Chapter 76 Chapter 76 What kind of plan is this?
Grandma Liang was just as happy to learn that Ye Peixiu had come to Shaoping.
Liang Xinwu happily called Xia Huiqing and told her that Ye Peixiu was arriving today and invited the three of them to her villa to celebrate the New Year together.
"We're not going."
Xia Huiqing said, "It's against etiquette."
Liang Xinwu's smile froze on his lips. He wanted to say something to her, but he swallowed his words and said, "...Alright, then I'll come see you in the next few days."
After hanging up the phone, she sighed, "Huiqing is still so old-fashioned!"
In the past, the two young people had no connection and could happily spend the New Year together. Now that they are a couple, it's inappropriate to deliberately find an excuse to put them together.
When Xia Huiqing refused outright, Xia Qingwan was reading a book and eating cookies nearby. Upon hearing this, she was not surprised and did not even look up.
"Finish eating before you look at it, don't get it on the book."
Xia Qingwan was taken aback, and quickly put the cookies down. "...Oh, okay."
I've been relaxing a bit these past few days at Yeyuan. If I come to Grandma's house and eat snacks while reading, I'm sure she'll scold me.
I had just put away the snacks and books when a message from Ye Peixiu popped up on my phone:
"I'll come to your house this afternoon."
She replied:
"Okay."
He replied:
"Grandma Xia is indeed a powerful character."
This made her laugh even through the screen.
Ye Peixiu went to Liang Xinwu's villa to put his luggage, took a short rest, and chatted with his grandmother for a few words.
Grandma Liang said, "Your good dream is ruined now. You can only stay here with me and visit me every few days at most."
Ye Peixiu was quite calm.
Firstly, he and she were not much different in terms of time and effort; secondly, Grandma Xia's protection of her made him feel more at ease.
Even though I think this way rationally, I still can't help missing you.
He came to the Xia family villa, put the gift down, chatted with the old man for a while, then made eye contact with Xia Qingwan and raised his chin slightly to indicate.
He stood up and said politely, "I'm going out for a walk."
Upon receiving the signal, Xia Qingwan immediately lowered her eyes and pretended nothing had happened, silently waiting for her elder's permission.
Xia Huiqing paused for a moment, then said only, "...Okay, you may go."
It was still Grandma Xi who almost couldn't wait, "Qingwan, go and accompany Mr. Ye."
"good."
Xia Qingwan walked towards the entrance, changing her shoes as she exchanged a slightly smiling glance with Ye Peixiu, who was waiting for her under the porch.
"It's cold outside, so don't stay out too long. Come back early and have a cup of hot tea."
Grandma Xi gave further instructions from behind.
"Okay."
The two of them walked up the courtyard path, one in front and one behind.
The front yard of the villa is not large, but it is full of flowers and plants. In winter, the flowers and plants wither, leaving a ground covered with low and crooked branches, waiting for the spring of the following year.
Xia Huiqing was reading a book in front of the fireplace in the living room when Grandma Xi peered out the window with great interest. She pointed out to Xia Huiqing with relish, "Look at them, these young lovers are even putting on an act, walking so properly."
After turning through a covered walkway in the front yard, you arrive at the side yard.
There are two rows of ash trees planted on both sides of the side yard. The leaves are all yellow, and occasionally there are scattered fallen leaves.
Grandma Xi went to the kitchen and looked out through the back door.
A short while later, she came back into the living room rubbing her hands together and said with a grin, "We finally held hands!"
Xia Qingwan and Ye Peixiu took a walk hand in hand.
Along the brick path lined with ash trees, occasional patches of recent rainwater remain in the perpetual shade, and fallen ash leaves sway slowly in the puddles.
I tilted my head back and took a deep breath; the air was damp, cool, and refreshing, invigorating my lungs.
Xia Qingwan held one of his hands with both of hers, occasionally leaning close to whisper something to him, while Ye Peixiu lowered his head and listened attentively.
This walk took me to every corner of the entire villa, including the front yard, side yard, and back yard.
Xia Qingwan even picked up two fallen leaves and brought them back.
Grandma Xi had already prepared hot tea and invited them to sit down, saying, "Hurry up and have some hot tea."
The two of them stood in front of the fireplace, holding teacups, drinking tea, talking to Grandma Xi, and occasionally glancing at each other.
After Ye Peixiu left the villa, Grandma Xi tapped the back of her hand and sighed, saying to Xia Huiqing, "These two children are so adorable. What era are we living in? What's wrong with spending the New Year together?"
Xia Huiqing glanced at her and said, "Don't make things worse."
Grandma Xi murmured softly, "Yes, yes, you are the boss, you are the one who has the final say."
Although she lived in seclusion, over time, many of her former students found out where Xia Huiqing lived. In the past two years, the villa has been bustling with guests during festivals.
Xia Qingwan occasionally accompanied guests, but most of the time she stayed in the study, reading facing the withered fallen leaves by the window.
Seeing that she was detained here, Grandma Xi was particularly unhappy and yelled at Xia Huiqing several times.
