As time gradually slipped away in the midst of conversation, Nian's father became more and more excited, while Nian's mother grew somewhat impatient. She remembered that today was Chu You's birthday, and her daughter Yuyu had a date with Chu You in the afternoon, so she urged Nian's father to take a nap.
Nian's father, still with much to say, exchanged contact information with Chu You and was then shooed back to his room by Nian's mother.
"Your uncle talks a lot when he's had too much to drink," Nian's mother said with a beaming smile to Chu You, "You and Yuyu have plans for this afternoon, so I won't keep you any longer. In the future, whenever Yuyu comes home, you can come along and join us for a meal."
Chu You nodded in agreement, his gaze inadvertently falling on Nian Yuyu.
Nian Yuyu felt her face heat up; her mom might as well have written the word 'date' on her face.
--
On the way out of the neighborhood, the spring breeze was gentle, and the sunlight was just right.