Axolotl Translations

The year 1990 marked a period of rapid and dramatic growth, a direct result of the Reform and Opening-up era. Everywhere you looked, the streets buzzed with a vibrant, unstoppable energy: people sporting denim jackets, oversized sunglasses, and long hair, all dancing the electric boogaloo.

Within the Wei family, Qiao Youkang was one such trendsetter. As the face of the new generation—not just of the Qiao family, but as a national idol representing China’s new generation—everything about Qiao Youkang, from his speech to his style, became a barometer of pop culture.

This wasn’t just because he was an actor; it had even more to do with his stunning face, capable of making people scream just by appearing on screen. Yet, his beauty transcended mere looks; it carried an effortlessly cool and noble air. There was nothing feminine about him—no one would mistake him for a pretty girl. He was, everyone knew, one of a kind, untouchable, and uniquely beautiful.

When the wave of Japanese “pretty boy” pop culture swept into China, Qiao Youkang became the country’s answer to Lin Jiaxu. In fact, many believed the Japanese idols paled in comparison; his presence and aura alone completely eclipsed them, let alone his face.

The day after tomorrow was Wei Jiajia’s birthday. Qiao Youkang, currently filming in Shencheng, planned to take a brief leave, fly back to Beijing to celebrate with his mother, and then return to set.

“Youkang, phone call,” his assistant, Brother Wang, called out, holding what looked like a brick.

Technically, Brother Wang was Youkang’s assistant, but in truth, “bodyguard” would be a more accurate title. Ever since Youkang entered showbiz, his face had not only opened doors but also made him a target.

While the industry hadn’t yet descended into the darkness that would define it in later years, Wei Jiajia, keenly aware of how ruthless the future world of fame and fortune could become, was never at ease about her son.

She knew her youngest had been rigorously trained by his father and wasn’t an easy mark, but in this fast-developing era of economic reform, with gangsters and shady figures emerging, no amount of preparation felt like enough.

Worried her son might be caught off guard, she asked her husband to hire two retired soldiers to protect him, doubling as assistants and bodyguards. With mass layoffs sweeping the country, it also provided stable jobs for the two men.

Brothwe Wang was one of them.

Qiao Youkang took the brick-like cell phone from him and said into the receiver, “Hello?”

“Youkang? It’s your aunt,” a warm voice said from the other end of the staticky line. “Your mother’s birthday is coming up. When are you planning to head home?” She knew he’d been filming in Shencheng recently, which was why she asked.

“Tomorrow. What about you, Auntie? Want to come with me this time?” Every year, if his aunt had time, she would attend his mother’s birthday. Since he happened to be in the area, he figured they could go together.

“Tomorrow, huh? I’m still in Su City. I won’t be done with work until tomorrow—I’m afraid I won’t make it in time.” She thought for a moment, then added, “How about you stop by and pick up your cousin? Take him with you first. Once I’m done here, I’ll fly over directly. No need for all the back-and-forth.” As for her husband, she didn’t even mention him. He worked in the government and had just left for an inspection trip to Shenshi a few days ago. With her sister’s birthday coming up, he clearly had no time to accompany her.

Youkang understood his aunt’s situation well. After agreeing with a smile, he chatted a bit more before hanging up.

He handed the brick-like phone back to Brother Wang and stood up to return to set. It wasn’t until the afternoon that he finally finished his scenes for the day. He had asked the director for three days off. With Brother Wang following behind, he made his way out.

“Brother Youkang, are you heading back to the hotel? Could I catch a ride with you? I twisted my ankle,” called out the second female lead, her expression soft and hopeful as she caught up to him.

The film’s director had booked an entire hotel for the cast and crew, so everyone was staying together. Though she hadn’t seen him the past couple of days, that was only because their scenes hadn’t overlapped. Today was their first on-screen interaction. She had finished filming early but hadn’t returned to the hotel—she’d been waiting for this exact moment to strike up a conversation.

