Back to the Peak

Chapter 40: Grandpa

In the living room of the villa rented by Cheng Ran and Gu Changjin, Cheng Xuze sat opposite Cheng Ran and Shi Qingyang.

In Cheng Xuze’s impression, Cheng Ran couldn’t speak at all, but now, Cheng Ran responded completely differently from the past. At the very least, he didn’t show autistic tendencies as before1.

Cheng Xuze, Wang Qing and others were hungr, so Gu Changjin brought out some snacks that Cheng Ran had previously bought, then went to cook. These snacks were meat: barbecue meatballs the size of pingpong balls and the like were packed in small metal boxes. After eating, the boxes would be recycled like lunch boxes and water bottles were.

Cheng Ran didn’t eat it himself. Instead, he was busy taking it to Shi Qingyang about each one. After reading the label, he introduced the taste of each kind of meat: “Qingyang, this meatball is very tender and spicy. Do you want to eat spicy?”

“Sure do.” Although Shi Qingyang carried dried meat with him when he went out of the city, he didn’t have much time to eat. By now, he was already hungry and would not refuse.

Seeing Shi Qingyang eating happily, Cheng Ran smiled more and more: “I bought these. If you like them, I’ll buy them next time.” Today, he had sent a message to ask Shi Qingyang what he liked. Unfortunately, Shi Qingyang never returned his message, so Cheng Ran just bought everything in the end.

“Sounds good.” Shi Qingyang smiled. Having something in his stomach made him feel much better. He also noticed that Cheng Xuze didn’t eat at all: “Senior, do you want to eat some?” It’s no wonder that he forgot Cheng Xuze. After getting along with Cheng Xuze, there was no way he could regard this person as his senior anymore…

“No, I’m old and don’t like these. Xiao Ran, you can eat some yourself. You’re really too thin.” Cheng Xuze took a box of the most common roast meat and handed it to Cheng Ran.

As a grandfather, he used to make Cheng Ran cry and not be able to say a single word, but now Cheng Ran’s mouth only had “Qingyang” and he hadn’t noticed his grandfather at all, which made him very uncomfortable.

Cheng Ran was stunned. He reached out to pick up the meat from Cheng Xuze’s hand, but Shi Qingyang took it first: “Senior, Ranran is not in good health and can’t eat food with strong radiation. He can’t stand such snacks.” Although nowadays Gu Changjin also prepared meat for Cheng Ran to eat, it was definitely prepared according to baby food standards!

Cheng Xuze was embarrassed. He never knew that Cheng Ran had such a problem.

“In fact, it’s all right. Grandpa Gu said that in another month, my body will be completely better.” Cheng Ran was worried about making Cheng Xuze unhappy, and hurriedly lied that he used to b able to eat ordinary meat.

“Next time, Grandpa will bring Xiao Ran snacks.” Cheng Xuze found a foothold for himself.

“Thank you, Grandpa.” Cheng Ran relaxed a lot.

Cheng Ran was actually a very likable child, well-behaved and cute. Cheng Xuze liked Cheng Ran more and more. At the same time, he can’t help his growing uncertainty.

The Cheng Ran in Cheng Hong’s mouth, and even the Cheng Ran he had seen before, were totally different from Cheng Ran presently.

Was Spark City really so good that Cheng Ran’s whole personality could change so entirely? And what Shi Qingyang said before…

“Shi Qingyang, you talked about a classmate who could make medicine…” Cheng Xuze became more and more confused, and finally couldn’t help asking.

“Wasn’t I talking about Ranran?” Shi Qingyang said without hesitation. Of course, he could choose to completely hide it from Cheng Xuze. Cheng Ran was so obedient and certainly wouldn’t say anything. But he still hoped that Cheng Ran could be recognized by Cheng Xuze, and even hoped that Cheng Xuze could see Cheng Ran’s talent.

As for Cheng Ran’s father, after he asked Cheng Ran some things, he didn’t like the man at all.

