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For three consecutive days of exams, Zuo He accompanied Wang Qian, then returned to help Zhang Lan with grocery shopping. Once the exams were almost over, he went to pick them up. With Zuo He by their side, Zhang Lan and the family felt reassured, as Wang Qian and Mingyuan were worried about any potential issues during this time.
Having Zuo He around put their minds at ease. They could focus on their exams and chores. However, in Capital, Zuo Zhanshan didn’t feel as comfortable. He complained to Hao Lianchun, “Can you believe this kid? He asked me to help him lie about taking time off just to accompany Qianqian for her exams. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Hao Lianchun, with a smile, brought some honey water for her husband. “Don’t be angry. You need to understand our grandson. He grew up with Zhenhe’s family and got along well with Qianqian and the others. Since he left, he hasn’t seen them, and he’s been worried, especially about Qianqian getting into a university in Capital. That’s why he rushed over.”
“But I have to say, Zuo He underestimated Qianqian. Just because she didn’t do well in primary school exams doesn’t mean she isn’t capable. She knows how to hide her abilities. He thought she was always like that. He’s a bit naive.” Hao Lianchun continued.
Zuo Zhanshan took a sip of water, looking satisfied as he spoke to Hao Lianchun, “Dear, old Wu and the others have already rotated out. They should be back soon. I believe this time they’ll be heading to the city with their unit. I plan to send our son to the front line for some training. A soldier should at least experience the battlefield, don’t you think?”
Zuo Zhanshan’s words dropped like a bomb on the calm surface, making Hao Lianchun’s hand tremble. However, she quickly composed herself. Though reluctant to let her son go to such a place, she understood her husband’s considerations. Without military achievements, it would be challenging to advance. Seeking wealth and honor amidst dangers, she sighed inwardly, feeling like any other mother — torn between reluctance and inability to stop him.
Looking into Zuo Zhanshan’s eyes, she asked, “Have you thought this through, dear?”
Zuo Zhanshan reached out, clasping Hao Lianchun’s somewhat withered fingers, and said seriously, “Dear, you know what’s in my heart. We’re getting older, and our children are grown. Cheng (Zuo Xiangcheng) can’t stay there forever. I want our children and grandchildren around us, enjoying family happiness. But it’s not the right time yet. This is a great opportunity for him. Let Ziyun go with him. They can look out for each other. I hate to do this, but there’s no other way.”
As parents, they felt the pain of their children, but they also had to consider their future, which led Zuo Zhanshan to make such a significant decision.
Once Zuo He accompanied Wang Qian for her final exam, he finally dared to ask the question that had been on everyone’s mind, “Qianqian, how do you feel about the exams? Are you confident we’ll reunite in Capital?”
Seeing the cautious yet charming expression on Zuo He’s face, Wang Qian couldn’t help but smile. “Zuo He, we can go home and celebrate in advance. You just wait for us in Capital; my brother and I will definitely make it.”
Relieved upon receiving a definite answer, Zuo He’s heart felt lighter. Excitedly, he took her hand and ran back, exclaiming, “Sister, let’s go back and share the good news with your Mom.”
Wang Qian let Zuo He lead her along, knowing that he was quite persistent in his ways. His warm hand transferred its heat to her small hand, creating a sense of comfort and security.
Zuo He spiritedly pulled Wang Qian into the factory yard, eager to share the good news with Zhang Lan. “Auntie, we’re celebrating early today. Qianqian says she did well in her exams. I’ll go buy some groceries first; you all wait at home for me.”
Zhang Lan intercepted him with a smile, saying, “Zuo He, don’t rush. Grandma has already bought all the groceries. We’re going to have a nice meal today. You both can head back home, and I’ll be there shortly.”
Watching Zuo He lead her daughter out, Zhang Lan smiled, feeling a mix of emotions as she watched the pair disappear into the distance, reflecting on how quickly her children had grown up.
After Geng Lianhua finished buying everything, Wang Qian saw her brother return. The siblings exchanged updates, finding the situation much better than expected. They shared a smile, “Brother, congratulations! You can relax during the break.”
Mingyuan simply smiled and shook his head, “Sister, we can’t relax. We need to take over the business and let Mom and Grandma rest. They’ve been working hard lately.”
With Wang Zhenhe absent, Mingyuan had become the pillar of their family, so he couldn’t afford to slack off. The adults were working hard to lay the foundation for their future, and as a son, Mingyuan understood their perspective and felt it was time to shoulder some responsibilities.
“Zuo He, how long are you planning to stay here?” Mingyuan hoped Zuo He could extend his visit as they hadn’t had a chance to catch up properly amidst the exam rush.
Zuo He, with a wry smile, replied, “Mingyuan, I have to leave after dinner. My leave ends tomorrow, and if I delay further, I might face consequences when I return to school. I’m sorry I can’t spend more time with you and Wang Qian, but we’ll have more opportunities to meet in Capital. By the way, did you apply to a military academy?”