Qiao Youkang glanced at her, and the brief look made her heart race. She tilted her head ever so slightly, revealing her most flattering angle. She was sure of it—among all the young actresses, she was the most beautiful.

There was no way he hadn’t noticed her. Now that she was asking for a favor, he definitely wouldn’t say no. If he let her ride with him today, she’d have more chances to get close in the future.

Eventually, she’d turn him into her boyfriend. Once that happened, with Qiao Youkang’s name beside hers, she’d finally land leading roles—no more playing second fiddle. The thought filled her with pride.

She didn’t know what kind of family he came from, but it was obviously no ordinary background. Just looking at his dignified, noble air—and the two stone-faced bodyguards behind him—she knew that if she could just cling to him, her future would be smooth sailing. No one would dare look down on her again.

Qiao Youkang looked into her beautiful face, into her eyes—despite the veneer, the desire within was unmistakable. He saw her clearly: a woman who would sacrifice anything to get what she wanted. But as long as she didn’t cross him, it had nothing to do with him.

In a cold voice, he said, “We’re not headed the same way. I’m not staying at the hotel.” Without waiting for her reaction, he opened the car door and got in, leaving her behind with nothing but the heartless sight of his car’s taillights.

The second female lead stood frozen. Her face flushed, then paled, then turned green with embarrassment. She was utterly stunned—she had never imagined he would reject her so bluntly. Wasn’t he supposed to be the picture of gentlemanly grace? Then who was that cold, aloof man who had just dismissed her without a second glance? She had always known what her advantage was. Her beauty had never failed her before. This was the first time a man had rejected her. One could imagine how bitter she felt.

But what she didn’t know was that Qiao Youkang had grown up surrounded by beauty. Any single woman in his family, taken alone, could outshine her effortlessly. Her looks were the kind that only impressed men who hadn’t seen real beauty. The world had spoiled her, made her believe she was special. But in his eyes, she wasn’t even worth a second look.

Qiao Youkang didn’t spare her another thought. After getting into the car, he told Brother Wang to drive to his aunt’s place. He planned to pick up his little cousin and fly back to Beijing that very night.

In truth, his reason for rejecting her wasn’t just about attitude—it was also factual. He really wasn’t staying at the hotel. He had a property in Shencheng. Why would he cram into a small hotel room when he owned a beautiful garden villa? He wasn’t stupid.

Speaking of his garden villa—it had to be credited to Wei Jiajia’s foresight. Though calling it “foresight” might be a stretch. It was more accurate to say she benefited from knowledge of the future. She knew which areas would become prime real estate and which would see skyrocketing prices.

In the second year after the resumption of the college entrance exams, Wei Jiajia gathered her siblings and brought out the belongings left to them by their parents and great-aunt, intending to divide everything equally.

When she opened the boxes filled with gold, silver, and jewels—even the ever-calm Xiangdong nearly lost his composure. He hadn’t known that his sister had been keeping such a massive secret for over a decade. Only now that the country was stable did she dare to bring it out. He couldn’t even imagine—what if something had gone wrong during all those years? What would she have done?

None of the Qiao siblings suspected her of hiding anything for herself. They knew she wouldn’t. They only felt heartache—heartache for the sister who had shouldered everything alone for over ten years, while they had enjoyed peace and comfort, oblivious to the burden she bore.

“Sister, I don’t want it. Give my share to you,” Xiangxi was the first to speak. In that moment, he didn’t think about what his wife might say—he only knew he couldn’t take the rewards of someone else’s silent sacrifice.

His wife had gone from initial excitement at the sight of the treasure to numbness upon hearing that her husband intended to decline it. Though she felt reluctant, she understood she had no right to interfere with his decision. In truth, she didn’t want to interfere—she had pursued him for five years, following him through every nook and cranny before finally becoming his wife. She wasn’t about to let these worldly possessions bring an end to her happiness.

After Xiangxi spoke, the other siblings also voiced their agreement, each saying they would leave their share to their sister. They all had stable jobs and weren’t in need of such things.

