Chapter 62 : It depends on where you are happier

Jiang Yu couldn’t bring herself to look at him, her face burning hot.

The man, who usually didn’t say much, suddenly became so articulate today.

His words were surprisingly shy-inducing.

“You should already know my basic situation. My parents divorced early, and I’m not close to either of them, we don’t keep in touch. After I was able, I brought Feiyan to live with me. We rely on each other as siblings. Zhengdong and Lilan are the children of my former class leader. Because they were having a hard time back home, and due to my class leader’s request, I brought them here.”

In reality, having two more mouths to feed at home could be a concern for many people.

So, He Tingyue watched Jiang Yu’s expression closely, relieved to see no sign of rejection.

“They’re all your siblings, I know,” Jiang Yu said quietly.

“My base salary is 110.50 yuan, plus bonuses and benefits, so I usually earn over 120 yuan. If you’re willing, we can start dating with marriage as the goal, or… we could get our marriage certificate right away, I’m fine with that.”

This was the advice He Feiyan had given him last night: don’t be shy, say what you need to say, and don’t keep things bottled up.

If he didn’t speak up, how would Jiang Yu know his sincerity?

Jiang Yu thought that He Tingyue’s conditions were indeed very good; he was the best match she had encountered so far.

But because he was too good, it made her hesitant.

“Comrade He, do you know about my family? Given what happened with the Du family, you should have some understanding of my situation. I want to get married, and I must marry someone from the city to distance myself from my parents, I don’t want to be sold off like a commodity.”

“The reason I’m still unmarried is partly because I come from the countryside and partly because of my parents and brother. Marrying me means you might end up dealing with a bunch of troubles. My parents and brother won’t let you off easily, they will do everything they can to get benefits from you. Aren’t you afraid?”

He Tingyue was silent for a moment, thinking carefully before he spoke.

“I already understood all this before coming here. My attitude towards them depends on how you feel about them. If you’re willing to treat them well, I’ll care for them because of you. But if you’re not willing, I’ll protect you and ensure they can’t hurt you at all.”

Jiang Yu looked up at him, her eyes feeling warm.

He Tingyue was the first and only person who had so sincerely said he would protect her.

She didn’t want to refuse, her heart was already leaning towards him.

“I can… start dating with marriage as the premise if you want. We can get to know each other this month and then marry next month. If you have regrets…”

“I won’t!” He Tingyue declared firmly, “I won’t have regrets.”

Jiang Yu smiled slightly. Yao Xiangling always said not to focus on what someone says but on what they do.

But she couldn’t deny that He Tingyue’s words made her very happy.

That happiness felt like the first time she had tasted sugar, sweetening her heart.

Seeing her smile, He Tingyue couldn’t help but smile back.

When he smiled, it was as if an iceberg had melted, revealing a face that was almost glowing with warmth.

At that moment, the waiter called out, and he stood up to get their food.

After placing the dishes on the table, he felt there weren’t enough.

“Is this enough? Should we order a couple more dishes?”

On such a good day, he wanted to celebrate with a couple of bottles of wine.

Jiang Yu shook her head, “This is enough, I can’t eat more.”

He Tingyue had to let it go, continuously serving her meat dishes.

Even with the tomato and egg stir-fry, he only offered her the eggs.

He seemed intent on placing the best in front of her.

“That’s enough, my plate is full. You should eat too.”

Jiang Yu paused, holding back her shyness, and served him a piece of meat.

He Tingyue had never imagined a girl’s simple gesture could stir such excitement in his heart.

It felt as if his blood was boiling, a joy bubbling up from within.

In his twenty-seven years, even with promotions and accomplishments, he had never felt this exhilarated.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Jiang Yu had cast a spell on him.

“Eat, why are you just looking at me?” Jiang Yu felt like her face was about to explode, her heart racing as if it might leap out of her throat.

She didn’t have a big appetite, finishing just a small bowl of rice.

He Tingyue, however, added two more steamed buns, clearing the remaining dishes.

As Jiang Yu watched him eat, her eyes sparkled like stars, shining brightly.

“I think the food at the state-run restaurant isn’t as good as what you make,” he said.

He paused wiping his mouth, a glimmer in his deep eyes that couldn’t hide his delight.

“If you like it, I’ll make it for you every day from now on.”

Jiang Yu blushed and smiled, “No need for that, you have to work. I can cook too.”

Knowing she wanted to find a job, He Tingyue said, “I’ll keep an eye out for job opportunities for you in the future.”

Jiang Yu looked up, a bit surprised.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Jiang Yu tilted her head, a strand of hair slipping down.

“I thought you’d prefer me to stay at home.”

He Tingyue replied seriously, “It depends on where you are happier.”

But it was clear that Jiang Yu wanted to work.

She had the ability and skills to shine in a field, so why not?

Tears of warmth welled up in Jiang Yu’s eyes. For the first time, someone said they wanted her to be happy.

“He Tingyue, you’re really wonderful.”

He Tingyue smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair.

Finally, as a partner, he could openly touch her.

“That won’t do, you should raise your expectations a bit because I’ll treat you even better.”

After leaving the state-run restaurant, He Tingyue suggested going to see a movie.

Jiang Yu was excited, she had never seen a movie before.

At this time, there weren’t many films showing, most were from the past couple of years, still playing in theaters.

People watched them again and again without getting bored.

“How about ‘The Red Detachment of Women’?” He Tingyue asked.

Jiang Yu nodded eagerly. She had heard good things about that movie.

He Tingyue bought the tickets each was 0.25 yuan, which wasn’t cheap.

“Xiao Yu, keep the tickets, I’ll go buy something over there.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Yu took the movie tickets and waited.

She felt a bit dazed, still in disbelief as if she were dreaming.

“Hey, isn’t that Jiang Yu? You have money to see a movie too?”

Jiang Yu snapped back to reality and turned to see Duan Yuzhen.

The man beside her was even more familiar, it was Yan Wenxuan.

A look of disdain crossed Jiang Yu’s eyes. “Didn’t expect you, Comrade Duan, to have the habit of being a gossip.”

Duan Yuzhen’s expression changed slightly, but Yan Wenxuan remained composed, patting her hand gently.

“Our families are a good match, why can’t we be together? Jiang Comrade, don’t look down on people just because you think you’re somewhat attractive. Who did you come to the movies with today? Your boyfriend?”