Peter Thompson felt a pang in his heart again, holding back his tears and forcing a smile as he said, "Grandpa, don't worry. I'm really strong now—I eat two or three bowls of rice at every meal!"

"That's good, that's good!" Grandpa said with a beaming smile.

"Let's go home, Grandpa!" Peter Thompson gently said as he supported his grandfather.

Grandpa nodded, happily letting his grandson help him home, his face full of pride.

Although he, Frank Thompson, was thin and weak in the village, no one dared to offend him, and everyone respected him. Because he had a good grandson—the only college student in the village. No, now he was already a graduate student, and even a guaranteed admission to a top university in the country. Even people in the township knew about Frank Thompson.

Peter Thompson supported his grandfather as they walked along the village's concrete road. Along the way, people greeted them from time to time. The older folks all praised Frank Thompson for having such a good grandson, while the younger ones, after saying hello, watched Peter Thompson leave with eyes full of admiration.

Peter Thompson had already become a legendary figure in the village!

Grandpa's house was at a three-way intersection in the village—a single-story tile-roofed house that also served as a small shop. Frank Thompson usually made a living by selling snacks and daily necessities, earning a little money to support himself and pay for Peter Thompson's education. Of course, ever since Peter Thompson went to college, he won scholarships every year and worked part-time to earn money, so he never asked Frank Thompson for money again. Instead, every year he would bring clothes, supplements, and money for him. This made Frank Thompson both gratified and heartbroken.

Heartbroken that his grandson was enduring hardships away from home!

"Grandpa, I'm sorry. I didn't look for a job but chose to continue my studies instead."

At night, lying on the same bed as his grandfather, Peter Thompson said guiltily.

"Silly child, Grandpa couldn't be happier that you can go to graduate school. You don't know how many people come to me for advice on how to raise their kids these days. All the folks in the village, young and old, like to come to Grandpa's shop to buy things, and isn't that all because of you? Child, study hard and make something of yourself. Become a great scientist in the future, as great as Deng Jiaxian. Don't worry, Grandpa is still healthy, and I don't lack money to spend," Grandpa said.

The old man didn't know which scientist was the greatest, but he knew that Deng Jiaxian gave China nuclear deterrence, so that foreigners no longer dared to look down on China. That's why he especially admired Deng Jiaxian.

"Mm!" Peter Thompson replied.

Chapter 8: First Meeting Lucy Spencer

Grandpa was silent for a while, then sighed and said, "There's just one downside to you going to graduate school."

Peter Thompson's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Then I won't go to graduate school. I'll go find a job in a few days!"

Grandpa got anxious when he heard that, coughing several times in a row, scaring Peter Thompson into quickly patting his back.

"You little rascal, Grandpa hasn't finished talking yet!" Grandpa scolded, but in his heart he was unspeakably gratified. This child was so filial—having such a grandson in this lifetime, he could die without regrets.

Peter Thompson still felt a bit uneasy.

"Sigh, it's just that the more you study, the later you get married. Look, even Nina Thompson, who used to play with you, is married now." Grandpa sighed again.

Peter Thompson couldn't help but laugh—so that's what it was!

"By the way, do you have a girlfriend now? Even if I can't hold a great-grandchild early, I'd feel at ease seeing my granddaughter-in-law in advance," Grandpa asked.

When people get old, they develop a strange eagerness and anticipation for certain things.

Girlfriend! In Peter Thompson's mind appeared the image of a tall, beautiful young woman.

Peter Thompson brushed away the image in his mind with a hint of sadness. A poor family background couldn't stop the passionate enthusiasm of youth.

On campus, Peter Thompson had also had a brief romance, but that relationship couldn't withstand the test of money. She soon left him for a rich young man.

"Good boy, not saying anything for so long—you must already have one!" Grandpa said happily.

Peter Thompson's thoughts snapped back from the bitterness of his first love. He wanted to say he didn't, but couldn't bear to dampen Grandpa's spirits, so he just mumbled an indistinct reply.

Hearing this, Grandpa actually scrambled up, pacing excitedly around the small room, making Peter Thompson feel a bit guilty.

He stayed at home with Grandpa for five days. On Saturday, under Grandpa's reluctant yet hopeful gaze, Peter Thompson set off back to Hangzhou. On Sunday morning, the train brought Peter Thompson to Hangzhou right on time.

Before leaving for Hangzhou, Peter Thompson stuffed the five hundred yuan he had saved into Grandpa's hands, but Grandpa stubbornly refused to take it, saying that now that he had a girlfriend, he needed money. The old man even tried to give him money instead, leaving Peter Thompson both amused and exasperated, and even more afraid to admit he didn't have a girlfriend.

On Sunday afternoon, Peter Thompson was reading in the library when his phone suddenly vibrated. He looked at it—it was an unfamiliar number.

"Is this Xiao Li?" Mr. Spencer's voice came through the phone.

"Yes, Mr. Spencer, is there something you need?" Peter Thompson was a bit curious why Mr. Spencer was calling him at this time.

"Have you already returned to Hangzhou?" Mr. Spencer asked again.

"Yes," Peter Thompson replied.