Xia Huiqing finally couldn't hold back and said, "We don't even know what the Ye family's attitude is yet. What kind of behavior is it to let Qingwan share a room with Mr. Ye at this time?"
"The old man from the Ye family doesn't seem like that kind of person."
Grandma Xi argued back.
"Whether it's similar or not, we can't be sure. Let's just do our best and there's no need to speculate about other people's intentions."
Grandma Xi raised her hands in surrender, "Fine, fine, you have plenty of道理 (moral principles)."
Despite their bickering, on a long afternoon, the two elderly people sat together drinking tea. Grandma Xi couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Hey, is it really that difficult to deal with the Ye family?"
"have no idea."
“We have all witnessed Mr. Ye’s attitude, haven’t we?” Grandma Xi said with a sigh. “If we were to put it this way, it would be easier to handle if Mr. Ye were a rascal. He could just throw a tantrum at home and there would be a result, whether good or bad. But Mr. Ye is so down-to-earth and methodical, which makes things neither good nor bad, and keeps us on edge.”
I don't think so.
Xia Huiqing said, "He is very methodical and will get things straight. This is actually the best thing for Qingwan. He needs to have a say in order to ensure that Qingwan is not treated coldly in the Ye family in the future. Throwing a tantrum may be useful in the short term, but it won't last. In the future, the Ye family will always dislike Qingwan. If it really comes to that, it will only harm her."
"To deal with those who wield real power, you must also have the resources to match their strength."
“Mr. Ye is a sensible person. I believe he will understand if we keep them both in check for a while.”
Seeing her say such words, Grandma Xi comforted her again, "It seems that Mr. Ye and Qingwan are very understanding. You don't need to worry about this. Both children are good children and understand your intentions."
Upon hearing this, Xia Huiqing stared blankly out the window.
These past few days, images of Xia Xili and Song Nanqiao have been constantly appearing in my mind.
No matter what, Xia Xili and Song Nanqiao were a well-matched couple, one from a prominent family in the capital and the other from a powerful family in the south. How could the two families have been so determined to oppose it back then?
If permission had been granted earlier, Xia Xili wouldn't have had to travel all over the country almost like a wanderer for his performances. If he had stayed in Beijing, the Xia family wouldn't have fallen into ruin. Qingwan's situation might have been better; not only was her childhood and adolescence carefree, but even her current romantic relationships might not have been so difficult to handle.
As I thought about it, I couldn't help feeling melancholy.
Grandma Xi said, "No matter what, the two of us are Qingwan's support and fallback. If things really come to a head," she nudged Xia Huiqing's arm and winked, "...shouldn't we go back to the capital?"
"I can go back by myself."
In recent years, there has been a surge in students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees, leading to a shortage of teachers in various universities. In the past year alone, five universities have offered Xia Huiqing a re-employment contract.
She has already chosen one of the schools and is just waiting to discuss and finalize the details after the New Year before taking office immediately.
This was what she could do for Xia Qingwan, and it could also be considered as making amends to Xia Xili and Song Nanqiao.
-
Before the Spring Festival, Ye Tingwen attended a New Year's gathering.
A cup of tea, even without wine, brings joy.
When I returned to the old house in Xishan and was drinking tea with the old man in the west wing, a younger generation called to wish me a happy new year.
The younger generation lives far away in the countryside and cannot come to the capital to visit, nor can they bring gifts. So they can only make a phone call to express their sincere regards.
During a casual conversation, the younger generation mentioned that the Song family, a prominent clan in Nanhua, had a grandchild who was going north.
"Now they are all trying their best to get into the capital, but they don't think about where there is room for them in the capital."
Ye Tingwen said with a casual smile.
"I don't know, maybe someone is promoting him?" the younger generation guessed. "But it's hard to say. The Song family's son is said to be a young talent, and he has indeed achieved a lot. Perhaps the higher-ups have a discerning eye and sent him to the capital to see how he is."
"Someone who has achieved something? What's their name? I've never heard of them."
“Song Yanzhang, yes, that’s the name.”
Ye Tingwen frowned slightly.
This name sounds familiar.
He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Which position was it given to?"
The junior colleague on the other end of the phone mentioned a position.
Upon hearing this, Ye Tingwen frowned even more. He knew about this position; they had even held a meeting to discuss it before, and a person surnamed Zhang was chosen, who happened to be his junior. They were just waiting for the transfer letter after the New Year.
When did the candidate change?
"Song Yanzhang has hit the jackpot. He's only in his early thirties. If he can really make a name for himself in the capital, his future will be bright..." The younger generation said, then remembered something and laughed, "It's hard to say. The Song family seems to have had a falling out with the Xia family in the capital a few years ago because of marriage ties with the younger generation. The Xia family is no longer around, so we don't know what will become of them."
Hearing this, Ye Tingwen paused, and the cigarette ash fell between his fingers.
Yes.
This Song Yanzhang is the cousin of that little girl.
The Song family of Nanhua, the little girl's maternal family.
