Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Nyoi-Bo Studio

  At first, Shen Zhilie believed that there could be some truth behind Grandmother’s words. After all, there were times when what she said still retained its accuracy, although only partially.

  But, what if?

  Unexpectedly, a simple test was able to ascertain the authenticity of her words.

  Back then, Shen Yinyue had been the name Shen Luoyue had chosen for the daughter she was about to give birth to. While the baby was still in the womb, the whole family had referred to her as Yinyue.

  No one had imagined that the expectant mother would suddenly succumb to prenatal depression and become a little crazy. In the words of Old Mrs. Shen, Shen Yinyue’s mother had committed one too many sins, so that was her retribution. In the days leading up to her delivery date, the woman ran off and disappeared without a trace.

  If Yu Lili were really Shen Yinyue, that would make her Shen Zhilie’s half-sister. But, Yu Lili was only 25. That made her a full year younger, making the theory b*llshit.

  If Shen Yinyue were still alive, she would be as old as Shen Manting. Younger than Shen Luo’an by two years, and older than Shen Zhilie by two years.

  Shen Zhilie was immensely disappointed. He said, “Grandma, finish your food. I’ll give her a call after we’re done eating.”


  “Really?” the old woman asked.

  “Really,” he said.

  Old Mrs. Shen nodded her head in satisfaction and agreed. “Alright. I’ll eat my food. But, you have to keep your word.”


  “Yes, yes, yes.” Shen Zhilie pushed her back into her seat and signaled to Shen Longyue with his eyes.

  The latter caught his meaning and started putting food on the old lady’s plate.

  Old Mrs. Shen’s mood was considerably good throughout the whole meal. When she was done, she started pestering Shen Zhilie to make the phone call.

  Shen Zhilie made up one excuse after another to delay the call. When he couldn’t anymore, he ran off to spend the day with his friend.

  That worked for one day. But, it couldn’t work forever. On the second day of the New Year, Old Mrs. Shen stormed into Shen Zhilie’s room before the sun had even risen and roared, “Get up! Call that lady!”
……

  At 6:30 a.m., Yu Lili was deep in her sleep when her phone rang. It was Shen Zhilie. She took one look at the name of the caller, turned her phone to silent mode, and threw it under the bed.

  She turned back into the pillows and went back to sleep. When she awoke again, the sky was already bright. She picked the phone off the floor and checked the time. It was 9 a.m.

  The shock cleared the morning haze from Yu Lili’s mind immediately. Just as she expected, there was a load of missed called. All the numbers were from the Capital. Not a single one was from Kingstown.

  As disappointment overcame her, another call from an unknown number came. It was from the Capital.

  Yu Lili accepted the call.

  The voice at the other end said, “Oh my god! You finally picked up the phone?”


  “Is there a problem?” Yu Lili asked. She could tell it was an elderly woman.

  The lady shouted into excitedly, “Young Lady, how are you? Do you remember me?”


  The voice of an elderly lady coming through Shen Zhilie’s phone. Yu Lili knew who it was right away.

  Yu Lili replied, “Yes, Old Mrs. Shen. How may I help you?”


  “Why won’t you call me Grandma?” the old woman asked.

  Yu Lili was speechless. Because if I called you Grandma, I’d be judged as a social climber, never to be rid of that label!

  Yu Lili had learned her lesson the hard way once. She didn’t need a second time.

  She cleared her throat and instead asked, “You were looking for me?”


  “Yes! Can you come to the Capital for the rest of the New Year? Grandma here will give you a red packet and take you sightseeing! Will you come?” the old woman asked.