“Hello?” A familiar female voice answered the phone.

“Zhiyi?”

“Cousin, it’s me!” Jiang Zhiyi’s cheerful voice came through.

She hadn’t been home for a year and a half and missed her family very much.

It had been a while since Chu Xia had spoken with Jiang Zhiyi, and they chatted for a bit, catching up on each other’s lives. Jiang Zhiyi sounded more confident, happy, and much more mature.

“Cousin, you’re looking for my brother? I’ll call him for you.”

Jiang Zhiyi shouted for Jiang Zhida, and soon, they could hear him rushing over.

A moment later, his voice came on the line.

“Cousin, recently my friend got a batch of nice cars. What kind are you looking for?”

Chu Xia just wanted a vehicle for daily use and didn’t know much about cars, so she stated her requirements: “Something suitable for family use, sturdy and comfortable to drive. You know cars, so help me pick one out.”

She mentioned her budget, explaining she wasn’t looking for a luxury vehicle, just something practical.

Jiang Zhida nodded repeatedly. “Got it! Anything else, Cousin?”

“That’s it. Have you checked out those cars?”

Jiang Zhida sounded particularly cheerful. “I’ve looked at them! I even picked out a Jeep.”

“But don’t you already have a car? What are you going to do with it?” Chu Xia knew his car was still in good condition and hadn’t been driven much. She shook her head internally, realizing that men really loved their cars.

“I’ll leave it in Yunmengze as a public vehicle. If someone needs to use it, they won’t have to look for one elsewhere.”

Chu Xia nodded, then told him, “I just bought a house and some gold bars, so my cash flow isn’t great right now. Can you front the money to buy the car? When my monthly dividends come in, just deduct it from my account.”

The opportunity to buy a car through Jiang Zhida was different from going to the market; it depended on luck and him being in Yangcheng.

Sister Su, a government worker, had access to cars that were significantly cheaper than market prices, and missing this chance could mean a long wait for another.

Jiang Zhida readily agreed. His business was built on Chu Xia’s support, so he would gladly help her with the car purchase—even willing to give it to her as a gift if needed.

After making the decision, buying the car was quick.

They would go directly to Sister Su’s place to look at the cars and make the payment.

Within a few days of Jiang Zhida returning to Beijing, the two cars were delivered.

Chu Xia didn’t rush to check them out; she wanted to wait until Sunday to go with Cen Huai’an to pick them up.

Since they had decided to buy a car, Chu Xia had already studied for her driver’s license.

Having learned to drive in her previous life, and with the current testing being less strict than in the future, she obtained her license in no time.

That day, Cen Zhengnian also had a day off, and the three of them set off for Yunmengze with excitement.

When they brought back Jiang Zhida’s Jeep, several friends surrounded it to admire it, each taking turns to sit in and drive around.

“This is amazing! Driving this feels completely different from my little sedan—the visibility is just fantastic!”

Shen Chuan slapped the front of the Jeep, his eyes shining with affection for it.

Jiang Zhida leaned against the car, a proud smile on his face. “Why else would I buy it?”

“Man, I’ve got to get one too. Dazi, you’re making me jealous!” Shen Chuan exclaimed, clearly envious.

“Go for it!” Jiang Zhida laughed heartily.

“Let’s all get one!” the friends around them chimed in.

Tu Hongxiao stood aside, silent, his eyes fixed on the Jeep.

Originally, it wasn’t Shen Chuan’s turn to oversee Yunmengze today, but both he and Tu Hongxiao came to Yunmengze to see Jiang Zhida’s car.

Shen Chuan also noticed the white sedan beside the Jeep and asked Jiang Zhida: “This car has been here for a while. Dazi, aren’t you planning to drive it? If not, let me drive it; I haven’t driven this brand before.”

Jiang Zhida grabbed his arm: “This car belongs to my cousin-in-law, so you can’t drive it.”

Shen Chuan’s disappointment was fleeting. He had always preferred Jeeps anyway.

“Then let me take your car for a spin.”

Jiang Zhida had no objections, tossing him the car keys: “Be careful and watch out for people!”

“Got it!”

Before Shen Chuan could take the driver’s seat, Tu Hongxiao had already sat down: “I’ll drive first.”

Shen Chuan: “Tu Hongxiao, you’re always stealing my turn!”

Tu Hongxiao gave him a look.

Shen Chuan tossed the keys to him: “Fine, fine, you can drive first. Stop looking at me like that; it’s creepy!”

When Chuxia’s family arrived at Yunmengze, Shen Chuan and Tu Hongxiao were just returning with the Jeep.

The car stopped in front of Chuxia and her family with a cool demeanor.

Shen Chuan and Tu Hongxiao, still brimming with excitement, got out of the car.

Cen Zhengnian and Cen Huai’an’s gazes were fixed on the Jeep, their eyes showing their appreciation.

