One day, when Shen Xingsui accompanied Xu Enzhen to sort out various photo albums, he accidentally found a framed photo tucked in the dusty bookshelf. It was a slightly yellowed photo, and the background was an amusement park. Under a big tree, there stood five people – two adults sandwiching three children in the middle.
Seeing him staring at the photo album, Xu Enzhen said with a smile. “This is an amusement park that Xingchen and Minglang went to when they were young. At that time, they met a lost child and took a group photo together.”
Shen Xingsui stared at the photo in a daze, especially focusing on the smallest boy in the middle. He was fascinated by this old photo. It was obviously a very distant thing, but he actually recalled the past memories—
It was when he was very young. On a weekend, when the Jian family had nothing to do, so Jian Xingsui went to the amusement park with his family.
During the car ride, Jian Zhi put forward his idea first. “I want to ride the roller coaster!”
“But there’s also a haunted house,” Jian Zhi mused, “Plus, I have two classmates with me…”
Jian Xingsui, who was sitting next to him, added in a whisper, “I want to play with you too.”
The oldest son, Jian Gu was also here. After Jian Zhi and Jian Gu listened to the youngest boy, they both said, “You’re still too young. Just go play with the merry-go-round or the ferris wheel.”
Jian Xingsui was not convinced. “I’m not afraid of those rides. I can also play.”
However, neither of the two of them took what Jian Xingsui said seriously. After arriving at the playground, Jian Zhi naturally had fun and went to play with his classmates. After accompanying Jian Xingsui playing the merry-go-round and the ferris wheel, Jian Gu went to rest at a nearby gazebo.
However, the youngest child felt like he hadn’t played enough.
Jian Gu said, “You can explore the amusement park by yourself.”
The eldest Jian family’s son didn’t want to play with the kid-friendly rides, so he wanted to play by himself. As for Jian Xingsui, he agreed after thinking for a while. At this time, he was only in the third grade, and he looked small in the eyes of others. He was currently a bit lost, as he couldn’t find the ticket booth for the rides he wanted to play.
At this moment, he accidentally bumped into a person.
“Ah…”
“You…”
Jian Xingsui was stunned in place. He raised his head, and saw a very gentle and beautiful woman. She was wearing a fluttery white cotton dress, with a thicker coat and small lavender shawl. Behind her coiled hair was a neat black ribbon. She looked noble, elegant, and gentle.
Jian Xingsui quickly said, “I’m sorry.”
Xu Enzhen looked at the child in front of her absentmindedly. After a while, she quickly squatted down and said, “It’s okay, it’s okay, did you get hurt?”
Jian Xingsui rubbed his nose and shook his head. “No.”
Only then did Xu Enzhen breathe a sigh of relief. She was half squatting, but Jian Xingsui still had to look up to her. When their eyes met, there was a very strange yet nostalgic feeling. For Jian Xingsui, this was the first time he met this woman; and yet, he felt an inexplicable sense of closeness.
Xu Enzhen also felt this connection. She blurted, “Why are you here alone, where are your family members?”
Jian Xingsui replied softly, “They are not with me.”
Xu Enzhen automatically understood that Jian Xingsui should be left alone. She complained under her breath with a deep sigh. “What kind of adult is this? He’s still this small and is left alone in this jam-packed amusement park… aren’t they afraid he’ll get lost?”
Speaking of which, Xu Enzhen has actually met many children, but this was the first time she met a child that made her heart ache at first glance. In fact, she should leave here after escorting Jian Xingsui to the security or other staff. But there’s a feeling in her heart that prevented her from doing so. She whispered, “Do you want to play this ride too?”
Jian Xingsui nodded enthusiastically. “Yes.”
Xu Enzhen smiled in return. “Let’s go together then.”
Jian Xingsui knew to be wary of strangers. He had a good impression of this aunt, but he didn’t expect that the other party was so kind to him. If he could really play with her, he would be very happy. After thinking about his current situation, he agreed. “Okay, let’s go, Auntie!”
As they were talking, someone came over not far away.
It was an adult man clad in black, casual shirt. Despite its simplicity, the clothes itself was from a high-end brand. The man was holding a small chocolate ice cream in his hand. He handed it to his wife and said, “Here you are.”
Xu Enzhen smiled lightly and replied, “Is Chenchen still being fussy?”
Shen Yong nodded. “I have bought ice cream for him and his brother. They’re ahead of us now. Let’s go line up for this ride.”
