He Jinxuan left the school and dropped off Sun Zhenling on the way before driving back with Han Jingchen, his soon-to-be father-in-law.
Han Jingchen sat in the passenger seat, looking straight ahead, "Is the job settled?"
He Jinxuan replied solemnly, "Yes, Iâll go back to hand over the work at the Mechanical Factory, wrap things up there, and then come over to start the job."
Han Jingchen, thinking of He Jinxuanâs career, said in a deep voice, "Although youâve managed to transfer your work to Beijing, I fear your profession may not allow you to be there when Yanyan needs you."
He Jinxuan understood his soon-to-be father-in-lawâs worries, "Rest assured, this is just a transition. Besides, the team leader doesnât need to go on every trip, and I have other plans. Please believe me, I will strive to give Xinyan a good life."
Listening to He Jinxuan, Han Jingchen turned his head to look steadily at him. He Jinxuan, being someone who had served in the army, truly had strong mental fortitude, and didnât make a single mistake. Han Jingchen then said, "I look forward to it."
He Jinxuan felt relieved upon hearing this; he would soon have a formal status.
He had already bought his return ticket, and after a short rest at home, Su Jingsong sent him to the station.
*
As Xinyan and her group walked towards the dormitory, two other girls from their class joined in. Fan Xiaoxing and Qiao Shanmei lived next door in 307.0, while the others in their dorm were from the German class.
Fan Xiaoxing said enviously, "It would be nice to live with you all."
Zhang Zhaodi responded, "Living just a wall apart isnât much different. If anything comes up, just come over. Weâre all in the same class, we should definitely stick together."
Qiao Shanmei glanced at Zhang Zhaodi without speaking, but thought to herself: You make it sound easy, why donât you try switching?
They had just reached the dormitory entrance when they saw Cui Hailiâs husband, Li Kaida, waiting there. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Cui Haili spoke to everyone before jogging over to him.
Bai Aiwen said softly, "Sister Hai Li is studying here, and her husband has to return home alone to take care of two kids. Itâs truly not easy."
Zhang Zhaodi looked over as well; she was from a rural area and knew some educated youths who had been admitted: "Sister Hai Li is nice. In our neighboring village, there are educated youths who got into college, and some of them divorced, leaving their kids behind to return to the city alone."
Xinyan knew that Zhang Zhaodi wasnât lying, which was why stories like these later became TV dramas called consequences.
If she remembered correctly, by the end of this year, there would be a large number of educated youths returning to the city, and such events would not be uncommon.
They hadnât been back in the dorm for long when Cui Haili returned with her things, her eyes red from crying.
Zhang Zhaodi noticed and asked, "Sister Hai Li, are you okay?"
Cui Haili put her things down, "Iâm fine. My husband has to take the bus back soon, and I miss the children a bit."
Everyone naturally understood her feelings and comforted her.
However, since Cui Haili had never been away from her husband and kids, she couldnât control her emotions and started sobbing.
From her bed, Li Yutong insensitively remarked, "If you canât bear it, then donât come to study. Go back and stay with them. Who are you trying to show off to?"
Cui Haili was already upset, and even the best temper couldnât take it: "Li Yutong, youâre going too far. Whoâs showing off?"
At this moment, Jiang Peiqin also said to Li Yutong, "If you canât say anything nice, just shut your mouth."
Xinyan chimed in as well, "Not everything is your business. No one will treat you like a mute if you donât speak."
Li Yutong was obviously not expecting anyone to speak up for Cui Haili and sat up straight from her bed, "What does it have to do with you all?"
Cui Haili, hearing her words, directly countered, "Then what does my business have to do with you?"