Shi Qingyang knew that Cheng Xuze would be shocked when he learned about this. Sure enough, the old man opposite’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Qingyang…” Cheng Ran was embarrassed. He could only do the simplest medicine, and he could not make the high-level ones at all…

“Xiao Ran, he……” Cheng Xuze looked complicated.

“Ranran is very smart.” Shi Qingyang’s face was full of admiration: “He never forgets what he has seen. He can make medicine by himself after he has seen the process. After my master gave me the incomplete prescription, Ranran was even able to mix that medication.”

Was the person Shi Qingyang mentioned really his grandson? Hadn’t he been told that Cheng Ran was slow, unresponsive, and autistic? Cheng Xuze hesitated and asked Cheng Ran some questions.

The rad-warriors who often leave the city were violent from radiation and were not suitable for becoming pharmacists, but basically everyone knew a little about medicine. After all, they can’t live without potions. After leaving the city, in addition to hunting exotic animals, looking for some precious herbs was also one of the ways to make money.

Cheng Xuze was 70 years old. He has drunk countless medicines in his life. He has found hundreds of herbs. Naturally, he knew a lot. The questions he raised were all profound.

Other junior pharmacists may not know these theoretical problems, but Cheng Ran had read many books and recently finished reading the course materials copied from Spark Academy, so he could answer them all in more detail than Cheng Xuze expected.

Moreover, because he was familiar with these things, he spoke more and more fluently and had a little confidence.

Cheng Xuze’s eyes widened.

“Laotaiye, dinner is ready,” Gu Changjin broke the silence, and after finding that Cheng Xuze’s expression was strange, he couldn’t help worrying.

He was greatly indebted to Cheng Hong, so he didn’t want to disobey Cheng Hong’s orders. Even if Gu Changjin had been wanting to plan ahead for Cheng Ran again, if it weren’t for Cheng Xuze coming to the door himself, he wouldn’t have taken the initiative to tell Cheng Xuze about Cheng Ran himself.

He thought Cheng Xuze would like Cheng Ran, who was simple and lovely. So why was Cheng Xuze staring at Cheng Ran now?

They had a lot of ingredients at home, and Gu Changjin’s meals were also very rich. In addition to a portion of boiled meat per person, there were several fried dishes. There was no doubt that Shi Qingyang’s boiled meat was the biggest portion.

This time the meat was very fresh and tender. That was probably why Gu Changjin didn’t bake it today, but instead, cooked it in water. Shi Qingyang ate quickly and didn’t forget to pay attention to Cheng Xuze.

Cheng Xuze was somewhat absent-minded. He looked at Cheng Ran from time to time, and Cheng Ran grew increasingly restless under the scrutiny.

“Ranran, sit with me.” When Shi Qingyang saw this scene, he felt that Cheng Xuze was bullying his family, and immediately spoke.

Cheng Ran happily moved to Shi Qingyang. At this time, Cheng Xuze finally found that he had been too obvious, and immediately withdrew his gaze.

He knew that he had been deceived by others, and the person who deceived him was undoubtedly his son, but he didn’t know why his son liked to him…

After all, this was a matter between father and son. It was not easy for outsiders to know. Cheng Xuze suppressed his doubts and quickly finished his meal.

Just after dinner, Cheng Xuze felt a little thirsty. Seeing that Shi Qingyang was helping Gu Changjin clean up the table, he suddenly thought of the person who broke the appointment, I don’t want to starve.

No wonder that person suddenly asked about Cheng Ran. He had already given Cheng Ran the prescription… Cheng Xuze admitted that he was grateful, but felt it was unkind for the other to hide this matter from him and plot things this way…

It was necessary to show thanks to I don’t want to starve. If it weren’t for him, he wouldn’t know that his grandson had such ability. As for the discomfort in his heart…

Cheng Xuze decided to drink all the tea he had never been willing to drink before, which he had intended to give to I don’t want to starve!

“Wang Qing, you take out the tea and soak it. Everyone can taste it!” Cheng Xuze immediately said, spitefully planning to drink I don’t want to starve’s tea.

