After leaving the rented room, Chen Ni realized she hadn't taken anything with her after her impulsive act cooled down. As darkness fell and fewer people appeared on the street, she didn't know where to go.
As I walked, I arrived at the factory...
Xiuli Factory is now under the management of Jiang Wanqing, while routine matters are handled by Hong Xing.
She thought about going in and pleading with them to let her stay at the factory for the night, and then making further plans the next day.
Just as she was about to go in through the door, she ran into Jiang Wanqing, who was on her way home, and her husband Cheng Ran.
This was the first time she had seen Cheng Ran up close, and his imposing presence made her unconsciously lower her head, wanting to make herself less noticeable.
Fortunately, Jiang Wanqing saw her and came over to ask her what was wrong.
"Comrade Chen Ni? Why are you still here? Haven't you gone home?"
"I..." She pursed her lips, "I've been kicked out, Comrade Jiang. Could I sleep in the factory for the night? I'll find another place tomorrow..."
She was almost in tears, feeling a little regretful for saying those tough but useless words. Perhaps the mother and son were right; enduring her anger now would allow her to enjoy a better life later. If Jiang Wanqing hadn't agreed to let her stay at the factory, she would have thought of going back to apologize.
However, Jiang Wanqing simply told her, "There are beds and blankets in the duty room, you can sleep there. The person on duty tonight is a female worker, you two can share the room. I'll take care of your accommodation tomorrow."
"Really?" She couldn't believe it.
"Of course it's true." Jiang Wanqing smiled. "You can tell me anything, but today... I'll have to trouble you for now."
"I'm not wronged at all! Thank you, Comrade Jiang, you're such a good person!"
Chen Ni thanked him repeatedly, her worries and regrets vanishing. Jiang Wanqing gave her a few words of advice and then left with Cheng Ran.
After getting in the car, Cheng Ran glanced at Chen Ni walking towards the duty room in the rearview mirror and asked a question, puzzled.
"Aren't you afraid something might happen to Chen Zhong's sister if you keep her by your side?"
Jiang Wanqing stroked her belly, her face full of gentleness: "Don't be afraid. She can be the most pathetic punching bag, or she can be the sharpest knife. It all depends on how you use her."
"It has to be you again," Cheng Ran said admiringly.
"Alright, hurry home. I'll help you pack your things, and I'll see you off tomorrow."
What she cares about now is that he's going on a mission tomorrow, and before he leaves, she wants to cherish the time she has with him.
"Okay, whatever you say."
Back in the residential compound, they found their own lights on. Pushing open the door, they found Xue He and Jiang Jianguo had tidied up the place perfectly.
"Dad, Mom?" Jiang Wanqing was both surprised and delighted.
Her parents looked at her belly, and tears of joy from their reunion flowed down their faces. Xue He patted her back.
"Cheng Ran picked us up and said he had a surprise for you today. Did he scare you?"
Jiang Wanqing sniffed and shook her head: "No, I'm just too happy."
She gave her parents a big hug.
Cheng Ran watched with relief. At least his arrangements hadn't disappointed her, and he could leave with peace of mind.
"I'll go cook, you talk to Mom and Dad more." He put on his apron and went to the kitchen.
"Let me do it," Xue He insisted.
"Mom, you've just arrived, so please spend some time with Wanqing. I'm leaving tomorrow, so I'm making you a nice dinner on my last day. It's a small token of my appreciation."
Cheng Ran was very good at talking, which made Xue He, his mother-in-law, feel embarrassed to argue with him about the right to cook.
He was very efficient; while Jiang Wanqing and her family of three were chatting, he had already prepared the meal and served it on the table.
Jiang Jianguo and Xue He, the couple, were increasingly pleased with their son-in-law.
"Cheng Ran, stop busying yourself and sit down to eat with us. I'll clean up later, so don't try to take this from me," Xue He said with a smile.
"Okay, Mom."
The four sat down around the table, chatting and laughing, but Cheng Ran was in a rather heavy mood. He didn't drink much, but today he toasted Jiang Jianguo several times.
"Dad, I'm sorry to trouble you and Mom to take good care of Wanqing while I'm gone. I'll drink this glass in one gulp, you can drink as you please."
"What are you saying? Wanqing is my daughter. We will definitely do our best to take care of her and ensure the baby is born safely. Don't worry about that. You should also take care of yourself while you're away. Don't worry about home while you're working. We're here for you."
His job is special, and Jiang Jianguo was afraid that he would be distracted when he went on missions, so he said that.
"Yes, Cheng Ran, you are working for both the country and your family. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you really can't make it back when Wanqing gives birth, don't blame yourself too much. We will take good care of everything."
The couple comforted him, and Cheng Ran felt a warmth in his heart.
He went to bed early because he was going to leave with the main group the next day.
That night, as he lay in bed, he was still giving instructions.
"The carpenter will come tomorrow to partition off a room and build a big bed for my parents. They'll have to make do with that tonight."
"It's okay, Mom and Dad will understand. You should go to sleep now, you have to get up early tomorrow."
Jiang Wanqing turned to tuck the blanket around him, then slowly lay down, resting her head on his arm, and snuggled into his embrace.
Unbeknownst to her, she had already become familiar with this embrace. This time, he was away for an unknown period of time, so it was impossible for her to remain completely calm.
"Wanqing," he called out, "I..."
“I know, go to sleep, everything will be alright. You still have to come back to see our child and hear him call you Dad.”
She knew what he wanted to say. All missions are inherently dangerous, but since he had participated, he couldn't afford not to give it his all, which meant he might encounter dangerous situations...
Jiang Wanqing was worried too, but she remained steadfast in her belief that he would be alright and would definitely come back safely.
"Okay, I won't say anything more. Go to sleep."
He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.
The next day, Cheng Ran got up early to pack his things, and only woke Jiang Wanqing up when he was about to leave.
The moment she opened her eyes, she saw him standing in front of her bed, dressed in a neat military uniform.
She rubbed her eyes: "Why didn't you call me?"
"I wanted you to sleep a little longer. Mom has already made breakfast. Get up and eat, but be careful. I have to leave after you finish eating."
She choked back a sob, pursed her lips, and carefully got out of bed, supporting her belly.
This breakfast wasn't as lively as yesterday's dinner, because they all knew that Cheng Ran was leaving today with no end in sight. Although he didn't say it, everyone could guess that it wasn't a simple task.
After the meal, they took Cheng Ran to the station where the troops would meet up. Cheng's parents, with tears in their eyes, helped him straighten his military uniform.
"Go in peace, we've got your family here. Take care of yourself, that's all I'll say. We're all waiting for you to come back."
Cheng Ran is their son, so their concern for him is no less than that for him.
He glanced in the direction of Jiang Wanqing's parents and said, "My mother-in-law just arrived in Beijing. Wanqing is pregnant. Would it be alright if you could show them around the area sometime?"
“Why not? Don’t worry,” Mr. Cheng replied.
"Okay, I'll go then."
Before getting into the car, Cheng Ran gave Jiang Wanqing a final hug.
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