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The Wang family’s shop was bustling with people eagerly waiting to pick up their Colored TVs. Ge Yun and Zhao Ru rushed over to assist, meticulously checking the lists before allowing the TVs to be taken away.
Following this, Zhang Lan informed wholesale electronic distributors about the availability of Colored TVs. These individuals had supported them through challenging times. After careful consideration, Wang Qian decided not to upsell any other products. Their unique products were already selling well, and instead of pushing additional sales, she opted to focus on building goodwill. She believed that by offering them a valuable opportunity, these distributors would return in the future. She recognized the importance of not being too greedy in business.
Though Mingyuan felt a tinge of regret, he understood the wisdom in his sister’s decision. Some matters required a long-term perspective beyond immediate gains.
Once all the Colored TVs were sold, Zhang Lan promptly transferred the funds to Lin Xi. While she owed a favor, she couldn’t afford to owe any money.
Despite the lack of news from Wang Zhenhe’s end, Wang Qian and her siblings received a letter from Elder Chen, emphasizing encouragement and expectations. The letter made no mention of their family matters. Chen Minghai felt it wasn’t the right time to discuss those issues, especially with their exams approaching. He advised them to proceed with their exams in Capital first before addressing any other concerns. These few days wouldn’t make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.
The college entrance examination arrived as expected, filling Mingyuan with anticipation. Unfortunately, Wang Zhenhe couldn’t make it back in time to accompany them for the exams, and Zhang Lan was quite busy. Thus, Wang Qian and Mingyuan decided not to have anyone come to be with them and entered the examination hall alone.
Upon entering the exam hall, even though it was her second time facing the National College Entrance Examination, Wang Qian felt a tinge of nervousness. As she observed everyone quietly seated, awaiting the distribution of the exam papers, she couldn’t help but release a slow breath.
Receiving the exam paper, she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the questions and began writing diligently.
Exiting the exam hall with the flow of students, to her surprise, beneath the cherry blossom tree outside, she spotted a tall and handsome young man. He wore a familiar, charming smile while silently watching her walk out.
Wang Qian felt a sense of disbelief. Was she dreaming? She rubbed her eyes hard, but the handsome face before her still carried that enchanting smile.
Where did this person suddenly appear from? “Zuo He, why are you here?”
Seeing Wang Qian’s astonished expression, Zuo He smiled faintly, “Qianqian, do you still remember me? I was worried you might have forgotten about me. I eagerly came to see you. Come on, let me take a look at how the little girl from back then has grown up.”
Zuo He playfully pulled her close for a careful inspection. She was still the same girl in his mind, growing more beautiful and taller, yet retaining the ability to conceal her beauty. Only he could notice her true beauty.
“You should have rushed over and exclaimed in excitement. After all, it’s been many years since we last saw each other. Why did you seem unfazed when you saw me just now? Come on, let me give you a hug.”
Zuo He reached out as if to embrace her, but Wang Qian quickly dodged, watching the increasingly handsome young man before her with a smile.
“Zuo He, it seems like you’ve been to military school. You’ve changed quite a bit. Can you bring back the familiar Zuo He I used to know? You’re a bit unfamiliar like this.”
Zuo He looked dejected, “Qianqian, can’t you play along a bit? I came all this way to see you. Isn’t that a bit challenging for me?”
Seeing Zuo He’s mock hurt expression, Wang Qian couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, enough with the act. Let’s head back quickly. My brother must have already started back. We took exams in different locations. But you’re quite impressive, finding my exam venue so easily. Not bad at all.”
Zuo He swiftly took her hand, just like in their childhood days, as if nothing had changed over the years. Wang Qian felt a bit awkward but didn’t resist. She decided to let it be, as if she was holding a child’s hand.
“Zuo He, are you on break? How did you come here? And how did you know where I was taking my exam?” Wang Qian’s lingering questions finally found their way out.
Turning his head confidently, Zuo He replied, “Dear, did you lose your mind during the exam? I’ve even met your mom. How could I not know? As for how I got here, that’s a secret for now. I’ll tell you later. Your mom has prepared dinner at home. Let’s hurry back.”
Hand in hand, Zuo He led Wang Qian back, drawing curious glances from onlookers along the way, making Wang Qian feel a bit embarrassed. But Zuo He, mischievously, told others, “This is my sister, just finished her college entrance exam.”
As pedestrians realized that Wang Qian and Zuo He were siblings, any doubts they had vanished. After all, in those times, it was still controversial to walk hand in hand in public.
Wang Qian looked at the overly handsome and mischievous guy beside her, finding the situation both amusing and exasperating. How hadn’t she noticed his thick skin before?
