Chapter 8

Yuan Xi was shocked and quickly asked: “What’s the matter?”

The flaxen-haired teenager seemed to have run all the way back; he was exhausted and panting like an ox, and his face was even flushed when he said this (informed YX of YY’s accident).

His name was Cai Wen. He was one of the twelve people left behind. His parents also had some savings in their hands, and they [ended up] buying the house on the left side of Yuan Xi, becoming [their] neighbors.

Because of Yuan Xi’s life-saving grace, they were very enthusiastic towards Yuan Xi’s family. Besides the first month, during which Lin Suyun closed the door to grateful visitors, they often came and went, and had a good relationship [with YX and his family]. That’s why Cai Wen was in such a hurry when Yuan Yucheng had an accident.

When Yuan Xi saw Cai Wen, he did not care to let him elaborate, but [instead] urged him: “Where’s my uncle? Take me over [to him].”

Cai Wen nodded wildly and then ran out.

Lin Suyun, holding Xiao Yuan Zhe in his bedroom, heard his [Cai Wen’s] voice. She came out and asked: “What happened?”

Lin Suyun was not an ordinary woman. In fact, her temperament was even a little stronger than that of a man in many cases, so Yuan Xi did not want to hide [this from] her: “There are something Uncle Yuan. Xiao Wen called [out to] me, so I’ll go and see it.”

Hearing this, Lin Suyun didn’t panic, but frowned and said to Yuan Xi: “You hurry up and I’ll take care of Xiao Zhe at home. Contact me if you need anything.”

Yuan Xi should have come down, put on his shoes, and leave. Before leaving, he paused again and returned to his bedroom to put the remote control-like weapon, which was really called Pulse Ray ▯▯, into his pocket. There was no harm in being careful.

Cai Wen ran with Yuan Xi all the way, telling Yuan Xi what he knew on the way.

Uncle Yuan had an accident!

On Blue Star, because the Federation did not provide many material resources, the level of science and technology was not very advanced. There were no flying cars, but there were cars running on the ground.

Yuan Xi’s island was the largest in the whole of Blue Star, named Blue Island, directly named for Blue Star. Blue Island had a high population density with more than 80,000 people. This number was [still] too small to mention in the entire Federation, but there were only about 200,000 people on the planet. Blue Island accounts for nearly 50% of the total population, and is already the most prosperous island.

Because of this, Blue Island’s development was more thorough. The ground traffic was very developed, and there were many vehicles coming and going. Without the perfect urban intelligence system of the main planet, it was still man-made and thus difficult to avoid frequent accidents.

When Yuan Xi first heard of the car accident, his heart gave a loud thump. As a 20th century earthling, he had seen too much about [this]. So many lives disappeared and so many families were broken up [due to car accidents].

He just got home… Yuan Xi shook his head violently. Now was not the time to lose [focus]; he needed to keep his spirits up and look at the situation first. Now, in this future society, the medicine has progressed and is hundred times more advanced than before. Anyway, he won’t let Uncle Yuan have any problems.

They took a taxi, and arrived at the hospital in 5 minutes. Yuan Xi got out of the car and rushed in without a pause. After asking around, they found the ward [Uncle Yuan was admitted to].

When he opened the door of the ward, he saw Yuan Yucheng resting in bed. Yuan Xi’s heart, which had been lodged in his throat, returned to its position.*

*To have your heart in your throat refers to the feeling of tightness in your throat when you are nervous, anxious, and/or frightened. So, Yuan Xi was anxious, but calmed upon seeing Uncle Yuan.

This was a single room, and the condition [of the room] was very good. The bed was tilted at a 45 degree angle, [allowing] Yuan Yucheng to lean on it [comfortably]. He looked the same as usual; there was no obvious [sign of] serious injury on his body.

Yuan Yucheng was not a person good at expressing emotions; he was even ordinarily somewhat wooden [in expression and personality]. However, he smiled when he saw Yuan Xi and said: “[There’s] no emergency, I’m alright. [Such] a big fuss for just a little scratch.”

Although he already knew that he (YYC) was okay, Yuan Xi was really relieved to hear Yuan Yucheng say that. At that moment, he was finally in the mood to look around.

