“Linlin, you need to go to school today, don’t be late!” Xiao Bao called out from outside the window, then murmured to Da Bao about how hard it was for Linlin to go to school even on Sundays.

Jiang Lin woke up immediately.

The thick curtains had been drawn tightly by Cheng Rushan, making the room dim.

She had initially thought it was still dark outside and continued to sleep.

Oh, right, today the homeroom teacher was meeting with the students, so she had to go to school.

She quickly got up.

Cheng Rushan had left early in the morning.

They were heading south this time and wouldn’t be back for a while.

Xiao Bao, grinning, pulled Da Bao to the outer courtyard to find Wen Sheng.

They planned to take Wen Sheng and some other kids out to play since they weren’t going to school today.

Jiang Lin got dressed and went to wash up.

Yan Runzhi set out breakfast and handed her a new leather schoolbag.

“Mom? When did you make this?” Jiang Lin examined the leather bag, which was beautifully crafted with antique bronze rivets for durability and anti-slip.

It was simply stunning.

Yan Runzhi smiled, “The leather was brought back by Dongsheng last winter. I kept it aside for you. I originally planned to make leather jackets for you and Dongsheng, but you both refused. I thought since you’re going to school, you should have a nice-looking bag. Plus, leather is more durable than fabric.”

Jiang Lin admired the bag, noting that it had a foldable bottom for extra space if needed, and had three compartments inside with a pen holder and hidden pockets, all with secure clasps.

“Mom, you’re amazing! I really love it!” Jiang Lin expressed her delight and praised Yan Runzhi.

Yan Runzhi was pleased, “I’m glad you like it. Hurry and eat breakfast. Your father and Wen Sheng are working in the outer courtyard, and later we’ll plant the flowers we brought.”

Jiang Lin took a sip of millet porridge and said, “Wherever Mom and Dad go, that place becomes a little garden.”

Yan Runzhi smiled and replied, “With flowers and plants around, it makes me feel good every day.”

After finishing her meal, Jiang Lin said, “Mom, you and Dad should go out and take a stroll instead of staying home.”

Yan Runzhi replied, “Shuxian invited us to watch a play.”

Jiang Lin smiled, “Sounds good. Have fun, and don’t forget to bring money and food coupons. You can have lunch outside.”

“Got it, we’ll bring them.”

Jiang Lin put on her new backpack, grabbed a notebook and a fountain pen, and also took a book on structural engineering borrowed from the library.

As she walked past the south wing, she saw Cheng Yunzhi and Wen Sheng digging in the outer yard while Dabao and Xiaobao picked up stones.

“Dad, is there any book you’d like me to borrow? The library has many books.”

Cheng Yunzhi thought for a moment and asked Jiang Lin to borrow “Records of the Grand Historian” for him.

He wanted to read one book before borrowing the next.

Jiang Lin agreed, “Wen Sheng, do you need anything?”

Wen Sheng asked, “Mom, is there a play with traditional opera?”

Jiang Lin laughed, “You can go to the theater; they have them.”

Wen Sheng put down his shovel and said, “Mom, I’ll take you to the station.”

Dabao and Xiaobao also wanted to go, but Jiang Lin told them to stay home and help Grandpa since they were covered in mud.

Jiang Lin and Wen Sheng went to the station together.

As they reached the gate, a worn-out jeep came charging like a wild donkey, screeching to a stop right in front of them.

Lu Hang and Jiang Xinglei poked their heads out of the vehicle and greeted her with grins.

Since they didn’t have school today, Lu Hang decided to take a chance, and it turned out they had caught up with her.

Lu Hang: “Linlin, get in the car! I’ll take you to school.”

He saw Wen Sheng and waved to him, “Wen Sheng, hello!”

Wen Sheng had already forgotten him.

He just nodded and smiled at Jiang Xinglei, helping Jiang Lin open the car door, “Mom, hurry up and get in the car.”

Lu Hang: “！！！！”

He looked at Wen Sheng, then at Jiang Lin, and finally at Jiang Xinglei: What’s going on?

Jiang Xinglei: “You always brag about how energetic and smart you are, hehe.”

Lu Hang: “What’s the ‘hehe’ about? Last time, he was fine!”

Jiang Lin waved at Wen Sheng, “Go home and be with Grandpa and Grandma. Since you’re new here, don’t wander off alone.”

Wen Sheng smiled obediently, “I know.”

He smiled at Lu Hang and patted the car window, “Drive slowly, don’t jostle my mom.”

Lu Hang: I’m already not driving!

As Wen Sheng watched the car drive away, he turned to head back to the courtyard but was stopped at the entrance.

Today, He Changjiang, Zhao Quanyou, and Bie Dongshan were on duty.

He Changjiang saw Jiang Lin and Wen Sheng leaving together.

The way they were close made him suspicious, thinking it was clear evidence of something improper!

Although Bie Dongshan was present earlier and didn’t make a fuss, now that he was in the restroom, He Changjiang decided to give Wen Sheng a hard time.

He stopped Wen Sheng: “What’s your name? Show me your ID!”

Wen Sheng looked at him in surprise, wondering if this person had bad eyesight.

He said, “I just came out and now I’m going back.”

He Changjiang: “You can’t just go back without proper ID.”

Wen Sheng thought for a moment and pulled out a card from his chest pocket, showing it to He Changjiang.

He Changjiang took a quick look at the card.

It had neat handwriting that read: “This is Cheng Ruzhou, Cheng Rushan’s older brother. In case of any issues, please contact XXX.” It also had an address and contact information.

He Changjiang was stunned.

Such cards were usually for elderly people with dementia.

He looked at Wen Sheng in disbelief, “Are you an idiot?”

Wen Sheng smiled slightly, “No, my mom says the ones who call others fools are the real fools.”

