"Lay, hurry up! Quickly have a bath and get down here, I've made special pudding for you..." Granny exclaimed.
The private lawn glowed under soft evening light. A green stretch with apple trees at the corners, wooden furniture set neatly, and a small space for barbecue tools—surrounded by a tall compound that kept the world away. Granny moved about with care, arranging tea sets, snacks, and smoothing the tablecloth. Most of the maids had left; only the few who stayed to look after her were busy with household work.
Lay walked down from the secret hot spring, drying his hair with a towel. He wore a wide pullover, track pants, and simple flip-flops. His wet hair fell loose around his face, giving him a softened, younger look.
He opened the glass door leading to the lawn and paused for a moment, watching Granny. She had already sat down, waiting eagerly, and when her eyes found him, she smiled warmly and beckoned him closer.
Granny poured herbal tea into two cups, the steam curling between them. Lay watched every movement quietly, as though capturing the moment.
Granny: smiling "Lay… look at you. You've changed so much these years. From that boy who walked into Wang's office with trembling hands, to a man everyone listens to."
Lay: with a faint smile "Granny, don't make me sound like a hero. I just did what had to be done."
Granny: "No, dear. You worked hard. You built this house brick by brick. I still remember the day you ran to me with the keys in your hand. There was a spark in your eyes, and you said, 'Granny, you can rest now without any worries. This is for you…' Then you cried like a baby."
Lay smiled quietly, sipping his tea.
Lay: "I only wanted to give you comfort. After all you sacrificed for me, it was the least I could do."
Granny: chuckling "And the car… oh, the neighbors still talk about it. They say, 'Look at Lay, he drives like a gentleman now.'"
Lay's smile lingered, but his eyes turned serious.
Lay: "Sometimes I wonder if it's enough… money, house, car. I've got all these things but…"
Granny reached across the table and gently touched his hand.
Granny: "You miss your father, don't you? Even I miss my son. It's so unfortunate… it takes so much trouble just to even dream of seeing him again."
Lay looked away, swallowing hard, silence pressing between them. Granny noticed and quickly shifted the conversation, lifting her spirits.
Granny: "Pumpkin, how is business going? Can you manage both sides? Isn't it too stressful? I think you need a vacation. Shall I arrange one for you? Which place would you like?"
Lay: interrupting softly "A vacation can't fix me, Granny. But thanks for your advice." he looked at her, his voice steadier "You will meet your son one day, I promise. But when that day comes… you'll not need to take secret routes to reach him."
Granny's eyes welled with tears at his words.
Lay stood up and walked toward the glass door. Before stepping out, he turned back with a faint smile.
Lay: "Tell me, Granny… where should we go to explore?"
Granny chuckled through her tears. But before she could answer, there stood a tall figure in the hallway.