Chu Xuanxuan spoke of these things with a happy expression.
Feng Mingshu did not interrupt or ask about Zhang Yunxiao's situation. He waited until Chu Xuanxuan finished speaking before apologetically saying, "I've been very busy lately and haven't had time to attend your wedding. I wish you a happy marriage and a long and happy life together."
Chu Xuanxuan held her hand tightly and pleaded, "Cousin, it won't take up too much of your time. You just need to show up, and you don't need to bring a gift. You're my only cousin, so please go and help me out. If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word, and I'll do anything for you, without hesitation..."
Chu Xuanxuan became increasingly direct, prompting Feng Mingshu to interrupt and ask, "Are you really my cousin?"
Her gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce through one's heart. Chu Xuanxuan panicked for a moment: "Cousin, of course I am your cousin, I am Chu Xuanxuan."
"Let's pretend you're Chu Xuanxuan, but we've never had a good relationship. Let's be strangers from now on; it's better for both of us."
After saying that, Feng Mingshu broke free from Chu Xuanxuan's hand and turned to leave.
Chu Xuanxuan stared at her retreating figure and suddenly shouted, "Then what about you? Are you really Feng Mingshu?"
Feng Mingshu did not respond and merged into the crowd.
Chu Xuanxuan suddenly covered her face and burst into tears, because her life was not as good as she had just said. Her soon-to-be husband was indeed a university professor, but he was old enough to be her father.
This marriage partner was someone she had painstakingly won over; otherwise, she would still be stuck working on the military farm.
She was thoroughly fed up with the labor and couldn't wait to break free. Even though she knew that the college entrance examination would be reinstated next year, she didn't want to wait even just one more year.
Moreover, with a professor husband, she's more confident about taking the college entrance exam next year.
After getting into university, she can have a new life and pursue new love.
This was the future she envisioned, a beautiful future, but she felt no joy, only pain.
The painful past ten years have turned her into someone like everyone else in this era, losing her pride and self-respect, and even being rejected when she tried to please others.
Ten years ago, she could have cursed Feng Mingshu's back as he walked away.
Ten years later, even if I had doubts, I only dared to ask one question tentatively.
Life has worn down all her edges, and she is no different from the masses on the street.
But life goes on. Chu Xuanxuan wiped away her tears, forced a smile, and returned to the tailor shop, instructing the tailor to make her the most fashionable new clothes of the era.
Feng Mingshu didn't take the encounter with Chu Xuanxuan to heart, but a few days later, on her way to pick up her child, she ran into Zhang Yunxiao.
Zhang Yunxiao rode by on her bicycle in a hurry, but then turned back, her bicycle screeching to a stop beside her. She smiled and greeted her, "Student Feng, long time no see."
Feng Mingshu was somewhat surprised when she saw Zhang Yunxiao.
The boy has grown into a sturdy man with a face weathered by time, but his eyes are bright, his demeanor composed, and he possesses the restraint and politeness of a mature man.
Feng Mingshu replied with a smile, "It has been a long time. How have you been these years?"
"I'm fine, how about you? These are your children, right? They all look a lot like you." Zhang Yunxiao's gaze fell on Feng Mingshu's three children, her eyes filled with complex emotions, which she quickly concealed.
"Yes, this is my child," Feng Mingshu said with a smile, then taught her child to greet people.
Mao Mao, with her two younger sisters, obediently greeted the man, "Hello, Uncle Zhang."
"Hello," Zhang Yunxiao replied with a smile, rummaging in her pocket but unable to find any candy. Finally, she took out some money, intending to give each of the three children one yuan.
But Feng Mingshu politely declined, and the three children all put their hands behind their backs.
After returning home, the younger daughter, Duoduo, told her father about meeting Uncle Zhang as if it were a new and exciting event.
Feng Mingshu was right next to him, but she didn't stop him; she could only look at Zhou Jinshan with a smile.
Zhou Jinshan squeezed her fingers helplessly: "I'm not that petty. I won't interfere with your normal interactions with men."
Feng Mingshu initially believed him, but that night, as she was being tormented in bed, she began to have doubts again.
Finally, the storm subsided, and she angrily kicked the man, but her foot was weak and powerless. Instead, the man grabbed her foot and took the opportunity to do it again.
The next day, Feng Mingshu overslept.
New Year's Day passed in the blink of an eye, and soon the children's winter vacation began. Feng Mingshu was finally able to fulfill her promise and take the children to the north to see the squirrels.
As for Zhou Jinshan, he was left in Bincheng.
Once on the train, the three children excitedly pressed their faces against the window, gazing at the snow-covered scenery outside.
Feng Mingshu suddenly remembered that ten years ago, when she first took a train away from Bincheng, the only person with her was Zhou Jinshan. Now, it was her three children.
She took out her sketchbook and began to draw portraits of the children and the scenery outside, planning to send them to Zhou Jinshan after she got off the train.
Unfortunately, as soon as he got off the train, he was surrounded by a group of children from the Li family, and he forgot about sending the letter.
This group of children included the newborns of Li's uncles and aunts in recent years, as well as their grandchildren, a dozen or so in total. It was quite shocking when they all called her "cousin" and "aunt."
The three siblings, Mao Mao and his sister, were very happy to have so many playmates. They started playing with them as soon as they left the train station.
Feng Mingshu was concerned about something else: "Dad, where's Mom?"
Every time Li Yanzhong heard the word "Dad," his emotions would fluctuate, but he would put on a warm smile and say, "Your mother went to Shanghai a few days ago, so I'm the only one here to pick you up."
Upon hearing this, Feng Mingshu said with regret, "I should have chosen another day to come, otherwise Dad could have accompanied Mom to Shanghai."
Li Yanzhong smiled and shook his head: "When it comes to business, I'm not as good as your mother. Going to Shanghai with her wouldn't be of much use. It's better for her to stay in the village and look after the factory. Don't worry, your mother has an assistant with her; she's not alone."
Upon hearing this, Feng Mingshu was finally relieved.
Upon returning to Lijiatun, the mother and her three children received a warm welcome, and the three siblings, including Mao Mao, began to frolic freely in the village.
The people who took them out to have fun were their uncle, aunt, and great-aunt.
Feng Mingshu was quite helpless, pointing at Li Mingyu and Li Mingxue and saying, "You two are almost twenty years old, why aren't you doing anything proper yet?"
Li Mingyu was a bit chubby. When his sister scolded him, he scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. Feng Mingshu almost thought she was seeing the former Li Da Pang.
Now, Li Dapang has become a company commander on the island, and he is no longer fat, but a tall and strong young man.
So Feng Mingshu comforted himself, thinking that once his simple-minded younger brother got into military school, he would definitely be transformed.
Then, he looked worriedly at his plump younger sister, Li Mingxue.
"Sis, I'm eating half a bowl less rice now, I'm sure I'll lose weight," Li Mingxue assured, raising her chubby hand.
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