Zhou Cheng’s mother was being incredibly gentle. At this moment, she was still asking what Xia Xiaolan liked about Zhou Cheng.
She liked Zhou Cheng’s spirited appearance – that was her initial attraction. Everyone, regardless of gender, is drawn to looks. If Zhou Cheng hadn’t been good-looking, Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t have bothered getting to know him deeper. Zhou Cheng probably liked her for the same reason. Their fate began with a chance meeting in Anqing County, after which Zhou Cheng returned to Beijing while she stayed in Anqing.
She would likely attend university in Shanghai, while Zhou Cheng would be with the military in Beijing. There wouldn’t be any “Beijing reunion” drama.
She liked Zhou Cheng’s looks and his roguish charm, and he had initiated the pursuit. Hormones played their part, and since she was attracted to him too, why not have a relationship? The kind of pure romance she’d yearned for in her previous life – people getting together because they like each other and breaking up when they don’t.
“Auntie, I do like Zhou Cheng quite a bit. You certainly have the right to ask me to leave him, but I—”
“But your affection shows no consideration for him. Zhou Cheng isn’t a trophy for you to show off, nor a puppy for you to play with when you’re bored. He needs a girlfriend who understands his career, considers it noble, and is willing to support it. Not someone who acts on whims, sending sheep to the military one day and watermelons the next… Is that how you show your love for Zhou Cheng, with things money can buy? If these things helped his career, the Zhou family would have done it long ago!”
Guan Hui’e had to pause to calm her breathing as her emotions rose.
So this was the reason. The incident had truly caused trouble for Zhou Cheng, unlike his casual dismissal of it.
Xia Xiaolan hadn’t considered these implications when sending the gifts. Or perhaps subconsciously, she knew she wasn’t investing as much in the relationship as Zhou Cheng. She thought he wouldn’t leave anyway, they were young with plenty of time ahead and should focus on their respective careers now. Precisely because she often neglected Zhou Cheng, Xia Xiaolan tried to make up for it with money. Mentally, Xia Xiaolan was older than Zhou Cheng.
Sending sheep, watermelons, buying him a Rolex watch – these were “experiences” from her previous life. Not that she had given such gifts to others before, but she had learned from her well-paid male colleagues. Wasn’t that how they made up for neglecting their wives or girlfriends – with lipstick, bags, jewelry?
The first time she sent sheep, Zhou Cheng was happy, and the unit’s atmosphere was good. The second time she was more restrained – watermelons were cheap, just a few dozen yuan to her… Gao Fei’s outrage could be attributed to pettiness. Only when several officers’ wives started ostracizing her did Xia Xiaolan realize something might be wrong.
Her casual approach didn’t work in the 1984 military.
While Xia Xiaolan could ignore others’ opinions, she had to take Guan Hui’e’s seriously.
Guan Hui’e continued: “…You and Zhou Cheng come from completely different backgrounds. Some things you do carelessly, Zhou Cheng cannot. If you truly liked him, understood him, and supported his career aspirations, you wouldn’t make life difficult for him in the military! That slap wasn’t just defending you or protecting you – it derailed his future! His grandfather says he’ll have to stay in his current position for at least two or three extra years. Never mind, telling you all this is pointless. You’re an excellent girl, but you and Zhou Cheng might truly be incompatible.”
How striking was Xia Xiaolan? Among all the students on campus, Guan Hui’e spotted her instantly. Not just for her beauty, but for her spirit. The family elder was right – she was like a sword, already sharpened!
Guan Hui’e didn’t expect Xia Xiaolan to change – why should she? Besides, while mountains may move, one’s nature rarely changes. A person’s temperament is largely set by Xia Xiaolan’s age. While some of her peers still wandered, Xia Xiaolan was already quite decisive.
Xia Xiaolan didn’t argue with Guan Hui’e. The impact of her words was too great.
If reversed, if Zhou Cheng had caused her career or studies to stall for three years, wouldn’t her uncle – or even her gentle-tempered mother – blame him? Even if it wasn’t Zhou Cheng’s intention, the objective result would still cause resentment.
This was why Xia Xiaolan didn’t walk away immediately. She respected Guan Hui’e and couldn’t refute her words.
After a moment’s silence, Xia Xiaolan looked up and asked: “Auntie, is there anything I can do to make amends?”
“Yes, leave Zhou Cheng.”
…
Most universities nationwide started between late August and early September, Beijing Normal College included.
Wang Jianhua completed his enrollment procedures and handed Liu Shan the money-filled envelope.
“Senior, I don’t know how to thank you for your help.”
Liu Shan casually accepted the envelope. “Shouldn’t classmates help each other? If you want to thank me, how about treating me to a meal in the cafeteria? Don’t misunderstand – you can bring your girlfriend!”
Liu Shan’s personality differed from Xia Ziyu’s. If categorized, she was more like Xia Xiaolan – straightforward, honest about her feelings, never affected or pretentious.
Being with Xia Ziyu was comfortable, but with Liu Shan, it felt natural and completely relaxed… Liu Shan was like Xia Xiaolan, but educated, without Xia Xiaolan’s “dramatic” tendencies.
“A cafeteria meal isn’t enough! You know this money wasn’t spent by me – it helped our whole family. My father has settled into his new job now and wants to thank your whole family in person. No time like the present – are the Professor and his wife free tonight?”
Liu Shan was stunned. Why involve her family in thanking her?
However, she quickly realized this was a good thing and smiled brightly: “Sure, I’ll ask my father. You don’t have many afternoon classes, right? I’ll let you know either way.”
Didn’t her father mention visiting a friend? Never mind – what friend could be more important than dining with Wang Jianhua’s family?
Liu Shan was thoroughly willing and naturally confirmed their availability to Wang Jianhua that afternoon. The interesting part was the location – Wang Jianhua’s home, with Ran Shuyu personally cooking her specialties. A privilege Xia Ziyu hadn’t received, but the Liu family now would.
Of course, in Ran Shuyu’s mind, Xia Ziyu and her parents didn’t deserve such treatment.
Liu Shan’s father was a professor, her mother an associate professor at another university – truly academic nobility. Their family background far exceeded Xia Ziyu’s, and anyone with eyes could see Liu Shan’s feelings for Wang Jianhua. As for Xia Ziyu’s feelings for him? Leaving voluntarily would be her best help to him.