But he forgot that since the tea hadn’t been delivered, it was still his own…

Wang Qing took out the tea from the box he carried. He also took out a ceramic teapot. He checked the Internet with the contact terminal. Then he weighed the tea, cooled the temperature of the water, and made a pot of tea carefully according to the steps.

The faint fragrance dispersed. Cheng Xuze took a breath, tried to put away the smug expression on his face, and became serious: “This tea was given to me by someone else, and that person had said much exaggerated praise about it. As for its actual taste, let’s give it a try.”

Cheng Xuze spoke plainly. In fact, he wanted to be showered in compliments. It’s a pity that Wang Qing was such a dull gourd, Gu Changjin was still worried about Cheng Hong, and Shi Qingyang had already drunk some before and didn’t have a big impression… Finally, only the knowledgeable Cheng Ran looked at the tea: “Is this green tea? It’s said that there are only a few tea trees left from ancient times that haven’t changed. They are very difficult to raise. This must be very precious!”

“Xiao Ran is truly discerning.” Cheng Xuze was very satisfied, his grandson is the best.

“It’s a little bitter. I don’t know if it can be used as a medicine.” Cheng Ran took a sip and frowned slightly.

Cheng Xuze now really believed his grandson was a pharmacist. Otherwise, who would think about that?

“Savor the tea, don’t gulp it down. The tea doesn’t have radiation, so it’s good for you to drink some.” Shi Qingyang helped Cheng Ran add some boiled water to the tea. He had tasted tea from others before, but because it could not fill his stomach and was not as good as medicine, he never bought any to drink.

“The tea was meant to be given to your master, but since he didn’t show up, we won’t give him any. Let’s drink it ourselves,” Cheng Xuze said with a smile. “But if you like it, you can keep the rest to drink slowly.”

Shi Qingyang looked at Cheng Ran just in time to see Cheng Ran slowly savoring the tea. Although he didn’t think the tea tasted good, he smiled: “Thank you, grandpa!”

Shi Qingyang certainly noticed Cheng Ran’s appearance and couldn’t help laughing. Cheng Ran always sent some good things to him these days… If Cheng Xuze knew that the tea leaves would still fall into his stomach, he don’t know how the old man would feel.

Of course, Cheng Xuze would not know this. In fact, after drinking his own tea to retaliate, he thought of another retaliation method: “Shi Qingyang, you and Xiao Ran are classmates, and you are the same age. You don’t have to call me a senior in the future. Just call me Grandpa like Xiao Ran does.”

I don’t want to be starve was Shi Qingyang’s master. If Shi Qingyang calls me Grandpa, won’t I be a generation ahead of I don’t want to starve2?

Shi Qingyang shouted without hesitation, “Grandpa!”

“Good boy, this is a gift from Grandpa.” Cheng Xuze took out a contact terminal from his body and gave it to Shi Qingyang: “This is the latest contact terminal from the manufacturer of secure computers. In addition to your original contact number, you can also apply for multiple contact numbers. Originally, this was meant to be given to your master. Now I give it to you.” Many of them used such terminals to make friends anonymously.

“Thank you, Grandpa.” Shi Qingyang took it with a smile. It was his stuff, and sure enough, didn’t fall into the hands of others…

At this time, Cheng Xuze took out another contact terminal and gave it to Cheng Ran. In fact, he had also brought some other things to give his grandson, but they were unfortunately not put in the explosion-proof box. They had already turned into dust with the car that had been bombed before…

After giving the gift, the time grew even later. Cheng Xuze was tired after the long day. He didn’t want to let the two children stay up late, so he asked Gu Changjin to clean up his room and go to bed.

Gu Changjin was happy to see that Cheng Xuze and Cheng Ran were getting along well. Suddenly, being asked about this, he was stunned.

After Cheng Ran and he came here, they didn’t think there would be more people in the family, so the villa they rented was very small. The total number was only three bedrooms.

Three bedrooms are enough for them, but now… While being entangled in his thoughts earlier, he had forgotten about this!

“What’s the matter?” Cheng Xuze asked, puzzled.

