Inside, they were talking about something, but outside, Cheng Ran and Hong Xing were chatting animatedly—or rather, the latter was talking on and on to himself.
It's clear that during his time working at the factory, Hung Hing has gradually returned to the sunny, youthful state he once was.
Hong Xing smoked the cigarette down to the butt, exhaled the last smoke ring, and turned to look at Cheng Ran.
"Brother Cheng, really not want one?"
"Need not."
"Alright, I won't lead you astray. I only got into cigarettes and alcohol after I left the army. They're good things, but they can also easily corrupt your mind," he said soberly.
"Good to know. If you want to save money, smoke and drink less."
"I know, Brother Cheng, it's just for fun. One pack lasts for a few days, don't worry..."
Before she finished speaking, Gu Yu walked out of the office, and Jiang Wanqing saw her off.
Judging from their expressions, it was clear that even if the conversation wasn't pleasant, it hadn't completely fallen apart, and they seemed to have reached some agreement.
Gu Yu waved her hand behind her: "You stay here, see you later."
After she left, Cheng Ran and Hong Xing walked into the office right after her. Jiang Wanqing wasn't surprised to see them.
"Have you been waiting outside for a long time?"
"Hehe, it's alright. I'll keep watch for you while I'm at it, so there aren't any traitors in the factory!"
Hearing Hong Xing's words, Jiang Wanqing twitched the corners of her mouth. They were indeed not without reason. She asked the two to sit down and brought them new cups to pour tea.
Cheng Ran didn't want to drink tea, and immediately asked her, "Have you reached an agreement?"
"Well, I guess so."
Did she make any unreasonable demands?
His gaze was slightly serious. Given the Ye family's background, he was worried that Jiang Wanqing wouldn't fare well in front of that woman.
“She didn’t mention it, but I did,” she said casually.
Hung Hing gave a thumbs up: "As expected of your sister-in-law, she can handle anyone. I admire her!"
But her words only fueled Cheng Ran's suspicions, and he countered, "So, in this cooperative relationship, she gets more benefits, which is why you can propose additional conditions, right?"
“You guessed right. Jiang Xiu and her husband are having an affair. She only has one daughter. If Jiang Xiu gives birth to a boy, her and her daughter’s position will be in jeopardy. So, compared to what I need to solve, she is much more anxious. I heard that her daughter, who is studying abroad, will be returning home soon because of the changes in her family.”
Cheng Ran's lips twitched. The news was absurd yet somewhat reasonable, mainly because it involved Jiang Xiu. There were other things even more immoral than this.
"Wow, that's really astonishing."
After discussing Gu Yu's matter, the office fell silent. Hong Xing was still drinking tea when Cheng Ran glanced at him casually and then gestured towards the door with his chin.
He blinked blankly for a moment, then realized what was happening and quickly got up.
"Oh! I have something to do, Brother Cheng and Sister-in-law, I'll go first. You two can continue chatting. I'll go close the door."
This kid has some sense; he made sure to finish his tea before leaving so as not to waste it.
The moment the door closed, Jiang Wanqing couldn't help but laugh out loud, and slowly walked over and sat down next to Cheng Ran.
"Why are you scaring him? It's like we're going to do something shameful." She poked Cheng Ran's arm, feigning anger.
He took her hand and gently stroked it in his palm, his voice slightly hoarse and low.
"You've ignored me for many days, shouldn't you give me some compensation?"
Jiang Wanqing blushed deeply and pushed him away: "This is the office."
He squeezed her hand tighter: "Then let's go home later."
She hummed in agreement, but couldn't help teasing him a few times.
"Are you really that clingy to me? Then let me ask you, Comrade Cheng, how did you manage for the past twenty-odd years without me?"
He smiled and replied, "I'll make do for now, but after having you, I don't want to make do anymore."
"How annoying! People say that feelings have an expiration date. I'm still young now, and there's a natural attraction between us. But in a few years, when I'm no longer young, even younger girls will come into your life. What will you choose then?"
She just wanted to tease him; this kind of question is no different from the little tricks that young couples play when one asks the other if the other loves them.
To everyone's surprise, he actually started thinking about it seriously, and he seemed quite solemn about it.
"By the same token, if you saw male college students younger than me every day at school, would you be attracted to them?"
Uh… Jiang Wanqing blinked. She had dug herself a hole. What kind of analogy was that!
She punched her in the chest: "Oh, you, trying to change the subject, huh!"
"I'm not changing the subject, I'm telling you that just as the boys at school don't attract you, other women don't attract me emotionally either. At most, it's a revolutionary friendship, like the admiration and respect for female soldiers. It's a deep-seated respect for the strong, nothing more."
He spoke earnestly, and Jiang Wanqing listened attentively, leaning on his shoulder and nodding gently.
"Alright, since you answered so thoughtfully, I can give you a little reward when we get back."
"Then I have to thank myself for my sincerity."
After they finished speaking, they burst into laughter. They felt that they were becoming more and more in sync with each other, and they preferred to speak the truth rather than empty words.
...
North City, Airport
Gu Yu waited discreetly at the exit with her driver. A girl wearing a pale yellow suit, apricot-colored high heels, and a white hat came out.
"mom!"
"Lolo, Mom's daughter, is finally home."
The mother and daughter hugged each other, crying tears of joy, and Gu Yu gently patted her daughter's back.
"Come on, get in the car. Mom made your favorite dishes. Look, you've lost weight while you were abroad. You must make sure to make up for it when you come back."
"Mom...you're still the best to me. My dad..."
Ye Luo hesitated, but Gu Yu waved her hand, looking disgusted and helpless.
"Don't mention him on such a good day."
"Alright, let's go back first, let me meet that new grandma!"
The mother and daughter got into the car, and Gu Yu kept asking about her well-being, worried that her daughter might be tired, too hot, or too cold.
"I'm fine, Mom. Oh, right, there's something else I need to tell you about. The comrade I asked you to keep an eye out for on the phone before, the one who saved me when I was fifteen... He's now..."
When she asked the question, her eyes were bright and full of expectation, but Gu Yu ignored her and just helped her fix her hair.
“Our Luoluo is so beautiful and graceful, she could have any kind of man she wanted.”
"Mom, you know that's not what I meant. I just want to know about him..."
"Xiao Liu, drive slowly, don't bump Luo Luo."
She didn't answer her daughter's question, but only told the driver to drive carefully.
This reaction had already chilled Ye Luo's heart, and she gripped her hands tightly.
Did he sacrifice his life? Or is he working in some faraway place? Or has he already married and had children?
She didn't want either outcome. She bit her lip secretly, realizing she would have to investigate it herself.
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