Jinxiu Hotel, Zijin Flower Hall.
Beibei's parents truly resemble what Li Si had imagined. Although the couple's expressions revealed undeniable weariness, their appearances were striking. This child must have inherited excellent genes entirely. In this era of judging by appearances, good looks are certainly an advantage.
Beibei's mother held him tightly, tears in her eyes, a mix of the excitement of recovering someone lost and a touch of guilt. Meanwhile, Beibei's father stood to the side, and though he didn't express much emotion, Li Si could perceive his feelings through his tightly clenched hands.
Mrs. Han wiped her tears and said, "Come on now, the two of you. Next time, you must watch over the child carefully when you take him out. If it weren't for kind-hearted people this time, you could've lost Beibei for good, and then you'd have nowhere to cry!"
Beibei's parents nodded deeply in response.
Then she turned to Li Si, smiling, and asked, "Young lady, I still don't know your name, what is it?"
"My name is Li Si, I'm from North City."
"North City? My hometown is there too. So, we're fellow townsfolk! It seems we're truly meant to meet. I must thank you again, young lady! In the future, if you're ever in Beijing and need any help, just let me know, don't hesitate, alright?"
Li Si felt touched by her words but didn't want to bother others easily, so she replied politely, "Don't worry. If there's ever really something I need help with, I promise I won't hesitate!"
"Li Si, what do your parents do for work? To raise such an outstanding child like you, they must be extraordinary themselves! Since we're fellow townsfolk, we should meet up sometime when there's a chance." Mrs. Han said, but as soon as she finished speaking, Li Si's expression darkened, and Mrs. Han was startled. Could it be…?
"Auntie, my dad passed away recently. My mom has been gone since I was little."
"I'm so sorry, Li Si. Auntie didn't know… This…"
The elderly woman looked remorseful, clasping Li Si's hands and gently patting them.
"It's alright, it's all in the past!" Li Si pulled herself out of the sadness, wore a smile, and returned the elderly woman's comforting grip.
"Mom, let's eat first. We can chat later after the meal. Look, the dishes are getting cold." Beibei's mother stepped in, alleviating much of the awkwardness.
For the rest of the time, everyone carefully avoided the topic, and the atmosphere remained pleasant.
After the meal, Li Si politely declined the elderly woman's invitation to stay at their home, but she couldn't refuse them escorting her to her apartment building.
Before they parted, Mrs. Han hugged Li Si warmly and whispered in her ear, "Good child, Auntie can tell you don't like troubling others. From now on, think of me as your family, and Beibei is your little nephew. Let's keep in touch often! The day after tomorrow, we're having a family gathering. Today was a bit rushed, and many family members weren't around. I'll introduce you to everyone then!"
Li Si felt it was too formal and quickly said, "It's your family's event, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to attend. Auntie, I genuinely appreciate your kindness, but I really can't come. I'll be heading back to North City for school the day after tomorrow. If you miss me, I promise to visit during the holidays, alright?"
The elderly woman ignored her excuses and played her trump card. "Let me be frank, child. The day after tomorrow is my 66th birthday, and the family is planning a grand celebration. When Beibei went missing, I had no mood to think about it at all. Thanks to you, we found him. Now tell me, should you come? Just consider it my birthday wish, alright? I'll have someone pick you up then! Which floor in your building do you live on?"
Li Si reluctantly agreed and provided her floor number, deciding to pick out a thoughtful gift for the elderly woman when the time came.
The next day, Li Si woke up early with plans to browse the shopping district and select a gift for Mrs. Han.
After shopping for half the day, she bought a white dress but hadn't found a suitable gift. As she walked towards Yintai Square, she spotted a crowd gathered ahead. When she got closer, she realized it was a monkey performance.
A middle-aged man wearing a red short-sleeved shirt and blue pants was leading five monkeys, commanding them to stand, sit, and perform different actions. Some monkeys were playing basketball, catching flying knives, jumping through hoops. A few of the monkeys had patches of fur missing. While some people clapped in approval, others watched with a hint of pity.
The grand finale involved the performer dropping the whip. However, when he whipped the monkeys during the performance, it triggered discontent from the audience. Several shouted, "Don't hit the monkeys. Monkeys are protected animals."
One of the monkeys, irritated from being struck, grabbed a brick and retaliated against the performer. Some people handed stones to the monkey, others tossed it food as a reward, and a few threw money into the ring.
Feeling sympathy for these monkeys, Li Si recalled reading on some website that for monkey performers, their monkeys were inherited through generations. For some skilled performers, the monkeys were like family, living together.
The crowd grew larger, and then she noticed, sitting alone near the flower bed across the square, was a little monkey. Unlike the performing macaques, this monkey was small and frail, about 20 centimeters tall, and appeared to be a different species.
Li Si strolled over. The little monkey wasn't afraid of strangers, its bright, large eyes fixed on her. She found it adorable and took a peach from her backpack, offering it to the monkey. It grabbed the peach, holding it with both hands, and began devouring it eagerly.
Seeing its ravenous manner, Li Si thought it might be nice to have a monkey as a companion someday. With all the fruit-growing space she had, it'd be perfect.
The performance neared its end, and the crowd gradually dispersed. The monkey performer packed up his equipment. Li Si considered visiting a nearby mall, but as she turned to leave, the little monkey clung to her pant leg tightly, refusing to let go!
"Little monkey, are you telling me you don't want me to leave?"
Li Si looked at the monkey in amazement.
"Ooh…"
The little monkey bared its teeth, gesturing frantically. After observing for a while, Li Si understood—it wanted to go with her.
"You want to come with me?" Li Si pointed at herself and then at the monkey.
"Ooh…"
The little monkey became even more frantic, hugging her leg tightly. Its face, eyes closed in contentment, rubbed her pant leg repeatedly.
The monkey performer noticed Li Si lingering there and asked in accented Mandarin, "Young lady, do you need anything?"
Li Si considered her words and said, "Sir, I wanted to ask if you'd sell this monkey?"
The man shook his head resolutely. "No, I don't sell them. These monkeys have been passed down for generations; it takes years of training to make them perform well!"
"I understand, sir. I love animals and would treat it well. I'm not asking to buy the performing monkeys—just this smallest one. Would you consider selling it to me?"
"This one?"
The man pointed at the smallest monkey sitting on the ground and hesitated.
Seeing a chance, Li Si pressed further. "Yes, this one. How about I offer you 500 yuan?"
The man swallowed nervously and hesitated again. "You said how much? 500 yuan? That's too little—make it 800, and I'll sell it to you!"
Li Si immediately took out 800 yuan and handed it to the man. "Deal then. What about this monkey's paperwork?"
The man tightly clutched the money, his expression uneasy and apprehensive. "Let me be honest with you, young lady—this monkey wasn't bred by me. I found it while passing through a mountain. It was this small when I found it. Despite raising it, it hasn't grown at all. Since you're paying, just take the monkey quickly!"