36 Your Grandpa Will Still Be Your Grandpa (1/2)
It was quite scary to see the usually bubbly and cheerful Mister Liu now serious and intimidating. Shen Xiaoling secretly stuck out her tongue and giggled, ”It's so scary when grandpa is serious and strict!”
”Ha! Did I scare you? It's okay,” Liu Huajun looked at the pair of siblings endearingly, ”Even if I am strict at anyone, I would never be angry at my dear Xiaoling. Come, come, let's go steam some dumplings!”
To steam dumplings, they had to leave them in the pot for fifteen minutes after the water started to boil. Soon, the dumplings were ready to be served. Out of habit, Hong Xiaofu and Shen Xiaoling prayed, ”We are God's favorite children!”
Liu Huajun was amused. He asked, ”Do you have to pray before your meal?”
”Of course,” Seeing that Liu Huajun had not lifted his chopsticks, Shen Xiaoling did not dare eat. She continued explaining, ”My brother said that we could grow up healthily and safely thanks to the grace of God. He had provided us with nutritious food and a safe place to grow up in!”
”We need to be grateful,” Hong Xiaofu added on with a smile, ”I feel like whenever I pray, my luck improves a little.”
Liu Huajun listened carefully in silence. Although the two children shared their story lightly, they had experienced many hardships just to enjoy a full meal. Despite that, they remained optimistic, hardworking, and cheerful. That was really commendable.
Liu Huajun also smiled as he held his hands together and said, ”Then, I will also pray. May God bless my two favorite children!”
After he finished praying, the trio broke into fits of laughter, ”Ha! I feel like a different person now! Alright, grandpa will start eating now!”
The dumplings, particularly the prawn dumplings, were incredibly fragrant. The meal was extremely hearty. Even Liu Huajun ate six or seven more dumplings than usual.
”Oh, it's so rare to have such an enjoyable meal,” After the meal, Liu Huajun laid down on the bed. He sighed in satisfaction and said, ”Alright, my old bones are not as energetic as before. I'm already so tired from this morning's activity. You two do not need to accompany me all the time, go and get your work done. I am going to take a nap.”
Hong Xiaofu and Shen Xiaoling knew that the body of an elderly would not be as robust as a young man—it was definitely time for him to rest. Hong Xiaofu replied, ”Sure, grandpa. Lie down and rest, Xiaoling and I will come back.”
Liu Huajun lightly waved his hand, ”Go ahead, don't get too tired.”
After sending the two children off, Liu Huajun smiled and muttered to himself, ”oh, I have not been so happy in a really long time. This is really not easy…” He closed his eyes, and he was soon snoring softly.
Time passed quickly. Liu Huajun sat up from the bed and put on some clothes. In the blink of an eye, it was one o'clock in the afternoon. After pondering for a while, he opened a drawer and took out a certificate, before leaving the house. He hired a cab from the main street and rushed to the city's provincial government office in the downtown area.
When the guard at the door saw Liu Huajun, he immediately greeted him with a salute, ”Sir, what are you here for?”
”Is Governor Zhao Qimin in his office?” Liu Huajun asked as he stood casually. He took out the certificate and handed it to the guard, saying, ”If he is, bring me to him.”