Xu Enzhen nodded. She lowered her head and introduced her new little friend to her husband, “This child is lost. I think he is so pitiful being alone like this. There are so many people in this amusement park, I don’t feel at ease letting him play alone. Why don’t we let him come with us?”
Shen Yong looked down at Jian Xingsui.
He was mildly surprised by what he saw. No matter which angle he looked at, there’s no denying that this child had 70% resemblance to Shen Xingchen. But the two of them have vastly different demeanor – Shen Xingchen was an exuberant, naughty child; while Jian Xingsui looked quieter and shyer.
This made him have a good first impression for this child. He lowered his waist and handed the little boy his newly-bought ice cream for him. “Here.”
Jian Xingsui said a little cautiously, “No, no need…”
Seeing that he was a little stiff and shy, Xu Enzhen showed a gentle smile. She stretched out her hand, patted Jian Xingsui’s head and said, “It’s okay. It’s for you, you can eat it.”
Jian Xingsui hesitated for a moment before taking it. He took a bite of the ice cream; it was sweet and slightly cool, and it was very delicious.
Xu Enzhen took his hand. “Mn, delicious isn’t it? Let’s go to the front and line up now.”
Jian Xingsui nodded.
The group returned to the line. Shen Xingchen in front looked back at his mother and father holding a strange child. He leaned over and asked, “Mom, Dad, who is this?”
Xu Enzhen replied, “He is also a child who came here to play, but he is alone for the moment.”
Shen Xingchen’s strange brain made a turn. He immediately praised the younger boy sincerely, “Woah, you’re so cool!”
Jian Xingsui looked at the inch-long haired older boy in curiosity. In fact, he could tell that this boy was wearing trendy and cool clothes. But, he was not intimidated, instead he smiled in return. “Hi, my name is Jian Xingsui.”
Shen Xingchen patted his chest, “Shen Xingchen.”
Xu Enzhen asked, “Which ride do you want to play?”
Shen Xingchen pointed to the front and said, “Boat rafting!”
This is a very exciting ride.
In a small boat, park-goers could sit inside and brave the waves that come and go. This amusement park was also a large water park. There’s three sections of this ride – the slow-moving area, the buffer area, and the rapid river area.
Jian Xingsui met Shen Minglang in front.
Shen Minglang was a little surprised when he saw the little boy, but after Shen Xingchen introduced him, he understood the situation. Unlike Jian Gu, who is indifferent to his younger brother, Shen Minglang was much more caring and gentle. He immediately assumed the role of big brother to Jian Xingsui. He took a clean tissue and said, “Your ice cream is starting to melt. Don’t get your hands dirty.”
The temperature in summer was a bit high, so ice creams do melt in a matter of minutes.
Shen Minglang wiped Jian Xingsui’s somewhat dirty hands with a clean tissue. His movements were careful and meticulous, and he looked serious when he lowered his head. “The white clothes you wear are easy to get dirty.”
Inexplicably, Jian Xingsui’s heart softened, and he felt very close to this boy who looked a few years older than him. Although they had just met, he felt very reliable. ‘It would be great if this person was my actual brother…’
–This surprised Jian Xingsui, who was starting to daydream of such an idea.
Shen Xingchen next to him leaned over and said, “Ge, wipe it for me too.”
Shen Minglang unceremoniously threw the tissue to him, “Wipe it yourself.”
Shen Xingchen grumbled, “Why, can’t you wipe it for me?”
“You’re not wearing white clothes,” Shen Minglang glanced at him: “Don’t you have a perfectly functional pair of hands?”
Shen Xingchen grinned at this usual routine of being thrown sarcasm from his older brother. Jian Xingsui, who was next to him, was stunned and then amused.
The queue line shortened, and soon it would be their turn.
The staff asked in a polite smile. “Are you five together?”
Xu Enzhen nodded. “Yes, together.”
This was a natural answer, that didn’t have a sense of wrongness inside. The staff let them in and guided them to sit properly.
The rafting itself was very exciting. Because of the river design, they can kind-of “race” other boat passengers with the correct maneuver, all the while being thrown off by the unpredictable river current. Most of the people on these boats who sat together were family, although there were a couple of two people only in one boat. There’s very rarely only one person per boat.
–should Jian Xingsui play alone, he might have been that sole person. That is, if the staff even let him play in the first place.
But it was different now. He was sitting with other people, and sitting in such close proximity. They whispered from time to time, excitement coloring the voice. It’s as if they’re really a family.
Shen Xingchen slid his hands in the water, clearly impatient. “Hurry up, hurry up, surpass the one in front.”
Shen Minglang: “Idiot, what can you do with your hands?”