There were three people in the ward: an old man with half a head of hair who appeared 60 or 70 years old, a middle-aged man with a slightly fat figure, and a young girl with a ponytail.

Seeing Yuan Xi enter [the room], the chubby middle-aged man hurried over, grabbed Yuan Xi’s hand, and said: “Child, are you my elder brother’s son? Ah! You don’t know. Thanks to the elder brother! If it hadn’t been for his help and sense of justice, my old father would have…surely…” His voice began to choke and he did not finish his sentence.

The young girl hurried to hold him up. Her beautiful face was full of gratitude, with a little guilt and fear [as well].

They all sat down before Yuan Xi, and only then did he learn the whole story.

This family’s surname was Wang. Yuan Xi was right; Wang Lao was already 80 years old. There was no big breakthrough in [mitigating] human aging in the future. Although many disease can be cured, they could not resist aging and the exhaustion of the body. 100 years is already a venerable age. So, although Wang Lao was not sick, he was very old at the age of 80, and his [body’s] physical functions were not keeping up.

His granddaughter, Wang Xueqing, originally helped him [go] out for a walk, but Wang Xueqing [received a phone call and] was distracted when she answered the phone. It was not much fun for Wang Lao to just stand there; look at a seat across the road, he wanted to rest.

Although he was old, he had always been in good health. He thought crossing the street wouldn’t be a problem. Who knew, he couldn’t stop the car blind.*

However, Wang Lao is old after all. He couldn’t keep up with his physical reactions nor could he hide from it. When Wang Xueqing heard the honks and looked at the crossway, he was too far away. Thanks to Yuan Yucheng, Wang Lao was saved by a tackle. In order to protect Wang Lao, he threw his whole back on the ground and fainted.

At first glance, the injuries seemed so serious that Cai Wen, who passed by, was scared half to death. He immediately notified the hospital pick up the people [involved], and then rushed to find Yuan Xi.

But when they arrived at the hospital, they realized [the injuries] were all skin injuries (contusions and bruises) and that Wang Lao was alright.

The driver who caused the accident was scared. The car was detained by the traffic police and people were taken in for interrogation.

But on the whole, there was no danger.

Wang Qingnian’s zealous gratefulness toward Yucheng and Yuan Xi was truly from his heart. His daughter, Wang Xueqing, was very embarrassed; she was careless, so she felt ashamed, uneasy, and fearful.

Yuan Xi was relieved to know what happened. He said to Wang Qingnian: “Uncle Wang, [you] don’t need to say anything. Everyone’s fine, and nothing is more important than that. I…” He had just wanted to talk about his uncle, but stopped sharply. He looked at Yuan Yucheng and continued*: “My father did this, and I’m proud to be a son.”

*actually translated as 'said” but I took creative license and substituted it with “continued”

“His father” – the Wang family did not feel anything [amiss], but [the name] left Yuan Yucheng stunned. He looked at Yuan Xi. The corners of his mouth, which were tightly closed, suddenly rose a little [into a smile], and the joy in his black eyes could not be concealed.

Yuan Xi was a little shy, but he had thought this for a long time. Yucheng and his wife didn’t have any children, and he had neither father nor mother. Although he never said it clearly [before], he had always regarded them as very important family in his heart.

Because of this [incident], the two families met unexpectedly and found the other to be happy people. The more Wang Qingnian saw Yuan Xi in particular, the more he liked him. The boy looked good and [seemed like he] loved to laugh. He liked talking and did things pleasantly, which made people unconsciously like him and feel close [to him].

Wang Xueqing, on the other hand, stole a few glances at Yuan Xi from time to time.

Finally, with Wang Qingnian’s insistence, Yuan Yucheng underwent a general physical examination. The doctor informed [them that] there were no problems in a certain and positive tone, and they then went through formally discharging [from the hospital].

Wang Qingnian had a car, and insisted on sending Yuan Yucheng back [home]. Yuan Yucheng did not refuse. Instead, Yuan Xi explained the situation to Lin Suyun in advance. Lin Suyun was also relieved.

Back in the Yuan family’s [home], Wang Xueqing – who had taken a step ahead of schedule – arrived with a large bag in her hand. It seemed that she bought a bunch of gifts at her father’s command.

Yuan Yucheng [was finally forced] to accept them at Wang Qingnian’s insistence.