Only Chuxia’s eyes were drawn to the white sedan beside the Jeep, and she took an immediate liking to it.

“Cousin! Cousin-in-law! An’an!”

Jiang Zhida, who had been standing aside smoking, had ignored the sound of the car and Shen Chuan’s excitement.

When he looked up, he saw Chuxia and her family.

Jiang Zhida quickly stubbed out his cigarette.

Shen Chuan and Tu Hongxiao also turned around to greet Chuxia and her family.

As shareholders of Yunmengze, they were all very familiar with each other.

“Cousin-in-law, you came to see the car, didn’t you?” Shen Chuan ruffled his hair and glanced at Chuxia with some nervousness.

After all, during their first meeting, his relative had offended Chuxia, so he always felt uneasy in her presence.

“Yes.”

Jiang Zhida had already walked over to the white sedan, casually opening the door: “This is the car. Cousin-in-law, take a look and see if you like it. Do you want to take it for a spin?”

Cen Zhengnian and Cen Huai’an, after looking at the Jeep, also turned their attention to the white sedan, recognizing it as Chuxia’s.

The two didn’t have many demands for the car.

Since it was for Chuxia, as long as she liked it, that was enough.

However, they both thought the car looked very nice.

Unlike the imposing Jeep, this car had a more gentle design, making it ideal for family use.

Chuxia approached, touched the car’s body, and her admiration was evident: “I like it. I’ll give it a try.”

She got into the car, closed the driver’s door, started the engine, rolled down the window, rested her elbow on it, and gestured to Cen Zhengnian and Cen Huai’an: “Come on up.”

Cen Zhengnian took the passenger seat, Cen Huai’an sat in the back, and Jiang Zhida also got in.

It was Chuxia’s first time driving. Jiang Zhida, an experienced driver, was worried.

What if his cousin-in-law was nervous and had trouble managing the gas and brakes?

Cen Zhengnian’s purpose of sitting next to Chuxia was precisely this—he could quickly step in if Chuxia had trouble handling the car.

“Don’t be nervous.” Cen Zhengnian fastened his seatbelt and gently stroked Chuxia’s hair: “I’m here, so drive confidently.”

Chuxia looked at him, smiled, and said nothing.

She released the handbrake, reversed, turned, and accelerated smoothly.

The car glided out of the garage with no hesitation or bumps.

Shen Chuan and Tu Hongxiao, standing by, were surprised: “Is this cousin-in-law’s first time driving?”

Tu Hongxiao: “Yes.”

They had heard Jiang Zhida’s earlier words, confirming that Chuxia was indeed driving for the first time.

Shen Chuan’s face showed admiration: “She really is someone who can handle business for Dazi; even driving is exceptional.”

When he first touched a car, he was nervous and ended up crashing into his own door.

Watching Chuxia maneuver the car so smoothly, Shen Chuan found it impressive, as he couldn’t achieve that level of finesse when he first started driving.

Cen Zhengnian and Jiang Zhida were even more astonished.

Cen Zhengnian looked at Chuxia, his smile slowly returning, his gaze fixed on her earnest face.

At that moment, Chu Xia had a calm expression as she focused on the road ahead.

Though she wasn’t driving fast, she handled everything perfectly, exuding an indescribable confidence.

Cen Huai’an watched his mother with admiration, resting his head on the car seat.

“Cousin, is this your first time driving?”

“Not really.” Chu Xia felt the car’s performance and, having gotten the hang of driving, made a sharp turn to head back.

Cen Zhengnian and Jiang Zhida raised their eyebrows. “Oh?”

“I practiced at the driving school.”

However, aside from the driving school car, this was indeed her first time driving her own vehicle.

The experience was different from the manual cars of her previous life, but she adapted quickly.

As they returned, Chu Xia flawlessly parked the car in the garage, and Shen Chuan and Tu Hongxiao no longer looked surprised.

Cen Huai’an loved the new car.

He had already inspected every part while sitting in it and found himself more and more enamored.

Seeing his mother drive so skillfully made him want to learn to drive right away, to take the car out for a spin.

But he knew he was too young, so he reluctantly patted the car seat before getting out.

“Dazi, you’ve really put in a lot of effort for this car. Thank you!”

After trying out the white sedan, Chu Xia could tell that Jiang Zhida had carefully selected it, meeting all her requirements, including some she hadn’t even mentioned.

Jiang Zhida shrugged off her gratitude with a smile, patting the car body. “As long as you like it, Cousin!”

After all, it was her first car, and it was important to him that Chu Xia was satisfied; he wouldn’t settle for less.

Chu Xia drove off, and the family headed to Jiang Grandpa’s house, with Jiang Zhida tagging along.

Upon arriving at Jiang Grandpa’s home, Chu Xia felt the convenience of driving.

It took half the time compared to taking the bus, which required waiting for rides and stops along the way.

