Chapter 753: Proud of You

"When I go to university, I definitely want to study hard, though I’m not sure which major will allow me to support my second sister after graduation. I have no plan for my future; I just want to follow my second sister," to repay her.

The last few words he didn’t say aloud because he knew if he did, his second sister would definitely scold him.

His second sister supported him through school without ever expecting repayment, but Lin Jiadong knew that without her, he probably wouldn’t have been able to attend high school.

Back then, his second sister opened a bun shop in the county, and his parents, seeing her business making money and getting jealous, were determined to send him to her side so they could get a share.

No matter how much he explained the importance of education to his parents, they believed money in hand was the most important thing and never thought about his future.

If he didn’t listen to his parents, they wouldn’t even consider paying his tuition, let alone letting him attend university.

From then on, Lin Jiadong set the goal of studying hard and, after graduation, helping his second sister with her work.

He now knows that there is a university graduate named Wang Tianyu by his second sister’s side, who came to work as her assistant after graduation.

Lin Chuxia disagreed as she spoke, "How can you not have a plan for your future? Our country is in a phase of rapid development, with all industries flourishing. You shouldn’t limit your sights to just around me. There are many useful people by my side, but the country needs more elite talents. Jiadong, I hope you have your own goals, your own life, and live meaningfully. You don’t have to rush to answer me. Think it over when you return home. No matter what decision you make, your second sister will be proud of you."

To make yourself your second sister’s pride, become a useful person to the country, and live your life meaningfully.

Each word felt like a small hammer striking Lin Jiadong’s heart.

Before coming to the city, he was just happy to be admitted to his ideal university and hoped to help his second sister with her work in the future.

But his second sister hoped for him to live a meaningful life, become a useful person to the country, and be her pride.

Lin Jiadong silently pondered these words, knowing that, as his second sister said, there are many useful people by her side.

His second sister’s businesses are vast, and even if he didn’t attend high school or university, he could still find appropriate work to help her. But that’s not the reason why his second sister supported his studies...

After a while, Lin Jiadong lifted his head, looking at Lin Chuxia with determined eyes, "Second sister, I understand now. I will think it over carefully."

Lin Chuxia smiled with relief, "Good."

As the siblings were talking, Yuan Bao barked a couple of times in the yard, and Hu Xingwei peeked around the gate.

Lin Chuxia invited him in to talk, but he looked past her to Lin Jiadong instead.

"Aunt Lin, I just saw your brother arrived. I’m so bored at home during summer vacation. Can your brother come play with me? I have chess, military chess, and even checkers if all else fails..."

Lin Chuxia looked towards Lin Jiadong behind her, seeking his opinion.

Seeing Lin Jiadong might refuse, Hu Xingwei stepped forward two more steps, "Brother Jiadong, just play with me for a short while. I’ll teach you if you don’t know how."

That eager look was so close to pulling him along.

Lin Jiadong said to Lin Chuxia, "I’ll play with him for a while, and then I’ll come back."

Lin Chuxia nodded, "Go ahead, I’ll buy groceries. We’ll have braised ribs for lunch. Come back soon for lunch."

Hu Xingwei rejoiced and dragged Lin Jiadong to his house.

"Brother Jiadong, you don’t know how stifling these days have been for me. My parents always have me studying at home. Can you believe it’s vacation and I still can’t rest properly? I’m just in my sophomore year, and my mom always nags me about the university entrance exam—my ears are almost calloused from it. But don’t worry; my parents aren’t home right now, only my sister is."

After speaking, he even winked at Lin Jiadong.

Lin Jiadong was bewildered.

Truthfully, he wasn’t familiar with Hu Xingwei, having only exchanged greetings a few times at his second sister’s place.

But he had interacted with Hu Xingwei’s older sister a few times. She was a very aloof yet upright girl.

While thinking this, he followed Hu Xingwei through the gate into the yard, and saw the girl standing there.

Hu Xingwei spoke with a smile, "Sis, I brought him here for you."

Lin Jiadong was even more confused. Wasn’t he invited over for chess?

The girl in front spoke, "Hello, Lin Jiadong, long time no see."

Her voice remained as cool as ever but carried a hint of familiarity.

Lin Jiadong couldn’t help but smile, "Long time no see, Hu Yaping!"

Hu Xingwei giddily added, "Sis, I just asked him, Brother Jiadong is also going to the capital for university."

Hearing this "also," Lin Jiadong looked toward Hu Yaping, "You’re going to university in the capital too? Which school are you going to?"

"Capital University."

............

The timing for the Southern inspection trip was finally set.

Lin Chuxia could now leave home almost without worries.

Little Qi Qi was a year old now, had long been weaned, and besides drinking milk, could eat quite a bit of food every day.

In terms of food and drink, Lin Chuxia didn’t need to worry. The little one had been raised single-handedly by Zhuang Jingshu and wasn’t especially dependent on Lin Chuxia emotionally.

"At most a month, at least 20 days. Regardless of the outcome, I will return. During this time, Mom, you’ll have to bear some extra burden."

Zhuang Jingshu was indifferent, "What’s there to be burdened about? Qi Qi is so well-behaved, I wish she could stay with me every day. When you leave, just don’t worry about the child. By the way, let Zhuang Yang go with you. Though he’s not very familiar with the domestic scene, he’s reliable in work and has some skills. Having him by your side will ensure your safety."

Qin Yang also looked over.

When Lin Chuxia went out on business, his primary concern was her safety.

If it weren’t for his work obligations, Qin Yang would have wished to accompany Lin Chuxia on this trip.

Lin Chuxia, however, had her own plans.

"Brother’s hands are full with work lately; it’s just an initial inspection over there, so there’s no need to trouble him. I plan to take Gu Peng with me; he has some skills, too. Mom, you don’t need to worry."

Zhuang Jingshu had met Gu Peng twice and had a rather good impression of him.

Qin Yang, however, slightly furrowed his brows, "Are you only taking Gu Peng?"

Lin Chuxia nodded, "The two of us will suffice. There are people there supporting us."

Old Master He was very attentive, knowing what Lin Chuxia intended to do, although he didn’t speak much of it.

Besides teaching her all the necessary knowledge, he also connected her with his old friends.

With this connection, things are expected to go more smoothly.

Zhuang Jingshu laughed and said, "Old Master He truly thinks things through. I heard he spent some time there in the past six months, establishing connections. With this, whether it’s building a plantation or setting up a pharmaceutical factory, we won’t be fumbling around blindly."