He Changjiang: “……” What’s going on here?

He hesitated and asked, “What’s your relationship with Jiang Lin?”

Wen Sheng: “She’s my mom.” Not only are you blind, but you must be deaf too.

I called her several times when we left.

He Changjiang: “!!!” What kind of nonsense is this?

He hadn’t heard what Wen Sheng said, but he noticed how affectionate they were.

Wen Sheng noticed He Changjiang’s badge was crooked and kindly adjusted it, saying, “You look quite impressive in your uniform.”

He Changjiang’s face turned red.

Wen Sheng ignored him and swaggered back home.

Zhao Quanyou: “Changjiang, he seems like a kid, but he’s not stupid. Don’t call him a fool, it won’t end well with Cheng Rushan.”

He Changjiang was unconvinced: “He’s just a transport team leader, and for long-distance transport at that. What can he do?”

He thought Cheng Rushan was a fool for having such talent and still working in transport.

Why not stay in the office or at least work within the province? Long-distance transport meant missing out on all the good stuff.

And his beautiful wife was even seen with another man earlier!

Du Qiang: “I heard he knows Captain Cen from the 518. Captain Cen once came by and even had something sent to him.”

Captain Cen usually looked down on people like them, but if he treated Cheng Rushan differently, it must be significant.

He Changjiang: “So you want me to flatter him?”

Dream on!

Jiang Lin hadn’t expected them to pick her up; she thought taking the bus would be quite convenient.

Lu Hang’s jeep was really old, having been discarded from the army more than a decade ago.

The engine roared loudly, spewing black smoke, and it wasn’t very fast.

Jiang Lin was anxious, “Can you even drive this thing? Look, even bicycles are faster!”

Lu Hang replied, “I’m just trying to avoid shaking you too much.”

He pressed the gas pedal, and the jeep sped up.

With the road being wide and empty, they soon reached the entrance of the provincial government.

Jiang Lin opened the car door and jumped out, “Alright, you two go on and handle your own business.”

They were managing a distribution point, often running around town, supposedly on a “guerrilla” mission.

Jiang Xinglei said, “Sis, we’ll come by for lunch. I heard the cafeteria at your school is really good.”

Jiang Lin replied, “Are you that hungry? I don’t have time to join you for lunch today. We have a busy schedule.”

She walked away with her new backpack.

Lu Hang watched her with admiration, “Linlin is so beautiful!”

Jiang Xinglei scoffed, “If my brother-in-law hears you, he might give you a beating.”

Lu Hang grinned, “Even if he does, she’s still beautiful!”

Jiang Xinglei then asked, “What about the girl from the worker-peasant-soldier university?”

Lu Hang: “What’s the matter? What old gossip are you bringing up? Back then, I just went to take a look. If I didn’t like it, I just left.”

Jiang Xinglei: “……” Why isn’t anyone stopping you!

Just as Lu Hang was about to drive away, a tall woman stood in front of the car, glaring at him as if she wanted to poke holes in him.

Jiang Xinglei: Oh, speak of the devil! Perfect!

He leaned over to open the car door for Lu Hang and pushed him, “Hurry up and get out, she’s looking for you.”

Lu Hang peeked out, “What’s the matter?”

Guo Yanqiu glared at him coldly, “Lu Hang, what’s your problem?”

Lu Hang was confused, “Why are you so rude and always cursing? What did I do to you?”

Guo Yanqiu widened her eyes.

What did you do?

Back then, she wasn’t interested in him, but he kept pestering her every day with all sorts of excuses, talking about fate and wanting to see her.

It annoyed her greatly.

Then, one day, he suddenly disappeared, and she, being a bit obsessive, found herself wondering if something had happened to him—whether he was injured or married.

After secretly inquiring, she found out he was doing just fine, alive and well, and even busy flattering others.

She was so annoyed that she decided to give up on him and started dating for marriage.

But every time she went on a date, she found herself comparing the men to him, finding them lacking in looks, generosity, or straightforwardness.

This only led to wasted time and increased frustration.

Just when she thought she might end up alone, she unexpectedly ran into Lu Hang again, who was now escorting a pretty young student.

No wonder!

“What a bastard!”

She was so furious she wanted to tear him apart.

Seeing her angry eyes, Lu Hang shrank back a bit.

His former reckless and unruly behavior had been mostly corrected by Cheng Rushan, Jiang Lin, and Jiang Xinglei.

He no longer dared to provoke women, and now that he saw one so enraged, he was scared.

Guo Yanqiu said, “You bastard, I hope you never find a wife!” She turned and walked away.

Lu Hang protested, “Hey, why are you so mean?”

Jiang Xinglei snapped, “Are you an idiot? Go after her!”

Lu Hang responded, “Why should I chase her? She’s not as pretty as Linlin.”

Jiang Xinglei gave him a hard kick, pushed him out of the way, closed the car door, and drove off in the jeep, roaring down the road.

Lu Hang jumped up and down, shouting, “Come back here!”

Realizing this might be an opportunity to catch Linlin at lunch, he decided to head to the provincial government.

As soon as he entered the gate, he saw Guo Yanqiu glaring at him coldly, which made his heart skip a beat.

Lu Hang forced a smirk and tried to look fierce, “What are you glaring at?”

Guo Yanqiu responded, “I work at this school, and I remembered the girl student you dropped off earlier.”

Lv Hang’s eyes widened, “What do you want? I warn you, if you dare to bully her…”

Guo Yanqiu shot back, “I will bully her. What are you going to do about it? Are you upset?”

Guo Yanqiu was deliberately provoking him, and he took the bait.

Lu Hang retorted, “I don’t talk to crazy women. You seemed pretty before, but now, seeing you, you’re nowhere near as good as Linlin.”

Guo Yanqiu, enraged, started scratching at him.