Starting a new chapter in life

Chapter 214 A Friend Comes from Afar—He Ci'en

Believe it or not, business is actually pretty good. Some older women especially like to come over and chat: "Young man, you look quite handsome. Do you have a girlfriend yet...?"

Rong Gang blushed deeply, feeling quite embarrassed, but for the sake of business, he still answered with a red face, "I'm already married."

The three hundred or so chickens were almost all sold out in just over a month. He specially kept five to prepare for a New Year's feast. It just so happened that his aunt's family was going to Yangzhou for the New Year, so he took three with him. They were free-range chickens raised by themselves, with firm meat and long-aged, making them very suitable for stewing soup.

As usual, Jingyan's family of four went to Yangzhou for the Spring Festival and returned on the third day of the Lunar New Year. This year, He Ci'en and her three younger brothers spent the Spring Festival with their grandparents, while Jingxian's family, Teacher Shen, Sister Wang, and Lu Xiaoxiao's family spent the Spring Festival with Jingyan. The three groups of people made it very lively, and no one felt lonely anymore.

After the New Year, everyone began to resume their normal daily routines. This year, Zhizhi and Xiaoxiao are taking the high school entrance exam, so they have become the focus of the family's attention. Every weekend when they have a holiday, Rongqiang would come back to give the two children extra tutoring, explaining the problems to them, and also answering An'an's questions.

On a weekend in early May, He Ci'en, who rarely came home, returned for the first time. Jing Yan was a little surprised, but seeing the girl's hesitant and conflicted expression, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to say it, she sighed and pulled her to sit down on the sofa: "What do you want to say? You're not like yourself at all, stammering like this."

He Ci'en blushed and said in a slightly dry voice, "Auntie, didn't I mention before that when I was transferred back from Beijing, it was because a female colleague from the research institute was pursuing me, and I didn't want to, so I was transferred back?"

Jing Yan nodded: "So?"

“She also transferred to this job in March. I want to date her, so I came to ask for your opinion.” He Ci’en finally said it.

Jing Yan frowned upon hearing this: "That's not right. If you really like her, why were you hiding from her when you were in Beijing? You came back under the pretext of avoiding her, and now you're thinking of dating her? Does she even want that? Wait, did she transfer here because she was following you?"

He Ci'en quickly waved her hand: "It's not that I didn't like her before. Although she's a bit spoiled, she's not a bad person at heart. It's just that her family is too complicated. Three generations of her family have been in the military, politics, and business. Plus, they're very fertile, have many children, and there's the issue of arranged marriages, etc."

"When there are many people, there's competition for resources. I've heard this from others a few times, and I understand now. Essentially, their children's marriages require someone of value. I don't have much value, and I don't want to get too entangled with that kind of family, which is why I rejected her."

“That’s her family situation, and she can’t change it. Since you’ve already decided to give up, what does it mean now? Is her family no longer a problem?” Jingyan continued to press.

He Ci'en nervously fidgeted with her fingers: "After I made things clear to her, she said that she couldn't really decide her own marriage, but it wasn't entirely hopeless. However, she didn't say anything more, and then I left Beijing."

I never imagined that she would give up her family's resources and apply for a transfer to escape an arranged marriage. Actually, I admire her quite a bit. Honestly, if I were her, could I have given all that up? The conclusion is… I'm not as good as her.”

Jingyan laughed: "So, the fact that she's given up everything to come to a completely unfamiliar city like Haishi means she still has feelings for you? So, do you also want to be brave and face the future with her?"

He Ci'en nodded solemnly: "That's right, she's willing to give up everything, so what do I have to hesitate about since I'm all alone?"

Jing Yan nodded: "Since you've made up your mind, then go for it. In one's life, there aren't many opportunities to have the courage to fight against fate. Now that you've made your decision, just seize it. But is it really true that her family is letting her develop on her own and no longer interfering?"

He Ci'en nodded affirmatively: "The research institute is a classified institution. People who enter the research institute are considered to be cut off from politics. Now her cousin has taken her place in the marriage, so she is free. She will settle here in the future. Auntie, how about I bring her over to see you next time I have a holiday?"

