Cen Huai’an and Jiang Zhida entered first.

Their expressions were less grim, and Chu Xia breathed a sigh of relief.

Behind them was a muscular and powerful man who, like carrying a chick, dragged in the man in the brown leather jacket.

The leather jacket man was bruised and battered, with a nosebleed, lying on the ground like a beaten dog.

“Cousin-in-law, I’m sorry. I’m Shen Chuan, a good friend of Dazi’s. This is a distant relative of mine, and I didn’t know he was causing trouble using my name. I don’t ask for your forgiveness, cousin-in-law. You decide what to do. If you think I didn’t beat him enough, I’m happy to give him ten more beatings, but we’ll have to do it separately or his physique won’t handle it.”

Chu Xia looked at Jiang Zhida, who nodded, indicating that Shen Chuan was correct in everything he said.

“He’s your relative, so you handle it. I’m not concerned about vengeance or anything. I just hope Yunmengze continues to run well.”

Chu Xia smiled, not even glancing at the man in the leather jacket on the floor.

“Cousin-in-law is generous!” Shen Chuan bowed to her.

Jiang Zhida patted Shen Chuan’s shoulder: “I told you my cousin-in-law is not petty. When we have a chance, I’ll find a time to treat you, cousin-in-law, and all the shareholders to a meal.”

Chu Xia and the other Yunmengze shareholders had not met, as she only dealt with Jiang Zhida on business matters.

“Sure,” Chu Xia replied with a smile.

Shen Chuan was also very pleased: “I’ll be looking forward to it! I won’t disturb you from having fun. I’ll take this useless fellow out now.”

Shen Chuan dragged the leather jacket man away.

Jiang Zhida and Cen Huai’an sat down, and Chu Xia patted An’an’s head: “What happened just now?”

Cen Huai’an shook his head: “Mom, Uncle handled it well.”

Jiang Zhida drank the already cold beverage on the table, leaned back against the sofa, and said, “That guy was so spineless. As soon as I threatened him by saying his older brother was Shen Chuan, I just had to call Shen Chuan. We didn’t even have to lift a finger; Shen Chuan himself beat that guy half to death.”

Jiang Zhida paused for a moment, took another sip of water, and continued, “Shen Chuan was also angry. Our place had just opened, and some distant relative came here causing trouble and disrupting the place. It touched his sore spot. With those relatives of his, I’m sure they’ll be dealt with soon.”

Chuxia nodded. Cen Huai’an had already started snacking, and although he didn’t physically deal with the troublemaker, he still felt relieved.

“Mom, I didn’t get my hands dirty,” Cen Huai’an said to Chuxia, remembering what she had said.

Chuxia looked at him with warmth in her heart, like eating a comforting meal on a cold winter’s day.

“Anan, I’m really happy right now,” she said.

Cen Huai’an smiled.

With the unpleasantness dealt with, Zhang Lu and Jiang Weixi happily played in the private room.

They sang loudly, danced with the music, and shook their hips adorably.

Chuxia watched them, enjoying delicious snacks and fruits, swaying to the music herself.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhida and Cen Huai’an were playing billiards on the other side.

Cen Huai’an had never played billiards before.

Jiang Zhida patiently taught him how to play and explained the rules.

Cen Huai’an had a strong memory and good manual skills, so he quickly got the hang of it, although he was still a novice.

After a fun afternoon at Yunmengze, the group went to Grandfather Jiang’s house for dinner.

Chuxia brought the specialty products from the northwest for Grandfather Jiang and the uncles.

She and Cen Huai’an then returned to the research institute in Jiang Zhida’s car.

All the other houses in the research institute were lit up, but Chuxia’s house was dark.

Chuxia and Cen Huai’an couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

Cen Zhengnian hadn’t returned yet, and they didn’t know when he would be back.

The next day, Cen Huai’an went to school, and Chuxia went to work at the hospital.

As soon as she arrived at the hospital, Chuxia and the doctors in her clinic were called to Director Lin’s office for a meeting.

Director Lin looked at Chuxia first. “You’re back?”

“Yes, Director. My leave is over,” Chuxia replied.

Director Lin gave a short nod, opened the notebook on the desk, and said, “Everyone’s here, so I’ll get straight to the point. The new notice from the hospital director is as follows.”

Director Lin’s message was brief.

The Spring Hospital was collaborating with several well-known hospitals in Beijing on an assistance project.

This project involved sending skilled doctors from each hospital to less developed areas around Beijing and neighboring provinces for medical aid.

“There are many village doctors around us who are self-taught barefoot doctors, and some less developed counties and cities also lack professional doctors and technical support. This project was proposed by the higher-ups and is supported by all the hospitals. Participation is voluntary; anyone who wants to join should fill out this form.”

Chuxia took the form back to her clinic. Feng Xiaoyuan, who followed Chuxia in, also had a form in hand.

Although Feng Xiaoyuan was not yet qualified to see patients independently, Dr. Yan had recognized her abilities, so she could go on the aid mission to learn.

