Chapter 4: Liyang IN Alley

Cheng Qingyan waved to his nephew with a smile. “You’ve arrived just in time. Let me introduce you—this is Aunt Jiang, and this is her daughter, Yuanyuan.”

He then turned to Jiang Lanfang and calmly introduced his nephew. “Xiaofang, this is my elder brother’s son, Cheng Yubai. He’s here visiting Huangshan.”

Jiang Lanfang, warm and lively, responded with a booming voice full of energy. “Touring is great! Where do you plan to go? Luckily, Yuanyuan is free tomorrow—let her show your nephew around. Our little town may not have much else, but it certainly has plenty of places to enjoy. Yuanyuan, you’re about the same age, so take good care of him.”

Yuanyuan was about to say, “What a coincidence, we actually came back by the same train,” but before the words left her mouth, she heard Cheng Yubai’s distant and cool reply, polite yet detached: “Thank you, but no need. I know someone here.”

Yuanyuan smiled awkwardly and didn’t say more, thinking to herself that she was just being polite.

Cheng Qingyan, however, asked, “Who? How come I didn’t know you have acquaintances here?”

Cheng Yubai replied dismissively, “An online friend. Second uncle, which hotel are you staying at? I took a high-speed train for hours, I’m exhausted and want to rest first.”

Cheng Qingyan’s nightlife was just starting; unwilling to return to the hotel so soon but unable to refuse his nephew’s insistence, he turned to Jiang Lanfang. “Xiaofang, I’ll take my nephew to the hotel first. Tomorrow I’m going fishing at Gongbao Reservoir. If I catch a big one, I’ll bring it over for you. Your steamed fish is absolutely delicious—I’m quite fond of that.”

Jiang Lanfang’s eyes sparkled with pride. “My cooking is definitely top-notch. When you catch a big fish, just call me—I’ll give you a good show in the kitchen.”

They chatted and laughed, and after reaching an agreement, Cheng Qingyan was urged by his nephew to leave the night market.

Yuanyuan stared at the backs of the uncle and nephew, then whispered to Jiang Lanfang, “Uncle Cheng’s nephew is really aloof. Mom, you said on the phone that the fisherman chasing after you is Uncle Cheng? What does he do? Why is he after you? Could he be a scammer?”

Jiang Lanfang gently patted her daughter’s head. “How would I know what he does? But he said his ancestral home is right here in Yucun Village. He saw my live stream and came back to visit. Didn’t he say his surname is Cheng? Our whole village used to be Chengs, so he’s definitely not lying. What, do you think your mom isn’t charming enough to attract a handsome uncle? I’m not bragging, but when I was young, I used to dance at the Tunxi clubs, surrounded by boys. You weren’t there, but I was quite the flower in my youth.”

Yuanyuan cupped her face. “Of course. Especially since daughters take after their mothers. When I look in the mirror, I think, wow, Mom was so beautiful when she was young.”

Mother and daughter, both radiant with confidence, laughed heartily.

Jiang Lanfang added with a smile, “I’m not old now. Who says people born in the ’80s are old? If your grandma had given birth to me just fifteen minutes earlier, I’d be from the ’75 generation. That was close.”

Her mother was born at 12:15 a.m. on January 1, 1980.

She always thanked her lucky stars for being on the early train of the ’80s generation, proud to be among the first.

As night deepened, more and more people came to the night market in groups of three or five, wandering from stall to stall in search of tasty treats.

With the crowd growing, the business at Big Uncle’s stall flourished.

After a brief chat, mother and daughter eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help, working energetically.

***

Meanwhile, Cheng Yubai followed his second uncle to the Crown Hotel where he was staying.

The second uncle had booked a twin room for a long stay, so Cheng Yubai didn’t open a separate room. He registered his ID at the front desk and asked if there was a place to dine in the hotel.

The receptionist replied, “The Jiangpan Buffet on the third floor serves dinner. There’s a discount if you order on Meituan: 148 yuan for one person, 288 for two. You’re already registered here; please keep your ID safe.”

Cheng Yubai took back his ID card, nodding politely like a gentleman. “Thank you.”

He pulled his suitcase and followed his uncle to the elevator.

Cheng Qingyan said, “I’m hungry. We should’ve eaten at the night market earlier. Why rush back? Buffets everywhere are the same—nothing special.”

Cheng Yubai replied, “The night market looked unsanitary. I was afraid I’d get an upset stomach.”

Cheng Qingyan disapproved. “You young people are too particular. Conditions are better now, but your father and I endured tough times. When I was a kid, having meat on the table was a joy for the whole evening. Why leave good Shanghai to come here? Don’t tell me you’re just here looking for inspiration from games or intangible cultural heritage. Young people usually want to cut ties with elders when they travel. So why come running to me right off the train?”

Cheng Yubai didn’t beat around the bush. “Grandpa said second uncle is so happy here he doesn’t want to leave. He asked me to come see what’s going on.”

Cheng Qingyan smiled wryly. “He’s over seventy but quite nosy. The mountains and waters here are beautiful—good for cultivating oneself. If the old man came, he wouldn’t want to leave either. Besides, Huangshan is our ancestral home. Grandpa made his fortune through business after leaving Huangshan. Coming back is about remembering your roots.”

