CHAPTER 1825: CHAPTER 1886: DANCING LIGHTLY AND FREELY

Once, when Li Yifei’s mother’s sister came over, Li Yifei’s mother handed the just-awakened Li Yifei to her sister, while she... ran next door to play poker.

This wasn’t really about any quality issue with his mother; it was just that she was taking care of the child all by herself at that time. Plus, she was young then, practically a kid herself, and very playful. Having endured several months, she seized the opportunity to have some fun when she found a break.

Li Yifei had heard his mother mention this story many times and found it amusing. Seeing Song Lianyao’s expression now, it suddenly reminded him of his mother. Perhaps his mother had the same mindset at the time, which is why Li Yifei immediately agreed.

"Dad, we’re heading out now," Li Yifei said.

Song Lianyao’s dad nodded hurriedly and said, "Go on, go on, don’t worry, your mother and I can take care of everything."

Song Lianyao also cheerfully said, "Thanks, Dad."

Song Lianyao’s dad waved at his daughter and even winked. When the two were dressed and ready to leave, Song Lianyao’s father stopped them, handed over the car keys, and said, "Take my car. Yifei, your car is too big and hard to park."

"Okay," Li Yifei took the car keys, and he and Song Lianyao headed out. It was then that Song Lianyao’s mother came out, wearing an apron, ready to make lunch. Seeing her son-in-law and daughter about to leave, she asked, "Where are you guys heading?"

"Mom, let Dad explain; we’re off now. Bye-bye," said Song Lianyao, pulling Li Yifei downstairs.

"This child... she’s been a mother for so long, yet still acts like a kid," Song Lianyao’s mom shook her head and said to her husband.

"They’re meeting a friend, no need to worry with Yifei around," Song Lianyao’s dad said, "Oh, what did you make for lunch? It’s a pity our darling grandkids can’t eat yet, or else they could have anything their grandma makes."

Song Lianyao’s father drove an Audi A4; the car was a bit old, used for business trips usually, but it was clean inside without any odd smells. Li Yifei drove while Song Lianyao navigated, excitedly pointing out various spots along the way, narrating stories to Li Yifei. For instance, she told him about the little stalls that used to line a small bridge, selling snacks or trinkets. During school days, Song Lianyao would pass by every day, buy some food, or browse the little items. Even though these items were fairly similar every day, they still provided plenty of fun.

Another example was when they passed an old building. Song Lianyao would reminisce, "There used to be a small Internet café here. I went twice, both times accompanied by classmates. Back then, surfing the web was expensive, three yuan an hour."

Passing by a tiny restaurant, Song Lianyao excitedly patted Li Yifei’s arm and pointed at the restaurant, saying, "Honey, their food is so delicious! My dad told me this place has been around since his childhood; it’s been open for decades, and it’s still in business."

Li Yifei chuckled and said, "Why don’t we eat here today?"

"Today? No, there are so many people. We should find a nice place for dinner. Tomorrow, let’s sneak here ourselves!" As she spoke, Song Lianyao swallowed, seemingly salivating at the thought of the delicious food.

Li Yifei laughed heartily, seeing the mischief in Song Lianyao’s eyes that he didn’t often see at home, which put him in a great mood. He made a mental note of the restaurant’s name and then said, "Alright, we’ll bring the family tomorrow to eat here."

"Mmhmm, great! When I didn’t see it, I wasn’t thinking about it, but now that I see it, I really want to eat there. I’m telling you, honey, I guarantee the food there is amazing. You won’t regret it."

"Is it really that good?" Li Yifei asked.

"Of course, it’s guaranteed to be delicious! Back when I was in school, I had a hundred yuan for pocket money each month, and I’d save fifty to eat here once or twice!"

"Little foodie."

"Yes, indeed, a foodie," Song Lianyao nodded immediately.

Passing by a school, as they approached, Song Lianyao asked Li Yifei to slow down, pointing at the school gate, "The first time I got into a fight was here. Some girls accused me of seducing their boyfriend and confronted me after school."

"And then?" Li Yifei asked with great interest, surprised to find out that Song Lianyao would get into fights, something he hadn’t expected.

"Then we started fighting. But girl fights aren’t as fierce as boy fights; mostly hair-pulling, kicking stomachs, and slapping faces. I developed quickly and was tall, while they were shorties. Hmph, I slapped them back, and they never dared to bother me again," Song Lianyao said proudly.

"No wonder!" Li Yifei clicked his tongue, saying.

Song Lianyao immediately became nervous, asking, "No wonder what?"

"No wonder you’re so tough. Remember at Yingying’s wedding when you and the others fought? I saw your skills then, specifically hitting weak spots. I thought you learned it from someone, but turns out it was self-taught!"

As soon as Li Yifei finished speaking, Song Lianyao pouted and then grinned bashfully.

This was where Song Lianyao studied, from middle school to high school, as the two were connected. The middle school entrance was on this side, the high school entrance opposite, with only a wall separating the grades. This place held six years’ worth of memories for Song Lianyao, the most beautiful years of her youth. Returning brought her joy.

The woman they were about to meet was also a friend Song Lianyao had known for over ten years. However, in recent years, their connections had diminished. They were middle and high school classmates, but after college, their contact lessened. Back then, on the way to and from school, they lived in the same direction, walked home together, discussing which boy from which class was handsome, or sometimes, who was silly.

Describing it with one phrase, it would be "carefree and youthful." Otherwise, Song Lianyao wouldn’t have abandoned the kids and dragged her husband out at a friend’s call.

"You must treasure this gathering; such friendships are hard to come by," Li Yifei sighed.

"Exactly, I have few friends as it is, and even fewer longtime friends. It’s indeed rare," Song Lianyao nodded in agreement and added, "My friend’s name is very pretty, Yin Feng’er."

"It’s nice, but not as nice as my wife’s name," Li Yifei said with a pout.

"Hehe..."