Xia Xiaolan remained unaware of these developments.

The Du family’s affairs seemed far removed from her current life.

She could only focus on what was within her power.

The closure of the Nanyang Dance Hall, with Liu Tianquan voluntarily returning the materials and deposits, was the best possible outcome. Her uncle’s losses were minimized in this whole affair. He had avoided both an extramarital affair that would have hurt his family and falling into Liu Tianquan’s trap of taking on hundreds of thousands in debt!

Her weekend trip to Pengcheng hadn’t been wasted.

Though she had foresight about broader developments, she couldn’t predict her future. How could she have known that her confrontation with Liu Tianquan would draw other Du family members to the mainland? Would she have acted differently if she’d known? Probably not—she would have confronted him anyway. Liu Tianquan had actively pursued trouble with her; when faced with unavoidable problems, one could only tackle them head-on.

Zhou Cheng crumpled a telegram into a ball.

Liu Tianquan had been summoned back to Hong Kong. Given the Du family’s management style, they would likely send someone else to handle mainland affairs.

This time, Zhou Cheng had defied his father Zhou Guobin by reconnecting with Pan San and the others.

Just once—surely his father wouldn’t find out?

Instead of carelessly discarding the telegram, he burned it.

As he left after burning it, he ran into Fang Shizhong.

Living in dormitories on the same floor, they couldn’t completely avoid each other.

Fang Shizhong snorted coldly, glaring at Zhou Cheng with hostility.

Their conflict was irreconcilable. As they say, a wise wife prevents trouble—initially, Fang Shizhong had only felt mild jealousy, as people tend to compare themselves with their peers. Zhou Cheng was ten years his junior yet held the same position.

After marrying Gao Fei, it was like opening Pandora’s box—Fang Shizhong’s jealousy toward Zhou Cheng had escalated to malice.

During their last conflict, Gao Fei had insisted Zhou Cheng had struck someone. This had troubled Zhou Cheng for three months, lowering some colleagues’ opinions of him. Fang Shizhong felt this wasn’t enough—Zhou Cheng hadn’t faced any substantial consequences, receiving only a minor reprimand… Fang Shizhong believed he deserved much worse.

Zhou Cheng ignored him completely.

Everyone at work knew about their antagonism. Fang Shizhong couldn’t easily provoke him now, and Zhou Cheng had matured, his temper much improved!

“The leader wants to see you.”

Zhou Cheng immediately walked past Fang Shizhong, following the messenger.

Fang Shizhong remained, wondering why the leaders wanted Zhou Cheng. He sensed the leaders favored Zhou Cheng, showing him preferential treatment. Being called in alone, Fang Shizhong feared it meant another exclusive benefit for Zhou Cheng.

In the office, Zhou Cheng waited fifteen minutes while two leaders discussed matters.

Finally, Leader Li asked how he’d been recently.

“Report: I recognize my mistakes. If I could go back three months, I would handle the same situation better.”

Could Zhou Cheng be self-reflecting?

Someone proud and stubborn had truly changed.

Leader Li had heard recent workplace opinions—Zhou Cheng had indeed changed after returning from leading military training.

Leader Li handed Zhou Cheng a document:

“We have quotas each year for advanced studies at schools. I submitted your name this year, and it was approved. If you agree, you can report to school next month.”

Zhou Cheng looked at the document—the study period was two years.

Usually, people studied for six months; he couldn’t understand why his period was two years.

Leader Li showed no intention of explaining details and just asked if Zhou Cheng was willing.

Despite the longer duration, how could Zhou Cheng refuse?

This arrangement perfectly matched his wishes. He had long wanted to further his education, both to have more in common with his wife and for his career development. This timing was ideal, and Zhou Cheng agreed almost immediately.

Leaving the office, Zhou Cheng saluted the two leaders sincerely: “Thank you for your care and support!”

Leader Li told him to get lost, while the other smiled.

This truly was care and support.

Anyone would desperately grab such an opportunity for advanced studies—it meant promotion. Two years was nothing; people would accept even four years.

After leaving the office, Zhou Cheng first called home to inform his family. Zhou Guobin also thought it was good news.

Without further doubts, Zhou Cheng quickly wrote a letter to Xia Xiaolan.

That evening, when Gao Fei came to the unit, Fang Shizhong mentioned this matter. Gao Fei was quite smug:

“It can’t be anything good. They probably want him to lead military training somewhere. That’s all he’s good for.”

Fang Shizhong thought this made sense.

The couple changed topics to discuss advanced studies. Fang Shizhong wanted to secure a spot for himself, being over thirty. Studying at the academy would be most secure. While he planned to inquire further, the next day the unit announced this year’s confirmed list for advanced studies—only Zhou Cheng!

Fang Shizhong immediately went to see the leaders.

Leader Li properly explained to Fang Shizhong. Given the existing conflict between him and Zhou Cheng, things needed to be clarified to prevent deeper resentment.

“Zhou Cheng started working at age 15. The higher-ups believe his academic foundation is weak, which is why he’s being sent to study for two years…”

It wasn’t as Fang Shizhong imagined—promotion after completing studies. This was to address Zhou Cheng’s educational shortcomings.

After Leader Li’s explanation, Fang Shizhong returned to his dormitory. When Gao Fei heard, she became anxious:

“What about you? You need advanced studies too!”

Fang Shizhong had a revelation.

Zhou Cheng had started working after junior high, and Fang Shizhong’s education wasn’t much higher. He hadn’t been as lucky as Zhou Cheng, nor promoted as quickly. After working for several years, he had taken two six-month study periods to qualify for promotion.

Unusually, Fang Shizhong wasn’t further agitated by Gao Fei. Zhou Cheng had never had advanced studies before—as Leader Li said, Zhou Cheng had an educational shortcoming! This explanation pleased Fang Shizhong.

“Two years of advanced studies?”

A few days later, Xia Xiaolan received Zhou Cheng’s letter and was happy for him.