Axolotl Translations

The year 1976 marked a pivotal moment in history. That year, the political campaigns came to an end, and for the first time in a decade, the people of China glimpsed the light at the end of the tunnel. Crowds filled the streets, and hope radiated from every face. Ten long years—they had endured, and they had made it through.

It had also been nearly twenty years since Wei Jiajia had arrived in this era. She was now thirty-five, though at first glance, she could easily pass for someone in her twenties. If it weren’t for the two tall young men—each over 1.7 meters—calling her “Mom,” people might have mistaken her for their older sister.

As for Qiao Haoyu, he had just turned forty and, this very year, had been transferred back to Beijing. By coincidence or fate, he was now living right next door to his father.

Today, the whole family was moving back to the capital. As she looked around at everything here one last time, a wave of sadness washed over Wei Jiajia. She had spent fifteen years living in this place. Every brick and blade of grass had witnessed her journey—her pregnancies, her children’s births, her growth. Now, she feared she might never see any of it again.

“Don’t be sad. When we have time, I’ll bring you back to visit. Huimin’s family still lives here—we can come see them too,” Qiao Haoyu said, wrapping an arm around his wife, trying to comfort her. He knew how heavy her heart must feel. After living here so long, it wasn’t easy to say goodbye—not for either of them.

Wei Jiajia shot him a side-eye. As if. “When you have time?” She didn’t say it out loud, but she knew better. He was in his prime now, well-regarded by his superiors. Who knew how many years it would be before he could take a proper break?

Qiao Haoyu rubbed his nose sheepishly. Although she hadn’t said anything, her eyes said it all, and he felt a bit guilty. He leaned close and whispered something into her ear.

Whatever he said made her ears flush red. She raised her fist and gave him a playful punch.

The triplets were completely unfazed by the scene—they were used to their parents being like this. Each of them was busy packing up, walking right past the couple without even glancing their way. But Qian Li, who had come along with Xiangyang, was completely stunned.

She had never imagined that her fairy-like sister-in-law would act this way in private, joking and flirting so openly with her husband. It was obvious that their relationship was incredibly loving. And honestly, she couldn’t blame him—if she were a man, she’d spoil someone like Wei Jiajia too.

“Don’t be surprised. You’ll get used to it after a while,” Xiangyang said casually when he noticed his wife’s reaction.

Qian Li rolled her eyes at her oblivious husband. Surprised? Sure, maybe a little. But more than anything, she was envious. This blockhead didn’t understand women at all. She still didn’t know what she’d seen in him in the first place.

After all, she had been the one to make the first move. She could still remember the look of shock on his face when she confessed her feelings.

At least he hadn’t kept her waiting too long. He said he’d think about it and then practically ran off in a panic. The next day, he came back all shy and awkward, making her feel like she’d been some kind of villain pressuring a pure and innocent man.

Qian Li sighed and shook her head. Well, I chose him. Now I’ve got to live with it.

Most of the Qiao family’s belongings had already been shipped by post. What remained was packed up neatly—each person carrying a share was enough. Once they finished tidying up, only the furniture was left in the house. They couldn’t take those with them, so they gave them away.

“Did you two remember everything I told you?” Wei Jiajia asked, looking at her younger brother and his wife who had come to see them off. With their departure, she and her husband wouldn’t be coming back. From now on, life here would be up to the young couple. Fortunately, the college entrance exam wasn’t far off.

“Don’t worry, Sister. We’ve been reviewing every day after work,” Xiangyang replied casually, keeping his words vague since others were still around. Onlookers would assume his sister had just reminded him to watch something on her behalf.

Only the three of them knew what she truly meant. She’d been encouraging Xiangyang to study more since last year, saying there was a good chance the college entrance exam would be reinstated within a year or two.

He had complete faith in his sister’s foresight—he’d seen it in action. Following her lead always meant a better life, not to mention he also had his capable brother-in-law to rely on. Clearly, there must have been some inside news from Beijing.

These days, he and his wife had a routine: right after dinner, they hit the books. Xiangyang had finished high school and wasn’t a bad student, so reviewing went relatively smoothly.

But his wife had a tougher time. She had gone to the countryside after junior high, so most of his time was spent helping her learn high school-level material. In a way, it was reinforcing his own knowledge too. She had become so focused she often stayed up late studying by the light of an oil lamp, neglecting even him. No matter how much he hinted—subtly or not—she completely ignored him.

