Cherry Blossoms for a Long Time (Part 4)

 When the oleanders and osmanthus blossoms in the old town, the rainy season arrives.

Gu Yingqi is no longer the mischievous boy the neighbors always watched closely. Passing by Aunt Liu's shop, he buys osmanthus cake from the counter for the first time. Before, he would have snatched it when Aunt Liu wasn't looking, stuffed it in his mouth, and run away.
However, retired soldier Grandpa Zheng still calls out Yingqi's name as always when he sees him.
In the alley filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, Yingqi stands upright under a huge oleander tree, legs together, awaiting his superior's next instruction.
"I heard you're doing well at the factory, kid. Keep up the spirit of not being afraid of hardship or fatigue, and strive to expand your achievements!"
As he speaks, the sprightly Grandpa Zheng kicks Gu Yingqi's right toe; his "at ease" stance isn't quite right.
It seems Zheng Beichen didn't tell his father the truth. If he had told the old man that Gu Yingqi was just looking for trouble and getting expelled, Grandpa Zheng's decades-old military boxing routine would probably have been practiced on Gu Yingqi by now. Gu Yingqi had personally witnessed him, over sixty years old, beat two petty thieves who stole batteries until they ran away with their tails between their legs.
Looking at Zheng Jiujiu, Gu Yingqi gave Grandpa Zheng a wink: "Commander, could we talk in private for a moment?"
After pulling Grandpa Zheng to the corner of the alley without further ado, Gu Yingqi mustered her courage and said the words that had been suppressed in her heart for a long time.
He said, "Sir, could you have your son find a reason to fire me? Han Dong can stay there; he seems to like the job."
"What, you don't like it?"
Gu Yingqi's brows furrowed. "It's not a matter of liking or disliking, it's just..."
As if sensing Yingqi's predicament, the decisive Grandpa Zheng interrupted him, "Two choices: either join the army or stay at the company in Beicheng."
Having been outmaneuvered, Yingqi shrugged helplessly and ran towards home as if fleeing. But to his surprise, as he passed Zheng Jiujiu, she unexpectedly called his name.
"Yingqi!"
Gu Yingqi froze, as if struck by lightning, turning to look at Zheng Jiujiu. Behind her, a pink oleander was in full bloom, sunlight streaming through the gaps in the distant high-rises, bathing her in a champagne-colored halo.
Gu Yingqi pointed to her nose: "You called me?"
Zheng Jiujiu smiled slightly and nodded.
That was the first time Zheng Jiujiu had smiled at Yingqi, so Gu Yingqi was somewhat incredulous at her eyes. After confirming several times that it wasn't the usual cold smile, she hesitated before taking a step forward, her gaze shifting to the red fire hydrant beside Zheng Jiujiu.
"I was wrong before, I apologize."
Zheng Jiujiu's next words made Gu Yingqi feel as if she'd been struck by a martial arts master's "Seven Injury Fist"—otherwise, why would she have both visual and auditory problems?
"You…"
Before Gu Yingqi could finish her sentence, the girl opposite her had already strode towards Grandpa Zheng behind her. Aside from Gu Yingqi standing there dumbfounded, only Grandpa Zheng's words remained in the air: "Think it over carefully, it's a pity you didn't join the army!"