“I use my hands as oars,” Shen Xingchen also pulled Jian Xingsui near and said, “Hurry up, Suisui, let’s go together.”
Jian Xingsui didn’t know if it was true or not, but he obediently followed Shen Xingchen’s example.
Shen Minglang sighed. He said to Jian Xingsui, “Don’t listen to him, it won’t do much good, and you will be very tired. It will be faster if you put extra strength when rowing at corners.”
He sounded logical, so Jian Xingsui then withdrew his hand.
Shen Xingchen was shocked, he looked at Jian Xingsui and said, “Why do you listen to him and not me?”
Jian Xingsui replied, “But I think what Dage said is right…”
Shen Xingchen groaned, “Is what I said unreasonable, then?”
“Yes, but I don’t think it is bad even if what you said is wrong,” Jian Xingsui said seriously, “What do you think?”
Shen Xingchen felt Jian Xingsui made sense. He was persuaded, “You’re right.”
The chat between the three of them made Xu Enzhen very happy. The woman smiled softly.
They reached the last section of rafting, where the current was much faster. Everyone exclaimed and grabbed the boat. Fortunately, they finally reached the end safely – the river led them to a somewhat deep lake.
When Shen Xingchen came down, his smart watch came off. It dropped into the lake.
Shen Xingchen called softly. “Ah!”
Jian Xingsui immediately acted. “I’ll get it for you.”
“Wha–”
Before Shen Xingchen could even stop Jian Xingsui, the boy jumped into the lake and swam over. After a while, he came up, holding Shen Xingchen’s watch in his hand. He exclaimed with a big smile: “I found it!”
Shen Xingchen was impressed. “Damn, you can swim.”
Jian Xingsui said with a smile, “A little bit.”
“Thank you!” Shen Xingchen hugged the little boy tightly. “You’re not bad, you can be my younger brother from now on.”
Shen Xingchen always felt this warm connection to this new friend. He wanted to get closer.
They went to the shore, where there was a bustle – apparently, there was a small activity for families. It was a balloon relay. One person used a straw to transport a balloon by blowing at them, transferring them to the next person. The first team to finish the relay will win a grand prize of sorts.
Shen Xingchen cheerfully exclaimed, “Let’s go play this!”
The others readily agreed.
Jian Xingsui has already played this game before, plus he wasn’t with his family. He was trying to find a reason to leave, but Xu Enzhen managed to stop him. She asked, “Let’s come together?”
Shen Xingchen also added, “Let’s go, gege will show you his strength!”
Jian Xingsui paused, smiled lightly and said, “Okay!”
This was the happiest day for him. He was nervous yet excited when passing the balloon, especially when it was announced that they won the game. It was a particularly proud and joyful feeling.
Jian Xingsui has a high lung capacity, and he sent the balloon through without even panting in the middle of the last blow.
A child protested, “Are you cheating?”
Before Jian Xingsui could speak, Shen Xingchen jumped out from behind, “You’re the one who cheated! Don’t you understand that he’s just amazing!?”
The child didn’t expect Shen Xingchen to be so fierce, so he hid behind his family and mumbled to Jian Xingsui, “Why is your gege so fierce…”
Jian Xingsui was taken aback for a moment, but when he looked at Shen Xingchen, he slowly smiled.
Jian Zhi – his brother – was actually not fierce, and he didn’t even care about him at ordinary times. Since he was a child, his brothers are much better than him, and they have higher requirements for him. If he made a mistake, they would definitely blame him first. They would not jump into his defense like Shen Xingchen.
Shen Minglang also came over and said, “Whether cheating or not will be announced by the referee, it cannot be concluded casually.”
The child’s parents were also a little embarrassed, and wanted to say that the child was just being fussy. But after meeting Shen Minglang’s gaze, they didn’t know what to say in face of this domineering teenager. They had to take their child away quickly.
Jian Xingsui glanced at the older boy and shyly said, “Thank you.”
Shen Minglang smiled at him. “You’re welcome. You are the one who is outstanding.”
Their family won the final victory.
The person in charge of distributing prizes came over and said, “Register your names here, please.”
Everyone reported.
The last person who happened to ask was Jian Xingsui. He blurted out subconsciously: “My name is Jian Xingsui…”
The person who registered looked at him in confusion. “The others are all surnamed Shen, you…?”
According to the rules of the game, only family members can accept the same award.
Shen Xingchen coughed, and blinked at him, “Didi, did you remember wrongly? You didn’t know our house well when you first came here, right? So, what’s your name?”