He understood, though. She was under pressure. She was afraid that if she didn’t study hard and he ended up going to college, he’d leave her behind.

She had been overlooked by her family her whole life, sent to the countryside in her brother’s place at a young age. Her fiery temper was just a front—deep down, she had always lacked a sense of security.

What could he do? He kept quiet most of the time, focusing on helping her study, hoping they’d get into the same university. He wanted to prove to her that he wasn’t like her parents, that he would never abandon her. Even if she didn’t pass, he’d still take her back to the city with him.

“I’m really going to miss you!” Zhang Huimin said tearfully, throwing her arms around Wei Jiajia. They had grown up together, and aside from those four years at university, they had hardly ever been apart. Now that the Qiao family was being transferred back to Beijing, the long distance made it feel like a true farewell.

“Don’t cry. If you start, I won’t be able to hold back either,” Wei Jiajia said, her eyes brimming with tears. “We can still write letters. And now that the movement is over, the policies will open up. Once transportation improves, we’ll be able to visit each other. Besides, your Zeng Guoqiang is doing well. Maybe he’ll be transferred to Beijing too in a couple of years. Then we’ll be together again.”

“Don’t be silly. Who knows how many years that’ll take!” Zhang Huimin assumed Wei Jiajia was just trying to comfort her. In her heart, Beijing felt unimaginably far away. With poor transportation, they probably wouldn’t see each other for years. And even if her husband got a transfer, there was no guarantee it would be to Beijing. It wasn’t exactly easy to get into the capital.

What she didn’t know was that Wei Jiajia wasn’t simply making it up. She truly believed that after the Reform and Opening Up, travel would become convenient—going anywhere would be just a matter of hopping on a plane, nothing to worry about at all.

“All right, Jiajia, we’re running out of time. Let’s get in the car,” Qiao Haoyu said, checking his watch before calling out to the two still hugging. Then he gave Zeng Guoqiang a light pat on the cheek and added, “Take care!”

Hearing their dad calling, the triplets quickly said goodbye to their little friends and each gave Zeng Yi a hug. “Don’t forget to write!” they reminded him, then climbed into the car.

From the window, the family waved goodbye to everyone. Who knew when they’d meet again?

“Okay now, stop crying and wipe those tears. Otherwise the kids will start teasing you again,” Qiao Haoyu said from the passenger seat, turning around and handing her a handkerchief.

“They better not! If they do, you’d better help me give them a good scolding,” Wei Jiajia said, wiping her face and pretending to threaten them.

“Deal,” Qiao Haoyu replied with a doting smile.

The three kids quickly shook their heads, pretending to be terrified. “We wouldn’t dare! We wouldn’t dare!” they cried, faces full of mock distress, hearts crying out for someone to save these poor, unloved children.

Seeing them clown around, Jiajia couldn’t help but laugh, her sadness melting away.

After two days and one night on the train, the five members of the Qiao family finally arrived in Beijing. Outside the station, crowds bustled about. Qiao Haoyu looked at his wife and kids, a rush of emotions swelling in his chest. After so many years, he had finally returned to the city of his youth—to once again chase his dreams.

“Jiajia, Haoyu—over here!”

Spotting Qiao Haoxuan waving in their direction, they quickly walked over. “Brother!” Qiao Haoyu said, embracing his sibling after years apart.

“Big Brother, thanks for everything,” Wei Jiajia added.

“Uncle!” the triplets chorused.

Qiao Haoxuan smiled. “No trouble at all, it’s what I should do.” Then, ruffling the kids’ hair one by one, he said, “Good boys—look how tall you two have grown! Not bad! And Aijia, you’re keeping up with them just fine too!”

The kids beamed with joy at their uncle’s praise, and the initial awkwardness of meeting again vanished instantly.

“Uncle, where’s Big Brother?” Third treasure asked curiously.

“He’s waiting at Grandma’s. There wasn’t enough space in the car, so we didn’t bring him along. You’ll see him when we get back. He’s been talking about you three all the time!” Qiao Haoxuan answered as he carried the luggage and walked toward the car.

“Hehe, we’ve missed him too! The last time we wrote to him was two months ago,” Eldest treasure replied.

