Chapter 271: Days Feel Like Years

From the next day, Lu Yichen and Shitou began to come over and join Luo Qiao for meals. Since she’s already used to this, she didn’t find it troublesome.

After asking, she learned that Lu Yichen’s place was only a five-minute walk from hers, just across the street. It wasn’t far, but the only downside was that it was separated by a main road.

Luo Qiao reminded Shitou to be careful crossing the road and then realized that there weren’t many cars on the road at the moment, mostly bicycles, so she felt more at ease.

Last week, she had already become familiar with most people in the class. Luo Qiao was a good student, good-looking, and didn’t cause trouble, so she was well-liked by everyone.

However, her popularity made some people unhappy. There was a girl in the class named Yan Jiajia, who was quite pretty and had decent grades, but she felt uncomfortable seeing Luo Qiao being so popular.

That day, after school, she happened to see her cousin Jiang Shan at her house and ran over with a smile, asking, “Cousin, how come you have time to come here today?”

Jiang Shan smiled and said, “Your brother-in-law had some shrimp brought over, so I came to deliver some to you.”

Yan Jiajia said with a smile, “Ah, I love shrimp the most. Thank you, cousin, and brother-in-law is really impressive.”

Jiang Shan laughed, “I knew you liked shrimp, so I made a special trip. How are things at school? Are you adjusting well?”

Yan Jiajia nodded, “It’s okay. I’ve only been in class for a week, and so far it doesn’t seem too difficult.”

Jiang Shan patted Yan Jiajia’s shoulder and said, “You need to study hard. Our family is counting on you. None of us went to college, and now you have this great opportunity, so you have to make the most of it.”

Yan Jiajia pouted, “You’re putting so much pressure on me.”

Jiang Shan laughed and stood up, “Your grades have always been good. If you work hard, you’ll definitely get into a good university. In the future, we’ll all get you a new outfit to celebrate and send you off to college in style.”

After speaking, Jiang Shan called out to the kitchen, “Aunt, I’ll head back now. My grandmother is still waiting for me.”

From the kitchen, Yan Jiajia’s mother, Zhang Yanwen, came out with a bag: “Take these Sichuan peppercorns back. A few days ago, Jiajia’s second aunt sent quite a lot. They’re this year’s new peppercorns, and your grandmother loves this flavor.”

Jiang Shan smiled and said, “I’m sure my grandmother will like these. Thank you, Aunt.”

Zhang Yanwen looked at Jiang Shan and said, “Why are you still being so polite? By the way, when are you and Xiangdong planning to get things arranged? It’s been delayed for a long time. What did the Ding family say?”

Jiang Shan’s expression became a bit uncomfortable: “Previously, Xiangdong said to wait until his grandmother’s mourning period is over, but Aunt Ding and then said it should be the first anniversary. I’m not in a hurry, so it’s fine if it’s delayed a little longer.”

Zhang Yanwen looked at her niece and said, “Shanshan, once things are settled, you need to act quickly. Ding Xiangdong’s younger brother is also seeing someone. Their family conditions are good, but there aren’t many rooms in that courtyard.

The one who marries first will have priority in choosing. Aunt isn’t interfering in your relationship with Xiangdong, but that younger brother of his is quite unreliable. I heard he was staying in a hotel with his girlfriend.

I’m worried that if something happens with his girlfriend, the Ding family might force them to marry first, and then it’s uncertain whether the rooms in that courtyard will be reserved for you. Just keep an eye out for yourself.”

Jiang Shan’s face looked grim after hearing her aunt’s words. She had heard similar things a few days ago but hadn’t paid much attention. However, if something did happen, the Ding family would definitely prioritize arranging the younger brother’s marriage for the sake of their reputation.

Thinking about the Ding family’s courtyard, apart from the room where the brothers currently live, which could be used as a wedding room, there is also a west-facing room with no windows, which gets no sunlight in the afternoon.

If they had to marry in the west-facing room, it would be unacceptable. She thought she’d better figure out how to get the marriage arrangements done before the third brother’s.

—

In Beijing, Luo Haotian went to that tea house again and stayed for over an hour.

Gao Suhua’s days in prison were truly dragging. In addition to working, she had to undergo re-education. What she found most unbearable was the daily beatings and abuse from fellow inmates, and she dared not report it to the guards.