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At the Jiang residence.
Cha Yonghao and Cha Baiwan arrived at Rongcheng Airport, having just unloaded matsutake mushrooms for air transport. They had specially set aside a high-quality box and, following the address given by Cha Jiuzhang, made their way to the Jiang family’s home.
The residential compound where the Jiang family lived had a nice environment. However, after a long night drive and helping unload cargo, the two men looked rather disheveled—dressed in durable, dirt-resistant clothes that were easy to clean but made them appear somewhat shabby.
As they walked in, they drew many curious glances.
Realizing their appearance, Cha Yonghao pulled Cha Baiwan aside to a water faucet. Both quickly washed their faces, smoothed their hair, and dusted themselves off. Looking somewhat more presentable, they finally knocked on the door.
The Jiang family had only returned to Rongcheng the previous evening.
Jiang Jianhua, who rarely drove long distances, was exhausted after several days of travel. Since he had taken a rare leave from work for his eldest daughter’s wedding and still had two days left, he decided to rest at home.
With one less “eyesore” in the house, Du Yulan happily went back to work at the hospital that morning.
At the moment, only Jiang Jianhua and Jiang Hongmei were at home.
When Jiang Jianhua opened the door, he saw two tall young men standing there—one calm and steady, the other relaxed and cheerful, smiling.
After hearing their reason for visiting, he was a little surprised. He hadn’t expected them to arrive so quickly.
His family had just returned, and Cha Jiuzhang had already sent people over.
Jiang Jianhua warmly welcomed them inside and called out, “Hongmei, make some tea for our guests.”
Jiang Hongmei glanced at the two men’s rough appearance, rolled her eyes disdainfully, and muttered to herself, Hicks. But she still got up to make tea.
Cha Yonghao handed the box of matsutake mushrooms to Jiang Jianhua. “Uncle Jiang, this is a small gift from our family—some fresh local produce for you to try.”
Jiang Jianhua responded, “You didn’t have to go to such trouble. Tea Jiuzhang already gave us plenty of local specialties when we left.”
“By the way, why did Jiuzhang have you take all of Tiantian’s things? Even though she’s married, this will always be her home.”
Cha Yonghao quickly explained, “Uncle Jiang, you misunderstood. Brother Jiuzhang said that sister-in-law wants to study and retake the college entrance exam next year. We came to take her high school books back for her.”
Jiang Jianhua slapped his thigh in excitement. “Tiantian finally came to her senses? That’s wonderful!”
“Jiuzhang really knows how to get through to her. Her grandfather and I tried persuading her for so long, but nothing worked.”
“She was a good student. If she puts in the effort for another year, she’ll definitely get in.”
Just then, Jiang Hongmei brought out two cups of water and slammed them onto the table.
Tsk!
“She still has the nerve to take the college entrance exam? Does she think moving away will erase her disgrace?”
Jiang Jianhua’s face darkened, and he roared, “Jiang Hongmei! If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all!”
Frustrated, he waved his hand. “Just get out of here. Go pack up Tiantian’s things.”
“Why should I? I don’t want to touch her junk!”
Jiang Hongmei shouted back at him, then stormed out, slamming the door.
Jiang Jianhua sighed and turned to their guests with an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that. I don’t know what’s gotten into her today. Please don’t take it to heart.”
“You two have a seat. I’ll go pack up Tiantian’s things.”
With that, he hurried into Jiang Tiantian’s small bedroom, looking slightly embarrassed.
Cha Yonghao and Cha Baiwan exchanged glances, not expecting such a tense atmosphere.
Cha Baiwan signaled to Cha Yonghao, then quietly walked over to the room, peeking inside. His brows furrowed.
He then checked the other two bedrooms.
A moment later, he returned to the sofa, his expression grim.
Cha Yonghao asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. We’ll talk about it later.”
Less than ten minutes later, Jiang Jianhua emerged carrying two bags.
One was obviously filled with books, while the other was lighter—likely daily necessities.
Looking a little embarrassed, Jiang Jianhua said, “Sorry for making you wait.”
“I packed up all of Tiantian’s high school textbooks and notes. How do you plan to take them back?”
Cha Yonghao grinned. “Don’t worry, Uncle Jiang, we drove here. The car is parked just outside the complex. It’s no trouble at all.”
“Oh, that’s good,” Jiang Jianhua said, visibly relieved.
As he walked them to the door, he said politely, “Since you’re in a hurry, I won’t keep you. Drive safely.”
“If you visit Rongcheng again, feel free to drop by.”
“Alright, Uncle Jiang, we’ll take our leave now.”
Jiang Jianhua hesitated, then decided to follow them downstairs.
At the entrance, Cha Yonghao stopped him. “It’s alright, Uncle Jiang, you don’t need to see us off any further. We’ll visit again when we have time.”
Jiang Jianhua looked at them, hesitated for a long moment, then finally said, “Please tell Tiantian to focus on her studies. She doesn’t need to worry about anything else.”
“I’ll buy her the latest study materials and send them over. If she needs anything, she can let me know, and I’ll get it for her here in Rongcheng.”
Cha Yonghao and Cha Baiwan nodded. “Don’t worry, Uncle Jiang. We’ll make sure she gets the message.”
Jiang Jianhua watched their figures disappear, for the first time feeling powerless and full of regret.
For years, he had avoided responsibility, staying at the research institute and neglecting family matters.
Today, for the first time, he had entered his younger daughter’s room.
As he packed her things, he finally realized the kind of life she had been living.
Their family lived in a spacious three-bedroom apartment, and both daughters had their own rooms.
But what he never knew was that his younger daughter’s room doubled as the household’s storage space.
Half the room was filled with miscellaneous items, leaving her with only textbooks and a few personal belongings.
In his memory, his eldest daughter’s room was never like this.
He had no idea that years of indulging Du Yulan had led to this.
Only now did he realize how much he had failed as a father.
As for the argument that erupted between Jiang Jianhua and Du Yulan that night, behind closed doors—
Cha Yonghao and Cha Baiwan knew nothing about it.
Back at the car, after loading everything in, Cha Yonghao finally asked, “What did you see in Jiang’s place?”
Cha Baiwan didn’t answer. Instead, he said, “Wait here for a bit. I’ll be right back.”
With that, he turned and walked back into the residential complex.
Cha Yonghao, puzzled, leaned back in the driver’s seat for a quick nap.
After all, driving through the night had left him exhausted.