From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

Since they invited me with genuine sincerity, and it was also a way to express my gratitude for saving my life, I naturally had no reason to refuse, and I accepted almost without hesitation.

"No problem, Brother Tang, we're on our way now. By the way, what's your exact address?"

"Take the bus to Huajiang Road subway station, walk forward about 100 meters, and you'll reach Shangcheng Huafu residential area. Just give me a call when you get to the entrance."

He spoke in great detail, explaining the route clearly and without any perfunctory manner, which was enough to show their sincerity.

I quietly agreed, hung up the phone, turned to look at Su Qing, and said:

"It's Brother Tang Jianshan calling, asking us to come over for dinner now."

Su Qing nodded gently, without the slightest restraint, and casually said with a smile, "Sure, we don't have anything else to do right now, so we might as well go and sit down for a bit."

I nodded, thinking that it would be impolite to arrive empty-handed on my first visit.

So we found a nearby shopping mall and specially picked out several brand-new educational toys for Tang Jianshan's child, and then went downstairs to the fruit shop and selected a whole box of fresh seasonal fruit.

After preparing our gifts, we took a taxi directly to Shangcheng Huafu.

This is a decent residential community. It may not be considered a top-tier residential area, but the overall environment is clean, well-maintained, and lush with greenery. The buildings are spaced far apart, and the supporting facilities are complete.

Unlike the noisy and chaotic ordinary residential communities on the market, this place exudes a quiet and elegant living atmosphere, which shows that the residents are generally of high quality.

I parked the car at the main gate of the residential area and called Tang Jianshan.

He told us to wait a moment, and that he would come out to meet us soon.

In just three or four minutes, I saw Tang Jianshan leading a small figure slowly out of there.

The rescue took place late at night by the river, in dim light. I was so focused on saving the person that I didn't pay attention to the child's appearance.

Looking closely during the day, I realized he was an exceptionally adorable chubby little boy with a plump face and a sturdy yet not bulky figure, making him instantly endearing.

The little boy recognized us at a glance, instantly broke free from Tang Jianshan's hand, and ran forward quickly, his voice clear and loud:

"Uncle! Auntie! You're finally here! I've been waiting for you for so long!"

Most children this age are shy, introverted, and hesitant to express themselves, but this child was poised, polite, and enthusiastic, showing no signs of stage fright.

My heart warmed, and I stepped forward to gently rub his chubby cheeks, teasing him with a smile:

"Have you learned to swim yet?"

The chubby boy immediately pouted and shook his head with a wronged expression: "Not yet, swimming is too hard, I can't learn it."

I was amused by his adorable appearance and casually said, "What's so difficult about that? Uncle will teach you himself when I have time. Boys must learn to swim; it'll help them keep themselves safe in a pinch."

"Okay, okay! Thank you, Uncle!" The chubby boy's eyes lit up instantly, and he nodded repeatedly, overjoyed.

Su Qing, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but smile and looked at the little guy gently, saying, "You're so cute! Last time it was so dark that I couldn't see what you looked like, but you're just too adorable today."

The little guy wasn't annoyed at all when Su Qing teased him with a smile. He just chuckled and laughed, so innocent and well-behaved that he was more and more lovable.

Tang Jianshan walked forward slowly. He wasn't wearing the composed and formal business jacket he wore last night; instead, he was wearing a simple dark-colored loungewear coat.

He has lost some of the seriousness and sharpness of a professional man, but gained more of the gentleness and approachability of a family man, and his overall demeanor remains upright and mild.

He smiled and said, "Ever since this kid saw you last night, he's been talking about you nonstop at home. I was afraid of disturbing your rest or interfering with your work, so I didn't dare to call him easily."

"Brother Tang, you're too kind. We're free today, so we won't bother you," I quickly replied.

Tang Jianshan's gaze fell on the gifts and fruit that Su Qing and I were carrying, and he shook his head with a helpless smile:

"They're just visiting, why go to the trouble of buying all this stuff? It's too much of a formality."

"It's only right," I replied with a smile. "It's my first time visiting, so I should be polite. It's just some seasonal fruit and a small toy for the child—a small token of my appreciation."

"You two are so thoughtful."

Tang Jianshan smiled and nodded, gesturing, "Come inside quickly, it's chilly outside, come in and have some tea to warm up."

Along the way, the chubby boy held my hand in one hand and Su Qing's hand in the other, his small body sandwiched between them, his steps light and quick.

To him, I was not just a stranger, but someone who pulled him out of the river and gave him a second life.

The child, though unaware of the gratitude, will remember it in his heart.

Follow Tang Jianshan into the apartment building and take the elevator upstairs.

The moment I opened the door, a faint aroma of tea and the smoky scent of home-cooked dishes wafted towards me.

The interior features a simple and understated Chinese style, with wooden furniture and elegant ornaments, and is clean and spotless.

Without any excessive luxury decorations, it is understated yet elegant, revealing the owner's steady and reserved lifestyle.

Upon hearing the door open, Aunt Tang, whom I had seen last night, immediately came out of the kitchen, her hands still slightly greasy, and a warm smile on her face.

"We've been waiting for you! Please come in and sit down, don't stand! You've come all this way, why did you bring so much stuff? You're too kind!"

"Sister, this is just a small gift, nothing special," I replied politely with a smile.

"Okay, I'll accept the things. Please don't be shy, just make yourselves at home."

Aunt Tang was exceptionally enthusiastic. After speaking, she turned around and hurriedly went back to the kitchen to continue finishing up the remaining dishes.

To be honest, I felt incredibly warm inside.

The most precious thing about getting along with others is a sense of relaxation. We had only met them once, but they were not distant or polite. They treated us with genuine hospitality, and this sincerity was especially valuable.

Tang Jianshan invited us to sit on the sofa in the living room, and I took the opportunity to hand the toys I had bought to the chubby boy.

"Take a look, do you like it?"

The little one held the brand-new toy, eyes sparkling, nodding repeatedly: "I love it! I love it so much! Thank you, Uncle!"

Looking at his well-behaved manner, I smiled and asked, "By the way, we still don't know your full name. What's your name?"

He scratched his little head and obediently replied, "Uncle, my name is Tang Hao, you can just call me Hao Hao."

I thought to myself with admiration that most children's names these days are novel and complicated, while Tang Hao's name is simple, clean, upright, and dignified.

"How old is Hao Hao this year? What grade is he in?" I continued to chat casually.

"I am eight years old and in the second grade of elementary school," Tang Hao answered obediently.

I glanced up and looked at the living room wall, which was covered with all kinds of awards and certificates, neatly arranged.

Excellent student awards, academic competition awards, and honors in arts and sports are all available.

It's clear that this child is not only sensible and well-behaved, but also exceptionally good at studying.

"Haohao is so amazing! So many awards. He's a source of pride for his parents." I praised him sincerely.

Tang Hao displayed a composure and humility far beyond his years, and said with a smile, "I want to learn from my uncle and become a brave, righteous, and helpful person in the future."