Chapter 156 "Meeting the Parents? Sure, Xiao Shu..."

The National Education Work Symposium soon came to a close.

The morning session was a summary meeting, where Vice Minister Sun delivered a lengthy summary report. He systematically reviewed the meeting's achievements, affirmed the experiences and contributions of representatives from various regions, and specifically named several individuals, including Shu Ran. He also outlined the guiding principles and key tasks for the next phase of national literacy and basic education work.

The report repeatedly used phrases like "adapting to local conditions" and "emphasizing practical results," which revealed the approach Shu Ran was advocating. The report also mentioned providing preferential support to special regions such as border areas, ethnic minority areas, and impoverished areas, which is a positive sign.

The afternoon featured a brief closing ceremony, attended by key ministry leaders who delivered speeches, reiterating the strategic significance of education and encouraging everyone to diligently implement the spirit of the meeting upon their return. Following this were awards presentations and group photos.

Shu Ran, along with several other grassroots representatives, went on stage to receive the "National Advanced Individual in Education Work" certificate and an enamel mug with red lettering. The audience applauded enthusiastically, and reporters from the publicity department were taking photos.

When the meeting adjourned, it was already past four in the afternoon. The delegates said their goodbyes, agreed to stay in touch, and exchanged slips of paper with their addresses written on them. There was a sense of relief that the task had been completed, mixed with a touch of melancholy at the thought of going their separate ways.

Lin Jing squeezed Shu Ran's hand: "Shu Ran, write back often! If you come up with any new or good ideas on the frontier, don't forget to send me some information!"

"Definitely, Sister Lin. Your experience in Southwest China is also very valuable to us," Shu Ran said sincerely.

Xiao Zhao busied himself helping Shu Ran organize the meeting materials, excitedly saying, "Comrade Shu Ran, we've really come back with a bang! So much attention from so many leaders... we'll definitely have to promote this a lot when we get back!"

Shu Ran smiled but didn't respond to that question.

Back in her guesthouse room, Shu Ran slowly began packing. The five-day conference had left her with a thick stack of documents and a notebook more than half full. She carefully put away the important documents and materials with leadership approvals, leaving the regular meeting briefings aside for the time being. Lin Jing was also packing, and the two chatted idly.

"When did you get your ticket?" Lin Jing asked.

"The organizing committee said they'd order everything together, for tomorrow or the day after, but we haven't notified them yet." Shu Ran folded clothes. "What about you, Sister Lin?"

"My train leaves tomorrow night. I need to get back early; a ton of things are waiting for me." Lin Jing sighed. "It's broadened my horizons, but it's also added pressure. I'll have to rack my brains figuring out how to put the spirit of the meeting into practice when I get back."

"They're all the same," Shu Ran said, indicating her understanding.

Dinner was the final meal of the conference, held in the guesthouse canteen. Two meat dishes were added as a farewell dinner. The atmosphere was more lively than usual, with many delegates toasting each other with tea instead of alcohol. Shu Ran's table became the focus, with people constantly coming over to clink glasses with her, saying things like "you're young and promising" and "we'll learn from you." Shu Ran politely responded to them.

She saw Liao Cheng at another table, talking to several leaders. His gaze occasionally swept over, meeting hers, and he raised his teacup in a gesture of acknowledgment. Shu Ran nodded in return. There seemed to be an unspoken understanding between them, a mutual respect based on professional acknowledgment. That was good, Shu Ran thought; maintaining a proper distance and only engaging in work-related interactions was the safest approach.

As the dinner was drawing to a close, Wang Jianhua approached Shu Ran and whispered, "Comrade Shu Ran, your return ticket has been arranged. Also, Vice Minister Sun asked me to tell you that the ministry attaches great importance to your model and may organize a small research team to conduct on-site investigations in the border regions in a while. Please make preparations for the reception. Specific times and personnel will be notified separately."

"Okay, we will definitely cooperate."

"Also," Wang Jianhua lowered his voice, "Minister Zhou wants you to stay for another day or two. There are some things you might need to discuss further. Someone will contact you about the specific arrangements."

Shu Ran nodded without asking further questions. She knew that these "some things" were likely related to Chen Yuanjiang and the future plans hinted at in their conversation that night.

Back in her room, Lin Jing had already washed up and was ready for bed. Shu Ran sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the night view outside the window, her mind a jumble of emotions. The meeting was over, but her trip to Beijing wasn't over yet. Chen Yuanjiang hadn't shown up since that night; she knew he was strict and wouldn't come often.

Just then, a very light knock came from the corridor, the kind of knock that Chen Yuanjiang usually makes.

Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Lin Jing, who was already lying down. Lin Jing's eyelids twitched, but she didn't open her eyes. She turned over and faced the wall.

Shu Ran got up and gently opened the door.

Sure enough, it was Chen Yuanjiang outside the door. He was still wearing the same casual clothes, but his hair was cut shorter, and he looked very energetic. He was carrying a net bag with several cans inside.

"Still not asleep?" he asked in a low voice.

"Yeah, I just finished cleaning up." Shu Ran stepped aside to let him in, but Chen Yuanjiang shook his head and handed her the net bag: "Here you go. I might not be able to come over tomorrow."

Shu Ran took it; it was heavy. "Have you eaten?" she asked.

"I've already eaten." Chen Yuanjiang's gaze lingered on her face. "Is the meeting over?"

"Yes, it's closing today. Time to leave."

Chen Yuanjiang paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words. The corridor was dimly lit, making it difficult to discern his expression.

“Tomorrow…” He looked into her eyes, his gaze cautiously inquiring, “If there are no other plans… Uncle Chao, the old commander I told you about, wants to meet you. Just have a simple meal at his home.”

Despite having a premonition, hearing the invitation in person still made Shu Ran's nerves tense instantly. This wasn't a business meeting; it was a private, family-style gathering.

In this day and age, the implications of a young woman being invited to a man's elders' home for a casual meal, especially one of this status, are self-evident.

Seeing that Shu Ran didn't speak for a moment, Chen Yuanjiang quickly added, "It's just a simple meeting. Uncle Chao is a very nice and easy-going person. He said he had read your materials and listened to Minister Sun's report, and wanted to talk to you about education in the border regions. That's all." He said this a little hastily, as if he was afraid she would refuse, or as if he was trying to downplay the special nature of the matter.

Looking at him, Shu Ran's initial nervousness was suddenly lessened by a complex mix of emotions. She understood how much determination Chen Yuanjiang needed to make this invitation. It wasn't just that he wanted to take her to meet an important elder; it was also a very subtle way of expressing his feelings to her and that elder—that he had made up his mind about her.

In an era when romantic relationships were generally reserved, marriage required organizational approval, and personal matters were closely linked to political futures, such private family meetings were almost tantamount to a prelude to a commitment.

She should feel happy, or at least relieved. But in Shu Ran's mind, the memories and rationality belonging to a transmigrator were churning inappropriately at this moment.

She recalled that the original owner's family background was always a hidden danger. She also remembered how, in the novels and TV dramas she had read in her later life, parents from high-ranking official families meticulously planned marriages for their children's political future and how they created obstacles for unsuitable commoner girls.

Although Chen Yuanjiang repeatedly emphasized that he was merely an adopted son, being adopted and nurtured by a senior leader of that rank inherently meant that high hopes were placed on him. How would the senior leader view this female educated youth from a capitalist background, who, despite some achievements, had no connections? Would he genuinely accept her, or would he reluctantly agree only because of Chen Yuanjiang's insistence? Or perhaps… for more complex considerations, such as her fitting the professional image required by the education-based border defense strategy, thus viewing her as a complementary candidate beneficial to Chen Yuanjiang's future career?

Having struggled to survive in complex environments, she had to always maintain a clear head. She knew that one wrong step could affect not only her relationship with Chen Yuanjiang, but also her budding career and even her future freedom.

Her expression clearly didn't escape Chen Yuanjiang's notice. The expectation and tension in his eyes gradually turned into worry. He took a half step forward, his tone urgent: "Shu Ran, don't overthink it. Uncle Chao really just wants to see you and talk about work. He treats me like his own nephew, but he's not the kind of person who...meddles in personal matters. He's very reasonable, and he values ​​practicality in judging people and things. He knows about your abilities and what you've done, and he appreciates it very much."

Shu Ran looked at Chen Yuanjiang. Admiration? Why would a high-ranking leader express admiration for her for no reason? There must be something Chen Yuanjiang had been thinking about.

He looked into Shu Ran's eyes, his tone becoming more serious, even earnest: "Uncle Chao has his own children. In the end, my future depends on my own efforts, not on any protection. Uncle Chao disdains those things, and I don't want them either." He spoke with some difficulty, as if trying to lay bare his conscience and relieve her of her mental burden.

"I'm taking you to see him simply because he is the elder I respect most, and I want him to meet the person who is most important to me, that's all."

These words dispelled Shu Ran's inner turmoil; she sensed his sincerity. The old chief didn't seem to be the kind of parent who was keen on political marriages.

