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As the topic shifted to future career paths, everyone fell into a moment of silence. It was still an era of job assignments, and no one knew where they would be placed or what they would be doing.
Sensing everyone’s dilemma, Wang Qian could tell that they all had some thoughts but were unsure how to proceed.
“Don’t worry, brothers and sisters. Let’s try to stay in the Capital. If we can’t, we can always go back to our hometown. The South is too hot, and we might not adapt well to the climate there. Our hometown is the best place to live—good Feng Shui, not too hot in summer, not too cold in winter, and always fresh seafood. Isn’t that wonderful?” Wang Qian suggested, hoping to lift their spirits.
The prospect of returning to their hometown brought joy to them, but with job assignments looming, they all turned to Wang Qian, hoping she could provide some guidance.
With a mischievous smile, Wang Qian shrugged, “Let’s discuss this when the time comes. You haven’t even graduated yet. Next year, we can talk about it. Start thinking about whether you want to go back or stay here. We’ll come up with a plan together.”
While Wang Qian had a clear idea in her mind, she couldn’t reveal it yet. The future was unpredictable, and even though staying in the capital seemed like a good idea, she still preferred their hometown. The bustling city life was everywhere here, but their home had its charm—nestled by the mountains and waters, with seaside villas. It truly felt like a heavenly place.
Seeing Wang Qian’s mysterious demeanor, Cong Tao shook his head, “Little girl, you’re being secretive. Well, I’ll rely on you to show me the way when the time comes.”
Wang Xuan chimed in, “Are you all craving seafood? I saw someone selling fresh seafood at the market today. It’s quite affordable compared to the canteen. I noticed many people buying it. If you’re interested, I’ll get some for you tomorrow.”
Mingyuan was thrilled. It had been a long time since he had seafood. Back home, they could enjoy it almost every day, thanks to his uncle’s transportation connections. However, it was a rarity here, as they were quite far from the coast.
Zuo He and Zuo Hao exchanged a knowing smile, but they didn’t elaborate. As long as people were buying, they were content.
“Sis, let’s make seafood dumplings tomorrow. Our dorm mates are waiting for me to bring back some delicious treats,” Mingyuan suggested enthusiastically.
Keeping a low profile, Mingyuan didn’t mention their new large house, attributing the need for a gathering at their old relative’s place. He remembered his sister’s advice to stay humble and didn’t want to intimidate others with their grand house. He planned to reveal the truth slowly in the future.
The younger brother’s request was met with enthusiasm by Wang Xuan to maintain good relations with their dorm mates for a smoother future.
“Sure, I’ll make some tomorrow. You all can take some back for them to try. Little uncle, you should take some too. I bet those wolves in your dorm have been howling already, right?” Wang Xuan teased playfully.
Zhang Weiguo chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head. “Those wolves have definitely been howling, but we’ve all been busy lately, so I haven’t paid them much attention. I’ll have to make it up to them when I go back. Once I’m married, you can boss them around.”
Wang Qian shook her head with a smile, “Uncle, we better not boss them around. They might turn out to be generals or something in the future. Let’s avoid stirring up trouble. You know, a cloud can bring rain.”
Amused by his niece’s caution, Zhang Weiguo laughed, “Qianqian, these guys are like brothers to me. Don’t worry, they’ve promised to help out when the time comes.”
The next day, as promised, Wang Xuan bought seafood, mainly clams. After cooking and extracting the meat from the shells, she incorporated it into the dumpling filling, creating a delicious and fresh dish.
Everyone at home pitched in to help, showcasing their skills in making dumplings, despite being young men.
After everyone enjoyed the meal, Wang Xuan packed up the leftover dumplings for each person to take back. Since Wang Qian and Cong Tao’s school was a bit further away, Zuo He escorted Wang Qian first, while Cong Tao carried his portion back to school. Before leaving, Cong Tao couldn’t resist a teasing remark.
“Oh, being a loner has its downsides. I wouldn’t mind a beautiful lady to see me off either. Zuo He, take good care of our little sister. Ah, beauties are always popular,” Cong Tao commented whimsically.
Zuo He chuckled and playfully pushed Cong Tao, “You better leave. You’re not acting like a proper big brother. Next time, I won’t let Sister Xuan make you any delicious food. You’ll miss out.”
Ignoring Zuo He’s remarks, Cong Tao grinned and turned to Wang Qian, “Dear sister Qianqian, visit my school when you have time. I’ll be the talk of the town at school for sure.”
Mingcheng kicked him from behind, “You talk too much. Get going now, or you’ll miss your ride.”
