Meng Yan's Transformation

Chapter 618 Zhan Mengyan Reunites with Her Great-Aunt

Following the newly paved cement road, Zhan Mengyan finally stopped in front of a small courtyard at the east end of the village, marked with a sign that read "Party Member Contact Household." The courtyard wall was low and neatly maintained, and a lilac bush stood out prominently in the spring sunshine—its delicate petals unfurled like a group of graceful dancers swaying in the wind. Its pale purple hue, like a shy maiden, revealed a touch of bashfulness and charm under the sunlight, emitting a faint fragrance that was intoxicating. This was the village head's house, and also the residence where "Auntie," as a "five-guarantee household," had been placed.

Zhan Mengyan pushed open the familiar, slightly ajar courtyard gate. A wrinkled hand lifted the curtain of the main house, and an elderly woman emerged, her back hunched. Her gray hair was neatly combed, and she wore a faded dark blue coat. She squinted at the unfamiliar visitor, her gaze initially displaying the usual calm and aloofness she showed to outsiders. But when her eyes fell on the woman's face, and she scrutinized her for a moment, that calm shattered like a lake struck by a pebble. Her eyes widened instantly, her cloudy pupils first filled with disbelief and astonishment, then ignited by a surge of overwhelming joy. The hand gripping the doorframe trembled slightly, and her lips moved a few times before she uttered a trembling cry: "It's...it's Xiaoyan? You're Xiaoyan!"

Standing in the courtyard, Zhan Mengyan's eyes instantly welled up with tears when she heard that familiar nickname, spoken with a distinctive local accent, which she hadn't heard in so long. All her weariness and the twists and turns of her search vanished in that instant. She rushed forward, her voice choked with emotion, "Auntie! It's me! I've finally found you!"

Zhan Mengyan took two steps at a time, and the two embraced tightly in the center of the courtyard. Her great-aunt, now only reaching Zhan Mengyan's shoulder, patted Zhan Mengyan's back forcefully and repeatedly, as if confirming that this wasn't a dream. The force conveyed a unique sense of reality and was filled with an indescribable excitement. "Oh my, oh my...it really is my little Yan! You've grown so tall, I almost didn't recognize you!" Her dialect was urgent and rapid, tinged with tears, yet full of warmth.

Zhan Mengyan felt the frail body of the old woman in her arms trembling slightly; her shoulders beneath her coat were so thin it was heartbreaking. Zhan Mengyan hugged her great-aunt tighter, repeatedly replying, "It's me, Great-Aunt, I've come to see you. I should have come long ago..." Her words were interrupted by a sob in her throat. She remembered her great-aunt, who had peeled walnuts for her with a straight back, and this old woman before her, who was being cared for by the village head's family as a recipient of the "Five Guarantees" (a government-provided social welfare program for the elderly), overlapped with her own memories. A surge of joy, a blend of happiness and reunion, welled up in her heart, forming a warm, overflowing feeling.

Seeing this, the village chief stood aside knowingly, a kind smile on his face, not disturbing the two who were immersed in the great joy of their reunion. After a while, the two calmed down a bit and helped each other into the house. The great-aunt held her granddaughter Zhan Mengyan's hand tightly, as if afraid that she would disappear if she let go. She hurriedly offered her a seat and went to pour water. Her movements were a little chaotic due to her excitement. She kept muttering, "I said, child, how did you find me... all this way... without even sending a message beforehand. I didn't prepare anything..." Her gaze was fixed on Zhan Mengyan's face, and the light in her eyes made the simple house seem exceptionally bright and warm.

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, warmly bathing the two of them. In the courtyard, the lilac bush shone even more brightly in the sunlight, as if silently congratulating this unexpected reunion that transcended time and geographical barriers.