The beauty of the mountains and rivers was undeniable, and Cheng Yubai had no argument.

The hotel where the second uncle stayed was right by the Xin’an River. Entering the room, the floor-to-ceiling window revealed a picturesque river view, like a delicate ink wash painting—misty and poetic.

Flower lantern boats drifted on the river at night, their colorful lights making the darkness enchanting.

“I just hope second uncle’s eyes aren’t only on the scenery, but also on the beauties,” Cheng Yubai suddenly said, making Cheng Qingyan laugh.

He dropped the formalities with his nephew and even sought his opinion. “What do you think of her? Full of energy, right? I’ve never married at forty-seven, but maybe it’s time to find a companion. After seeing so much of the world, what really makes me want a family is the simple warmth of everyday life.”

Cheng Yubai stood by the window, then turned to look at his middle-aged uncle in the springtime of his life. Thinking that Yuanyuan was so young, possibly two years younger than himself, he frowned deeply and said bluntly, “Uncle, get a grip!”

Cheng Qingyan looked innocent. “What’s wrong with me? I’m serious this time.”

Cheng Yubai couldn’t bear it. “And what about her? Would she accept you?”

Cheng Qingyan chuckled. “She doesn’t seem that resistant. We’re still getting to know each other. I do have some charm, you know. She’s passionate and fiery, and we get along quite well. No rush.”

Cheng Yubai found it hard to imagine Yuanyuan being okay with his uncle.

Could it be that one day he would have to call a young girl his aunt?

The thought gave him goosebumps. He thought, “Looks like uncle’s lost his mind. Men are the worst when they’re obsessed; advice only makes things worse. Tomorrow, I have to talk to that little influencer. The best solution is to convince her to come to her senses and stop encouraging uncle’s foolishness.”

Having settled on a plan, Cheng Yubai wanted to try the buffet recommended by the front desk, but Cheng Qingyan said, “Forget the buffet. I’ll take you to the first-floor riverside restaurant on Liyang Water Street for the most authentic Huizhou cuisine. It tastes just like the dishes my grandmother used to make—before you were born, so you never had the chance to try her cooking.”

Cheng Yubai didn’t refuse.

After a brief rest, the two left the hotel together for Liyang Water Street.

***

Yuanyuan sneezed twice by the barbecue stall.

Jiang Lanfang asked, “Why are you sneezing? Are you cold?”

Yuanyuan rubbed her nose. “It’s so hot, it can’t be cold. Maybe it’s the smoke from the grill, or someone’s teasing me from behind.”

Jiang Lanfang took the food from her hands. “Stop working for now. Ride the electric scooter home, take a shower, and get a good night’s sleep.”

She pulled a set of keys from her pocket and handed them to Yuanyuan. “Is your luggage still in your little uncle’s car? Ask him for the keys and bring it with you.”

Though not tired at all, Yuanyuan loved the lively atmosphere of this place.

After returning home, she felt energized, wanting to embrace the bustling scene.

Usually, at this hour, she’d be working late at the office, but now she could enjoy the barbecue area’s fun. She was reluctant to go home early and sleep.

What would the countryside be like at night—quiet and lonely?

Just then, Jiang Wenbin approached her. “Yuanyuan, do you have a moment? Your little aunt hasn’t eaten yet—she’s been busy all day. I packed some crayfish and barbecue for her. Could you take it over?”

Yuanyuan immediately said, “Sure! I’ll ride Mom’s scooter. Is she still at the tea shop on Liyang Water Street?”

“Yes.”

Jiang Wenbin handed her the packed food.

Yuanyuan rode the electric scooter leisurely toward Liyang Water Street.

***

Liyang Water Street, also known as Liyang IN Alley, is a trendy district in Tunxi City where history and modernity blend seamlessly. It’s a renowned tourist hotspot in Huangshan, frequented by many celebrities.

Established in the thirteenth year of the Jian’an era during the Eastern Han Dynasty (209 AD), Liyang Water Street boasts over 1,800 years of history. It sits at the confluence of the Xin’an, Heng, and Shuilu Rivers and is a significant site of Huizhou’s historical culture.

The street preserves traditional Huizhou architectural styles, with bluestone-paved alleys, old wooden storefronts, and ancient courtyards, while also incorporating modern design elements. Bars, restaurants, bookstores, milk tea shops, and various eateries abound. It’s a favorite for tourists and a popular nightlife spot for local youth.

Every time Yuanyuan returns home for the New Year, she visits Liyang Water Street to eat, drink, and have fun. The street often hosts various events, and she and her girlfriends sometimes dress in Hanfu to participate.

She knew every shortcut to get to Liyang Water Street as quickly as possible, cutting through a small path near the military gate, crossing several streets, and arriving at Wenfeng Bridge, the gateway to Liyang Water Street.

On Wenfeng Bridge, cars were bumper to bumper, forming a long queue.

Yuanyuan weaved her electric scooter skillfully through the congestion, leaving the trapped cars far behind.

Inside one of the stalled cars on the bridge, Cheng Yubai caught sight of Yuanyuan speeding past alongside his vehicle. Surprised, he raised his eyebrows. “Is that her?”