After loading the luggage, they got into the car and headed toward the Qiao family compound in the suburbs of Beijing. It wasn’t just the place where the Qiao brothers had grown up, but also where their parents still lived, and now, it would be home to Qiao Haoyu’s family as well.

Having been transferred back to Beijing, Qiao Haoyu was not only now neighbors and colleagues with his father, but had also been promoted to deputy division commander. In fact, based on the military achievements he had accumulated over the years, he would have been qualified for a full division commander role. However, Qiao Father had advised against a rapid promotion. Rising too fast could attract unwanted attention—it’s the tall tree that catches the wind. Getting reassigned to the capital at this time was already a stroke of luck. As for his military rank, they could take their time. As long as he had the ability, there would always be opportunities. Haoyu agreed with his father’s view and had confidence in his own future.

The compound was on the opposite side of the city from the train station, so it took nearly two hours to arrive. At the gate, where soldiers stood guard, Qiao Haoyu got out with his transfer papers to register, making future access smoother.

Once the registration was complete, the car slowly drove inside. Compared to their previous compound, this one was much more prestigious—the lowest-ranking officer here was a deputy division commander. In fact, Qiao Haoyu, as a newcomer, was now among the most junior.

“Oh, you’re finally back! Let me have a look at my three sweet grandkids!” Zhang Wenjuan rushed out the moment she heard the car. When she saw her three grandsons hop out first, she quickly came over, showering them with kisses. It had been three years since she’d last seen them. Of course she missed them—until now, she could only hear their voices over the phone. But now they were here, and they were staying. With her son and grandsons by her side, Zhang Wenjuan could hardly contain her joy—her eyes were nearly squinting shut from smiling.

“Dad, Mom, Sister-in-law!” Wei Jiajia greeted warmly after getting out of the car.

“Good, you’re home. Come in and have a rest!” Father Qiao beamed as he nodded and welcomed them in.

The eldest sister-in-law came over warmly. After the children greeted their uncle and aunt, she linked arms with Wei Jiajia, chatting affectionately as they walked inside. Their interaction was more like that of sisters than sisters-in-law, which greatly pleased Zhang Wenjuan, who watched from behind and nodded with satisfaction. She felt she’d chosen the perfect daughter-in-law. Not like the other side of the family—those daughters-in-law were always fighting, openly or behind each other’s backs, and it had caused tension between the brothers.

Inside the house, Mother Qiao and the eldest sister-in-law had already prepared dinner, waiting for everyone to return so they could start the meal. Once everyone washed their hands and sat at the table, they waited for Father Qiao to speak first.

In recent years, due to the troubles caused by the second branch of the family, Qiao Mingli had been sidelined, and eventually took early retirement. But now, with the political campaign over and many old colleagues having passed away, he had been invited back to resume work—returning to the post he had devoted his life to. With that, his spirit and energy had visibly lifted. Now, seeing his youngest son return home from afar, he was overjoyed, pulling out a bottle of liquor and inviting his son to drink with him.

Zhang Wenjuan glanced at her husband and, knowing he was in high spirits today, didn’t object. Instead, she tended to the children while listening to the siblings chat around the table.

Thinking back to their first family reunion, when there had only been little Doudou at home, and comparing it to now—her eldest son had since had two more children, a boy and a girl, the youngest daughter only five years old. And her younger son had three in one go, solving everything in a single pregnancy.

Looking at her six grandchildren getting along so well at the table, Zhang Wenjuan thought to herself that she truly was blessed with a large and happy family. In a few more years, she might even become a great-grandmother. The thought alone made her beam with joy.

After dinner, Mother Qiao urged Wei Jiajia and the children to go rest. Their rooms had already been cleaned in advance. As for the new home they were being assigned, they would have to wait for Qiao Haoyu to report in and get the keys from the logistics office.

Wei Jiajia didn’t argue—she was indeed exhausted. The children, on the other hand, were still bursting with energy and had gone off to play with their eldest brother.

Back in the familiar room after so many years, Wei Jiajia looked around at everything and fell asleep with a smile on her face, not even noticing when her husband returned. All she felt was a familiar presence, and instinctively leaned into his arms.

Qiao Haoyu smiled as he watched his wife curl up beside him so naturally, and pulled her close. The two fell asleep, cheek to cheek.

---

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter