Chapter 25

 

Cai Ni’s parents were initially reluctant to send their daughter to work at a postal bank in such a remote countryside.

But in their minds, a state-owned bank was better than a temporary job in Yicheng. And she wouldn’t stay in the countryside forever. As long as she worked hard, they could pull a few strings later, and Cai Ni could return home after a few years.

Most importantly, Cai Ni was still young, and at that age, they weren’t worried about marriage or dating. As long as she worked steadily for three to five years and gained some footing in society, she’d naturally return to the city. Then she could find a nice young man with a good job — and her life would go smoothly from there.

A boy could start a family first and build a career later.

A girl, however, must build a career before starting a family. This was Cai Ni’s mother’s life lesson from her own youth to now. Naturally, she hoped her daughter would follow the same path and live a steady, simple, and decent life.

That was the most ordinary — yet hardest to achieve — dream in the hearts of ordinary parents.

When Ming Xi went to work in the big city like Haigang, Cai Ni’s parents had been tempted too, but her father was the first to say no, and after thinking about it carefully, her mother agreed.

Once a girl went to a big city, it was hard for her to come back home…

It wasn’t that they expected Cai Ni to stay in Yicheng and take care of them in their old age, but they just couldn’t bear for her to be so far away. Now that she was already two hours away by bus, only coming home once every two weeks, they were still struggling to get used to it.

If she went to a big city like Haigang? How often would she be able to return home?

And what if she married some man from another province? They didn’t even dare imagine it…

Cai Ni’s situation was completely different from Ming Xi’s.

They also knew Ming Xi’s family. Ming Decheng and Yang Yumei — one unreliable, the other irresponsible — yet somehow their daughter was quite resourceful. When the elder daughter went abroad, the family still had some money; they never skimped on spending the money.

The younger daughter, Ming Xi, was even more impressive. She had a kind and friendly nature, but she was clear-headed and sharp in handling things. She’d never let herself be taken advantage of in matters of interest or right and wrong. Their Cai Ni was different. She’s got a bright face but a donkey brain—she’s truly dense!

Put it this way: if Ming Xi ever had a bad heart, she could sell Cai Ni off, and Cai Ni would probably help her count the money.

Thinking about it this way, even though their daughter cried and complained every day, Cai Ni’s parents remained firm as stone—

You can be ungrateful, but you must know your own limits.

Their Cai Ni was suited to a steady, honest life. The countryside was fine—fewer people, fewer problems.

But parents who truly love their children always find new kinds of worries in every situation. When their daughter used to complain every few days that she couldn’t stand her job, they felt uneasy. Now that she suddenly seemed cheerful and content, they felt even more uneasy…

“That’s strange.”

“Yeah, I don’t know what’s going on.”

It wasn’t just her mother who noticed — her father did too.

During the first month after she went to the countryside, Cai Ni called home crying almost every day. But this past week, she hadn’t complained at all!

And not only that, she’d become more secretive, and when they asked, she even got impatient with them!

“I… I actually kind of like it here now,” Cai Ni mumbled.

This…this…this is terrible sign!

Cai Ni’s parents were ordinary people but not fools. From her tone, they instantly realized something was off, and both were alarmed.

They quickly contacted a distant relative who worked as a director at the same branch, and after asking around, they learned that lately a local hoodlum — a young man who’d stayed behind in the village for years — had been coming by every day to see Cai Ni. Each time, he’d make a deposit or withdrawal of exactly one yuan.

What kind of nonsense was that?!

That kind of man was absolutely not someone to be involved with!!!

Cai Ni’s parents panicked — they were like ants on a hot stove, running in circles, pretending not to know anything while feeling utterly frantic inside.

Her mother called Cai Ni to sound her out, but to her horror, Cai Ni actually brought up the man herself — and even cheerfully! She laughed as she told them about how he came every day to deposit or withdraw just one yuan: “Mom, Dad, don’t you think he’s kind of funny? Who tries to woo a girl like that? Hmph~ hmph!”

Those two humphs nearly gave Cai Ni’s mother a heart attack!

“Don’t you even think about it!” her father shouted, snatching the phone. For once, he raised his voice with real paternal authority. “If you dare agree, I… I’ll break your legs!”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t even— ugh! You two make me so mad!” Cai Ni protested, crying now. The more she tried to explain, the more flustered she became, until finally she just hung up the phone.

“…”

“…”

Her mother turned to her husband, glaring. “Why did you yell like that? The harsher you are, the less she’ll listen! What are we going to do now?”

