Chapter 78. This trip has confirmed the two children's future...
Nie Qingqing found Fang Yan, who was patrolling the construction site, and inquired about the girl in Tangyuan's office: "Tall, fair-skinned, I only saw her profile, quite pretty girl, when did she come to the company?"
Fang Yan spends most of her time either in meetings with construction companies and suppliers or on the construction site. She doesn't spend much time at the project office. If it's someone from Yuanda, she knows how busy they are. She thought about it carefully and remembered. She smiled and said, "Then it must be someone from Chenguang. Manager Nie, if it's what you're seeing, then that girl must have developed feelings for Tangyuan, right?"
Tangyuan is sweet-talking, enthusiastic, and has a good appearance. He is also a project supervisor at Yuanda, so he certainly has the qualities to attract girls.
Nie Qingqing smiled and said, "Okay, you go ahead with your work. I'll ask him about it later."
...
Nie Qingqing went to the hotel. At Le Han's wedding, there were only a few relatives. Most of the other guests were business associates and friends from Zhou Chengzhong's side.
These two are finally getting married, and Nie Qingqing is truly happy for them.
Le Han took out a jewelry box containing a beautiful gold necklace, and felt a pang of unease: "Auntie, guess who gave this to me?"
Nie Qingqing was happy to see gold, but Le Han was clearly jealous. She smiled and said, "Even if it was given by an enemy, as long as it's real gold, I'll be happy. Tell me, who gave it to you?"
Grandma Lehan passed away, and Grandpa is getting old. She only dared to show her emotions in front of Nie Qingqing: "It was Lu Chaoyang. I met him once before. He also went into business. His boyfriend knows Zhou Chengzhong's friend. I guess Lu Chaoyang was reluctant to give it to me, and I was reluctant to accept it either."
It turns out it was a business favor. Nie Qingqing was the most easygoing, so she advised her to be open-minded: "You can take it to the jewelry store later and pay extra to get a new one, or keep it to give as a favor later, or even to my family. I don't mind."
With just a few words, he coaxed Lehan back to her senses.
Zhou Chengzhong and his friends were busy with the wedding preparations. Nie Qingqing had nothing to do except keep Le Han company. The couple's bridal suite was a small townhouse. She went over to look at it from top to bottom. It was very festive and had everything she needed. She went back to the hotel that night.
She called Tangyuan and said she had arrived at the hotel, asking if he wanted to have dinner together that night.
Tangyuan said on the other end of the phone, "Of course I want to, Mom. I have something important to tell you."
Nie Qingqing guessed it was related to what she had seen today, so she asked, "I told you as soon as I arrived that I wasn't coming. How long are you planning to keep this a secret?"
Tangyuan smiled pleadingly, "I heard from Uncle Lu that you came to the company, so I guessed you saw me, Mom. It's not what you think. I'll go over and talk to you tonight."
...
We ate at the Lehan Hotel that night. Tangyuan went to the kitchen, which she knew better than her own kitchen, and made a big bowl of seafood noodles. We each ate our own small bowl of noodles and seafood.
She was curious, but it didn't interfere with her meals. Tangyuan not only made delicious seafood noodles, but also usually prepared a four-dish meal with soup, which could be eaten in an hour.
She's truly proud of this guy who can earn money, cook, and provide emotional support. However, her values regarding relationships seem to be leaning towards a materialistic direction.
"Tangyuan, the girl Mom saw today, does she like you? You were chatting and laughing with her, was that interesting? I wasn't eavesdropping, but I heard just one sentence, and I'm really curious."
Tangyuan laughed and didn't deny it: "She probably likes me, right? But I don't like her, and I even dislike her a little."
Nie Qingqing was confused: "Then why were you all smiles at him? What were you pretending for?"
Tangyuan explained, "She started by pretending, so I played along. Mom, she's my pen pal's cousin. When she came, I was puzzled. She wrote that a pretty girl from our company had taken a liking to me. This time, my pen pal's reply was like she was being watched. It was obviously not what she really thought. I wanted to figure out what was going on."