“Senior, the teacher said I could go for some practical experience, but I’m really unsure about myself,” Feng Xiaoyuan said.

Chuxia looked at the form, feeling hesitant herself.

For Chuxia, this was an opportunity to gain experience and resolve the awkward situation of not having patients in the hospital.

But she had her family to consider, including An’an.

With Cen Zhengnian not at home, it was one less thing to worry about.

Moreover, An was facing an important time with his exams coming up and the national math competition in April.

Chuxia wasn’t sure where she would be sent or how long she would be away if she participated.

She looked at Feng Xiaoyuan and said, “You should consult with the teacher. He knows your medical skills best.”

Chuxia couldn’t make her own decision, let alone help Feng Xiaoyuan.

She put the form in the drawer and decided not to apply.

With Cen Zhengnian away, she needed to prioritize An’an’s life and studies.

Although Chuxia felt regret, she decided not to dwell on it once she made up her mind.

Dr. Yan initially applied to Director Lin for the aid mission but was rejected.

Dr. Yan, being older, was not suited for such a demanding project that involved going to villages with heavy labor.

Feng Xiaoyuan was approved by Director Lin.

She was in tears, running to Chuxia’s clinic to complain, “I can’t do it alone! I only applied because I wanted to go with the teacher. But Director Lin said the teacher can’t go because he’s not in good health. What am I going to do without the teacher?”

Chuxia didn’t know how to comfort her and handed her some tissues, saying, “There will be other doctors with you.”

Feng Xiaoyuan’s emotions were fleeting; she cried briefly and then calmed down.

However, she was still unhappy. “What if I go and something happens between me and Dr. Bai?”

Chuxia looked at her with a speechless expression and shook her head. “Get a grip.”

Dr. Bai was a new dermatologist at the hospital, and Feng Xiaoyuan had been pursuing him.

They were not together, and other doctors and nurses at the hospital were also interested in Dr. Bai.

Feng Xiaoyuan sighed, “You’re married, so you wouldn’t understand. If I go, it just gives others a chance.”

Chuxia didn’t say more; matters of the heart were private and shouldn’t be discussed too much.

---

Tiangong Base

The launch was successful, and Cen Zhengnian and his team of researchers had completed their mission.

They were now preparing to return to Beijing.

Yu Tian felt especially reluctant to part with Cen Zhengnian and the Beijing researchers he had worked alongside.

“Once you leave, the base will be quiet again amidst the vast yellow sand. It’ll be much less lively,” Yu Tian said.

Cen Zhengnian patted his shoulder, feeling the same reluctance.

This was where his dream began, and the base had given him the chance to pursue it.

He would always remember what the base taught him and never forget it.

“I’ll be waiting for you in Beijing.”

Yu Tian smiled again, his expression as bright as a sunflower. “Great! I’ll come find you!”

The base leaders looked at Cen Zhengnian with pride.

This was someone who had left their base and was now capable of leading a mission on his own. How could they not be proud?

“Do well! The base will always welcome you back!”

Cen Zhengnian saluted the leaders solemnly, and Ye Xingxiu and the others did the same in gratitude.

As the saying goes, parting is such sweet sorrow.

No matter how much Cen Zhengnian and the base researchers were reluctant, they had to board the vehicle and head back.

Yu Tian waved vigorously, and the leaders stood by, watching as the vehicle disappeared into the sandy Gansu landscape.

Only then did he turn to Yu Tian and say, “Let’s go. Our work isn’t finished yet.”

Cen Zhengnian watched their figures until they became a small dot and then turned his gaze away.

Ye Xingxiu, who understood Cen Zhengnian’s feelings best because they both came from local bases to Beijing, said, “If you want to cry, just let it out. There’s no shame in men crying.”

Cen Zhengnian frowned and looked at him. “Why would I cry?”

“You’re leaving your old base again. Aren’t you feeling upset? Isn’t your nose a bit sore?”

Cen Zhengnian closed his eyes, pretending to rest and said, “I’m not that fragile. And it’s time to go home. You should be thinking about your wife and children now.”

Just that one sentence made Ye Xingxiu fall silent instantly.

Worry for Shi Qin rose in his eyes.

He was too busy with work to think much about them, but now that Cen Zhengnian reminded him, his heart was lifted with concern, and he no longer paid attention to Cen Zhengnian’s feelings.

On the train home, Cen Zhengnian also thought about Chu Xia and Huai’an.

Would they miss him during this New Year?

And for the Lantern Festival, which is Huai’an’s birthday, would he be upset that he couldn’t wish him a happy birthday?

Cen Zhengnian had no answers, but these questions occupied his mind on the train until he arrived home.

He opened the door, intending to surprise Chu Xia and Huai’an, only to find the house empty.

Three dogs came running out upon hearing the noise.

Huang Zi, Hei Zi, and Little Spot had been spoiled at Grandpa Jiang’s house during the New Year and had gained some weight.

Seeing them, Cen Zhengnian patted their heads and couldn’t help but smile.

He realized he had forgotten that today was Saturday, not a rest day, and Chu Xia and Cen Huai’an still had school.