Chapter 203

After lunch, Zhao Ruozhu asked Yu Xiangyang to accompany Cheng Jingmo back to the family quarters to clean up the house.

Yu Xiangyang looked reluctant but went along with Cheng Jingmo.

Now, without Zhao Ruozhu needing to ask, Yu Xiangnian knew it was time for her to report on what had happened recently.

Yu Xiangnian told Zhao Ruozhu everything that had happened during that time.

After hearing about Cheng Jingmo’s situation, Zhao Ruozhu sighed and said, “That poor child, it hasn’t been easy for him to get this far. Our family needs to treat him even better from now on.”

Zhao Ruozhu shared the same sentiment as Yu Xiangnian; since Cheng Jingmo had never experienced the warmth of a family during his childhood, they needed to make sure he felt it now.

Yu Xiangnian rolled up her sleeve to show Zhao Ruozhu the bracelet she was wearing.

Zhao Ruozhu, who had seen a lot in her time, examined the bracelet closely. “What Cheng Jingmo said is possible, but not certain.”

Zhao Ruozhu continued, “Think about it, the Northwest region has several secret bases where real intellectuals have been conducting research for decades. Maybe his parents found it inconvenient to take him with them and deliberately left these valuable items behind, asking the villagers to help raise him.”

Yu Xiangnian thought that whatever the case might be, it didn’t matter anymore, and Cheng Jingmo didn’t care either.

Cheng Jingmo had his own life and career, and he had her. They would walk a long road together in the future.

Yu Jiashun returned home just before dinner, and he naturally brightened up when he saw Yu Xiangnian.

By dinner time, Cheng Jingmo and Yu Xiangyang still hadn’t returned, so Yu Jiashun said, “Let’s not wait for them. Those two are both just as stubborn!”

Yu Xiangnian knew why Cheng Jingmo made Yu Jiashun upset, but what about Yu Xiangyang?

It was her sister-in-law who quietly told Yu Xiangnian the reason.

It turned out that not long after they left Nancheng, once Yu Xiangyang could walk again, he brought Xia Qingyun home.

He probably knew that even if he told Yu Jiashun and Zhao Ruozhu that he was bringing Xia Qingyun home, they wouldn’t agree.

So, he brought her back without telling the family.

It was quite a surprise when he brought her home that day, and the family wasn’t prepared.

However, the family still gave Yu Xiangyang enough face and warmly welcomed Xia Qingyun.

But when Yu Xiangyang returned home after taking Xia Qingyun back, he had a heated argument with Zhao Ruozhu.

Naturally, Yu Jiashun sided with Zhao Ruozhu to educate Yu Xiangyang, and Yu Xiangyang even talked back to Yu Jiashun.

Because of Xia Qingyun, Yu Xiangyang’s relationship with the family had been strained recently.

When Yu Xiangyang and Cheng Jingmo finally returned, it was already dark.

Yu Xiangnian was discussing Yu Xiangyang’s relationship with Zhao Ruozhu.

Yu Xiangnian tried to persuade Zhao Ruozhu, “Mom, Yu Xiangyang is 26 years old and has finally found a girl he likes. You shouldn’t be too harsh on him.”

Zhao Ruozhu responded coldly, “Xiangyang is completely infatuated right now! With Xia Qingyun’s schemes, even ten Yu Xiangyangs wouldn’t be enough for her to toy with!”

Yu Xiangnian agreed with Zhao Ruozhu’s assessment. After all, she felt that Xia Qingyun had Yu Xiangyang completely under her control.

But when it comes to matters of the heart, it’s often a case of one being willing to give and the other willing to take.

Zhao Ruozhu said, “Xiangyang may not be stupid in other matters, but when it comes to relationships, he’s definitely a fool! If I don’t watch over him, he’ll regret it in the future!”

Yu Xiangnian trusted Zhao Ruozhu’s judgment.

The two sisters-in-law in the family were the best proof; both couples had strong relationships and got along well with the rest of the family.

As they were talking, Yu Xiangyang and Cheng Jingmo returned.

“Dad,” Cheng Jingmo called out to Yu Jiashun.

Yu Jiashun, still upset, put on a stern face and didn’t even look at them. He only responded with a curt, “Hmm.”

Zhao Ruozhu said, “There’s food kept warm in the pot. You two go have a bowl in the kitchen.”

The two went to the kitchen and quickly ate a couple of bowls of rice.

After dinner, Cheng Jingmo went straight to the study to find Yu Jiashun.

Zhao Ruozhu also mentioned that she was going out for a walk, clearly hinting that she wanted Yu Xiangnian to talk to Yu Xiangyang.

Coincidentally, Yu Xiangyang was hoping Yu Xiangnian could help persuade their parents.

“Nian Nian, you have to help me this time. Mom and Dad care about you the most; they’ll definitely listen to what you say.”

Yu Xiangnian lazily leaned against the sofa. “How can I help? Convince them to let you marry Xia Qingyun?”

“We’re not at that stage yet,” Yu Xiangyang said, sitting beside her, trying to sound persuasive. “First, just convince them to let me date Xia Qingyun.”

“Aren’t you already dating her?” Yu Xiangnian replied nonchalantly. “You knew they wouldn’t agree from the start, so you’ve been sneaking around with her anyway. What’s left to convince?”

Yu Xiangyang was momentarily speechless. It was true.

Yu Xiangnian then asked, “Have you thought about why they don’t agree?”

“Mom doesn’t like people from the arts troupe; you know that!” Yu Xiangyang pouted.

Yu Xiangnian said, “See? You didn’t even understand that, and you’re already causing a fuss with the family.”

“Mom is worried that Xia Qingyun’s intentions aren’t pure and that you’ll end up unhappy.”

At the mention of Xia Qingyun’s questionable motives, Yu Xiangyang couldn’t control his emotions.

“Mom’s being hypocritical! When Cheng Jingmo married you, she could accept that he was interested in our family’s background, but when it comes to Xia Qingyun, she won’t allow it!”

Yu Xiangnian shot back, “Was Cheng Jingmo really after our family’s background?”

Yu Xiangyang had no answer to that.

Yu Xiangnian continued, “Mom’s point is that it’s okay to consider our family’s background, but that can’t be the only thing they care about. You never know what the future holds. Mom wants you to find someone who will stick by you no matter what happens.”

Yu Xiangyang, still upset, said, “Xia Qingyun isn’t like that! Her family may not be as well-off as ours, but she’s worked hard to get where she is.”

Yu Xiangnian replied, “Oh.”

Yu Xiangyang added, “If she was after my background, we’ve known each other for so long, and she’s never asked me for anything—not even for a penny when we go out.”

Yu Xiangnian responded, “Oh.”

Yu Xiangyang went on, “She’s so worried about what others might say that she doesn’t even mention our relationship in the military; she only refers to us as comrades.”

Yu Xiangnian answered, “Oh.”

Yu Xiangyang pressed further, “And this time, when she found out Mom and Dad didn’t approve, she suggested breaking up. I went to see her several times, and she kept insisting we separate.”

“If she were after our family’s wealth, would she suggest breaking up?”

Yu Xiangnian replied again, “Oh.”

Yu Xiangyang, now exasperated, said, “Oh, oh, oh! Are you a rooster? I’m asking you to speak up!”

Yu Xiangnian calmly responded, “I already said something earlier. But I realized you’re still at the stage where you won’t listen to anyone’s opinion, so I’ll stop. You can keep talking.”

Yu Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then said, “I want you to convince Mom and Dad to let me date her!”

“She’s already made up her mind to break up with you. What’s the point of dating her anymore?” Yu Xiangnian replied.