Zuo He truly hoped Mingyuan would attend the military academy. That way, they could reunite in school.
In response to Zuo He’s question, Mingyuan expressed some regret, “Zuo He, I didn’t apply to a military academy this time. I chose a different university. My older brother is already attending that one, so I opted for something else.”
Mingyuan had another reason he didn’t mention — military academies were too restrictive for his liking. Unlike other universities with more freedom and breaks, military schools were much stricter. Seeing how Zuo He and his older brother were constantly summoned by their grandfather to the military camp, Mingyuan preferred the flexibility of a regular university. He wanted to enjoy a more relaxed college life.
However, despite all his calculations, Mingyuan overlooked one crucial detail. Wu Changyong and Zuo Zhanshan had high hopes for both of them. How could they easily let him evade military service? But that was a story for another time.
Upon hearing Zuo He’s sincere words, Wang Qian couldn’t help but feel touched. He had come all this way just to accompany her during exams. Knowing that Zuo He was in a hurry to leave, she decided to take matters into her own hands and personally cook a meal. Mingyuan and Zuo He helped gather ingredients, and the three of them worked together as if they were back in their childhood days, chatting, laughing, and cooking effortlessly.
“Oh, by the way, how’s Zuo Yu? We haven’t seen him around. It’s understandable that our older brother is busy, but we’ve never even met Zuo Yu. What could he be busy with?” Wang Qian inquired, curious about the missing family member.
Wang Qian was genuinely curious about Zuo Yu’s recent activities; it seemed like he had disappeared without a trace.
When Zuo He mentioned his older brother, a smile couldn’t help but creep onto his face. “Oh, he’s been quite busy lately. Seems like he’s been involved in some business ventures with his classmates, and word has it that he’s made a decent profit. Initially, our grandfather wanted him to attend a military academy, but this guy changed his mind at the last minute. We only found out he applied to a different university once the acceptance letters arrived. Grandpa was so furious he almost wanted to slam the phone down.”
Recalling the past events, Zuo He couldn’t help but chuckle. “But my older brother mentioned that with his increased earnings, we all get to enjoy the benefits. So, none of us really objected.”
Wang Qian agreed with the reasoning. With everyone joining the military, they might face financial constraints in the future. She admired Zuo Yu for his resourcefulness. Even as a child, he had plenty of clever ideas, and as he grew older, his cunning only increased.
Thinking about Zuo Yu, she felt that collaborating with him could be beneficial. With someone handling things in the south, their business might reach new heights.
Turning to Mingyuan, she suggested, “Brother, how about we team up with Zuo Yu this time? He needs funds, we need manpower. Together, we could potentially expand our business further.”
Mingyuan had a similar thought. He knew Zuo Yu well — tough on enemies but fiercely loyal to family. Joining forces with him could ease their burdens and lead to more significant growth.
Zuo He also saw the merit in the idea. His older brother was lacking in funds, and given the opportunity, he believed Zuo Yu would soar to success.
“Sister, let’s go with your plan. During the meal, we’ll discuss it with Mom to see what would be a suitable collaboration between our families and how we can quickly accumulate funds,” Mingyuan suggested, agreeing with the proposal.
Mingyuan’s goal was clear: to make money quickly. Their previous small ventures were no longer enough to meet their current needs.
After hearing their discussion, Zuo He spoke up, “Mingyuan, Qianqian, when I get back, I’ll definitely talk to my older brother about this. We need to gather and discuss this together. We’ve already planned to spend the summer vacation at your place this year. Please wait for us at home. My brother should be able to join us soon.”
At noon, the family finally sat down to enjoy a hearty lunch. Upon learning that Zuo He would be leaving in the afternoon, Zhang Lan hurriedly packed up the items he would take back with him.
Reluctant to see Zuo He depart so soon, Geng Lianhua held his hand and urged him to visit more often whenever he had the chance.
Seeing the elderly’s reluctance to part ways, Zuo He couldn’t help but smile, “Grandma, rest assured. I’ll make sure to visit often in the future. I’m afraid that even if you want me to leave, I won’t go. And when you and Grandpa have the chance, come to Capital to visit. I’ll be your guide; I know that place like the back of my hand.”
Despite Mingyuan feeling reluctant to see his good friend leave, he knew they would reunite again soon, so he didn’t show too much sadness.
Wang Qian and Zhang Lan packed up the items Zuo He was taking with him, realizing it was time for Zuo He to depart.
Zuo He gazed affectionately at Wang Qian, wanting to say something but deciding against it. Some things were better left unsaid, with plenty of opportunities for future reunions.
“Qianqian, I’ll be waiting for you all to arrive in Capital. Remember to come early. When you’re ready to leave, give my grandparents a call so I can know ahead of time,” Zuo He expressed before leaving.