Chapter 63: Homecoming

Over an hour later, Su Yi returned to his rented apartment, steadying himself against the wall.

For the sake of indulging in meat and all sorts of delicacies, Su Yi had once again chosen an all-you-can-eat buffet. This time, he selected a restaurant with an average price of over two hundred yuan per person, feasting until his mouth was slick with oil, utterly satisfied.

Lying again on the bed in his rented room, Su Yi pondered his next steps.

There was still a month before the next entry into the replica world. This time, it would differ from the previous experience—not only was the type of world unknown, but the duration of his stay was unpredictable, and he could not bring any items from the real world.

Given these circumstances, there was no need to remain in Zhonghai. The rental term for his current place had about a month left; even if he left, there was nothing to regret.

Why not return home for a while? The thought surfaced in Su Yi’s mind.

He took out his phone and checked high-speed rail tickets for the coming days.

In the days that followed, Su Yi contacted his landlord about moving out and began packing.

As a single man, he didn’t have much to pack. Aside from selling some items for a depreciated price, he stuffed the remaining belongings into two large suitcases and stored them all in his spatial compartment.

He had to admit, this ability was truly a blessing.

Once everything was settled, Su Yi boarded the southbound high-speed rail.

He took a morning train and arrived at his destination by dusk. After leaving the station, Su Yi hailed a taxi to the local bus terminal.

His hometown county did not have a high-speed rail connection, so a transfer was necessary.

He bought a bus ticket at the terminal and soon boarded the coach.

The bus sped along, and after two hours, it finally reached the main terminal in Su Yi’s home county.

Stepping out of the bus station, it was already seven in the evening. The sky had darkened, and the city lights were just beginning to shine.

As Su Yi walked to the roadside, about to call for a ride, a shout suddenly reached his ears.

“Xiao Yi!”

Turning his head, Su Yi saw his father, Su Chaodong, wearing a black jacket and sitting astride an electric scooter, calling out to him.

“Dad, why are you here?” Su Yi walked over quickly.

“Didn’t we agree that I’d take a taxi home myself?”

“Your mother’s preparing dinner at home. I had nothing to do and figured you’d arrive at the station around seven, so I came out. It’s only a dozen kilometers away—not a bother at all.”

Su Chaodong took one of the suitcases from Su Yi’s hand, tying it to the back of the scooter with a rope he’d prepared in advance.

“Hop on. The dishes your mother made must be nearly ready—don’t let her nag.”

Su Yi felt a warmth in his chest as he accepted the helmet his father handed him, placed the other suitcase in the space in front of the seat, and climbed onto the rear seat.

The night breeze was gentle. The dozen kilometers were covered in just over twenty minutes. After leaving the neon-lit avenues of the county town and entering the rural lanes, Su Yi soon saw his family’s three-story house.

The kitchen window glowed with light; Su Yi could almost picture his mother, Zhang Sufang, bustling inside.

After parking downstairs, his father tried to help with a suitcase.

“Dad, no need—I’ll carry them myself. Your son is sturdy now.”

Su Yi hoisted both suitcases to his chest, effortlessly, leaving Su Chaodong momentarily stunned.

His father nodded, saying nothing more.

With Su Yi leading the way, the two headed upstairs one after the other.

Su Yi entered the living room and called toward the kitchen.

“Mom, I’m home.”

Hearing his voice, his mother, Zhang Sufang, came out, wiping her hands on her apron.

“You’re back.”

“Put your things away and come sit down for dinner.”

Su Yi placed the suitcases in his room. When he returned to the dining area, his mother had already placed a bowl of carrot and pork rib soup at his seat.

“You must be exhausted after traveling all day. Have some soup first—I've cooled it so it won’t scald your mouth. Drink up.”

“Mom, you should sit down and eat too.”

“You drink your soup first—I still have a dish to finish.”

As she spoke, Zhang Sufang returned to the kitchen.

When all the dishes were ready, the family of three sat at the table, enjoying a harmonious meal.

Su Yi ate and felt a wave of emotion.

It had been six years since he graduated from university. Aside from the first year, he had worked in Zhonghai for the past five years. Other than hurried visits during holidays, he hadn’t spent much time with his parents. This was the first time in five years he’d returned home midway through the year.

No wonder his parents seemed especially happy this time.

After dinner, Su Yi and his father sat chatting on the living room sofa. His mother brought over a plate of sliced fruit.

“Are you really not returning to Zhonghai this time?” Su Chaodong lit a cigarette and asked.

“No, I’m not.”

Zhang Sufang came over, set the fruit on the coffee table, patted Su Chaodong’s thigh, and shot him a glare.

“Our son’s here—don’t smoke. If you must, go to the balcony.”

Su Chaodong smiled sheepishly and stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray.

“What are your plans? Will you look for work here at home? If you want, I can ask your Uncle Wang if his company is hiring. I hear their business is quite sizable…”

“No need, Dad. Opportunities are still limited here. I’ve decided to stay home for a while, then head to Zhongzuo to look for work.”

Su Yi offered the excuse he’d prepared in advance. He couldn’t really stay at home, or he wouldn’t be able to explain his future disappearance.

His mother chimed in.

“Xiao Yi, are you sure you don’t want to find a job here? Honestly, I think it’s pretty good—even if the salary is lower, you’d be eating and living at home, which isn’t worse than outside. You’re not getting any younger; it’s time to settle down. I’d like to have a grandchild sooner…”

His father interrupted her.

“No need for all that. The child’s grown up and has his own opinions. As parents, we should support him from behind. Young people know what they’re doing.”

Su Chaodong paused for a moment, then continued.

“The money you sent last time is still in the bank. If you need it, just let me know. Your mother and I have some savings, meant for your wedding and to help buy a house. The prices in Zhongzuo aren’t cheap now. If you decide to settle there, it’s best to buy early. If you need help with the down payment, we’ll figure something out. What your mother says isn’t without reason…”

Su Yi deeply felt his parents’ concern—perhaps this was the universal trait of all parents.

“Dad, I understand.”

Looking at the gray in his parents’ hair, Su Yi silently resolved: both of them are getting older and have minor ailments. He must find a way to ensure they remain healthy forever.