Chapter 20: Grandma Kong is Really Something

Flower Lianxi gently held Fang Xiufang's arm as she took her to the city's senior activity center, driven by the Cheng family's chauffeur.

She felt that Fang Xiufang wasn't much into shopping and spent too much time alone at home, only occasionally meeting a few familiar old ladies for tea or a walk. Flower Lianxi believed she was too lonely and needed regular interaction with people her age, chatting and playing games to find joy that younger people couldn't provide.

The older you get, the more you deserve a joyful life, enjoying the pleasures it offers.

It was just before four o'clock, and the seniors were done with their naps, arriving from all directions to gather, chat, play chess, and enjoy the distant sounds of opera and mahjong.

Flower Lianxi greeted the staff warmly and introduced Fang Xiufang, then took her on a tour, encouraging her to come out more and make new friends.

"Grandma, lots of seniors come here every day, not just to chat but also for mahjong and chess. Sometimes they even have music classes taught by special instructors, learning popular songs like the recent hit 'Little Apple.' Almost everyone who regularly comes here can sing it!"

Having not gone out much and usually only meeting a few distinguished old ladies, Fang Xiufang was fascinated by the large gathering of seniors. She agreed with Flower Lianxi's introduction, "Senior activity center? It's not like a nursing home, right? Everyone just comes to play and then goes home? People here must be much happier!"

Old age often brings the fear of being abandoned, and many in nursing homes are forced there by their children, often wearing sad expressions. Fang Xiufang worried about encountering such people and feared it might affect her, leading to melancholy in her later years.

"Yes, Grandma, the grandpas and grandmas here just come to have fun and go home later. They just want to chat and relax!" Flower Lianxi often volunteered there, chatting with the seniors and understanding their state of life. She brought Fang Xiufang here because many of the seniors were retired officials, educated and cultured, making them good company for her.

"Grandma, look, they're learning to fold paper flowers. Shall we join them?" At a worktable made of two rectangular tables, a girl with black-framed glasses stood explaining the steps, occasionally guiding those who struggled.

Fang Xiufang had enjoyed such crafts in her youth, though it had been decades since she'd done them. Seeing six or seven other ladies, her hidden interest was rekindled, "Sure, I like paper folding. I used to make rose flowers!"

Eagerly sitting down, Fang Xiufang greeted the ladies and picked up a pink sheet, seriously following the teacher's instructions.

In just over ten minutes, Fang Xiufang learned to fold a lily and even taught the lady next to her. The young teacher praised her, making her beam with joy.

The new lady not only learned quickly but was cheerful and helpful, soon drawing a crowd. Fang Xiufang happily chatted, introducing herself and proudly boasting that her granddaughter-in-law had brought her.

Watching Fang Xiufang's joy, like a child receiving candy, Flower Lianxi felt delighted.

"Mrs. Kong, do you sing opera? Come sing here someday!"

"Mahjong? Do you like playing? Let's gather a group for mahjong!"

...

The chatter was lively, with everyone sharing their favorite activities. Suddenly, someone asked, "Hey, was anyone a broadcaster when they were young? It'd be great if there was a studio here to broadcast our stories from back then, letting young people learn more about us!"

Back in the day, Fang Xiufang had hired a broadcasting teacher to improve her pronunciation, reading newspapers like a broadcaster at home for fun. As she aged, she gradually forgot about it.

"A studio? That'd be wonderful; we could be broadcasters!" Fang Xiufang was thrilled at the thought of realizing her dream of being a broadcaster, growing fonder of the activity center.

"Yeah, I admired broadcasters when I was young but didn't meet the requirements. If I could try now, I'd die happy!" Another old man chimed in, having dreamed of being a broadcaster in his youth, a prestigious role in their time.

"We've mentioned the studio before, but no response, no response!" A lady who'd been there longer dashed their hopes.

"There's no studio here, so what would we broadcast? Isn't the center's budget tight? They've cut regular expenses, so there's no extra money for a studio! Good equipment is expensive, probably costing millions!" A white-haired lady across from Fang Xiufang spoke knowledgeably, seemingly understanding the center's financial challenges.

"Old Ye, how do you know this?" A man playing chess nearby asked, "Is your daughter-in-law a city official?"

"Yes, she comes home worried, always complaining about the center's lack of funding to meet our needs!" Old Ye sighed while folding flowers, sharing the truth with his companions.

"I'll have my grandson sponsor the studio!" Hearing the discussion, Fang Xiufang didn't hesitate, calling out to Flower Lianxi, "Get me Chengyi on the phone!"

Listening to the lively conversation, Flower Lianxi was surprised by Fang Xiufang's decision to sponsor the studio, something she hadn't expected.

"Grandma wants to talk to you!" Flower Lianxi quickly handed the phone to Fang Xiufang, not daring to say more. The seniors, who had been chatting energetically, fell silent, watching Fang Xiufang, half-believing that a single call could solve such a difficult issue.