“Zuo He, we’re in public. We can’t hold hands anymore. You should care a bit about appearances,” Wang Qian said with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Zuo He, quite enjoying holding her hand, was reluctant to let go. “Qianqian, I’m not in uniform. No one knows who I am. Just come with me. Otherwise, people on the street might think we’re having a quarrel.”
As they continued, Wang Qian remembered something she hadn’t asked. “Zuo He, how many days are you staying here? Don’t let it interfere with your work. This was just an exam for me. I’ve also applied to a university in Capital. We can meet there in the future. Just thinking about it makes me happy. We can all meet up more often.”
The thought of returning to their old ways, living together in a lively manner, brought joy to Wang Qian. With her siblings already there, adding herself and Mingyuan this time, she could envision a future filled with happy reunions.
Glancing at the silly smiling young girl, Zuo He’s lips couldn’t help but curve into a smile, reflecting his particularly good mood.
“I can accompany you after the college entrance exam, but I’ll have to hurry back once you’re done. My grandfather is waiting for me in the army to resume training. Ah, my tough days are about to return,” Zuo He said happily, discussing their plans after parting ways.
As they chatted, they arrived at Zuo He’s family courtyard. Wang Qian pointed to the house, “Zuo He, do you remember the house where you used to live? Do you remember the first time you saw me?”
Zuo He, with a deep gaze, looked at the proud smiling young girl before him and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. How could he forget that scene? It was something he would probably never forget in his lifetime.
Upon reaching the doorstep, Zuo He naturally let go of her hand. Seeing them return, Mingyuan immediately ran over and tightly embraced Zuo He. “Bro, you’re quite sneaky, why didn’t you tell me about skipping a grade? I could have taken the exam with you. I need to settle this score with you.”
Although Mingyuan talked about settling scores, his arms were tightly wrapped around his good buddy, their childhood playmate. They hadn’t seen each other for several years. While Mingyuan jokingly mentioned settling scores, he couldn’t contain his excitement upon meeting Zuo He. “Good job, man. You’ve been training well. You’re not doing bad compared to me.”
Mingyuan playfully punched Zuo He’s chest, feeling a bit envious of his well-built muscles.
The two brothers laughed and enjoyed their time together. Seeing Zuo He again brought joy not only to Wang Qian and Mingyuan but also to Zhang Lan and the rest of the family. Having lived together for so long, Zuo He was considered a part of their family in Zhang Lan’s eyes.
Zhang Lan admired this handsome young man, but they hadn’t had the chance to meet until today. Seeing Zuo He suddenly appear at the factory, it almost felt like a dream to her.
“Kids, stop fooling around and come eat. Zuo He must be starving after rushing all the way here,” Zhang Lan called out, bringing the prepared meal to the shade under the tree in the courtyard. The weather was hot, so eating outside provided a cooler setting.
Zuo He was indeed hungry. Seeing the spread of delicious food prepared by Zhang Lan made him feel nostalgic, reminiscent of his childhood. He quickly headed to the kitchen to help with setting the table, eager to dig in.
“Aunt, all these years, I’ve been dreaming of eating your cooking,” Zuo He’s words made Zhang Lan feel content. It was heartwarming to see that he still remembered and cherished her cooking.
Smiling, Zhang Lan served him a chicken drumstick, saying, “Here, eat as much as you like. We all miss you too, and we haven’t had the chance to meet often. I was thinking of visiting you all in Capital in the future.”
Knowing her daughter’s preference for vegetables, Zhang Lan served Wang Qian some extra. “Qianqian, eat more. You and your brother have visibly lost weight recently. After the exams, I’ll make sure to feed you both well. Once you’re in university, I guarantee you’ll be plump and healthy.”
Wang Qian took a bite of the vegetables and jokingly replied, “Mom, it’s okay. Being slim means we save on fabric for clothes, right?”
Amused but concerned, Zhang Lan glanced at her daughter and said, “Dear, we don’t want to save on fabric for you. Being healthy and chubby looks better. Your face has lost its plumpness. If only your dad could come back earlier, I’d have more time to take care of you both.”
On his way back home, Wang Zhenhe couldn’t help but sneeze. Muttering to himself, “Seems like the folks back home are thinking of me again. I won’t make it back in time for Mingyuan and Qianqian’s exams.”
On the way back, Gao Zhenhua patted Wang Zhenhe’s shoulder, understanding how much Wang Zhenhe valued his family. He often talked about his children and how wonderful his wife was when they had spare moments.
“Brother, don’t worry. We’ll be home soon. I miss my family too.”