Chapter 0005: A Girl Like a Painting

  Ye Kui lit a poor-quality cigarette, took a few fierce puffs, and gazed at his son through the swirling smoke with a slightly hoarse voice: "Ye Han, why did you come back a bit late today?"

  Yehan replied honestly: "I made a mistake during class and was called into the office by the head teacher for criticism and education! However, Teacher Xia saw that I had a good attitude in admitting my mistake, so she let me go back quickly!"

  Ye Kui sighed and didn't say anything unpleasant. Being kept after school by the teacher for criticism was already a common occurrence for him, and this time not being made to have his parents come pick him up was already considered lenient treatment.

  "Yehan, teacher criticized you, it's all for your own good, don't harbor resentment in your heart!" Yang Xiuying advised from the side.

  Ye Han smiled and nodded, "I know. I've already made a promise to Teacher Xia that from now on, I'll study hard, respect my teachers, care for my classmates, and be filial to my parents... Dad, Mom, I've done too many wrong things in the past, causing you so much trouble, I'm really sorry! You can rest assured, starting today, I'll turn over a new leaf, become a new person, and make you proud of me! It's not what I say that matters, but what I do. From now on, just watch my actions!"

  Watching Erzi stand up straight, standing there and making a vow, both Yang Xiu Ying and Ye Kui felt an unreal feeling. This time after Erzi came back from school, his eyes, temperament, expression, as well as his words and actions were all completely different from before. If they hadn't recognized the small black mole behind Erzi's left ear, they would have suspected that Erzi had been switched with someone else.

  No matter what, the two children can say such words, it's always comforting. For a moment, Yang Xiu Ying and Ye Kui looked at Ye Han's eyes filled with happiness and satisfaction, thinking that if the two children really knew how to study hard and be filial to their parents in the future, then no matter how much harder they worked or how much more tired they were, it would all be worth it!

  Ye Kui's emotions were stirred up, and he took a few more puffs of his cigarette. Perhaps because he was smoking too hastily, he suddenly let out a violent cough, which caused Yang Xiuying to scold him nonstop.

  Ye Han chuckled and walked over to pat his father's back, helping him catch his breath. Seeing that one of his father's hands suddenly covered his stomach, with a hint of pain on his face, Ye Han's gaze swept across his slightly darkened complexion, his brow furrowing slightly as he asked, "Dad, have you been feeling uncomfortable in your stomach lately?"

  Ye Kui nodded silently.

  Yang Xiuying sighed and said, "Your dad has chronic gastritis, an old illness that's been lingering for years, sometimes light, sometimes heavy. The other day he had abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, I took him to the hospital and the doctor said this disease can't be completely cured, only nursing... Alas!"

  Ye Han thought for a moment and said, "I have a friend whose relative is an old Chinese doctor who is very good at treating stomach diseases. I'll ask him for a prescription later, and I guarantee it will cure my dad's stomach disease!"

  Ye Kui had been ill for several years, and he had visited all the major hospitals in the city. He had taken countless medications for his stomach problems, but although they alleviated his symptoms, they could not cure him. He was starting to lose hope. Then someone said to him, "You know, if you study hard from now on, my illness will be half cured."

  Yang Xiuying said: "Ye Han, are you telling the truth? If it's effective, next time you can get a prescription and let your dad try it."

  She paused for a moment, seeing that it was getting late, and said: "Today is the weekend, there are more people going to the square to have fun than usual. I think we can sell out early tonight and pack up! You three, if you don't want to study tonight, just chat together or watch TV, your dad and I will leave!"

  "Dad, Mom, wait! I'll go with you to set up the stall!" Ye Han said, running into the kitchen and grabbing two hot buns and a pickled radish. He ate as he walked, following his parents out of the house and heading in the direction of Jinghu Plaza.

  …………

  Jinghu Square has been built for many years, with an area as large as a football field. In the center of the square, there are many trees, flowers and grasses, as well as artificial hills, fountains, pavilions and other scenic spots. Additionally, some exercise equipment is set up around the square for citizens to work out. Nowadays, this square has become the main place for nearby residents to exercise and relax in the morning and evening. Every day at dusk, there are more people, and small vendors from all directions will also gather here, selling and peddling various food, drinks and entertainment items.

  Ye Han's family is about two miles away from Jinghu Square, and they have a fixed stall location on the south side of the square near the highway. As long as it's not raining, they will sell here for a period of time almost every day.

  Ye Han and his parents pushed a small cart to their usual stall location, and together they unloaded the goods from the cart. Since he didn't know how to wrap or cook dumplings, he could only do some miscellaneous work on the side, such as washing bowls and handing out chopsticks.

  Ye Kui and his wife Yang Xiuying have been running a stall here for two or three years, mainly selling wontons. The couple is honest and kind in their business, the wonton wrappers are thin, the fillings are plentiful and delicious, and the portions are generous, so they have attracted many regular customers. Soon after setting up their stall, several small tables were already filled with customers.

  The second son seems to have changed overnight, not only has he vowed to study hard, but he's also become more obedient and understanding. He even knows how to show concern for his parents now. Mr. and Mrs. Ye are overjoyed about this, from the moment they stepped out of the house, their faces were filled with smiles. And today's business is especially booming, wave after wave of customers came in, filling up the small money box with colorful banknotes.

  Around 7 o'clock in the evening, many citizens took a walk with their elders and children after dinner, making the square even more lively.

  Among the crowd, a silver-haired old man walked slowly with the accompaniment of a young girl in her prime, his face wore a relaxed and contented smile, occasionally turning to say something to the girl, who smiled cleverly and nodded repeatedly.

  The silver-haired old man was over sixty years old, slightly plump, with a ruddy complexion, dressed in simple attire, and had a warm smile. He exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect without being angry, and anyone with discerning eyes could tell at a glance that he was either a wealthy aristocrat or a high-ranking official.

  The girl, seemingly only sixteen or seventeen years old, had a face like a painting, with a slender figure and an air of intelligent charm. Her pale skin glowed with a soft light under the lamp, as if she were a holy nymph from a painting, untouched by worldly desires. The black windbreaker's silk ribbon was tied in a small bow at her waist, and her long ponytail swung back and forth behind her head as she walked, giving off an impression of youthful vitality and lovable liveliness.

  The square was crowded with tourists, and everyone's gaze had been wandering aimlessly, taking in the scenery all around. But when this young girl appeared, almost everyone's eyes converged on her, followed by a moment of stunned silence, as people couldn't help but marvel at her beauty.