The sun was unusually bright the day Kawashima Sakurako was discharged, as if even the heavens wanted to celebrate. The five of us — me, Er-Ge, Qin Xiao, Fang-Dui, and Sherry — decided to take her out for Lao Haidi hotpot, both to welcome her back to the world and to celebrate her second chance at life.
"Sakurako, today's your big day — we've got to celebrate properly!" Er-Ge said excitedly as he drove, his usual teasing tone in full effect.
Sakurako sat in the back, a small smile at the corner of her mouth, warmth flickering across her eyes. "Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate all you've done for me."
I sat beside her and grinned. "Don't mention it — we're friends. Besides, you're a hero. Without you, the vaccine wouldn't have been developed this fast."
She lowered her head and blushed faintly. "I just did what I had to do."
Sherry, in the passenger seat, turned and beamed at her. "Sakurako, don't be modest. If not for you, we'd still be worrying about the virus. You've got to eat a lot at this hotpot — rebuild your strength!"
Sakurako nodded. "Okay, I'll eat more."
At the Lao Haidi hotpot restaurant we took a window table. The server set down the bubbling broth and side dishes; the red, spicy stock steamed and filled the air with rich, mouthwatering scents.
"Come on — bottoms up!" Er-Ge raised his drink and shouted, "Here's to Sakurako's discharge and to our victory over the virus!"
We clinked glasses, the clear sound bright in the warm, spicy air. Sakurako raised her cup too, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, everyone. I'm really… very grateful."
"Don't be so formal," Er-Ge laughed. "From now on we're family. If anything comes up, say the word." He winked at me.
Fang-Dui nodded, showing a rare softness. "Sakurako, what are your plans next?"
Sakurako put her cup down and, cheeks still a little pink, looked at me. "I haven't decided yet."
Qin Xiao chimed in: "I can already tell — you're thinking settle down with whoever you marry, right? Am I right, Liu Yu?"
"Seconded!" Er-Ge echoed. Sakurako practically wanted to bury her head in the hotpot.
Sherry blinked playfully. "Qin, didn't expect you to pick up someone's bad habits — teasing people now?"
Er-Ge pretended to be aggrieved. "Hey, I'm a decent guy!"
I patted his shoulder, grinning. "Decent? If you're decent then there'd be no bad people in the world."
Er-Ge puckered up mock-offended. "That's discrimination! I have big dreams, you know!"
"Oh? What big dreams?" Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Er-Ge puffed out his chest solemnly. "My dream is—" He glanced at Sherry, then froze. "Never mind. I won't tell."
We all burst out laughing; Sakurako couldn't help but join in. Her smile, bright as sunlight, blew away some of the lingering shadows.
Steam rose from the pot as we ate and chatted, the mood light and easy.
"Taste this beef tripe, it's extra tender!" I fished a piece into her bowl.
She nodded, tried it, and her eyes lit up. "This is really good!"
"Of course — this is Lao Haidi's signature," Er-Ge crowed. "I'm a hotpot expert. Follow me and you won't go wrong."
Sherry shook her head, laughing. "Please. Last time you brought us to a place where the soup tasted like seawater."
"That was a fluke! This time I picked it myself, I promise."
We ate and laughed until our sides hurt. Little by little Sakurako relaxed and her face filled with an easy happiness.
Fang-Dui reached into a folder and handed it to Sakurako with a meaningful look. "Here — this is a gift from all of us."
"What is it?" she asked, taking it. Sherry urged, "Open it and see!"
Sakurako opened the folder and withdrew the documents — a personnel file, household registration booklet, and an ID card. She held the new ID with both hands, visibly moved. "Liu Siyu? That's my name?" she asked.
Fang-Dui smiled. "It's ordinary, but it's legitimate. And Liu Yu did most of the paperwork." He nodded toward me.
Er-Ge puffed up with pride and clapped his hand on my shoulder. "You better treat me well, Xiudao — from now on she's my sister and I get one veto vote on her matters!"
"Your sister? Quit the nonsense. Who made you the boss?" I shot back, rolling my eyes.
"Hey, I'll show you," he said, snatching the household booklet and flipping it open. "Head of household: Liu Defa — that's my dad. Next page: Liu Yu — that's me. Third page: Liu Siyu — that's her. See? She's officially my sister now."
"Ah!" Both Sakurako and I were stunned; everyone else tried not to laugh. We looked at Fang-Dui, waiting for an explanation.
He covered his mouth, chuckling. "Well — the old name sounded too strange. We decided to give her a new identity. It had to be credible but not too fake; Er-Ge suggested adding her to his family registry, and since we have contacts at the Chongming Island police station, we handled it."
"Er-Ge, I'll strangle you!" I said.
"Wait, wait, Xiudao — benefits, benefits!" Er-Ge pleaded. "My neighborhood is being redeveloped soon. When the demolition payout comes, we'll treat it as her dowry. You won't lose out."
"Sis, aside from demolition money you'll need a proper dowry — Dad owns so many properties you can at least get a house or two," Sakurako suddenly said, now understanding how things worked. She wasn't about to let Er-Ge reap that windfall alone.
"You brat, already bargaining for the armful of houses before you're even married!" Er-Ge laughed.
Everyone laughed together, and Sakurako kept glancing at the ID like it was the most precious thing she'd ever been handed.
When we finished the hotpot and stepped out into the night, a cool breeze brushed our faces. Sakurako stood at the doorway, looking up at the sky with complicated light in her eyes.
"What's on your mind?" I asked softly as I joined her.
She shook her head. "It just feels unreal. A few months ago I was trapped in that darkness, and now I have a new life and new friends."
I smiled, voice steady. "It's not a dream. You deserve this. You deserve a better life."
She turned to me and her eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Xiudao."
I waved her off with a smile. "You've already said thank you enough."
Sherry linked arms with Sakurako and grinned. "Siyu, from now on we're sisters. If you need anything, come to me."
"Absolutely!!!"