"You don't need to answer me now," Jiang Shaozhen interrupted her. "I just want you to know how I feel. Whatever decision you make, I will respect it."
After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door. "Goodnight, Zhizhi."
The sound of the door closing softly was especially clear in the quiet night. Shen Mingzhi stood there, unable to move for a long time. Her heart was in turmoil; she wanted to get closer but was also afraid of getting hurt.
That night, she tossed and turned, and didn't fall asleep until dawn.
The next morning, Shen Mingzhi was awakened by Niannian's crying. She quickly got up and found the little one sitting in her crib, looking at her with teary eyes.
"What's wrong, baby?" Shen Mingzhi picked up the child and gently coaxed him.
Niannian hugged her neck, sobbing, looking reluctant to part.
Shen Mingzhi's heart ached as if it had been pricked by needles. She kissed her child's cheek, "Mommy won't leave, Mommy will stay with you."
After soothing the child, she carried Niannian out of the room and found Jiang Shaozhen chopping wood in the yard. He had taken off his coat, wearing only a white vest, and his strong muscles rippled with each movement, gleaming healthily in the morning light.
Hearing footsteps, Jiang Shaochen turned around and saw Shen Mingzhi standing there holding a child. The sunlight shone on them, creating a warm and beautiful scene.
"Good morning." He put down his axe and wiped his sweat.
Shen Mingzhi nodded, "Good morning."
The two exchanged a smile, as if their heavy conversation from the previous night had never happened.
Following the Mid-Autumn Festival, sales of Baoli Cosmetics' new products have been soaring. Not only are local department stores receiving a steady stream of orders, but Mr. Lin from Singapore has also placed an order for 50,000 boxes.
Shen Mingzhi was extremely busy, leaving early and returning late every day. But no matter how busy she was, she would always find time to go back to the Jiang family home to see the children. Sometimes it was too late, so she would stay overnight at the Jiang family home, and her relationship with Jiang Shaochen gradually improved.
That afternoon, Shen Mingzhi was reviewing production reports in her office when Factory Director Sun rushed in excitedly.
"Xiao Shen! Great news! The city is selecting outstanding companies of the year, and Baoli has been nominated!"
Shen Mingzhi looked up, somewhat surprised, "Really?"
"Absolutely true!" Factory Director Sun rubbed his hands together. "The awards ceremony is next Monday, and company leaders are required to attend. You're a hero of our factory; you absolutely must go."
Shen Mingzhi smiled and nodded, "Okay."
After Director Sun left, she continued working diligently until there was another knock on the office door.
"Please come in," she said without looking up.
The door opened, but no one spoke. Shen Mingzhi looked up in confusion and saw Jiang Shaozhen standing in the doorway, holding a document in his hand.
"Why are you here?" She put down her pen, somewhat surprised.
Jiang Shaozhen walked in and placed the documents on her desk. "The municipal construction commission's subsidy funds have been approved—500,000 yuan. They'll arrive next Monday."
Shen Mingzhi flipped through the document, looked up at him, and asked, "Have you been following up on this all along?"
Jiang Shaozhen nodded. "Yes. By the way, I heard you were nominated for Outstanding Enterprise?"
"Director Sun just told me," Shen Mingzhi said, closing the document. "The awards ceremony will be held next Monday."
A hint of a smile flashed in Jiang Shaozhen's eyes. "What a coincidence, I'm also being awarded my rank next Monday."
"A conferment of ranks?" Shen Mingzhi didn't react for a moment.
"After completing the last mission, my superiors decided to reinstate my rank," Jiang Shaozhen explained, his tone calm, but his eyes gleaming with pride.
Shen Mingzhi then remembered that he had once been a soldier, but had been discharged because of the Jiang family. Now that he could have his military rank reinstated, it must be a great honor for him.
"Congratulations," she said sincerely.
Jiang Shao Chen gave her a deep look. "Thank you. That day... can you come?"
Shen Mingzhi hesitated for a moment, "The awards ceremony is also on the same day..."
"I understand," Jiang Shaozhen interrupted her, his tone betraying his disappointment. "Work is more important."
Seeing him turn to leave, Shen Mingzhi suddenly spoke up: "Wait."
Jiang Shaochen turned to look at her.
"The awards ceremony is in the morning, but what about your conferment ceremony?" she asked.
"Two o'clock in the afternoon," Jiang Shaochen replied.
Shen Mingzhi bit her lip. "Then... I should be able to make it."
Jiang Shao Chen's eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up. "Okay, I'll wait for you."
After he left, Shen Mingzhi sat in her chair, her heart heavy with emotion. During this time, Jiang Shaozhen had been quietly supporting her, never seeking credit or putting pressure on her. She wasn't heartless; how could she not be moved?
But whenever she tries to let her guard down, the shadows of the past resurface, making her hesitate.
Monday arrived quickly. At the awards ceremony that morning, Baoli Chemicals was awarded the title of "Innovative Enterprise of the Year." Shen Mingzhi, as the technical director, went on stage to accept the award, winning rounds of applause.
As soon as the ceremony ended, she rushed to the military region. The conferment ceremony had already begun, and she quietly entered the auditorium through the back door and stood in the last row.
On the stage, Jiang Shaozhen, dressed in a crisp military uniform, his epaulets gleaming under the lights, stood tall and straight, his face resolute, receiving his rank from his superior.
Shen Mingzhi gazed at him from afar, a strange sense of pride welling up within her. This man had once hurt her, but he had also proven his remorse and sincerity through his actions.
After the ceremony, the crowd gradually dispersed. Jiang Shaozhen stood at the entrance of the auditorium, looking around, clearly waiting for her.
Shen Mingzhi took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Congratulations."
Jiang Shao Chen's eyes lit up when he saw her. "You've come."
"Yes, I promised you," Shen Mingzhi said softly.
The two walked out of the military area side by side, the autumn sun shining warmly on them.
"Are you free tonight?" Jiang Shaochen suddenly asked.
Shen Mingzhi looked at him. "Is something the matter?"
"I'd like to treat you to a meal to celebrate," Jiang Shao Chen said expectantly, "just the two of us."
Shen Mingzhi hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Okay."
That evening, Jiang Shaozhen took her to a newly opened Western restaurant in the city. Soft lighting and melodious piano music created a romantic atmosphere.
"What made you think of coming to a place like this?" Shen Mingzhi asked somewhat reservedly. She rarely ate Western food and felt overwhelmed by the elaborate tableware.
Jiang Shao Chen smiled. "I wanted to give you a different kind of night."
He patiently taught her how to use a knife and fork, and thoughtfully ordered her a well-done steak so she wouldn't be unable to eat meat that was still bloody.
Halfway through the meal, Jiang Shaozhen suddenly took a small box out of his pocket and pushed it in front of Shen Mingzhi.
"What is this?" Shen Mingzhi looked at him in confusion.
"Open it and take a look," Jiang Shaozhen said softly.
Shen Mingzhi opened the box, inside was a gold ring, simple and elegant in design, with their names engraved on the inner band.
"Zhizhi," Jiang Shaozhen's voice trembled slightly, "I know I've made mistakes, but I truly love you. If you're willing to give me another chance, I swear I'll cherish and love you for the rest of my life."
Shen Mingzhi's eyes instantly reddened. She looked at the ring, then at Jiang Shaochen's expectant eyes, her heart torn between two conflicting emotions.
"I..." She was about to speak when the restaurant door was suddenly pushed open, and a commotion interrupted her.
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