Jingyan was naturally willing to see such a courageous young girl. After agreeing, she asked, "Have you told your grandfather about her family's situation? As you know, I'm just a child from an ordinary family and I don't know anything about those things. Your grandfather and your second grandfather are more familiar with these things."

He Ci'en nodded: "I went back and mentioned her to my grandparents as soon as she arrived. You know my grandfather's temper, he's the kind who's not afraid of anything. He said that as long as I think she's good, we can date. He even took the opportunity to urge her to get married."

"Didn't that girl blame you for rejecting me back then? Now that you say you want to date someone, she'll date you?" Jingyan still asked.

He Ci'en's smile was worthless: "She understands my choice back then. I wasn't the person her family was satisfied with. It would have been difficult for us to be together then, and I wasn't prepared to face the challenges. Now everything is just right. I was indeed not responsible enough before. From now on, I will listen to her and pamper and love her."

Jingyan smiled and patted the top of his head: "Yes, what a woman wants in her life is a husband who is completely loyal to her, a well-behaved and adorable child, and a job that allows her to support herself. Having these three things is the happiest way to live."

Ci'en, you are a good child, kind-hearted and patient, but you don't know how to express your feelings. Sometimes sweet words have no value, but they can make the listener happy. If they come from the bottom of your heart, they can make people feel happy.

You need to learn to express your affection for her. This will give her a sense of security and confidence. The biggest taboo in a marriage is trying to guess what someone is thinking. No one can read your mind; they're more likely to be wrong, leading to a distorted future. A happy marriage requires effort.

He Ci'en nodded obediently. A thirty-year-old man is still a child in front of his elders.

Zhizhi and Lu Xiaoxiao originally thought they could relax for a while after the high school entrance exam, but unfortunately, An'an ruthlessly dealt them a blow:

"Junior high school is quite relaxed, but you'll see when you get to high school. That's when things get really intense. As a friendly reminder, if you want to get into a good university, it's best to preview the high school courses during the holidays."

Both my brother Rongqiang and I in our family can tutor you. This is a resource that others would kill for, so why shouldn't we cherish it?

Seeing the two children looking dejected, Jingyan couldn't help but comfort them: "I know you both want to relax and have some fun for a while. If you don't have any aspirations for the future, it's okay to play for a few days. Anyway, as long as you get into high school and your grades aren't at the bottom, even if you don't get into a university, you should be able to get into a junior college. You won't be without a place to study."

Zhizhi...

Lu Xiaoxiao...

The two kids immediately went to borrow high school textbooks from An'an. What a joke! The older boys in front of them all went to top universities. If they couldn't even get into a university, how could they save face?

Seeing the two children go into the study on their own, Jingyan nodded in satisfaction and went to the kitchen to help Sister Wang prepare snacks.

As she watched her enter the kitchen, Sister Wang gave her a thumbs-up: "You know how to comfort people."

Jingyan proudly raised her head: "It's all because our children are so promising. They all did well on the exams and set a good example for their younger siblings."

Sister Wang laughed: "That's because you're kind-hearted. You were willing to let Ci'en stay here to study. You didn't know she was so talented in her studies back then. It's a case of good deeds being rewarded."

Jing Yan felt a little embarrassed. She didn't leave Ci En here because she was kind-hearted. One reason she left the child here to study was that she was not a bad person. The child was in the crucial third year of junior high school. She was still waiting for news about going to study in the city. But the start of school doesn't wait for anyone. If she missed a few days, it could ruin her life.

But the most important reason was that Grandma felt guilty towards Uncle. Perhaps because he wasn't her biological son, Grandma wanted to treat him better, but instead sent him to the harsh environment of Northwest China during the most difficult time.

Although he did quite well later on, given his uncle's military leadership abilities, if he had stayed in Haishi, he might not have stopped at the division commander level. Besides, his child is still there, separated from his parents and children.

Although Grandma didn't say it, Jingyan could feel her guilt. As the eldest grandson of her uncle's branch of the family, taking better care of He Ci'en would make Grandma feel better.

As it turned out, her idea was correct. After her uncle returned, He Ci'en started attending school here, and her grandmother smiled more often. As for He Ci'en's academic talent, that was something she hadn't anticipated.

