“Thank you so much, Sister-in-law.”
“Honestly, it wasn’t my doing.”
Tian Man sighed softly, looking dejected. “It was only because our section chief made a mistake, leaving a gap in the layout. The editor used my article as a last-minute fix.”
“Sister-in-law, no matter how winding the road, the future is bright.”
Tian Man burst into laughter and tapped Shen Zhiqiu’s shoulder. “Zhiqiu, I’ve noticed you’re really good at comforting people.”
“Good wine needs no bush, Sister-in-law. Your talent will be recognized.”
“Then I’ll take your words as a blessing. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”
Tian Man murmured quietly, “My wish isn’t grand—I just hope I can go out for interviews again and see my byline on published articles.”
“You will, Sister-in-law!” Shen Zhiqiu encouraged her. “Keep going!”
“Zhiqiu!”
Turning, Shen Zhiqiu saw Ye Jiawen running toward her. Her eyes lit up as she hurried forward in delight. “Jiawen-jie!”
“Zhiqiu, who’s this?”
Noticing Tian Man’s curious gaze, Shen Zhiqiu introduced them.
“Sister-in-law, this is my cousin Ye Jiawen. She just got admitted to Guohua University for her master’s degree.”
“Jiawen-jie, this is Sister-in-law Tian Man, a reporter for Guojing Evening News.”
“Sister-in-law, I’ll follow Zhiqiu’s lead in addressing you.”
Ye Jiawen stepped forward and extended her hand. “I’ve always admired journalists since I was little, and you’re the first reporter I’ve ever met. It’s truly an honor.”
Tian Man shook her hand and praised, “A graduate student—how impressive! Zhiqiu is outstanding, and it seems her family is just as remarkable.”
After a few more pleasantries, Tian Man left.
Shen Zhiqiu affectionately looped her arm through Ye Jiawen’s and leaned against her shoulder, sniffling pitifully. “Jiawen-jie, you came at just the right time. I was about to look for you.”
“Zhiqiu, who upset you?” Ye Jiawen immediately tensed.
“Lately, I’ve been investigating my mother’s death and uncovered some things… including that Shen Daqiang held a big, public wedding with Wang Fengqin just half a year after marrying my mom.”
“My heart aches for her.” Shen Zhiqiu choked up, unable to continue.
“Shen Daqiang and Wang Fengqin are something else!” Ye Jiawen cursed furiously. “They’ll get what’s coming to them!”
“Don’t cry, Zhiqiu.”
She hugged Shen Zhiqiu, gently patting her back until her sobs subsided. Then she pulled away and wiped her tears.
“Zhiqiu, I came to tell you—my parents and Xiaowu will be arriving this evening.”
Shen Zhiqiu quickly checked the time and tugged Ye Jiawen toward the compound gate. “Jiawen-jie, let’s hurry to the train station. We can’t let Second Uncle and the others wait.”
“No rush, we still have over three hours. We’ll make it.”
At the gate, Ye Jiawen reminded her, “Call home so Uncle Yue and Auntie don’t worry.”
“Ah, I was so happy I forgot!”
Shen Zhiqiu smacked her forehead and called Wan Jiayin, who asked her to relay an invitation: “Zhiqiu, ask your second uncle when he’s free to visit. Last time, they left in such a hurry they couldn’t stay.”
“Got it, Mom. I’ll ask him.”
Wan Jiayin added, “Be careful on the road. If it’s too late, I’ll have your second brother pick you up.”
“Mom, Second Sister-in-law isn’t in the best condition right now—he should stay with her. If it’s late, Second Uncle and Xiaowu can walk me back. Don’t worry.”
“Alright, just stay safe.”
“Thanks, Mom. And thank you for taking care of Yaya.”
“It’s no trouble. Jiusi’s with her now, telling her stories.” Wan Jiayin’s gaze softened as she glanced at Huo Jiusi on the sofa.
He held a foreign fairy tale book, voicing multiple characters with lively flair while Yaya listened intently, responding now and then.
Though Yaya couldn’t speak, the two had a blast together every day.
…..
Shen Zhiqiu and Ye Jiawen arrived at the train station at 6:10 p.m., only to learn that Ye Yunlin’s train was delayed with no clear arrival time.
They grabbed a bite to eat nearby and bought five boxes of steamed buns.
At 7:40, Ye Yunlin’s group finally arrived. Shen Zhiqiu and Ye Jiawen rushed forward.
“Second Uncle! Auntie! Xiaowu!”
When Shen Zhiqiu reached for Li Shuying’s luggage, her aunt dodged. “You’re still recovering—don’t strain yourself.”
“Why do you look so pale? Did Xiaoyuan upset you, or has that bastard Shen Daqiang been giving you trouble again?” Li Shuying frowned, her eyes brimming with concern.
Shen Zhiqiu shook her head. “Xiaoyuan didn’t upset me.”
“Then it’s Shen Daqiang!”
Li Shuying pulled Shen Zhiqiu into a hug and patted her shoulder, her expression icy. “Don’t be afraid, Zhiqiu. Your uncle and I are here to back you up!”
“Back then, he only dared bully your mother because your uncle was in trouble!”
“If he’d treated you well, fine—but how dare he do this? Does he think we’re dead?!”
“Auntie, don’t get worked up. Let’s go to my place first, and we’ll talk things through.” Shen Zhiqiu soothingly rubbed her aunt’s back.
But Li Shuying insisted, “We’ll stay at a hotel. It’s not right to impose on you.”
“Auntie, it’s no trouble. Mingyuan and I don’t live there—the place is empty.”
“Empty or not, it’s still improper. If Xiaoyuan finds out and minds—”
“Auntie, Mingyuan won’t mind. If he does, then we’re not meant to be.”
Ye Yunlin cut in, “It’s getting late. Let’s follow Zhiqiu’s arrangements.”
Meanwhile, Ye Jiawen tossed the buns to Ye Jiawu. “Here, Xiao Er’gou—figured you’d be starving. Eat up.”
Ye Jiawu glanced around, flushing as he whispered, “Jie, we agreed—no nicknames in public.”
“Fine. Ye Jiawu, eat.” She smirked.
He immediately caved. “Call me whatever. Nicknames are just embarrassing—my real name’s scarier.”
Laughing, the group headed to Shen Zhiqiu and Yue Mingyuan’s home in Fu’an Alley, not far from Yangxi Alley.
But the houses in Fu’an were far nicer—mostly large courtyard residences.
After marrying, Shen Zhiqiu and Yue Mingyuan had barely lived there. He was usually with his unit, and she stayed at the cultural troupe. They’d only stayed a handful of times when he was on leave.
Shen Zhiqiu unlocked the door, and as Ye Yunlin’s family stepped inside, passing the screen wall, their eyes widened in awe—so much so that they hesitated to go further.