That's very strange," Nie Qingqing hurriedly asked, "Have you figured it out?"
"You probably understand now."
Tangyuan was unusually serious this time, without any joking around: "Based on the situation of the test, I guess that my pen pal rejected the marriage arranged by her family because she likes me. Her cousin came over either to test my character, or after testing me, she thought I was good and wanted to steal me away. It's probably one of these two situations."
"You're really confident!" Nie Qingqing didn't know whether she was praising him or scolding him first.
Tangyuan smiled confidently this time: "Who told Mom to raise me to be so excellent? What do I have to be insecure about?"
Seriously, Nie Qingqing asked him, "What are you planning to do now?"
Tangyuan asked instead, "Mom, do you know what the situation is like for my pen pal's family in the capital?"
If your family values this so much that they don't even consider Tangyuan's qualities, then it must be someone from a better family. There are many wealthy people in Shanghai and many officials in the capital; it's really just these kinds of situations.
Nie Qingqing was very worried: "It would be best if the family conditions were similar, but it doesn't matter if they are slightly different. But if the difference is too great, I can choose not to visit, but you can't ignore your wife's family. Think it over carefully."
Tangyuan thought it through clearly: "Sugarcane isn't sweet at both ends, so I'll choose one end."
...
After Lehan's wedding, she went on her honeymoon with Zhou Chengzhong. They first went to Hong Kong, where she took Hensheng with her and gave him to his father. Hensheng finally decided to go and learn how to do business from his biological father.
Tangyuan went to the capital, saying he wanted to find a real estate agent to buy his third courtyard house, and then talk to his pen pal.
Nie Qingqing was very worried and said to Song Zhao, "I don't think Tangyuan will have a good time going there."
There's always someone better; some people might think our family's circumstances are good, but others might look down on them.
There's another crucial question: Tangyuan and his pen pal have been writing letters for so many years, if he were going to like someone, he would have liked them long ago. Now, it seems like he thought everything through and chose the one he felt was most suitable, rather than the one he liked the most.
“I’m afraid Tangyuan will hold him back.” Nie Qingqing sighed. “I believe in his intelligence and methods. No matter how different our social statuses are, I can win him over if I want to, but why bother?”
The more opinionated a child is, the harder it is to manage them. Song Zhao only cared about Qingqing's happiness and advised, "Feelings can be cultivated slowly. We had an arranged marriage and we're doing very well now. Tangyuan doesn't need to worry. He chose this path himself, and he'll definitely be able to live a good life."
Despite her worries, Nie Qingqing still supported his choice.
...
Tangyuan bought a third courtyard house for his family and arranged to meet his pen pal Chen Zhiqi. The two always met at McDonald's. Sometimes he would treat, and then his pen pal would always pay next time. This time it was his pen pal's turn.
But Tangyuan didn't let her pay. He said, "Let me pay today. We've talked about it. Either I'll pay from now on, or we'll never see each other again."
Chen Zhiqi's hand trembled, his eyes stung, and he turned his head away. He must have found out about his cousin's presumptuous idea and was angry.
Tangyuan told her to wait on the second floor, where there were fewer people and it would be quieter. Chen Zhiqi stared blankly at the stairwell, and when she saw Jiang Chengzong's smiling, handsome face, she felt even more heartbroken.
She broke the agreement first, and she fell in love with him first, so it's not his fault.
Tangyuan bought the food and went upstairs. She sat down opposite Chen Zhiqi and, unlike before, didn't try to be considerate of his feelings or chat amiably. Instead, she said, "Chen Zhiqi, your cousin went to my company's partner company and found out about my character and family situation through people from both companies. Now your family should have a certain understanding of our family, right? I really dislike your cousin, but I like you, so I'm willing to cooperate in this way to let your parents understand me and my family situation. We can't be pen pals anymore. Either we go our separate ways peacefully, or we date with marriage in mind. What do you choose?"
...
