The morning passed quietly, the golden light outside the windows slowly stretching longer and brighter as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The faint chirping of sparrows echoed from the courtyard roof, mingling with the gentle clatter of porcelain bowls and chopsticks.
Jia Lan finished the last bite of her breakfast with her usual elegance, dabbing the corners of her lips with a napkin before setting her chopsticks down neatly on the side of her bowl. She sat for a moment, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, her gaze drifting to the faint steam still curling up from the teapot in the center of the table.
Across from her, Aunt Li was already moving about with practiced ease, stacking bowls together and tidying the table with quick, sure motions. The lines on her face softened in the morning light, showing the steady warmth of someone who had run a household for years without complaint.
Jia Lan leaned back slightly, her posture graceful, watching the older woman bustle about. The faint aroma of soy and scallion still lingered in the air from the dishes Aunt Li had prepared earlier. For Jia Lan, these small, ordinary mornings felt like their own kind of luxury quiet, unrushed, filled with a simple harmony that calmed her heart.
The courtyard outside was equally serene, carrying with it faint traces of neighbors' cooking and the occasional laughter of children running down the lane. The whole world, for a fleeting moment, seemed wrapped in tranquility.
"Aunt Li," Jia Lan said, her voice soft, "what will you cook for dinner tonight?"
Aunt Li paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… the market had fresh carp yesterday. I was thinking fish soup with tofu, maybe some stir-fried greens."
Jia Lan smiled faintly. "That sounds good. How about adding some braised pork belly too? You make it so well."
Aunt Li chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Braised pork belly? Aiyo, Miss, if you keep eating like that, you'll become round as a dumpling."
Jia Lan laughed lightly, resting her cheek in her palm. "Then I'll just study harder to burn it off."
They both shared a small laugh, their voices blending with the homely sounds of pots clinking in the kitchen.
Just then, a crisp knock, knock echoed at the courtyard gate.
"I'll get it," Jia Lan said, standing gracefully. She walked across the courtyard and pulled the gate open only to be met with Shen Mingrui's familiar, ever-smiling face.
"Lan Lan," he greeted warmly, dimples showing. "Are you ready?"
Jia Lan blinked once, then nodded. "Yes, just give me a moment. Let me take my bicycle out."
She wheeled her bicycle from its spot by the wall, the wicker basket neatly secured at the back. Shen Mingrui, too, had come on his own sturdy bicycle, polished and well-kept.
Before leaving, Jia Lan turned back toward the house. "Aunt Li, I'll be back after lunch. Don't wait for me."
"Alright, Miss," Aunt Li replied, wiping her hands on her apron. "Be safe. Don't let him make you eat too much spicy food!"
Shen Mingrui laughed, waving politely at Aunt Li before pedaling alongside Jia Lan as they left the courtyard.
The morning air was cool, carrying faint scents of firewood and breakfast still lingering from neighborhood homes. The streets bustled with people, but not chaotically. In the seventies, there were few cars and almost no honking; bicycles and the steady rhythm of footsteps filled the roads instead.
As they pedaled side by side, Shen Mingrui began speaking casually, his tone light. "You know, I'm the only son in my family. My parents… they dote on me, but also expect me to carry a lot of responsibility."
Jia Lan glanced sideways at him, her lips curving slightly. "That must mean you grew up well cared for."
He nodded, then tilted his head toward her. "What about you? Do you have siblings?"
"Yes," Jia Lan replied softly. "Two older brothers and one elder sister. All of them are married now. My eldest brother even has a daughter she's adorable. My second sister-in-law is pregnant, and my elder sister is also expecting. Soon… I'll have more nephews or nieces running around."
Her voice warmed as she spoke, her eyes softening with affection. For a moment, the brightness of her smile was unguarded, genuine.
Shen Mingrui watched her quietly before smiling himself. "It sounds like your family loves you very much."
"They do," Jia Lan said, her tone filled with quiet certainty. "I'm lucky."
They fell into easy chatter, their words weaving between stories of family, random observations, and even small jokes as their bicycles glided forward. The lack of traffic made the ride smooth, peaceful, and safe, the kind of simple beauty only that era could hold.
By the time they reached the restaurant, the sun had climbed higher, casting a lively glow on the busy street. The restaurant wasn't overly crowded, but neither was it empty just the right hum of voices and clinking dishes. The air carried the rich fragrance of spices, oil, and freshly cooked dishes.
"Come," Shen Mingrui said, motioning for her to follow as he led the way inside.
They found a table by the window. Jia Lan sat gracefully, looking around curiously at the room. Families with well-dressed children laughed together over bowls of noodles, and a group of office workers chatted happily with cups of tea. Everyone seemed to belong here, wrapped in the warmth of food and companionship.
"What's the specialty here?" Jia Lan asked, tilting her head toward Shen Mingrui.
He grinned, his eyes holding a trace of mystery. "Just wait a moment. I'll order."
With that, he stood and walked confidently toward the kitchen door. Apparently, he knew the chef, because the staff welcomed him with familiarity.
Left alone, Jia Lan rested her hands lightly on the table and let her gaze wander. She watched the families nearby, children swinging their legs beneath the table, parents urging them to eat more. It was a warm, harmonious scene, one that filled her chest with a quiet sense of contentment.
And so, the weekend outing truly began.
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