“Laotaiye, this house has only three bedrooms. I’ll clean up two of them right away!” Gu Changjin said. He and Shi Qingyang could live anywhere, so…

“No, it’s so late. There’s no need to bother. Let Wang Qing sleep in the living room and the two children sleep together,” Cheng Xuze decided immediately.

“No, I’d better sleep in the living room with two children…” Gu Changjin turned around and saw Cheng Ran eager to try. He suddenly had a stomachache.

“It doesn’t matter if the children squeeze together. Where are the rooms?” Cheng Xuze asked again.

After studying a lot of books these days, Cheng Ran also knew that he had not been a pervert earlier, and that it was okay to just sleep together. Thinking that Cheng Xuze had given gifts to himself and Shi Qingyang, Cheng Ran changed his attitude toward Cheng Xuze: “Grandpa, my room is on the second floor, and the bed is very big. You can sleep in my room.”

“As long as Xiao Ran doesn’t dislike Grandpa.” Cheng Xuze laughed. In fact, if he hadn’t seen that Cheng Ran and Shi Qingyang were so friendly, he wouldn’t have dared to suggest that Cheng Ran sleep with Shi Qingyang just now. Cheng Sisi, Cheng Hui’s second daughter, didn’t let anyone touch her own things. Although the eldest daughter cheng Shanshan had a good temper, she didn’t want others to enter her bedroom.

He thought that Shi Qingyang’s bedroom would be given to him in the end. Unexpectedly, Cheng Ran lent his bedroom out.

Did this show that his grandson liked him?

The sleeping arrangements were quickly decided. Gu Changjin couldn’t let Wang Qing sleep in the living room, so finally, he took his bedding to the living room and planned to sleep on the sofa.

However, so many things happened that day. Naturally, he couldn’t sleep. After a while in the dark, Gu Changjin got up and sent a message to Cheng Hong.

Soon, Cheng Hong called back.

The private mode had been opened, and Gu Changjin connected the communication.

Cheng Hong was 38 years old this year. He looked very much like Cheng Xuze. There was a deep impression of furrow marks the shape of 川 between his eyebrows, which always made people feel that he frowned all the time: “Did you say my father came to Spark City?”

“Yes, sir. The old man has come to Spark City and is now sleeping upstairs.”

“Did Cheng Ran do something? Why did my father suddenly go to Spark City?” Cheng Hong’s eyebrows were getting tighter and tighter.

“Master, the young master hasn’t contacted the old sir. Laotaiye came back suddenly,” Gu Changjin spoke.

“What did he reveal?” Cheng Hong asked again.

“The young master and the old man spoke very fluently…” Gu Changjin whispered.

“Of all the things! Just look after Cheng Ran. I’ll explain it later,” Cheng Hong finished speaking, then slowed his words: “Old Gu, I saved you. You can’t be ungrateful.”

Gu Changjin was about to say something, but suddenly a voice came from behind: “Old Gu, who are you talking to?”

Wasn’t the man standing at the entrance of the stairs Cheng Xuze, who should have gone to bed long ago?

“I don’t like to sleep when I got old. I didn’t expect you would like to call people in the middle of the night.” Cheng Xuze was smiling, but his face didn’t have a good expression.

He didn’t let Gu Changjin clean up other rooms, didn’t let Gu Changjin sleep with Wang Qing, and deliberately mentioned the sofa because he thought Gu Changjin might contact others. If he was in the living room, that would have been the likeliest place to catch him.

His guess was right!

Gu Changjin took good care of Cheng Ran. He knew this, so the people who would contact Gu Changjin were either his youngest son or his daughter-in-law?

Footnotes

1 – As TL I just wanna clarify that because of Cheng Ran’s father’s influence, he probably showed lack of responsiveness to socialization that could possibly be interpreted as being middle of the spectrum. But in fact, many people with autism can be very social, and many are intelligent, funny, witty people. There are different degrees on the autism spectrum, with high-functioning and low-functioning people. So when reading fictional stories, don’t fall into thinking everyone with autism in real life is silent and avoids social contact~ [return]

2 – Grandpa Xuze wants I don’t want to starve to have to call him Dad, heh. Too bad he’s already Grandpa /v\) [return]