Chapter 62

Fang Wenyi was initially surprised but soon satisfied, saying, ” Xiao Wei really is older than you. He handles things with such maturity.” 

Lu Jiu hugged a cushion to her chest. “He’s not that mature. He even planned to take time off to accompany me.” 

“I think you’re just pleased… It seems like things are going well between you two. When do you plan to introduce him to your parents?” 

“Don’t you think it’s too soon?” 

“Too soon? It’s just a meeting.” 

Lu Jiu blinked in confusion, feeling like something was off, so she mentioned her boyfriend’s plan to buy a new house. 

She hadn’t planned to bring it up, but since the conversation had gone in that direction, she naturally shared his perspective. 

“He’s a responsible one.” After hearing her daughter’s account, Fang Wenyi was even more satisfied. 

She then reached out and ruffled her daughter’s hair. “Buying a house and getting married—these things don’t need to be rushed. But the fact that he brought it up shows that he’s a serious and responsible young man with plans for the future. Do you remember Aunt Deng’s eldest daughter?” 

Lu Jiu responded, “Our neighbor when we lived in the old district? Yunyun?” 

“Yes. I just heard today that Yunyun got tricked into a premarital pregnancy. Now, the guy refuses to pay the bride price and is demanding 20,000 yuan in dowry before agreeing to marry her.” 

Lu Jiu was stunned. “What happened next?” 

Talking about this, Fang Wenyi, as a fellow woman, also felt distressed. “They’re still negotiating, trying to lower the dowry to 10,000 yuan.” 

Lu Jiu was confused. “Why marry into a family like that?” 

Fang Wenyi replied, “What can she do? The guy has made the pregnancy known to everyone, so now he’s just waiting to take advantage.” 

“A family like that is even less worth marrying into.” 

Fang Wenyi nodded approvingly. “You’re right. If you ever encounter something like this, it’s better to abandon the child and start over in a new city than to make a mistake that ruins your life.” 

Lu Jiu sensed deeper meaning in her mother’s words and blushed as she stammered, “I… We haven’t done anything like that…” 

Fang Wenyi chuckled. “I raised you, didn’t I? I know how conservative you are. But even if you had, it’s okay as long as you’re careful.” 

Lu Jiu, now embarrassed and annoyed, tried to cover her mother’s mouth. 

“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore,” her mother said, finally getting back to the main point. “I brought this up to remind you that the most important thing in a partner is their character. If Xiao Wei didn’t have plans for your future, your father and I wouldn’t approve of him.” 

“So, you don’t mind if I go house-hunting with him?” 

“Why would I? If a man wants to show off, you just calmly accept it. Don’t make a big deal out of it. And besides, even if you two don’t end up together, the house would still be his.” 

Time quickly moved into March. 

The retired soldier introduced by Deputy Battalion Commander Wei arrived on time. 

Lu Jiu personally went to the train station to pick her up. 

To her surprise, the girl named Li Yan didn’t match her mental image of a strong, heroic soldier. 

Despite her short, neat haircut, Li Yan was slender and delicate, standing just a bit over 1.6 meters tall. 

She had served as a special forces soldier for six years before being discharged due to injury. 

It wasn’t that Lu Jiu judged by appearances, but Li Yan looked too unthreatening. 

Of course, all doubts vanished after Li Yan performed a few impressive spinning kicks on one leg. 

Lu Jiu knew she was finally ready to pursue her dream in Shendu. 

Chapter 31 

Shendu, a historic city. 

Years ago, Lu Jiu had visited a few times with her mother, who was a passionate fan of peonies. 

So, she wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with the city. 

But this time, Fang Wenyi came along as well. 

According to her, it would be a shame not to see the early-blooming peonies in Shendu in March. 

And so, for the sake of her peony seedlings, four people came in total—an elaborate operation, to say the least. 

Oops… I should have said five people. 

As soon as they left the airport, Lu Jiu spotted her friend she hadn’t seen in over half a year. Overjoyed, she hurried forward. “Tong Xin!” 

Tong Xin saw her too. 

Friends reunited after a long time. Tong Xin momentarily dropped her usual reserved demeanor and waved with a smile. 

Then, when Lu Jiu rushed over, she warmly embraced her. 

Lu Jiu rubbed her face against her friend’s shoulder. “Tong Xin, I missed you so much.” Throughout college, they were practically inseparable. 

Tong Xin had initially planned to say something affectionate in return, but upon hearing what Lu Jiu called her, she quickly reverted to her usual calm self and pushed her away, raising a finger to poke her. “How many times have I told you not to call me Tong Xin?” 

“I already have a Xin Xin at home,” Lu Jiu dodged skillfully. “Don’t poke me, my mom’s here too.” 

“What, are you going to tell on me to your mom?” Tong Xin joked, but when Fang Wenyi and the others approached, she had already adjusted her expression and politely greeted them. 

Having seen Tong Xin every semester when she sent her daughter off to school, Fang Wenyi spoke with familiarity. “She’s grown into an even more beautiful young lady since starting work.” 

“Auntie, you’re still so young,” Tong Xin replied, exuding the grace of a watercolor painting beauty. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, she suggested, “I’ve rented a car. Shall we head to the hotel first?” 

Fang Wenyi agreed. “Yes, after a few hours on the plane, I’m a bit tired.” 

= 

The hotel was close to the peony base and had multiple suites. 

Lu Jiu pulled her friend into her room, chatting about anything and everything as they hung up their clothes. 

When old friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time catch up, no topic is boring. 

However, Tong Xin was more curious about something else. “Enough about my job—it’s the same routine every day. How’s your relationship going?” 

Lu Jiu smiled. “It’s going well.” 

That sweet smile said it all, and Tong Xin was reassured. “As long as you’re happy. What about Li Ze? Did he try to contact you again?” 

Lu Jiu was momentarily taken aback by the mention of Li Ze. Even though they had grown up together, in less than a year, she now felt estranged from him. “We met a few times. Then my dad had a talk with Uncle Li, and I’m not sure what they discussed, but Li Ze hasn’t shown up in front of me.”