Her father froze, mumbling, “If I don’t scare her, what if she really says yes to that thug?”

For a while, they just sat there, blaming each other but finding no answer.

Logically, their Cai Ni, though not very intelligent, had good taste, even a bit picky. She’d grown up alongside that nice, well-mannered Yang Kangde and never once took interest in him. So how could she fall for some village loafer?

Unless… life in the countryside was too boring.

Boredom… was likely led to trouble!

The next day, Cai Ni’s worried parents caught the early morning bus to the countryside, heading to their daughter’s workplace. When they arrived, Cai Ni was in the middle of her shift, strolling around the post office lobby with a tray of tea, greeting the village elders with a warm, bright smile. Dressed in her work uniform, young and beautiful, she stood out as the most eye-catching person in the whole place.

While working, Cai Ni’s true nature showed through—energetic, full of life, and eager to do her best.

“Girl, you’re not married yet, are you?” an elderly villager called out to her.

“Nope!” Cai Ni replied cheerfully. “Just graduated, still single!”

“—Then how about I introduce you to someone?” the old man shouted. He was hard of hearing, and his voice was so loud that everyone nearby heard him—including Cai Ni’s parents.

Another old man interrupted with a sour tone, retorting, “You’re such a shameless old man! You’re just trying to find a wife for your thirty-year-old son!”

“No, no—it’s my nephew! He’s only twenty-two, a carpenter—pretty decent, right?” The first old man grew flustered, his voice quick and defensive.

Everyone burst into laughter, and the old men stared openly at Cai Ni, utterly unbothered by propriety.

Cai Ni kept smiling—honest, hearty, and pleasant. After all, these were her “regular customers,” and smiling at customers was something she had been trained to do.

Her parents, sitting off to the side, said nothing. Their faces were dark with worry.

They were solely focused on Cai Ni finding a stable, respectable job, that they overlooked one thing: in today’s world, whenever a girl is beautiful and pure-hearted, everyone—young or old, male or female—wants to trick her into becoming part of their family.

And if the girl herself showed even a hint of willingness, everyone else would fan the flames—everyone except her poor, helpless parents.

Once a girl married and had children, the daily grind of marriage and the pressures of motherhood left her no time to resist or regret. In this situation, marrying a good man would be fine, but marrying a rotten one would be catastrophic.

And this was a lifelong decision for their daughter.

Cai Ni’s mother and father exchanged a glance, their minds unanimous, without needing to discuss.

They went to speak to the director themselves. After all, this job had been obtained through favors. When they’d asked for it, they’d been the ones doing the pleading; now, if they wanted her to leave, they just needed to say so. There were plenty of people waiting to take her place anyway.

But of course—the gifts they’d given couldn’t be taken back.

The director shook his head helplessly and said with polite resignation, “I was actually planning to get Cai Ni transferred to town in at most three years, but I guess you folks can’t bear to part with her. Well, what can I do? My ability is limited. Look at that other woman—she’s been here ten years already, and her kid’s in school now. What can we do?”

Cai Ni’s parents smiled and nodded humbly, “Yes, yes, we know. But she’s our only daughter—we’d rather have her close to home.”

Seeing her parents speak like this, Cai Ni felt a pang of pain.

In this respect, she envied Ming Xi, who was straightforward and so unbothered by others, feeling nothing but contempt for Boss Ming and Yang Yumei. She, on the other hand, had a complicated state of mind—hurt by her parents’ humility, stifled by their helplessness.

Love is complicated. So is the love between parent and child.

Still, Ming Xi’s idea had really worked—clean and simple. No tears, no fuss, just pack up and go home!

Cai Ni returned to Yicheng. Thrilled, she secretly called Ming Xi to share the good news.

Ming Xi was still busy counting items on the counter, giving her a few words of advice: “Now, think things through carefully. Better to stay home and study than rush into another random job. Keep an eye on the teacher certification exam. I heard from one of the sales associates that even elementary schools in Haigang are teaching English now. It’ll probably spread nationwide soon. There’ll be more and more demand for English teachers. Get your certificate first—it’s always good to be prepared.”

Cai Ni mumbled vague “mm-hm”s, lacking confidence as she answered.

If there was one thing she disliked about Ming Xi, it was this. After knowing each other so long, how had Ming Xi still not realized that she was a total dummy? If she could become a teacher, that would be the biggest joke in Yicheng’s education system.