However, it was an unintentional stroke of luck, as it significantly boosted the learning enthusiasm of the other children in the family, proving that effort always pays off. But she couldn't say this directly, so it was a beautiful misunderstanding.

Summer vacation was already halfway over, and He Ci'en brought his girlfriend over. The girl had a straight posture, and although she wasn't quite as beautiful as Jing Yan, she was still the kind of girl who grew on you. She also spoke frankly and directly, which Jing Yan liked very much.

He Ci'en had previously said that she was a bit spoiled, but Jing Yan thought that was just her confidence and good family environment that made her stand out from the crowd. Should she be expected to compromise herself in order to fit in with others? Others might, but she was confident and self-assured, so she was not afraid of being isolated. She was a girl with a strong inner self.

She was very polite in her speech and actions, clearly well-mannered. Compared to her, Zhizhi and Xiaoxiao, who are usually bursting with confidence, became much quieter. After dinner, the two girls clung to her.

They kept calling her "sister-in-law," making her blush. They dragged her to the second-floor study to see He Ci'en's old bedroom, and they might reveal all of Ci'en's secrets to others.

He Ci'en smiled as she watched her two younger sisters cuddling with their boyfriends, happy that her family liked her. After the three girls went upstairs, Jing Yan looked at He Ci'en and said, "You two are getting along quite well now. Have you discussed when to visit her parents?"

We must observe proper etiquette and visit their home sincerely, letting them know how much we value the girl. Only then will they feel comfortable entrusting their precious daughter to you.

He Ci'en nodded: "I mentioned it some time ago, and I plan to go back with her during the National Day holiday."

"Prepare a generous gift. How much money do you have left? You can't be stingy over there, so it's best to bring more money." Jingyan thought of taking out her wallet again.

Seeing this, He Ci'en quickly pressed her hand down: "Auntie, I earn nearly two thousand yuan a month. Although I spent almost all of it on buying and decorating the house, I have saved nearly ten thousand yuan now. That's enough to take her home."

The two were still discussing what gifts to bring, completely unaware of the three figures standing at the corner on the second floor. Zhizhi winked and said, "I knew my mom would be the most attentive. She said she likes to give money or buy things. According to my mom, she's only willing to spend money on people she likes."

Ci'en smiled gently: "Your family has such a good relationship. I remember Ci'en saying that although your mother is his aunt, his grandfather and second grandfather are not related by blood. But you get along better than many biological siblings."

Zhizhi was a little puzzled: "Isn't this how family members get along? But my mother said that there is fate between people. Good fate can be as good as blood ties even if there is no blood relationship. Bad fate is a bad fate, which is here to collect debts."

She once said, "If it's a good connection, we should cherish it; if it's a bad connection, we should stay away. If all else fails, just slap them to scare them into submission."

Well, anyone who teaches their child like this can't be a normal person. Other parents hope their children are well-behaved, sensible, and cute, but this family is afraid that their child will be wronged. They would rather make mistakes themselves than suffer any mistreatment.

After the argument ended, the three of them went downstairs. When He Ci'en and the other person left, Jing Yan practically emptied her house, because she didn't know they would be coming today and hadn't prepared any easy-to-store side dishes.

Jingyan had been pickling the cabbage since they came in, and by now it had almost released all the moisture. She quickly chopped and mixed it, then packed it into jars and bottles so they could take it home and let it marinate slowly.

He Ci'en happily introduced to her partner, "My aunt's side dishes taste especially good with white rice porridge. You should try them when we get back."

They also had An'an run to the restaurant and pack up all the braised meat that wasn't sold that day for them to take back, plus some meatballs and dumplings made by Sister Wang... it really was several big bags.

The little girl stared blankly at the bags and packages scattered on the ground, her smile strained: "Auntie, the luggage I brought from Beijing isn't as much as the food you prepared."

Jingyan looked distressed: "Then you'll have nothing here? Where are you staying now? Why don't you leave the dormitory and move to Ci'en's place? His house has two rooms. You're not married yet, but it'll be fine if each of you has your own room."

Ci'en is a good cook, and eating at home is always more pleasant than eating in the cafeteria. You're from Beijing, and the tastes are very different from those in Shanghai; you won't be used to many of the dishes."