When Tangyuan called home to report, he was very happy: "Mom, the house is bought, and I've talked to Chen Zhiqi. I have two bottom lines, which we've discussed. First, we need to settle our own families and get both families' consent before we can start dating. Second, I won't be a live-in son-in-law. I told you, Mom, I can't stand the thought of my son becoming a live-in son-in-law. I think we can overcome the difficulties this time. I'm going to have a girlfriend, and you need to be prepared to be a mother-in-law."
Nie Qingqing was truly exasperated by this slippery guy: "Who pursues a partner with such confidence as you?"
Tangyuan laughed on the phone: "Mom, I can't handle her family. If she can't handle it either, what are we going to talk about? So whether we talk or not really depends on her."
...
Don't let Tangyuan's friendship fool you. When I was chatting with her just now, she went from feeling wronged to happy, from anxious to relaxed. But at home, she only has one state: whoever makes her unhappy, she'll make them unhappy in return.
My cousin happened to be there too, and she talked to her parents about Jiang Chengzong, praising him for his character, abilities, and family.
“Jiang Chengzong is very capable. When he was at Xuri, they wouldn’t give him a permanent position, but he gritted his teeth and persevered for more than half a year. He learned a lot and returned to his own company, where he immediately demonstrated his abilities.”
"His family is a blended family, but they have a good relationship. I've inquired from many sources, and it's definitely true. Especially his mother, she's truly impeccable. She treats all her siblings equally. Friends and colleagues all speak highly of her. She treats her stepdaughter like her own daughter, so how could she not treat her future daughter-in-law well?"
"He and his family are quite good, just a little bit lacking, but they're a good match for our family..."
Chen Zhiqi immediately interrupted her cousin, saying, "He's not quite a match for our family, but I like him, and he likes me too. Since my cousin has helped me find out, I hereby officially announce that Jiang Chengzong and I are no longer pen pals and we are officially in a relationship. Anyone who objects can leave my house. If my parents object, then I will leave this house."
She's always talked like this since she was little, spoiled by her parents. Jiang Chengzong said that it's okay to talk like this in front of him, but you have to put on an act in front of his family.
Of course she wouldn't be that stupid. She's spoiled at home, but only at home. Outside, she's the most polite person.
Chen Shuyi was so surprised she lost her composure: "Qiqi, didn't you say you would never like your pen pal?"
So, my cousin deceived herself and went to inquire about her pen pal. Seeing how good he was in every way, she wanted to get ahead of him.
Chen Zhiqi said with a smile, "Sister, if I didn't like him, how could I have been writing letters to him for so many years? Thank you for helping me find out the information, otherwise my parents would still be worried."
...
Once the door closed, Chen Zhiqi stopped talking like that and stamped her foot: "Yes, I want to date Jiang Chengzong. You don't agree? Then give me the dowry that my grandmother and maternal grandmother left me."
Chen's mother was so angry that she had a headache, and could only blame her husband: "It's all because you spoiled him!"
Mr. Chen said innocently, "You didn't spoil him? Can't you see that my cousin's family is trying to steal him away? It shows that Jiang Chengzong is really good. Otherwise, let Qiqi talk to him. If it doesn't work out, we can separate."
Chen Zhiqi winked at her father, then coaxed her mother, "Mom, I've been corresponding with Jiang Chengzong for several years. We talk about everything. How could I possibly have several more years to get to know someone again? Don't you agree?"
Chen's mother thought about it and agreed. No one cares about things or people when no one is fighting over them, but if someone tries to take them, they will think they are valuable.
Chen's mother had no choice but to say, "Alright then, when should we meet? We're the bride's family, so his family has to come over, otherwise I won't agree."
"Of course," Chen Zhiqi said. "It's all negotiable. When do you want to meet? I've already told Jiang Chengzong that we've agreed that I'll take care of my family and he'll take care of his. Isn't that great?"
...
Nie Qingqing was truly impressed. Tangyuan had informed her family so quickly that both sets of parents would meet. She hadn't even met the girl yet. Wasn't that too fast?
Of course, she was more than willing, but she felt the girl was being too hasty. If the other party wanted to meet, then she would definitely go according to their schedule.