They’d talked about it before, and Ming Xi had shamelessly and matter-of-factly countered her: “You can get in first. If you can’t teach English, switch to something else. Your Mandarin’s standard—you can teach Chinese.”

That was even more ridiculous!

Chinese? As if that were so easy—she couldn’t even write a 300-word essay.

“Then music.”

“I’m tone-deaf.”

“Art.”

“I can’t draw either. I can’t even draw a circle.”

“Then P.E.—you can jump around, can’t you?”

“I…”

“If you really can’t teach anything, just be a leader. A leader doesn’t have to know anything, as long as they’re thick-skinned,” Ming Xi said.

Shameless! Shameless! Simply shameless!

But every time Ming Xi said these shameless “wisdom”, Cai Ni couldn’t help but feel happy. She’d feel like maybe, just maybe, even someone as useless as her was kind of amazing. She even began to think—

After listening to Ming Xi’s nonsense today, maybe tomorrow she’d really be soaring high, a glorious leader!

Wouldn’t that be wonderful!

Cai Ni spent two lazy, cheerful days at home, lounging and laughing. Eventually, her parents started to sense something was off. Finally, they realized that they must have been deceived by their daughter!

Thinking about it carefully, they realized Cai Ni could never have come up with that idea on her own. She must’ve consulted Ming Xi, the strategist.

Never mind. Ming Xi’s ability come up with this idea was also a subtle reminder to them—

Environment influences a girl’s fate.

If Cai Ni really did meet a wrong man in the countryside, they, as parents, would regret it too late.

Why should they care so much whether she has a “stable job” or not?

Work is important, yes—but only as decoration for a life already safe and sound.

If life is gone, what’s the point of working hard? Ordinary, practical parents often see the truth most clearly when it really matters. Once Cai Ni’s parents figured that out, they thought just like Ming Xi—they started pushing Cai Ni to stay home and study.

Whether or not she actually studied seriously didn’t matter; as long as she sat at home holding a book, they felt at ease.

Most people in this world were busy following formalism, while only a few looked past the form and grasp the essence—those few were the ones who break the order. That’s why most people live ordinary lives, while a few achieve fame and fortune.

Cai Ni might be dull and lazy, but she had good instincts. She believed Ming Xi was one of those rare few—and since she’d met a friend like that, she ought to stick with her for life!

In the future, if Ming Xi had meat to eat, Cai Ni could at least drink the soup, right?!

For the first time, Cai Ni began to seriously think about and plan her own life. When she told her parents she wanted to go to Haigang too, to look for job opportunities, her parents were so worried they couldn’t sleep the entire night.

The next morning, Cai Ni’s father made noodle soup in the kitchen and fried two golden eggs—her favorite kind, with runny yolks.

After breakfast, Cai Ni asked where her mother was.

“She went out to buy a few things.”

The third and fifth days of the month were market days in Yicheng. Cai Ni’s mother spent almost a month’s salary just buying all sorts of food. She stuffed them into a big woven plastic bag and carried it home.

“New Year’s already passed… Why’d you buy so much stuff?” Cai Ni asked, baffled, staring at the pile of snacks.

Her family could barely afford meat; things like nuts or treats were luxuries, only enjoyed once a year during the holidays.

“These are for you—to take with you,” Cai Ni’s mother said. Her words immediately touched her heart, and the next words moved her so deeply that her eyes watered.

“You want to go to the big city to find work,” her mother said. “That means you have dreams, something you want. Your dad and I can’t go with you, and we can’t stop you either. You’ll be on your own out there, and we can’t give you much help. If you run into trouble, there’s not much we can do. So I have only one thing to ask, one request—keep your stomach full.”

As Cai Ni’s mother spoke, she began to cry, too.

Cai Ni’s father quickly tried to lighten the mood: “A full stomach gives you courage, right? Our Cai Ni’s a brave girl, going out into the world!”

“Waaah—” Cai Ni broke down completely, sobbing as she threw her arms around her mother.

The mother and daughter hugged each, crying. Her father awkwardly rubbed his eyes but couldn’t squeeze out a single tear. Truly, as the man of the house, he was the strongest one of them all.

—

“Ming Xi, I’m coming to Haigang next Tuesday! I’ve already bought the train tickets!”

Once everything was set, Cai Ni immediately shared the good news with Ming Xi.

Ming Xi was happy too, but she was a little puzzled.

“Why Tuesday? Tuesday is my shift… But it’s fine, I can swap,” she said.

