Chapter 18: The 7 a.m. Train Tomorrow

Ye Huihui’s imprisonment was practically set in stone. Yet, Ye Weiming and Lin Yanhong, as her parents, hadn’t given up. They ran to the Ye family house three times a day—morning, noon, and night.

If it weren’t for their jobs, they’d probably camp out at the Ye family’s doorstep, begging for mercy on Huihui’s behalf.

Fortunately, both Xia Ying and Ye Zhengfeng remained firm in their stance: they would not forgive her.

…

“Qiqi, it’s a call from Jingchen.”

That evening, Xia Ying picked up the phone and called out to Ye Muqi.

Rong Jingchen was calling her?

Ye Muqi was a little surprised. Although their relationship had improved a bit lately, they still weren’t at the stage of casually calling each other.

Wouldn’t it have been enough to just tell her mom whatever it was?

“Hello?” Ye Muqi answered the call, still confused.

“The train ticket is booked. It departs at 7 a.m. tomorrow,” came Rong Jingchen’s voice—clearly just a notice, nothing more.

So much had happened in the few days since Rong Jingchen’s return that it felt surreal—it was already time for him to leave.

Luckily, her things were mostly packed. Xia Ying had helped her prepare everything in advance, even packing her suitcase for her.

“Seven o’clock, right? Got it.”

“I’ll come pick you up,” Rong Jingchen added after a pause.

“No need, no need. My dad will drive me. Let’s just meet at the train station.”

Since she was leaving, Ye Zhengfeng definitely wanted to send her off. They probably wouldn’t see each other for at least a year, and her father was reluctant to part with his daughter. He likely just wanted to spend a few more moments with her.

“Alright.” On the other end, Rong Jingchen reminded her not to forget the time before hanging up.

“Qiqi’s leaving with Jingchen tomorrow. Let me double-check if there’s anything we forgot to pack…” As soon as Xia Ying was reminded of her daughter’s departure, she rushed to open Ye Muqi’s suitcase for yet another inspection.

“Mom, you’ve already opened that suitcase three times,” Ye Muqi said helplessly. Might as well just bring the whole house with her.

“Don’t worry about it!”

“…”

Ye Zhengfeng didn’t say anything, but quietly slipped two boxes of dried plums—her favorite—into her suitcase.

They were really good parents. Even though it had only been a few days, Ye Muqi already felt the warmth of having a family. It made her reluctant to leave…

“I need to wake up early tomorrow, so I’m heading to bed now. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get up,” Ye Muqi said while rubbing her eyes.

“Alright, go get some sleep.”

Outside her room, Xia Ying and Ye Zhengfeng continued fussing over what she needed to bring.

…

The next morning, before sunrise, Ye Muqi—usually someone who loved to sleep in—got out of bed. On the table, breakfast from Xia Ying was already waiting. Who knew how early she had gotten up?

Looking at the big suitcase, neatly packed, Ye Muqi suspected they might not have slept at all.

After breakfast, the three of them left. Ye Zhengfeng drove them in his van to the train station. By the time they arrived, the sky had just started to brighten—and Rong Jingchen was already waiting at the entrance.

“Jingchen, did you have breakfast?” Xia Ying asked, still carrying a bag of snacks she’d packed for Ye Muqi to eat on the train.

Rong Jingchen was alone. Yin Lan hadn’t come to see him off.

“Yes, my mom made plenty this morning,” he answered politely.

Yin Lan had gotten up before dawn to make him breakfast before he left.

“That’s good.” Xia Ying nodded and, still looking worriedly at Ye Muqi, said, “This is Qiqi’s first time going to a military base. Please take care of her. We’ve spoiled her since she was little, so she’s never really suffered. If she makes any mistakes, I hope you can be patient with her.”

There was both pleading and concern in Xia Ying’s eyes as she looked at Rong Jingchen.

People always said Ye Muqi was spoiled, but really, she was just a bit headstrong and dramatic at times—her heart was in the right place.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll take good care of her,” Rong Jingchen replied.

“Qiqi has a bit of a temper, and she’s a little willful. If she ever goes too far, just call us and we’ll talk to her. Just don’t kick her out, okay? She doesn’t know anyone there, and I’m afraid she’ll…”

The more Rong Jingchen listened, the more something felt off. He wasn’t the type to kick someone out—he wasn’t some kind of abusive husband.

“Mom,” he interrupted gently but firmly, “I won’t kick her out.”

“…” Seeing the serious look on his face, Xia Ying realized she might’ve been overthinking it. “That’s good. Now that you’re together, just focus on building a good life. Qiqi’s a great cook—if you want to eat something, just ask her and she’ll make it for you.”

Now that Rong Jingchen was willing to accommodate Ye Muqi, it was only fair that she put effort into cooking for him.

“Qiqi, the military base isn’t like home. Even as a family member, you have to follow the rules and can’t act out,” Ye Zhengfeng warned her. “Once you’re there, don’t keep throwing tantrums—and definitely don’t get into conflicts with the other military families.”

“I know.”

“Marriage is about mutual care. Xiao Rong has a tough job, so since you’re going with him, you have to fulfill your duties as a wife and take care of him. If anything confuses you, call us,” he added, speaking from a man’s perspective.

“Mhm.”

Ye Muqi nodded like a little chick pecking rice. She wasn’t the original host, after all—she wouldn’t be so difficult.

Even so, her face remained lit up with a smile as she listened to her parents’ nagging. She kind of enjoyed being fussed over like this.

Having parents was such a blessing. In her past life, she worked alone, rarely called her family, and didn’t even get to go home for the holidays. This life must be heaven’s way of compensating her.

Her parents went on and on with their reminders until the sun was fully up and the train was pulling into the station before they were finally urged to board.

“I’ll take it.” Rong Jingchen stepped forward and took the heavy suitcase from Ye Zhengfeng.

The suitcase was stuffed to the brim with her parents’ love.

Despite its weight, Rong Jingchen lifted it effortlessly.

“We’re heading off now, Mom, Dad,” Ye Muqi said, waving her hand at them. “I’ll take good care of myself. We’ll come visit when Jingchen gets time off.”

“Mm.” Rong Jingchen nodded in agreement. “Dad, Mom, please be careful on your way back.”

Watching the two board the train and disappear into the carriage, Xia Ying’s eyes turned red.

Sigh. The house was going to feel awfully empty with one less person in it.