As the last hint of dusk was gently drawn away, night fell silently upon the earth once more, and a bus swayed to a stop, from which a young couple alighted.
Walking down the path to the courtyard, the elderly waving their fans and the playful toddlers teased Xi Zi and his partner good-naturedly.
Returning to the familiar setting, unlike the shy and nervous Gong Xiaoya, Xi Zi strolled along, greeting people and exchanging pleasantries, only to enter Zhang Guoqing's courtyard where laughter echoed from the living room.
Listening to the sounds, Xi Zi smiled and reminded, "Tomorrow is the weekend, everyone must have come to keep my grandparents company."
"Your family is so warm."
"You'll be part of it soon, and have the siblings you dreamt of. You haven't met my uncle's three younger brothers, they're even better looking and well-behaved."
"I've seen photos..."
