Chapter 62: An Old Photograph

This was a photograph of an old-fashioned, unadorned house.

It appeared somewhat aged, even yellowed by time. In some spots, water stains had left their mark, and mildew had already damaged the surface. Flagstones paved the path, gray-white bricks and tiles made up the walls and roofs. The house was low and squat, with lanterns hanging by the entrance. On the doorframe, Spring Festival couplets were still pasted. The couplets looked fresh, as if the photo had been taken around New Year.

Su Chen remembered this photograph. He’d seen it before, always tucked away in his father’s car. As a child, he’d asked his father several times, “Where is this?” Each time, his father would simply smile without answering. Later, as he grew older, he stopped asking.

It wasn’t until his parents’ car accident that he learned the truth. In his dying moments, his father’s trembling hand unfurled. Only then did Su Chen realize his father had been clutching the photograph tightly. His father could no longer speak, only gesturing with his eyes. Lost in overwhelming grief, Su Chen failed to notice much else. He merely reached out and took the photograph.

Only now, with his mind clearer, did he recall many details from that day. Suddenly, he remembered the look in his father’s eyes—it was as if he wanted Su Chen to find this place. But why?

With a hint of doubt, he examined the photograph again, yet found nothing unusual about it. Where was this place?

Su Chen took a picture of the photograph with his phone, then used an online image-matching tool to compare it. The results matched houses all over the country, but most were in Shan Province and the capital. It resembled the old town architecture of Shan Province, yet also looked like the traditional courtyards of the capital.

The capital.

A sudden thought struck Su Chen. He opened the Celebrity Chat Group and shared the photograph there.

[Su Chen: /photo Does anyone know where this picture was taken?]

It wasn’t long before Jiang Yan replied.

[Jiang Yan: Looks like a traditional courtyard! You can check online for matches.]

[Luo Zhe: Isn’t this just one of those courtyards in Nanluogu Lane?]

[Jiang Yan: Are you sure?]

[Luo Zhe: Not really!]

[Jiang Yan: /rolls eyes If you’re not sure, don’t say anything!]

[Luo Zhe: …]

They argued for a while, but came up with no solid leads.

[Luo Zhe: Su Chen, why are you looking for this place?]

Su Chen gave a casual excuse to brush off the question. After chatting for more than an hour, they were still at a loss. Just as he was about to exit the group chat, Ji Xiangyang responded.

[Ji Xiangyang: What’s the point of arguing here? Whether it’s in the capital, Shan Province, or Yun Province, why not just go investigate?]

[Su Chen: That’s what I’m thinking!]

No sooner had he sent the message than Luo Zhe piped up again.

[Luo Zhe: Ah! Su Chen, are you going to the capital to find Jiang Yan?]

Luo Zhe’s train of thought, as always, was different from everyone else’s. But his comment immediately stirred up the group again.

[Ji Xiangyang: Su Chen, are you going to see Jiang Yan? @Jiang Yan]

[Jiang Jing: What are you two getting all excited about? Jiang Yan, will you go pick Su Chen up?]

Su Chen couldn’t help but rub his forehead. This group was always getting carried away.

But truthfully, he was considering it. First, he wanted to find out what was special about the courtyard in the photograph and fulfill his father’s last wish. Second, he could attend the premiere at Capital Normal University and meet Ma Teng. The matter of the house could wait.

[Jiang Yan: Enough, all of you!]

[Jiang Yan: @Su Chen, when are you coming? I might not be in the capital then!]

Su Chen thought it over. The premiere at Capital Normal University was on September 12, so he’d arrive a bit earlier—September 10. Still, he didn’t commit to a date in the group.

[Su Chen: I’ll probably arrive around the 10th.]

[Jiang Yan: What a coincidence! I’ll be accompanying Sister Hong to Sichuan Province around then, so I probably can’t pick you up.]

[Jiang Yan: How long are you staying? If I’m back in time, I’ll treat you to a meal!]

[Su Chen: I’m not sure yet. We’ll talk about it when the time comes.]

Meeting Jiang Yan for a meal would be nice if she was back. If not, it wasn’t a big deal—Su Chen wasn’t too bothered either way.

Just then, Lü Yuanqing spoke up in the group.

[Lü Yuanqing: Su Chen, let me know when you’re coming. I’ll pick you up.]

[Lü Yuanqing: I have nothing much to do these days, just resting at home.]

[Lü Yuanqing: When you arrive, let’s have a drink!]

This… Lü Yuanqing wanted to pick him up?

In the group, Su Chen was closest with Jiang Yan, Luo Zhe, Ji Xiangyang, and Jiang Jing. Lü Yuanqing spoke occasionally, but rarely interacted directly with Su Chen. Aside from Su Chen’s occasional jokes or when he needed to clarify rumors about Jiang Yan, Lü Yuanqing would sometimes chime in with support. Otherwise, they had little contact.

Why was he offering today?

When a superstar invites you, it’s hard to refuse.

[Su Chen: Sure, Brother Yuanqing. I’ll text you once I’ve confirmed.]

He added Lü Yuanqing on WeChat through the group chat. He was accepted instantly.

[Luo Zhe: Wow, Su Chen, you’re quite something. Brother Yuanqing himself is picking you up!]

[Jiang Jing: So jealous! Brother Yuanqing, when will you invite me to the capital?]

[Ji Xiangyang: @Su Chen, make the most of your time with the superstar!]

They chatted for a while longer before Su Chen left the group. Soon after, he received a private message from Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan: Let me know when you’ve finalized your date. I’ll check my schedule again.

Su Chen replied with a simple “Okay.”

That afternoon, he booked a flight from River City to the capital for September 10. He sent the ticket information to both Lü Yuanqing and Jiang Yan.

-------------------------------------

After receiving his manuscript fee last time, Su Chen had bought many things for Tang Weidong and Wu Xiuhua. To be honest, over the years, the couple had treated him almost like their own son.

Today, he brought a few packs of fine cigarettes and a case of good wine, which made Tang Weidong extremely happy—it was as if his own child was growing up. Wu Xiuhua, on the other hand, fussed over him, nagging about how hard it was for him to earn money.

Once they knew Su Chen was going to the capital, the couple bustled about, preparing food and drinks.

“Xiao Chen, take these with you. Eat them if you get hungry on the way!”

Su Chen looked at the plastic bag in front of him, half amused and half helpless. Inside were more than a dozen hard-boiled eggs and several cartons of milk.

“Auntie, there’s no need. The flight will be over in no time!”

“Even so, take them! What if you get hungry on the plane?”

Su Chen wanted to explain that some items couldn’t be brought aboard, and that in-flight meals were provided. But he figured if he tried to explain, it would only lead to more questions.

So he simply took the bag.

“I’ll take them then!”

He decided he’d eat them later or put them in the fridge for when he got back.

“It’s pouring today, and your uncle’s factory is flooded. He had to rush over for emergency rescue—everyone is needed. Otherwise, he’d drive you there himself,” Wu Xiuhua apologized.

Su Chen waved his hands, assuring her it was fine.

As he was leaving, Tang Jiayi pouted, clearly unhappy.

“Brother Su Chen, I really want to go to the capital too!”

Su Chen ruffled her hair. “But you still have school! When summer break comes next semester, I’ll take you.”

This year, due to special circumstances, all primary and secondary schools in River City had no winter or summer breaks, so Tang Jiayi had been in class nonstop. Even if Su Chen wanted to take her, she couldn’t go.

Hearing his promise, Tang Jiayi finally broke into a smile.