Wei Jiajia looked at the once-youthful faces of her younger siblings, now grown strong and resolute over the years. She smiled, knowing that no matter how much time passed, the bond and mutual care forged in their years of depending on each other would never change—and that was enough.

“All right, it’s enough for me to know what’s in your hearts. But none of you are allowed to turn these things down. Our parents and Auntie carefully hid them away so we’d have something to build our lives on. It’s a token of their love for us.” After saying that, Wei Jiajia glanced at the silent group before continuing. “There’s 9,800 yuan in cash here—our parents’ death benefits and the savings they accumulated. Auntie entrusted it to me, and I haven’t touched it until now. I’ve divided it into five equal parts—one for each of us.”

Then she looked at the three chests of jewelry and jade, and a chest of gold bars that Auntie had entrusted to her. “These items, Auntie instructed before she passed away, are to be split evenly between the five of us and Auntie Fen’s family.”

She looked at Auntie Fen and Uncle Zhuzi, who had been quietly sitting aside the whole time without taking part in the siblings’ conversation. Only when she said this did the couple look over in surprise, just about to refuse when she cut them off.

“I know what you want to say, Auntie Fen, but this was Auntie’s wish. You were her goddaughter, cared for her for decades, and helped raise the five of us. Of course you deserve a share.” As she finished, she looked toward her siblings.

The others, hearing her say this and seeing her glance, all chimed in, urging Auntie Fen not to refuse. They were one family. The treasures were left by Auntie, and it was her choice to give them to whomever she wanted. They had no objections and hoped Auntie Fen would accept them with peace of mind, without feeling burdened. Even the brothers’ wives spoke up in agreement. They knew that to their husbands, Auntie Fen’s family was family—Xiangqing was like their little sister, no different from Nuannuan.

Hearing everyone’s sincere words, Auntie Fen finally smiled warmly and nodded.

Watching how everyone had stayed true to their hearts despite the mountain of treasure before them—not coveting, not scheming—Wei Jiajia felt her goal for calling everyone together had been fulfilled.

She divided the possessions into six shares: one for each of the five siblings, and one for Auntie Fen’s family. Once she had placed the shares into each family’s hands, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had kept her promise to Auntie. She had kept her promise to the original owner of this life. From here on, their lives were their own to live.

Seeing everyone holding the valuables with a mix of awe and uncertainty, Wei Jiajia offered a suggestion: if there was no urgent need, they should hold onto the jade and gemstones. The saying “gold in times of chaos, antiques in times of peace” was not spoken lightly.

As for the gold, now was a good time to make use of it. With many houses being returned to their rightful owners in the wake of political rehabilitation, and many families still fearing the return of upheaval and seeking to sell their properties quickly in order to emigrate, the siblings could purchase these houses with gold and wait for their value to appreciate in the future.

As for the cash each received, she didn’t concern herself with how they chose to spend it—it was entirely up to them.

In the Wei family, Wei Jiajia’s words carried weight. If she said something would retain or increase in value, it usually did. Over the years, she had seldom been wrong. Later, each of the six families used their share of the gold to buy multiple properties—in Beijing and Shencheng.

Even when they saw their eldest sister head off to that chaotic little fishing village in the south to buy real estate, they followed her lead and asked her to help each household buy one unit as well. They all knew: following their big sister meant there’d be meat on the table.

So when commercial housing emerged in the 1990s and their homes were demolished and compensated, the siblings, long accustomed to Wei Jiajia’s foresight, stayed calm. But the three sisters-in-law couldn’t contain their admiration. The way they looked at their sister-in-law was as if she glowed. Silently, they vowed that in the future, no matter what decisions they had to make, they’d always consult their eldest sister first—wasn’t she practically the reincarnation of the God of Wealth?

Wei Jiajia: …

The garden villas in Shencheng that Youkang owned were bought by Wei Jiajia. She purchased one for each of the three brothers—not all in the same location, but from the same seller. Because she paid in gold and bought all three at once, solving the seller’s urgent financial need, she even got each house for over a thousand yuan below market price.

