Young Man, You're Quite Impressive

"Young man, you're truly remarkable, absolutely remarkable."

"Remarkable."

After listening to Gu Luo's words, Grandma Li studied him carefully. The more she looked, the more she sensed an uncommon aura and poise radiating from him, and she couldn't help but repeat "remarkable" three times.

Then, with a gentle smile, she explained, "The recyclables I collect are eventually given to an elderly sister of mine who has a slight disability. But my ability to help is limited—I can only do so much."

"Anyway, it’s better than sitting idle. I treat it as a way to exercise."

Hearing this, Gu Luo felt a pang of embarrassment.

So, he had misunderstood all along.

Indeed, prejudice in people's hearts is like an insurmountable mountain. It had never crossed his mind that this seemingly well-off elderly woman was quietly helping others.

"I’m sorry, Grandma. I misunderstood," Gu Luo quickly apologized sincerely.

"No need, no need," Grandma Li waved her hand and added, "Young man, what you said earlier was actually very right."

"At first, I really was just collecting recyclables to earn some extra money, thinking every little bit helps, and saving where I could."

"But when my younger brother found out, he scolded me harshly... Haha."

As she spoke, her smile gradually faded, replaced by a trace of bitterness. She sighed,

"Ultimately, my own mindset wasn’t elevated enough..."

"After a lifetime as a teacher... I’ve lectured countless students about the importance of the prosperous helping the less fortunate, contributing to the grand goal of common prosperity. Yet, in the end... I myself ended up encroaching on the living resources of others."

"Back in the day, I even criticized the wealthy... accused them of treating people as less than human, of hoarding wealth. They’d amassed fortunes they couldn’t spend in several lifetimes, yet refused to share even a little..."

"Even just a small fraction could bring happiness to so many more..."

"But in the end... I unwittingly became the very person I once despised."

Grandma Li fell silent for a few seconds before smiling warmly at Gu Luo again.

"Young man, you’re truly remarkable. To have such awareness at your age is rare."

"Ah, old people like me tend to ramble, always spouting life lessons. Don’t mind this old woman’s chatter, haha..."

"Grandma, I really enjoy listening to your insights. I don’t find it rambling at all," Gu Luo said earnestly.

"Exactly, exactly," Situ Wenyao chimed in, having suppressed his earlier smugness and now genuinely reflecting on her words.

At this moment, his best friend’s image seemed to tower before him.

No, no—he had to stay immersed, keep immersing himself.

Just thinking that those earlier thoughts had come from his own mouth made his heart swell with pride again.

Meanwhile, Huang Anlu was undoubtedly the most awkward one present.

She wanted to say something to Gu Luo but didn’t know how to begin.

Grandma Li looked at the vibrant young faces before her and smiled contentedly before speaking softly,

"Actually, these truths were already taught to us by the sages of history."

Gu Luo picked up the thread, "As Records of the Grand Historian says: 'Those who enjoy the bounty of the state must not compete for profit with the common people.'"

"Yes, that’s the one!"

Grandma Li’s admiration grew even stronger, and she couldn’t help but wish he were her own grandson.

She then glanced at the nearby trash bin and sighed deeply.

"Take this trash bin, for example. It represents the last lifeline for those at the bottom of society."

"Misfortune often arrives before tomorrow. For those driven to desperation by life’s twists and turns, scavenging through bins can offer a fleeting respite from hunger."

"Of course, this is all hindsight—a realization that only came to me later."

At this point, Grandma Li suddenly asked Gu Luo, "Young man, have you ever considered becoming a civil servant in the future?"

"Oh, and I also have a grandson..."

"Grandma Li."

A cool, clear voice interrupted.

Gu Luo and the others instinctively turned to see Luo Shuling and, standing beside her, Luo Shuhe.

Luo Shuhe’s face was as expressionless as ever. She walked straight to Gu Luo’s side and asked Grandma Li softly,

"Grandma Li, do you still remember us?"

"Hmm... So lovely... You look familiar." Grandma Li studied Luo Shuhe’s delicate features, trying to place her, then suddenly brightened.

"You’re Shuning?"

"Grandma Li, she’s Shuhe," Luo Shuling stepped forward, grinning. "I’m Shuling. Shuning stayed home today."

"Oh, now I remember... You’re Luo Liang’s triplet daughters." Grandma Li noticed how close the two sisters were standing to the young man and couldn’t help asking, "And this young man is...?"

"My brother’s name is Gu Luo. His father and our mother remarried," Luo Shuling explained with a smile, then added,

"Uncle Li must have mentioned it, right? This weekend, my brother will be performing the suona at the government compound."

"So, you’re the boy Xiaohai told me about!" Grandma Li clapped her hands to her forehead, laughing.

"I watched your suona performance video—more than once, actually! I even shared it in the family group chat. Truly outstanding."

She examined Gu Luo again from head to toe, her eyes brimming with admiration.

"Handsome, talented, and with such noble ideals... Ah, what a rare and exceptional young man."

"Though it’s odd... I should’ve recognized you sooner..."

Under the barrage of praise, Gu Luo felt a little sheepish.

The reason Grandma Li hadn’t recognized him was simple: in the video, his charm was at an 11, but right now, it was only a 9.

It was like he’d been draped in a halo of charisma in the video, making him shine even brighter.

From their conversation, Gu Luo now understood that this Grandma Li was likely the elder sister of Caizhou City’s mayor, Li Bohai.

After the school anniversary celebration, Luo Liang had specifically asked if he’d be willing to perform the suona at the government compound.

She’d listed a whole array of benefits earnestly.

At the time, he hadn’t hesitated to agree.

First, performing for the elderly was no trouble at all. Second, these connections were valuable social resources.

Even if they weren’t useful to him now, they’d certainly benefit Luo Liang.

It was then that Gu Luo became even more convinced that Luo Liang’s urgency in having him move into the apartment had genuinely been about ensuring the well-being of the three sisters.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have needed to consult him—she could’ve just arranged it directly.

Meanwhile, Situ Wenyao and Huang Anlu were utterly lost.

They knew nothing about the Luo sisters’ family background or who this "Uncle Li" was.

Situ Wenyao stayed silent, still lost in his own immersion.

Huang Anlu remained silent, merely looking awkward.

"I absolutely adore Xiao Luo," Grandma Li said as she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her hands, then took Gu Luo's hand with a sigh. "Your grandparents are so lucky to have such a wonderful grandson."

"Ahem..." Gu Luo didn't respond.

"Grandma Li, my stepfather was an orphan, so my brother doesn’t have grandparents—just our family as relatives," Luo Shuling remarked airily at that moment.

Hearing this, Luo Shuhe shot her a subtle glance.

Luo Shuling simply blinked innocently.

"...Oh, I see," Grandma Li replied, gripping Gu Luo's hand even tighter, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Xiao Luo, from now on, you can think of me as your own grandmother."

"I also have a granddaughter around your age—she studies at Caizhou University. You young folks should get together more often."

"Oh, and this Wednesday, some relatives from my hometown are bringing local specialties. You should all come over for dinner and try this old woman’s cooking."

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