo Qingyan felt a bit dazed. Ever since she heard “the old sending off the young,” her heart had been aching. She was trying hard not to let her thoughts wander and didn’t have the energy to chat with the family, so she had remained silent.

“Qingyan, we know you don’t like blind dates, but since you’re back anyway, if there’s someone suitable, you could try…” Auntie’s expression was cautious. “To be honest, there’s actually a good match recently, quite suitable, perhaps…”

“I don’t necessarily have to be in a relationship right now. I’ll accompany Xingyou first! Her matter is more urgent. Didn’t you find someone suitable for her? She wants to be in a relationship, she’s willing to go on blind dates. Let’s focus on her first!” Luo Qingyan refused quickly. Aside from her general dislike for blind dates, her current physical condition wasn’t suitable for dating either.

“Alright, let’s talk about Xingyou first.” Auntie didn’t push further. “We’ll contact the other family, make the connection, and then you, young people can get in touch yourselves.”

“Okay.” Tao Xingyou nodded, clasping her hands together over her chest. “I hope sweet love comes my way!”

“Dinner’s ready!” Before Tao Xingyou’s words faded, Uncle’s voice came from the kitchen.

“Alright, I’ll bring the dishes!” Luo Qingyan immediately stood up.

“Then I’ll serve the rice!” Tao Xingyou followed suit.

After that, it was a harmonious dinner time.

…

After dinner, Auntie’s family stayed for another half an hour before leaving.

Grandma and Auntie had been traveling for several days and were exhausted from the long flight back, so they needed to rest early.

Only Luo Qingyan and Grandma were left at home. Luo Qingyan wanted Grandma to rest sooner, but Grandma said she wanted to watch TV with her for a while longer. So, the two snuggled on the sofa, with Chestnut curled up beside them, creating a particularly warm scene.

“Qingyan.” Grandma suddenly spoke, gently patting the arm of the person beside her. “Can you tell Grandma the real reason you came back to G City?”

Luo Qingyan, who had been leaning her head against Grandma’s, lifted it and tried to remain calm. “I was just tired. I’ve been working hard outside for so long, I was really exhausted. Grandma, do you remember calling me half a month before I came back? At the time, you just told me that the flu was severe in S City and to take care of myself. But at that moment, I really missed home, especially after running into problems at work. People often make decisions in an instant.”

Luo Qingyan had told Grandma about her work issues, as her sudden return to G City was unusual and needed some explanation. Grandma hadn’t said much about it then, but now she was bringing it up again.

“Alright, if you’re tired, you should come back.” Grandma squeezed Luo Qingyan’s arm. “Look how thin you’ve gotten… as if the food in S City isn’t good.”

“Sigh! I used to work too hard and didn’t eat regularly. Everyone’s like that, either super thin or gaining weight from overwork. But it’s better now that I’m home.”

“Yes, now that you’re back, Grandma will cook delicious meals for you. The ribs I made for you the day before your aunt and I went traveling, you said they were tasty. I’ll make them for you again tomorrow.” Grandma let out an almost imperceptible sigh, paused for a moment, and then added, “Qingyan, Grandma is from the older generation. I won’t be around to accompany you for much longer. People of my generation still believe it’s best to start a family, otherwise…”

“Grandma, don’t worry about me!” Luo Qingyan leaned tightly against Grandma again. “Society is progressing. Our generation has our own ways of planning for the future. Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings.”

“True, but you’re still young now and can’t feel the bitterness of old age. The physical ailments, the spiritual emptiness, once that time comes, it’ll be too late to change anything.”

“Even if I marry and have children, I’ll still have to face physical ailments and spiritual emptiness. Besides, everyone dies, and not necessarily of old age, death could come at any time. I really don’t want to marry and have children just for the sake of my old age. It’s unfair, to me, to the man, and to the child.”

“Ah… I’m just an old woman who doesn’t understand you, young people’s way of thinking. I don’t want to say anything to upset you, I just… ah…”

“Grandma, every era has its own way of life. Think about it, in your grandmother’s time, even divorce was a rare thing, right? But now, divorce is completely normal. And in terms of medicine, organ transplants used to sound terrifying, but now they’re common procedures.”

“You make a good point, but I’m just worried you won’t have a good life later, worried you’ll be taken advantage of.”

“No matter what happens, I’m prepared to face the consequences. Besides, maybe Xingyou’s future children will look after me? Xingyou likes kids, she once said she wants at least two. What if she has three and can’t manage? I’ll definitely have to help out, and then, they’ll look after me too someday!”

“Alright, alright…” Grandma smiled, though a trace of worry remained.

But Luo Qingyan didn’t want her grandmother to be unhappy. After all, she couldn’t hide her illness forever, it would inevitably sadden her grandmother later. So, for now at least, she wanted to make her grandmother happy. She took a deep breath: “Grandma, actually… I have someone I like.”

“Really?” Grandma sat up straight in surprise, bumping into Chestnut beside her. Chestnut got excited too.

“Grandma, don’t get so worked up!” Luo Qingyan quickly reached out to soothe her grandmother and Chestnut. “But it’s one-sided. The other person… is really hard to chase. That’s why I haven’t told anyone.”

“Our Qingyan is so outstanding, I’m sure you can do it.”

“Oh, but the other person is outstanding too. Grandma, you mustn’t tell anyone, okay? I probably won’t succeed, and it’d be pretty embarrassing if people knew.”

“It’s good enough that you’ve found someone you like. Go after them with everything you’ve got! When a woman chases a man, it’s like only a thin veil separates them.”

“That saying doesn’t really apply in today’s society, and it especially doesn’t apply to this person. They’re very special.”

“Very special.” Grandma nodded. “It seems you really like them. It’s fine, even if you don’t succeed, it’s okay. Just give it your best shot. Who knows what might happen later!”

“Right, who knows what might happen later!” Luo Qingyan smiled slightly. “Oh, that reminds me, something else happened. One night I was listening to a radio drama in the courtyard, you know, on the radio, and maybe the volume was a bit loud. Someone outside heard it and misunderstood, and the rumor spread until people were saying there were several men in our courtyard. Come on, how could I? When the person I like is so outstanding… ugh…”

“Oh dear, there must be gossipers stirring up trouble!” Grandma said sternly. “Don’t you worry, I’ll handle them. If anyone dares spread rumors, they’ll have me to deal with!”

“Okay!” Luo Qingyan wrapped her arms around her grandmother. “It’s so good to have you here, Grandma.”

Grandma patted Luo Qingyan’s shoulder, smiling happily.