Ye Tingwen smiled as usual, "That's a story for another time."
Hang up the phone.
He stood up and paced around the study for a few rounds, then angrily threw his phone in front of the old man.
Grandpa Ye appeared to be practicing calligraphy, but in reality, he had been listening intently. Hearing the noise, before he could even react, Ye Tingwen angrily exclaimed, "Look what your good grandson has done!"
Old Master Ye calmed down, straightened his back, and said coldly, "You pave your road, he paves his road, what's wrong with that? You're allowed to make plans for yourself, but he's not allowed to?"
"Removing my men and elevating that girl's family—what kind of plan is this?!"
"It's all because you look down on that young girl," Old Master Ye glanced at him coldly, "Your good son has to take matters into his own hands, strategize and operate, so that you have no choice but to respect him. I think this move is brilliant."
"You still speak for him?"
The old man sighed, put down his pen, and sat down in his armchair. "...It's not that I'm speaking for anyone in particular, but Tingwen, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Do you really want things to escalate to the point of estrangement between father and son? Song Yanzhang's position is insignificant to you; it doesn't matter whose side he's on. Why do you—"
Before he could finish speaking, Ye Tingwen slammed the door and left.
-
On Xia Qingwan's 25th birthday, Ye Peixiu accompanied her to the amusement park.
I speed-ran through the entire process and had a blast.
Finally, on a clear, chilly winter night in Shaoping, we watched the fireworks together.
“I’m so happy!”
Even she, who is usually indifferent to emotions, couldn't help but laugh out loud.
After her parents passed away when she was five, she was fostered by various teachers. Even the slightest deviation in her daily behavior was a luxury, let alone being taken to an amusement park on her birthday, which was simply an unattainable dream.
She never even dared to think about it.
Previously, she had been focused on her studies and had not felt any regret. However, at this moment, this corner that had been neglected for a long time during her childhood was suddenly filled, and she was overwhelmed with happiness and emotion.
Perhaps some traumas do exist, but are simply ignored because of long-standing self-discipline.
On the way back, Xia Qingwan called a physical store that could develop film and couldn't wait to send her film camera there so she could get her and Ye Peixiu's photos developed.
While Ye Peixiu was waiting for her outside the store, he received a phone call.
Grandpa Ye said on the phone, "Your father has probably sent someone to look for you. It seems he also wants to meet that young lady from the Xia family."
"Okay," Ye Peixiu glanced at his watch. "I'll call him back later."
He wanted to take Xia Qingwan back to the Xia family villa first.
After hanging up the phone, Xia Qingwan walked out of the store, looking up at him with a smile, her eyes crinkling. "I asked the boss to expedite it, so I can pick it up tomorrow."
"good."
Ye Peixiu patted the back of her head.
During the holiday, Shaoping was bustling with traffic. Xia Qingwan held his hands and walked backwards with a bright smile. "It's amazing, all these years, I never thought of going to an amusement park myself."
We are so busy with our studies and seeing the world that we forget to look back and wait for our childhood selves.
Would you like to come again?
Ye Peixiu asked.
"Sure, I'll come every Children's Day, haha."
She laughed as she spoke, a cacophony of cars and taillights, horns blaring a cacophony of red lights, behind her. An electric scooter whizzed past, and Ye Peixiu, quick as a flash, pulled her into his arms. "...Be careful."
She smiled, looked behind her, and then looked up at him.
"I'll take you back."
Okay.
After getting in the car, the dark Audi drove towards the Xia family villa on the outskirts of the city.
In the back seat of the car, Xia Qingwan leaned over, and the two of them huddled together to look at the photos on her phone.
The road was very congested, and the driver honked the horn.
Ye Peixiu glanced over in a distraction.
After passing a three-way intersection and turning onto the road leading to the suburbs, the view of the road suddenly became wider and the driver increased the speed.
After driving about 500 kilometers per hour, Ye Peixiu suddenly heard a noise coming from behind the car.
He glanced back and immediately instructed the driver, "Turn onto the side road."
The driver noticed and turned the steering wheel towards the side road, but it was too late. The car behind came hurtling towards them and crashed into them violently.
In that split second, Ye Peixiu twisted his body and arched his back to shield Xia Qingwan in his arms.
The car lurched forward, the cabin rocking, and then it landed on the ground with a clang.
-
Wang Jingzi was the first to receive the news and immediately gave instructions to arrange for Ye Peixiu, Xia Qingwan, and their driver to be brought back to Beijing and taken to the hospital. At the same time, he called Xia Huiqing and Liang Xinwu.
Upon receiving the call, Xia Huiqing felt a wave of dizziness.
"...It was an accident. The driver of the car behind couldn't brake in time. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Mr. Ye had some abrasions on his back, and Ms. Xia had some abrasions on her arms. They are now at the Beijing Hospital. Both of them are in good spirits and are undergoing full-body checkups."
Wang Jingzi said, "Don't worry, Mr. Ye's grandfather is here to make arrangements, so everything will be fine."
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