Zhang Lu was outside playing war games with Jiang Weixi and other kids in the alley when she noticed an unfamiliar car parked in front of Jiang Grandpa’s house.

She paused her attack, signaling the other kids to stop.

With a puzzled expression, she looked at the car, wondering whose it was.

Just then, the door opened, and a long leg clad in a black knit dress swung out, followed by Chu Xia, who casually flipped her hair, making Zhang Lu’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Auntie! Sister, it’s Auntie!”

Jiang Weixi tugged at Zhang Lu, eager to run over, but Zhang Lu was still in shock.

“Lu Lu, Wei Wei, for Xian.”

Chu Xia turned and waved at them, her smile bright.

At that moment, Cen Zhengnian, Cen Huai’an, and Jiang Zhida also got out of the car and began unloading bags and packages from the trunk, all filled with goodies for Jiang Grandpa.

With the New Year approaching, it made sense to bring some extra supplies.

Finally coming to her senses, Zhang Lu pointed at the car. “Auntie, is this your new car?”

Chu Xia nodded with a smile. “Yep!”

“Wow!” Zhang Lu and Jiang Weixi exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Zhang Lu ran her hand over the car, gazing at Chu Xia with admiration. “Auntie, you’re amazing! My dad can’t even drive a sedan!”

She envied Cen Huai’an, thinking about how cool it was that he had a mother who could drive.

Cen Huai’an felt proud too—his mom was truly impressive!

Not only was she better than Zhang Lu’s mom, but she was better than all the other parents in their complex!

Chu Xia chuckled, ruffling Zhang Lu’s hair. “Your parents can learn too. Driving isn’t that hard.”

Zhang Lu immediately asked, “Can I learn too, Auntie?”

“Of course,” Chu Xia affirmed. “But you’ll have to wait until you’re eighteen.”

Zhang Lu’s eyes lit up.

She had just celebrated her sixteenth birthday, so in just two more years, she could learn to drive! The day she could get behind the wheel was getting closer.

At that moment, Zhang Lu no longer envied Cen Huai’an; instead, she burst into laughter and teased him. “An An, you’ve got more than five years to go until you turn eighteen. When I learn to drive, I’ll take you out for fun!”

Cen Huai’an’s excitement faded a bit at that.

Jiang Weixi was delighted by the white sedan, her small round body circling the car.

Standing in front of Chu Xia, she asked in a sweet voice, “Auntie, can I sit in the car?”

“Of course!”

Chu Xia opened the door for her, allowing her to climb in and play.

She reminded the other kids, “You can all get in too, but be careful when closing the door; don’t pinch your fingers.”

Zhang Lu and Jiang Weixi climbed in, and she even pulled Cen Huai’an up with her.

The adults, carrying the packages, went inside first.

In the living room, they encountered Jiang Erjiu’s family.

Jiang Erjiu and Zhou Huaying didn’t seem to be in good spirits, but the atmosphere with the others was lively.

Chu Xia paid no attention to Jiang Erjiu and his wife.

After greeting everyone, she handed the items to Aunt Li to put away.

“Dazi, did Zhiyi tell you when she’s coming back?”

Uncle Jiang Er saw Jiang Zhida and his eyes lit up. He asked eagerly.

He hadn’t seen his daughter, Jiang Zhiyi, for a year and a half and hadn’t called her much either.

Sometimes when he called, no one answered.

Jiang Zhiyi was busier in Yangcheng than they were at their workplace.

At this moment, Jiang Zhida could no longer hide the truth.

The casual smile on his face disappeared as he scratched his head in frustration and said, “Uncle, Zhiyi says she won’t be coming back for the New Year this year.”

“Not coming back again?” Zhou Huaying’s brows knitted together in anger. “I really think she’s gotten wild out there, she doesn’t even want to come home. Da Zi, where is she in Yangcheng now?”

Jiang Zhida didn’t respond directly but tried to soothe Zhou Huaying by saying, “Aunt, Zhiyi has a job in Yangcheng, and she’s very busy during the New Year.”

Zhou Huaying didn’t believe Jiang Zhida’s explanation. “What kind of job could keep her away all year and make her miss coming home for the New Year?”

Jiang Zhida replied, “She’s a reporter.”

The mention of this left Zhou Huaying seething, her chest heaving with anger, unable to speak for a while.

Uncle Jiang Er sighed beside them and spoke softly to Jiang Zhida, “Da Zi, tell Zhiyi that if she wants to be a reporter, then let her be. We won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t like, but she should come home for the New Year. It’s not good for a girl to be out all the time.”

Jiang Zhida said, “Uncle, Zhiyi is doing well. She lives near my factory and is working at a job she loves. She’s very happy every day.”

Uncle Jiang Er felt even more distressed, and Zhou Huaying’s expression grew even worse.

“Dad, please help persuade Zhiyi. She can’t stay away all the time, can she?” Uncle Jiang Er was at his wits’ end and turned to seek help from Grandfather Jiang.