Xia Xiaolan had directly purchased the property in Beijing.

Guan Hui’e’s feelings were complex. Previously, she had said Xia Xiaolan wasn’t sincere about being with Zhou Cheng, and Xia Xiaolan had said she would try to change. Now that change was crystal clear before Guan Hui’e.

If she wasn’t serious about Zhou Cheng, why would Xia Xiaolan buy property in Beijing so early? Graduate job assignments were random, and Xia Xiaolan was from Yu Nan Province.

Her sincerity clearly expressed her desire to stay in Beijing.

If Xia Xiaolan had truly set her heart on Zhou Cheng, Guan Hui’e couldn’t find fault with her. Guan Hui’e didn’t dislike career-oriented women—she was quite career-driven, even leaving her child with a nanny.

However, as a mother-in-law, she had hoped for a daughter-in-law who would revolve around Zhou Cheng. Objectively speaking, Guan Hui’e couldn’t find fault with Xia Xiaolan. Despite her humble background, Xia Xiaolan worked hard, maintained her studies, and even managed to buy a house in Beijing on her own. Though the Reform and Opening Up policy had been announced four or five years ago, few people were willing to set aside their pride and become individual entrepreneurs. Those who did were mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds like Xia Xiaolan.

But in any field, achieving success was always admirable.

Especially since Xia Xiaolan wasn’t even 20 years old.

Guan Hui’e recalled that last month someone had tried to arrange a match for Zhou Cheng. Although she opposed Xia Xiaolan’s relationship with Zhou Cheng, she couldn’t in good conscience say her son was single.

Even the best potential matches would have to wait until Zhou Cheng and Xia Xiaolan separated… but looking at these two, would they ever separate?

Guan Hui’e heard Grandmother Zhou asking Xia Xiaolan if she had enough money for the house and was speechless.

In just a few visits, Xia Xiaolan had won over the Zhou family members’ hearts. Guan Hui’e remembered her mother-in-law’s previous concerns—how could the old lady change so quickly? If they were going to oppose the relationship, couldn’t they be more resolute?

Offering private savings to help Xia Xiaolan hardly seemed like opposition—it was clearly showing support.

She couldn’t think about it anymore; it was giving her a headache!

Overall, this meal was quite pleasant.

Grandfather Zhou spoke privately with Zhou Cheng, agreeing that his decision to pursue advanced studies at the academy was right.

“For a tree to grow tall, its roots must grow deep. Taking two years to study quietly at the academy will both dilute previous negative influences and build a solid foundation for your future. Times are advancing—you need to learn progressive concepts and strategic guidelines.”

Grandfather Zhou wasn’t old-fashioned.

On the contrary, he was a very wise old revolutionary.

There was no need to rush to be at the forefront. Zhou Cheng’s promotions had been rapid, but his foundation wasn’t stable enough. This opportunity for advanced studies truly showed his unit leadership’s care for him.

In today’s rapidly changing modern world, from pre-liberation to the early days of the nation’s founding until now, Grandfather Zhou has been a witness throughout.

If Zhou Cheng didn’t learn new things, wouldn’t he risk being left behind by the times?

With his family’s support, Zhou Cheng’s plans became clearer.

When they were leaving, Grandmother Zhou packed lots of food for Xia Xiaolan to take back to school.

The elderly couple didn’t lack health supplements either. Xia Xiaolan had brought back plenty of dried seafood from her trip to Peng Cheng. Besides the ready-to-eat portions she shared with her roommates, she had brought everything else to the Zhou family.

Grandmother Zhou felt sorry for the young girl spending money, so she insisted on giving things to Xia Xiaolan.

That warmth was something Guan Hui’e couldn’t bear to watch.

Aunt Zhou felt even worse.

Grandmother Zhou was clearly showing favoritism—not just to Zhou Guobin and Zhou Cheng, but now even to Zhou Cheng’s girlfriend!

Aunt Zhou didn’t believe the story about buying a Shichahai siheyuan independently. Who would believe Zhou Cheng hadn’t secretly contributed money?

At home, Aunt Zhou checked their savings passbook.

Zhou Wenban’s monthly salary was over 200 yuan, and with bonuses and various benefits from the work unit, annual income could reach seven or eight thousand yuan. This was already a high salary—no wonder Wang Guangping, upon returning to the city, constantly thought about his former position.

Aunt Zhou wasn’t as dedicated to work as Guan Hui’e; her monthly salary and bonuses totaled less than 200 yuan, amounting to at most 2,000 yuan annually.

Zhou Yi’s job was practically idle work, her monthly salary was insufficient even for her own expenses, so it couldn’t be counted in the family’s total income.

Together, Zhou Wenban and his wife’s various annual incomes totaled nearly ten thousand yuan.

After various expenses, they could save a few thousand.

But their salaries hadn’t always been this high. When Aunt Zhou heard that a rural girl like Xia Xiaolan could buy property in Shichahai, she checked their savings passbook and found only a few tens of thousands.

After inquiring about Shichahai property prices, she realized a few tens of thousands could only buy a very small courtyard.

Aunt Zhou felt very irritated:

“Typical rural person, making some money as an entrepreneur and can’t help showing off.”

Zhou Yi quickly consoled her mother, “She’s from out of town, that’s why she needs to buy a house. Don’t we have a big state-allocated house?”

Aunt Zhou realized this was true.

The state allocated housing based on rank, charging only nominal monthly rent. For Zhou Wenban’s income, it wasn’t a burden at all.

“You’re right, I was foolish to compare with her. I wouldn’t even let you set up a stall as an entrepreneur!”

Even if Xia Xiaolan knew Aunt Zhou’s thoughts, she wouldn’t be angry.

Her perspective wasn’t wrong.

Zhou Yi could be idle because her parents had worked hard, and the Zhou family’s previous generation had opportunities and diligently built a foundation.

Xia Xiaolan’s starting point was lower, but she could work hard from her generation—to provide a good life for her elders above and build a strong foundation for her descendants below.

Although times were changing dramatically, it wouldn’t greatly affect Aunt Zhou. As long as Zhou Wenban didn’t break rules or laws, his family wouldn’t need to buy any houses.

Zhou Cheng held Xia Xiaolan’s hand, reluctant to let go. Their time together was so short—Xia Xiaolan had transferred to Beijing for him, but now Zhou Cheng had to go to Ji Bei Province for two years of advanced studies. This was something Zhou Cheng hadn’t anticipated, but fortunately, Ji Bei Province wasn’t too far from Beijing.

Because of this objective distance between them, both Zhou Cheng and Xia Xiaolan felt they should cherish every minute together.

No need for passionate words—just being close to each other made everything joyful.

“Xiaolan, wait for me two years.”

Wait two years for what?

Zhou Cheng didn’t need to say it; Xia Xiaolan understood.

Wait two years for him to become better and more excellent!

Xia Xiaolan looked forward to Zhou Cheng’s transformation, delighting in this change. Whether it was her growth or Zhou Cheng’s maturity, they were witnesses to each other’s development—perhaps this was the best state for a relationship.