When people entered the house, Wang Qingnian realized that Yuan Xi had a son. Astonished, he gave [them] a spare red envelope for Xiao Yuan Zhe. Yuan Xi pushed it back, but could not resist the elder Wang Qingnian’s pressure and finally accepted it.

Wang Xueqing still had a girl’s heart, and was surprised to hear that Yuan Xi had a son. She had previously stole glances at Yuan Xi [as] she had never seen such a bright and handsome boy before. She felt a little touched, knowing that he even had a son, but was [also] somewhat disappointed.

But at that moment, she saw Xiao Yuan Zhe and was instantly endeared by this lovely little doll. Oh my God, he’s so beautiful; few women could resist such a clean and beautiful little baby. That sensation of loss that previously [filled her] to the bottom of her heart also instantly disappeared.

Although Xiao Yuan Zhe was only a two-month old steamed bun, he was really playful. He learned to laugh when others laughed at him, and he would open his mouth and babble unintelligible monosyllables when others teased him to speak. It was so cute. At that time, all of Wang Xueqing’s attention was drawn by Xiao Yuan Zhe, and she had long forgotten Yuan Xi.

As the [small] group of people praised Yuan Zhe, Yuan Xi felt extremely proud and happy, his eyes curving [in half moons] as his mouth grinned.

As Wang Qingnian was about to leave, Yuan Xi quickly stopped him and said: “Uncle Wang, it’s not too early; stay for a meal. I think you and my dad have a good rapport, so sit down and have a drink.”

Wang Qingnian quickly replied: “How can I trouble you? Why don’t we go out for dinner instead?”

Yuan Xi said: “As far as our two families are concerned, where are we going to spend money? Uncle Wang, if you believe me, just sit down and chat with my father. I’ll prepare some home-cooked dishes for you to try.”

Since Yuan Xi insisted, Wang Qingnian no longer pushed [the matter]. [He gave] a bright smile and said: “Good, good!”

Yuan Xi went to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. Wang Qingnian said to Yuan Yucheng with great emotion: “You have a really good son, brother. Look at energy, I really envy you to death.”

Yuan Yucheng calmed his heart. Although he’s not an emotional person, he couldn’t hide his joy in that moment.

Yuan Xi knew the basics of the food here [in the future]. It wasn’t like the futuristic stories he used to read where they all consumed nutrient solution [since] vegetables, fruits, and grains were very expensive and rare.

On the contrary, though human beings have made great progress in science and technology in terms of interstellar exploration, they never abandoned the study of food. Yuan Longping*, the father of hybrid rice, lived in Yuan Xi’s era. Nowadays, countless agriculturalists have created more cost-effective food.

*Yuan Longping is a Chinese agronomist and educator, known for developing the first hybrid rice varities in the 1970s.

Especially after colonizing countless stars, there are a [great] variety of food.

Fortunately, there was no change in the categorization of food, such as grains, vegetables, meat, seafood and fish, etc… All in all, [food] could be divided into [the different categories].

Yuan Xi also saw many vegetables that he recognized [and were familiar with]. With his experience of working for star hotel chefs, he [was able to] make a large dinner.

There was only one door between the kitchen and the living room, so – though Yuan Xi was in the kitchen – he was able to hear the conversation between Wang Qingnian and Yucheng in the living room. [They] started with some gossip, until something Wang Qingnian said abruptly [caught his attention and] made Yuan Xi perk his ears.

Wang Qingnian said: “My brother, to tell you the truth, my daughter, who is the apple of my eye*, is also a contender. She even got into the First Agricultural University of the Federation. This information has been sent out and will be reported next month.”

*就是我心头上的肉 baidu told me this means “it’s the meat in my heart” but I figured the author meant that he treasured her daughter a lot, so the english idiom “apple of my eye” seemed to fit. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

Yuan Yucheng said: “This is a good thing. Xueqing is a good child.”

“Oh, my brother, I’m not sure. It’s not an island away from us that we can travel to in a minutes by car. It’s transplanetary, and my child has never left home. How can I rest assured… After a long discussion with her mother, she (the mother) wanted to go with her (WXQ). I’ve also saved some money for these years, and am thinking about selling or renting the farm out again…”