"Chengyi, arrange for a studio at the city's senior activity center. Many grandmas and grandpas want to broadcast! Just one studio!" Fang Xiufang calmly requested, reassuring her friends.

"Make sure the equipment is good; spend more if needed! Get it done quickly, don't delay!" She emphasized before hanging up, "It's a gift for my friends for the Double Ninth Festival!"

Returning the phone to Flower Lianxi, Fang Xiufang proudly patted her chest, "I'm happy to meet everyone today. The Double Ninth Festival is soon; I'll have my grandson arrange it quickly. How about we do our first broadcast on the festival?"

"Wow, really?"

"Mrs. Kong is amazing!"

"Who wants to be a broadcaster? Let's pair up and prepare stories!"

With confirmation, everyone was as excited as children, eagerly discussing who would participate, what stories to tell, and whether the studio would broadcast to the center or the entire city.

"You took Grandma to the senior activity center?" Kong Chengyi leaned back in his chair, smiling quietly, hearing the lively sounds over the phone.

"Yeah, I just wanted her to chat with other seniors. I didn't expect the studio idea..." Flower Lianxi explained, stepping into a quiet hallway.

"Sounds like she's happy?" Apart from urging him to marry and have kids, this was the second time Fang Xiufang had asked him to do something, and the joy it brought her made the studio a simple task.

Through the phone, Flower Lianxi sensed Kong Chengyi's good mood, smiling unconsciously, "Yes, very happy. She learned to fold paper flowers and asked the teacher to teach her roses, which she loved in her youth!"

"I'll have Ke Jie handle the studio. I had to rush back to the office. Later, take Grandma to Chengzai Hotel for dinner; I've arranged the menu," Kong Chengyi wrote the studio task in his planner, instructing Flower Lianxi to care for Fang Xiufang.

Ending the call, Flower Lianxi returned to Fang Xiufang, who was surrounded by more seniors, eagerly discussing studio ideas, some even arguing over suggestions.

The discussion concluded with plans for the studio members and content. Each member promised to share their most thrilling and amusing experiences, aiming to surprise everyone on the Double Ninth Festival.

As night fell and the city lights came on, the seniors' families called, gradually dispersing them. Fang Xiufang, happy and excited, couldn't stop sharing stories from her youth with Flower Lianxi on the way to Chengzai Hotel, seeking advice on what to share.

After dinner, Flower Lianxi had the driver take them back to Xiaoyue Residence to rest, worried Fang Xiufang might be exhausted after such a lively day.

Settling Fang Xiufang in and thoughtfully warming her a cup of milk, Flower Lianxi finally returned to Kong Chengyi's room around ten.

Standing by the wardrobe, she hesitated for a few minutes before choosing a comfortable pajama set, feeling nervous about sharing a bed.

Taking advantage of Kong Chengyi's absence, Flower Lianxi quickly showered and climbed into the large gray bed, trying to sleep near the edge.

Eyes tightly shut, she couldn't sleep, her ears alert to the house's sounds, anxious about sharing the bed with Kong Chengyi.

At one in the morning, Kong Chengyi entered, holding his jacket and loosening his tie, pausing as his dark eyes narrowed slightly.

The large gray bed held a small figure, long black hair spread over a pink pillow, contrasting with the gray sheets, making her appear smaller and softer. Kong Chengyi's calm heart rippled.

Silently approaching, he leaned down, hands on either side, quietly watching her peaceful face, counting her long lashes. Lifting the blanket, he saw her clutching a white bunny, smiling at the childish toy she needed.

After a while, Kong Chengyi stood, undressing as he headed to the bathroom, noticing the feminine products on the sink, realizing Flower Lianxi was invading his space.

"Mom, it's me. Don't pinch me, don't..." Flower Lianxi murmured, twisting her head, seemingly struggling with someone.

Turning off the hairdryer, Kong Chengyi, casually wearing a robe, heard her cries and sobs from the bathroom.

"No, don't leave me. I'm your daughter, Mom... Mom..." Tears streamed from her eyes, her head tossing, the bunny falling to the floor as her cries grew louder.

Her mother, the one she loved most, how could she try to strangle her? Flower Lianxi couldn't understand, only struggling and pleading.

"Don't pinch me, don't kill me... Mom..." Kong Chengyi rushed over, seeing her eyes shut, tear-stained cheeks, and red marks on her neck from her own grasp.

"Wake up!" He frowned, displeased, prying her hand from her neck, gently tapping her lips to wake her from the nightmare, unable to imagine her dream's horror.

"Sob... sob..." She showed no signs of waking, her cries growing sorrowful.

Leaning down, Kong Chengyi pressed his warm lips to her forehead, wrapping her waist tightly, trying to dispel her nightmare with his warmth.

"Sob... Mom..." The sudden warmth made Flower Lianxi mumble softly, clutching Kong Chengyi, desperately seeking comfort and strength to escape the nightmare.