Gu Lanyan said that the fabric Hua Kai bought would be used to make new clothes for them before the New Year, and the colors were quite bright.

Then, Hua Kai told her parents about the factory opening, saying that she would wait for the store to open so that everyone in the family could go.

She slept soundly that night, and the next morning, the village had transformed into a beautiful snow-covered castle.

After having breakfast, Hua Kai and her younger brother started building a snowman, doing what children should do.

Gu Lanyan isn't going to the market today, so she's at home. She found some yarn and is going to knit a hat for Huakai.

Hua Kai also started learning from Gu Lan Yan. After lunch, she worked on it for a while longer, and Gu Lan Yan knitted a hat for her. To prevent the yarn from poking her forehead, Gu Lan Yan sewed a strip of cloth inside the hat. Hua Kai exclaimed that this was something her own mother would do.

In the afternoon, Jiang Lanfeng brought Li Jing over so that she could go back to the city with Hua Kai and Hua Qingyi later. Of course, she also wanted to say some words of thanks to Hua Kai.

She heard from Li Jing that Li Jing didn't want to stay in the factory and wanted to sell sofas instead, and Hua Kai supported all of this. Jiang Lanfeng felt that this was causing trouble for Hua Kai. Even if Hua Kai and Li Jing had a good relationship, as parents, they should still say something and not pretend they didn't know.

After entering the house, exchanging greetings, and taking a seat, Jiang Lanfeng said to Gu Lanyan, "Yanzi, I really don't know what to say. You've raised your child so well. Li Jing really owes a lot to Huakai. My Li Jing doesn't have much experience, but she has quite a few ideas. I was already happy that she could go to work in the factory, but this girl actually wanted to do some kind of sales job."

Although Gu Lanyan didn't quite understand, she knew that Hua Kai's agreement must have a reason: "Children have their own ideas, and we should just support them. Don't worry about it or overthink it. With the relationship between our two families, if you overthink it, we won't be happy."

Hua Kai smiled and said, "That's right, Aunt Feng, what my mother said makes sense. You don't need to worry about it. If this matter affects me or is not good for Li Jing, I won't agree to it. Look at what my brother wants to do, it's not up to me to decide. I hope everyone can do what they like. This job is something that follows you for most of your life. Doing what you like and being happy while doing it is so much better."

Jiang Lanfeng sighed and said, "What else can I say? Anyway, our family has benefited from your family. We've made money by going to the market and setting up a stall. Those wives of yours have been visiting us more often lately. Li Jing has a future too. I won't say anything more, I'll keep it in mind."

Gu Lanyan held Jiang Lanfeng's hand and said, "It's right that you didn't say anything. We're family. I'm not stupid enough to not know how you've helped us before."

Hua Kai looked at the two of them and said, "Then there's no need for thanks. Let's just try our best to live a good life."

As they were talking, Hua Qingyang rushed in and shouted, "Mom, my aunt is here!"

Upon hearing that her younger sister had arrived, Gu Lanyan jumped up and exclaimed, "Lan Ying is here?" Then she ran out.

Seeing her mother's surprised expression, Hua Kai knew that her aunt hadn't visited for many years, and her coming was something her mother hadn't expected.

When Hua Kai went there before, I told Gu Lanying to come whenever she was free, but she never came. Later, I asked my younger brother and found out that my aunt had only come twice and hadn't come at all in recent years.

She and Hua Qingyi also greeted them at the door.

Gu Lanyan wiped away her tears and pulled Gu Lanying into the house.

Gu Lanying's eyes were also red. He was wearing a blue floral cotton-padded jacket, a purple plaid headscarf, and black cotton shoes. He followed Gu Lanyan into the house.

Hua Kai and Hua Qingyi quickly called her "Auntie".

Jiang Lanfeng knew about Hua Kai's family affairs, so she quickly said to Gu Lanyan, "Yanzi, Li Jing and I are going home first. When Hua Kai and the others leave, please call Li Jing. Lan Ying doesn't come all this way, so please talk to her properly."

Gu Lanyan nodded: "Sister, I won't see you off."

Jiang Lanfeng patted her on the shoulder: "No need to see her off, let the girl stay here for a few more days."

After saying that, he took Li Jing and left.

Hua Kai politely saw them to the door: "Aunt Feng, we might leave tomorrow morning. Anyway, we'll call Li Jing whenever we leave."

Jiang Lanfeng nodded and said, "Yes, it's close by. Just let me know when the time comes." After saying that, she went back with Li Jing.

After Hua Kai returned to the house, Gu Lan Yan held Gu Lan Ying's hand tightly, and the two sisters couldn't stop their tears.

Hua Kai didn't know what to say, and perhaps it was better not to say anything at this moment. She winked at her brother and younger brother, and they all went to the west room, leaving the east room to the Gu Lan Yan sisters.

Before long, crying could be heard coming from the east room. Hua Kai understood; these sisters hadn't had a proper conversation in so many years, especially one where they could speak freely.

After a while, the east room quieted down. Hua Kai said to Hua Qingyi, "Brother, we're not going back to the city today. We'll take the early bus tomorrow morning?"

Hua Qingyi said, "Okay, then go to the village committee and call your school to ask for leave. Go back tomorrow morning."

Hua Kai agreed, "Then I'll go. Dad should be back by now."

After lunch, Hua Wanjiang went to help someone else with their wedding preparations in a few days. Hua Wanjiang is now a respected figure in the village, and people who used to have good relationships with him would often ask him for help with any issues.

Hua Qingyi said, "Then go make a call. I'll see what vegetables we have at home. If we don't have enough, I'll go to the village to buy some more."

Hua Kai agreed and headed out to the brigade headquarters, the only place in the village with a telephone.

Upon arriving in the village, Hua Kai called the school. It was just that she wouldn't be attending the two evening self-study sessions, but she still had to inform the teacher.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!