Wei Jiajia was naturally laid-back, with no grand ambitions. All she wanted was to spend her free time tending flowers, writing books, and traveling. Even though she had knowledge of the future and knew exactly which industries would be profitable and which wouldn’t, she didn’t want to exhaust herself chasing wealth.

From time to time, she’d offer a bit of advice to her money-minded younger brother, Xiangyang, helping him avoid some pitfalls and stay a step ahead. The only personal investment she seriously pursued was real estate.

That year, Qiao Haoyu often came home to find his wife missing—she was constantly traveling around the country buying property. Every time she returned home, she would gleefully flash the property certificates at him, excitedly explaining how these were dowries and marriage funds she was saving for their son and daughter. He had no choice but to silently swallow his complaints about being left alone at home.

Ah! Having a wife who could see the future—there was pain, but there was joy too.

Today was Wei Jiajia’s birthday. Qiao Haoyu didn’t go to work; instead, he was busy in the kitchen, personally preparing a bowl of longevity noodles for his wife.

Wei Jiajia sat on the sofa, surrounded by a group of women—and one man who looked as delicate as one.

Among the women were her sisters-in-law, her younger sister, her daughter, and her eldest son’s girlfriend. As for the extra presence in the group of women—that was her youngest son, who didn’t even have a girlfriend.

He sat among the women with complete ease, leaning against his mother like he had no bones in his body, casually sharing the latest fashion trends with everyone. With his keen eye for beauty, he offered personalized style advice to each of his aunts.

It had to be said—his eye was sharp. The suggestions he made brought out the unique temperament of each woman, so much so that even Wei Jiajia, with her knowledge of future aesthetics, had to admit he had real talent.

Right now, Nuannuan—who was just as aware of her own beauty as he was—was consulting her little cousin for tips. She was about to attend a gala in Hong Kong and was determined to look stunning and outshine everyone, making sure the aura of someone from the mainland wouldn’t be outdone.

The men and children sat in a separate group, engaged in their own conversations. The topics the men discussed were of no interest to the women, and the children’s talk of movies and games held even less appeal.

The three groups were clearly defined and kept to themselves, yet occasionally a husband and wife would exchange a glance filled with affection—a silent connection more meaningful than words.

When Qiao Haoyu finally brought out the longevity noodles and the dishes prepared by the housekeeper were ready, everyone gathered around and escorted Wei Jiajia to the table.

It was a long rectangular dining table, covered from end to end with the food the housekeeper had been preparing since morning. With over a dozen adults and children seated, the table was completely full. Everyone turned their eyes toward Wei Jiajia, seated at the head of the table.

Today, her hair was loosely tied into a bun at the back of her head, secured with a single hairpin. Her skin was smooth and fair, without the slightest wrinkle, and her figure was still shapely—astonishingly beautiful for a woman in her forties. She wore a fitted qipao, a gift from her daughter. Around her neck was a string of perfectly round, lustrous pearls, a present from her youngest son. The jade earrings she wore were chosen by her eldest son’s girlfriend on his behalf.

And the diamond ring on her ring finger—that was from her husband, who had secretly saved up for a year and slipped it onto her finger while she slept.

The carefully selected birthday gifts from her siblings were all placed in the living room, waiting to be opened after the meal.

As Wei Jiajia listened to everyone’s heartfelt birthday wishes, she glanced at the bowl of longevity noodles she’d been eating every year for nearly thirty years. Beneath the table, her hand clasped tightly with her husband’s.

In this life, she had found the family she never dared dream of, and received the love she had once only yearned for. To be surrounded by love and able to grow old with it—she was deeply content.

She hoped that in the years to come, she would still be able to eat a bowl of noodles like this, to see herself reflected in his eyes, and to lean against him, silently letting him know—to have married him, and to have received the fullness of his love, made her truly happy.

And when they were old, no longer able to walk far, she would tell him that he was the one she had crossed mountains and time itself to find—her light on the road ahead.

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