Cai Ni told Ming Xi, “You should check the almanac before going on a long trip. My dad looked it up for us, and the day you left last year and the day I’m leaving next Tuesday are both auspicious dates.”

Ming Xi was filled with joy. It really did seem she had run into a good day.

… Except last year she hadn’t left home—she was running for her life!

In the women’s restroom at Longmao Parkway, Ming Xi slipped her phone into her suit pocket and walked out briskly.

Like any office worker, she’d taken the chance to sneak in a quick call to Cai Ni during her bathroom break.

Ming Xi was of course thrilled that Cai Ni could come along, and she naturally thought about what Cai Ni would do after coming to Haigang. It would be best if it was a job that suited Cai Ni and that she could stick to.

With anticipation filled her heart, her eyebrows and eyes became radiant.

To others, even someone with ordinary looks would appear full of life with that kind of energy—let alone someone already good-looking. Ming Xi practically glowed.

Zhang Min was also a woman, and even she couldn’t help but take a few more glances at Ming Xi, the salesperson.

Yes, Zhang Min was at Longmao Parkway today. She also didn’t come alone, but accompanied by someone.

That morning, Gu Shuangyang had called to invite her out shopping. Zhang Min hung up the phone anxiously, almost unable to believe that this was a date arrangement that Gu Shuangyang would propose.

Shopping with Gu Shuangyang? Just thinking about it was exhausting.

And indeed, these days, Gu Shuangyang rarely—almost never—went shopping in person. Each season’s clothes were sent over by various brands; and if not, Yang Minwen would handle all the arrangements.

After “marryingthe Chinese word that was used here is “娶” (qǔ) meaning marrying a wife” Yang Minwen, Gu Shuangyang could devote herself entirely to work without worrying about the details of daily life. Unlike her previous marriage with Old Liang, where everything at home had been a mess.

When a woman’s family life was in disarray, how could she possibly thrive in her career? You can’t chase ambitions when you don’t even have peace at home.

Gu Shuangyang’s philosophy had profoundly influenced her son, Liang Jiancheng. Last year, Jiancheng carefully heeded her advice on choosing a marriage partner and opted for simplicity.

In summary, three words: simple, clean, and concise.

Simple — The woman’s temperament should be straightforward: speak frankly, act openly.

Clean — Her appearance and dress should be clean and neat, neither sloppy nor obsessed with trends.

Concise — That one’s self-explanatory: she should be clear and to the point in speech and behavior, never rambling or petty. If she’s hung up on trivialities, life itself would feel like torture—let alone accomplishing tasks.

From the six candidates she had arranged, Liang Jiancheng chose Zhang Min. To be honest, Gu Shuangyang was only half satisfied, but she respected her son’s decision.

Originally, the two families were supposed to start formal marriage discussions after the New Year, but plans stalled when Zhang Shiqiu suffered a sudden stroke on New Year’s Eve and ended up in intensive care.

As a mother, even with her hectic schedule, Gu Shuangyang still made time to show proper attention and goodwill toward her son’s future wife. After the Spring Festival, she’d traveled to several countries for her home-appliance export business and had only just returned last week. Having half a day free today, she personally invited Zhang Min out.

For this arrangement, Gu Shuangyang previously asked Yang Minwen about what kind of occasion would be suitable for her and Zhang Min to meet as prospective mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Yang Minwen, ever gentle and thoughtful, suggested that shopping together would be ideal—after all, having the future mother-in-law foot the bill could only leave a good impression. And, conveniently, shopping was one of Gu Shuangyang’s greatest strengths.

Gu Shuangyang moved through the store like a whirlwind—she had the poise of a matriarch but none of the restraint. She and Zhang Min bought armfuls of items; the scene was dazzling.

Except… the dynamic looked rather like a big boss taking her secretary shopping.

Gu Shuangyang herself didn’t notice anything odd, but Zhang Min certainly did. After enduring it for a while, she sneaked a message to Liang Jiancheng: “Your mom brought me shopping today, and I’m a bit overwhelmed. Can you come over and help me out?”

Gu Shuangyang’s aura was too strong. The attractive male sales associate who greeted her in the imported women’s clothing area was a little nervous and he grew tongue-tied under pressure. Gu Shuangyang cast a brief glance at the accompanying manager, Mr. Li, and said evenly, “Manager Li, could you please find someone who can speak properly?”

Li Jian: …

He almost smacked his forehead; his brain must be short-circuited! Where’s Ming Xi! Hurry and get Ming Xi here!

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