What Does That Uncle Mean

"Aotian, you're back?"

"You've changed so much. Your dad mentioned you got into university in the Capital City..."

"What's the Capital City like? Compared to our small town, it must be really bustling..."

"Have you eaten yet? Come over to Auntie's place for lunch later..."

As Long Aotian walked downstairs, neighbors who noticed how much he'd changed greeted him warmly, asking questions one after another. Long Aotian smiled and patiently answered each one. By the time he reached the bottom of the stairs, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Such overwhelming enthusiasm could be a bit hard to handle.

Despite the snow, the market was crowded. Soon, he arrived at his father's stall.

His father didn’t say much, but he was overjoyed that his grown-up son wasn’t ashamed of his humble work and even came to help.

"I’ll take you to buy some new clothes later," Long Aotian said.

The old man waved it off. "No need. Your old man’s got plenty to wear."

Hearing his father’s words, Long Aotian couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Well, in a little while, my little teacher might come visit us. Are you sure you don’t want to dress a bit sharper?"

At that, his father froze for a second before bursting into laughter. "Alright, we’ll go shopping when we have time."

"I’m planning to visit her family soon."

"Good! Make sure you dress handsomely. Whatever her family says, just agree. Your old man might not have much, but I’ve saved up enough for you. Here, take some money for clothes—" He started digging into his pockets.

"No need, I’ve got my own money," Long Aotian said, amused by his father’s excitement.

"How much could you possibly have? Keep your money for yourself."

"Really, it’s fine. At school, I met friends who share my interests, and we’ve started a small business. I’ve saved up quite a bit."

"You’re right, Dad. I didn’t understand before—I made you worry so much. But after leaving home and seeing the wider world, I’ve realized that while education isn’t the only path, it’s still the best one."

"Thank you for never giving up on me."

In the original novel, his father had exhausted everything to send him to college.

"Ah, what’s there to thank? Your old man’s got no real skills. This was all I could do for you. Everything you’ve achieved is because of your own hard work."

Looking at the middle-aged man before him, his voice suddenly hoarse, Long Aotian felt an indescribable emotion welling up inside.

Just then—

His phone rang.

It was a video call from the little girl.

Long Aotian answered. Before her face even appeared on screen, her soft, laughing voice came through the speaker: "Long-ge, I’m home."

"Long-ge, are you outside?" She could hear the noise and the crowd behind him.

"Guess who’s here," Long Aotian said, turning the camera toward his father.

His father fumbled awkwardly, wiping his hands on his clothes. "Little Teacher, you’re back home."

"Ah—!" Hu Yuying gasped softly, surprised that Long-ge was with his father right now.

In a shy, hesitant voice, she called out, "Uncle..." She wasn’t sure if Long-ge had told him about them yet.

What would Uncle think if he knew?

She had no idea.

But seeing how happy he looked, it was probably fine!

His father shot Long Aotian a meaningful look while grinning. "Good, good that you’re home..."

He was too caught off guard to say much else.

Noticing his father’s awkwardness and the little girl’s shyness, Long Aotian turned the camera back to himself and stepped outside the stall.

The signal was bad with so many people around—the video kept freezing.

Once he was outside, the call smoothed out.

"Long-ge, did you tell Uncle?"

"Tell him what?" Long Aotian teased, pretending not to understand.

Watching her struggle to say it, cheeks flushed, he laughed. "I told him I’ll be visiting you soon. Coming to your house."

On screen, Hu Yuying bit her lip nervously and started fiddling with the snow on some old items in the yard.

"So… what did Uncle say?"

Her eyes darted away, avoiding the screen.

"Why won’t you look at me?"

He was about to tease her some more—this girl was too easy to fluster—

But then, her grandfather’s voice came through the video: "Nini, it’s cold outside! Come in, your grandma roasted sweet potatoes for you..."

Hearing the old man’s voice, Long Aotian’s playful confidence vanished instantly.

Seeing his sudden nervousness, Hu Yuying giggled behind her hand. "Hehe, when you come, I’ll roast sweet potatoes for you too."

"I’ll go inside now. I’ll call you tonight, Long-ge."

"Alright."

After the call ended, Long Aotian realized he was actually a little nervous too. He’d talked big, but the thought of meeting her family made his stomach twist.

But it was just a little nervousness.

No matter how old you were, meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time always felt like this.

......

Hu Yuying walked back into the house.

The warmth from the stove instantly melted away the chill.

Seeing her grandparents roasting sweet potatoes, she smiled and walked over. "Grandma, let me do it."

Her grandmother glanced at her, noticing the bright, slightly mischievous smile on her face. "What’s got our Nini so happy?"

Hu Yuying immediately thought of Long-ge’s stunned, flustered expression and nearly laughed.

And the fact that he’d already told his father about them—her heart swelled with joy.

She shook her head. "Nothing."

But her happiness was impossible to hide. Her grandparents didn’t press further.

They were old. Young people’s affairs were beyond them.

But seeing A-Ying smile like this made them happy too.

Using the tongs, she pulled out a sweet potato, poked it with chopsticks, and peeled it open.

The sweet, rich aroma filled the room.

"Grandpa, Grandma, you eat first." She handed the first one to them.

"Tomorrow, I want to take you both to town to buy new clothes."

"Just get some for your grandma. Grandpa’s got plenty," the old man said.

"No, both of you have to go." She explained, "With Long-ge’s help, I’ve started making money now. I even opened an online shop—it brings in earnings every day."

Her grandparents exchanged a glance.

Every time their granddaughter mentioned this "Long-ge," the affection and delight in her eyes were impossible to miss...