But reason still reminded her that even so, the meeting itself was fraught with unknowns and risks. This meeting could not possibly be just a simple, casual meal.

She met Chen Yuanjiang's worried gaze. His eyes held tension, expectation, and a certain persistence. She suddenly felt that her worries, based on her imagination of the future, might really be somewhat unnecessary.

At the very least, she should trust the judgment and sincerity of the man in front of her.

"Okay," she said softly, giving an affirmative answer. "I'll go. When?"

Chen Yuanjiang visibly relaxed. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon. It's not far; it'll only take a short drive."

"Is there anything I need to bring?" Shu Ran asked, starting to think about etiquette for their first visit. It wouldn't be appropriate to arrive empty-handed, but what to bring was an art. Too expensive would seem obsequious, too ordinary would appear insincere.

“No need.” Chen Yuanjiang immediately shook his head. “Uncle Chao hates these formalities. Just go in person. If you really feel bad about it… Auntie likes growing flowers. If you see any jasmine or orchids for sale on the way, you can bring a small pot. It’s not expensive, it’s just a token of your appreciation.”

Shu Ran nodded and made a note of it. "Is there any rule about what to wear?" she asked again. Too formal would seem stiff, while too casual might be impolite.

Chen Yuanjiang looked her up and down: "Just wear what you usually wear to meetings, as long as it's clean and tidy."

"Okay." Shu Ran had a general idea in mind.

After finishing their business, the two fell silent again. Chen Yuanjiang seemed to want to say something, but didn't know how to start.

"You..." Shu Ran broke the silence first, "Before you come to pick me up tomorrow, could you find a place to tell me about the old commander's family situation? For example, besides Uncle Chao and Aunt Chao, who else is at home? What topics do they usually talk about during meals? Are there any taboos that I need to pay special attention to?" This was her usual style—to gather as much information as possible and prepare in advance.

Chen Yuanjiang was taken aback for a moment, then admiration flashed in his eyes. This was Shu Ran—always calm, always thinking about how to do things more safely.

He nodded: "Okay. I'll wait for you at the post office at the street corner east of the guesthouse at ten o'clock tomorrow morning. Let's find a quiet place to talk."

"Mm," Shu Ran replied.

"Well... I'm leaving now. You should get some rest." Chen Yuanjiang said, but didn't turn around immediately.

Shu Ran looked at him, then suddenly reached out and gently grasped his hand, which was hanging by his side. "Don't overwork yourself. See you tomorrow."

Chen Yuanjiang's fingers twitched slightly, then he gripped her hand tightly, squeezing it firmly before letting go. "See you tomorrow." He gave her a deep look, turned, and strode away, his figure quickly disappearing around the corner of the stairs.

Shu Ran closed the door. Lin Jing sighed softly on the bed, "Oh, finally you're done talking. I've been holding my breath like this."

Shu Ran's face flushed: "Sister Lin, you're not asleep?"

"I was sleeping but your whispering woke me up." Lin Jing turned over, propped her head up, and looked at her with a mischievous smile. "Meeting the parents? Well done, Xiao Shu, you're quick on the uptake. That Uncle Chao, he must be someone important, right?"

Shu Ran sat down by the bed and did not deny it: "He is a very respected elder of his."

Lin Jing's joking expression faded, and she said seriously, "This is a big deal. But judging from your expression, you seem to know what you're doing. Remember my advice: be neither humble nor arrogant, and say what you mean. We earn our living through our own abilities, and we can hold our heads high wherever we go. Your class background is a historical issue, not your problem. No one can erase the achievements you've made."

These words gave Shu Ran great comfort. "Thank you, Sister Lin."

"No need to thank me. Go to sleep, we have to prepare for tomorrow." Lin Jing lay back down.

Shu Ran washed up and lay down, but her mind was racing: tomorrow she was not only meeting an elder, but also a key figure who could influence her and Chen Yuanjiang's future. She had to be on her guard.

She began to mentally rehearse possible scenarios, imagining what questions the old commander would ask and how she should answer in a way that was both honest and appropriate. Questions about family, about work on the frontier, about her thoughts on the future… she prepared as if for a defense, repeatedly refining her wording.

At the same time, she recalled Chen Yuanjiang's words: "I made it through my own hard work," "Uncle Chao disdained it," and "The most important person." These words acted as a reassurance, gradually calming her chaotic thoughts.

No matter what tomorrow holds, she will always be Shu Ran. She has her desires, and she holds onto her principles. That's enough.

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Author's Note: The author is back in force! As usual, the comments section is filled with [gold coins].