Jian Xingsui paused, and then changed his words. For some reason, he blushed inexplicably when he whispered, “Shen… Xingsui.”
The others smiled warmly.
The staff seemed to understand something, and he said casually, “Then you and your mother go there to get the medal.”
Jian Xingsui subconsciously looked at Xu Enzhen, that gentle and beautiful lady.
Xu Enzhen also looked at him.
When the two walked to the front podium. A female staff member glanced at the two of them and said with a smile, “You mother and son pair look so alike, ah. Your children are all so very cute too. After you finish accepting the awards, can the staff take a picture of you five?”
Xu Enzhen smiled and looked down at Jian Xingsui. She reached out and patted Jian Xingsui’s head and readily agreed. “Yes, it is very good. Thanks to you we can win.”
Touched by gentle hands, Jian Xingsui’s heart was boiling.
His mother was not very close to him – he even rarely saw her. Inversely, he always longed for her touch, for her love.
For some reason, although he just met this lady just today, his heart bloomed into vivid colors whenever he was touched and praised by her.
Jian Xingsui said softly, mumbling under his breath as his chubby cheeks flushed red. “I was just lucky…”
Xu Enzhen only smiled. “Then we also want to thank you for the good luck you brought.”
Jian Xingsui didn’t know how to respond, so he just shyly nodded. He didn’t think it was the good luck he brought; on the contrary, he felt that his greatest happiness today was meeting this family.
The afternoon sun was warm and bright. Not far away, Shen Yong looked at the backs of his wife and child. He saw Xu Enzhen’s light smile. Several years ago, his wife had been intoxicated by the grief of losing their youngest son, as she had been trapped in his endless mire since.
It’s only recently that she had made a recovery. But from time to time, she would have this far-away, lost look. It’s clear that she still misses their son.
But now, he could see his wife smiling, the kind of smile that came from the heart.
Originally, he proposed this trip to let Xu Enzhen relax. He knew that his choice was very correct. Meeting Jian Xingsui was the greatest blessing for their family today.
The staff not far away greeted them, “Hello, you can come to take a group photo now?”
The other four people were ready. They stood there and looked at Xu Enzhen. Xu Enzhen took two steps and found that the child behind her hesitated to keep up. She waved to him with a smile, “Come on. If you don’t mind, let’s take a picture together.”
The sun was very hot, and it was dazzlingly bright when the boy looked up.
But when Jian Xingsui looked at Xu Enzhen, he didn’t hesitate much, he just felt warm and fuzzy all over. He gave a firm nod as his reply.
This was their first photo together.
–Under the big tree that covered the bright, blue sky. This family of five stood together, joy palpable in every bit of bodily gesture. The smallest boy – the then-Jian Xingsui – stood in the middle, Shen Xingchen and Shen Minglang on both of his sides. Shen Xingchen slung his arm over Jian Xingsui’s shoulder, his smile equalling the sun’s. Shen Minglang was much more reserved, but he had this gentle look in his eyes. Xu Enzhen and Shen Yong stood behind their sons.
The warm sun blessing them, all were peaceful and blissful.
The photographer staff adjusted their posture, “Come on, Mom and Dad get a little bit closer to your children…”
The staff nodded in satisfaction, and after adjusting the angle a couple times, they finally settled. “Come on, let’s have a laugh together, eggplant!”
Everyone shouted together: “Eggplant!”
This moment froze, captured in time. Five smiles for five people in this family, three children standing side-by-side. Xu Enzhen put her hand on Jian Xingsui, while Shen Yong stood by her.
Everyone looked happy and bright. This was their first reunion—
And it won’t be their last.
The author has something to say:
I chose to end it with this, today, because I can personally say happy Mid-Autumn Festival to everyone. I am happy to write this book. Because of all your warm company, it made me feel reluctant to part with all of you!
But, all journeys have to come to an end, and there will always be a time to meet again. I hope that one day in the future, we will meet again on that journey.
A/N: That’s the end of this novel! I hope you like the story of Fu Jinxiao and Shen Xingsui, despite all the plot-holes flaws haha. I really like the emotional lines of this novel, and I hope at least it touched your heart, too.
This is my first finished novel, and I would like to thank all the readers and ko-fi donors for all your support! Without all of you, I would probably have stopped translating mid-way lol.
For an extra, have this quick doodle of Suisui I made~
See you again in my next project ヽ(o＾▽＾o)ノ
![After entering a book, he just wants to be a flower vase [Entertainment Circle]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image_2022-10-19_141804903.png "After entering a book, he just wants to be a flower vase [Entertainment Circle]")