As Zuo He escorted Wang Qian back to school, people passing by couldn’t help but stop and turn to look, making even Wang Qian feel awkward.
However, Zuo He, being his confident self, held his head high and walked alongside her without paying much attention to the onlookers. Despite the attention, he remained unfazed, which made Wang Qian feel a bit embarrassed.
“Wang Qian, maybe it’s best if I don’t come next time. Look at all the attention we’re attracting. I bet someone will be asking about you tomorrow,” Zuo He remarked.
This kind of attention was unfamiliar to Wang Qian in both her past and present lives. She felt a bit overwhelmed by the scrutiny and the unwanted fame. After all, she preferred to quietly focus on her studies without attracting too much attention—fame is not always desirable.
Imagination is often idealized, but she overlooked one crucial factor—it was predetermined that she wouldn’t be disregarded since her rebirth.
“Wang Qian, wait for me.”
A familiar voice called from behind, and Wang Qian instantly recognized it as Wei Yuanfang’s voice. Turning around, she saw not only Wei Yuanfang but also Dong Xuan. It was strange that the two of them happened to be coming back together.
“Zuo He, these two are our dorm mates they are from the capital…”
Having shared details about her dorm mates previously, Zuo He squinted as he glanced at the two girls catching up from behind, deducing something from their appearance but not paying much attention.
“Wang Qian, who is this?”
Dong Xuan and Wei Yuanfang caught up from behind, and they had also encountered each other earlier. Observing the people around them stopping to whisper and the curious expressions, they were intrigued. However, spotting Wang Qian’s figure ahead, they were drawn towards her.
It wasn’t that she was particularly familiar with this dorm mate, but Wang Qian’s distinctive clothing and shoes caught their attention. Most girls wore dress shoes or black strappy shoes, but Wang Qian stood out with her black sneakers—typically worn by men, making a lasting impression on them.
Upon seeing the two girls approaching, Zuo He’s charming eyes narrowed slightly. If he remembered correctly, the silent one should be Wei Hong’s distant cousin, whom he had seen as a child but hadn’t formally met since then.
Although he had been away from the capital for many years, this girl occasionally visited the Wei family with the adults. He had casually seen her during a visit to his grandfather’s house and held a slightly unfavorable impression of her, as she was associated with Wei Hong.
As the two girls saw Zuo He’s face, they were taken aback. They had gone straight home after school the day before, skipping the dorm, so they hadn’t witnessed the events then. They had heard about Wang Qian’s handsome brothers from their roommates but had never seen them, so they didn’t give much credence to the descriptions. They couldn’t imagine that someone from a remote area could be as handsome as described.
At the first sight of Zuo He, Wei Yuanfang’s childhood memories resurfaced. She recalled playing with a charming little boy, leading to some jealousy between her and her cousin over their closeness.
Although many years had passed, his image remained vivid in her memory. “Are you… Zuo He?” she asked boldly, noticing some similarities between the man in front of her and her childhood memories, prompting her to inquire.
Zuo He gave her a cold glance and said, “Indeed, it is I. May I know who you are…”
Though feeling somewhat awkward, she maintained a smile and continued, “Zuo He, it’s been many years since we last met. We’ve all been reminiscing about you, hearing that you joined the military academy…”
Zuo He had no patience for Wei Yuanfang’s reminiscing about the past. This family had risen to prominence through the Wei family, but he had no interest in them, especially considering that she had once insulted him by calling him “dark brat” when they were younger. He held grudges.
“Oh, I remember now. You’re Wei Hong’s cousin,” Zuo He remarked with a meaningful look, causing Wei Yuanfang to feel a chill. Nevertheless, she pressed on, “Zuo He, let’s catch up when we have some time. It’s been years, and our old friends in the compound have all been missing you.”
Zuo He, unmoved, knew that his close friends from the compound often gathered without involving Wei Hong’s group. They had distinct ideologies and values, so his friends had no interest in mingling closely with Wei Hong’s circle.
“Well, it’s a shame, but military school keeps us quite occupied. We rarely get breaks. I have to take care of my sister as well. Here she is. In the future, I hope you all can look out for her. Qianqian, I won’t walk you to the dorm. Goodbye, everyone. I must leave now,” Zuo He said as he introduced his sister and bid farewell, choosing not to linger with Wei Yuanfang and Dong Xuan.
Zuo He waved casually at them and smoothly walked away, leaving Wei Yuanfang and Dong Xuan behind. Wang Qian, standing nearby, understood the situation—evidently, there might have been some past discord between Zuo He and Wei Yuanfang for him to depart so swiftly.