She bought herself and Song Zhao a new set of clothes and shoes, got her hair done, and picked out jewelry. She kept comparing and comparing, unable to make up her mind: "Song Zhao, what should I wear? Something that's not flashy but not impolite. Can you help me choose?"
Sigh, marrying off a daughter-in-law is just different from marrying off a daughter. Song Zhao came over and chose the set that Lian Hongrui had designed before, saying, "This one is designed according to your temperament. It's beautiful and understated."
Let's go with this set; it matches her new clothes quite well.
As the groom's parents, they should naturally adopt a more humble attitude, especially given the disparity between the two families. However, this meeting went much better than she had expected. Perhaps because they wanted their daughter to be more comfortable in the future, they didn't make things difficult for her, and the conversation went quite pleasantly.
This trip has solidified the two children's romantic relationship. As for the wedding date, the girl's family shares Nie Qingqing's idea: let Tangyuan and Zhiqi discuss it thoroughly and then decide for themselves.
That's better. Don't get married just for the sake of getting married. Get married happily, naturally, and when you want to.
She came with trepidation, but left completely at ease. She told Song Zhao, "Now that Tangyuan's matter is settled, I'm a third of the relieved. I'll be truly at ease once Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan's matters are settled as well."
Song Zhao was even more hopeful than she was: "Xiaoyin is just too clear-headed. Compared to her own family's situation, her expectations are definitely high."
Yes, especially after what happened with Meng Kaiyang, Xiaoyin stopped pursuing pure feelings.
Xiaoyin and Lian Hongrui's jewelry store is about to open its new branch in Haishi. Nie Qingqing asked Song Zhao if he wanted to go.
"Xiaoyin wants me to come over. She even designed a set of jewelry for me. Are you going?"
Song Zhao really didn't have time to go. He said, "Tell Xiaoyin that it's not that Dad doesn't value her. The factory's profits have been increasing one after another. Wei Jun can keep the factory going, but we really can't rely on him for development. I'm waiting for Xiao Yuan to come back and help. Otherwise, I really won't be able to stay idle."
Nie Qingqing told him to go back, and she went directly from the capital to Shanghai.
...
As soon as Song Zhao arrived at the factory, Wei Jun came over, head down, hands clenched, stammering, unable to utter a complete sentence: "Master, I want to, I want to..."
What annoys Song Zhao the most is this about him. He can be allowed to bury himself in technical work, but this suffocating personality of his just makes him infuriating.
He had called him "Master" for so many years and had developed feelings for him. He also treated Weijun like a son, and patiently asked him, "What do you want to say? Don't stammer. Is there anything you can't say to me?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: This story is expected to be completed by the end of the month. My next story, "Rural Life in the 1970s," has started! It's starting with zero pre-orders, so please add it to your favorites! Thank you so much!
Next episode's copywriting:
In 1976, Lin Jiangran's parents were taken away by the Red Armbanders, and their house was to be taken away. With nowhere to go, she wandered around the matchmaking market and talked to the first suitable unmarried young man: "Brother, I'm also here to find a partner. Would you like to meet me?"
The man opposite her nodded and asked, "I'm not a local. Before I came here today, I was transferred back to my hometown commune to be the security captain. I live in a rural tile-roofed house. You're a city girl, can you accept my situation?"
Is it in the countryside? She heard the housekeeper mention it: the neighbors are mean, life is hard, and people who come to the city don't want to go back.
Afraid that the man opposite her wouldn't like the truth, she praised him, saying, "The countryside is great! We have our own plots of land where we can grow vegetables, which saves money. There's plenty of land, and the air is fresh. I'd love to go back with you!"
Lin Jiangran married into a family in the countryside. Her husband's hometown, Dahe Village, was a nice place with plenty of river fish and shrimp, as well as mountain fruits. It wasn't a large village, with only about ninety households. The new village chief was a capable leader, and although life was tough, the neighbors were harmonious and helped each other. In this small village, she also found herself on an increasingly successful path.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
