Cheng You slept until noon after a night of excitement.
The weather had been nice lately, with the sky outside a brilliant blue.
Duan Liping had woken early to make breakfast and went to the main house to call Cheng You.
"Thanks, Liping, I'm getting up," Cheng You called out, her voice hoarse.
She then nudged the man beside her.
Even after a long day of traveling by train and settling into the house, this man's stamina was incredible, not finishing until the early hours of the morning.
As a result, she hadn't done much work yesterday, but her body ached today.
Fortunately, it was winter, and her clothes were thick enough that a scarf could cover the marks on her neck.
Qi Chengyan lazily pulled her fair foot into his grasp and massaged it for a moment.
Cheng You blushed and shot him a playful glare, "Get up."
Her skin was flawless, not just on her face, but all over, as smooth and white as fresh snow, without a single blemish.
Despite her frequent trips up the mountain, especially for herb gathering, where she practically scrambled over every peak and valley, her feet remained as fair and tender as ever, showing no calluses, as smooth as tofu.
Qi Chengyan had a peculiar fondness for her delicate feet, even kissing them when overcome with emotion.
Thinking of this, Cheng You couldn't help but kick him again.
"The sun is already high in the sky. We need to go to your place for lunch later."
She got out of bed and headed to the walk-in closet to get dressed.
The floor was heated, so it wasn't cold at all, and she could walk around barefoot on the floor.
After changing, she went to wash up and then to have breakfast.
"You're going to the military compound today, right?" Duan Liping asked.
"Yes, what about you?"
"I'll just wander around the neighborhood and then go to the school this afternoon. I want to get a feel for the environment in advance," Duan Liping replied.
Cheng You slipped her some money, not much, just twenty yuan.
She knew Duan Liping wouldn't accept more.
"Don't rush to refuse. This is a loan. You can pay me back when you have money later. It's not a gift."
Duan Liping clutched the money, her heart warming.
In the two years she had been in the countryside, her father and stepmother had never sent her any money, as if they had forgotten her existence.
The money she had was painstakingly saved, penny by penny, in the countryside.
Cheng You was the first person, besides Sun Xiaowan, to proactively give her money.
She clenched her fist tightly, her eyes welling up.
Cheng You pretended not to notice, quietly eating her breakfast and chatting with her.
"I mentioned it before, right? That Qin Jianzhong is going to open a branch of his general store in Yancheng. Once your class schedule is out, you can help out at the store."
Duan Liping blinked in surprise, "Can I?"
"Why not? We'll need to hire people eventually. It's better to hire someone we know rather than a stranger. However, since you'll be studying, you can't be a full-time employee. A part-time job with an hourly wage would be fine."
Cheng You called this "keeping the good things within the family."
Duan Liping nodded repeatedly, "I'll definitely do a good job!"
Cheng You smiled and stroked her head, "Of course, I believe in you. You've always been hardworking, whether it was working in the countryside or studying. Because you're so diligent, you got into a good university, and I'm sure you'll become an outstanding talent and contribute to the country."
Duan Liping bit her lip, "Cheng You, really? Do you think I can do it?"
"Why not?"
"Because I think you are so outstanding, and I can't compare to you."
Cheng You chuckled, "My brilliance is my own, and it never hinders others from shining. Liping, everyone has their own strengths. My success is solely in pharmaceuticals, and besides hard work, I was also a bit luckier than others. There's no comparison. You and Xiaowan are both excellent, each with your own unique strengths."
Without that bit of luck, she felt she wouldn't have been bad, but she certainly wouldn't be as comfortable as she was now.
Speaking of which, there was never true fairness. She had an advantage over others.
Duan Liping lowered her head, lost in thought.
This was the first time someone had looked her in the eye and told her she was outstanding.
"Cheng You, thank you."
She would continue to work hard and shine in her chosen path.
"Eat up. Leave early and come back early. I'll make you something delicious tonight."
After breakfast, Cheng You saw Zhang Guihua and Yu Liang packing their belongings with disgruntled expressions.
She could only imagine what they were thinking.
"How are we getting to the military compound?" Cheng You asked.
"We'll take the bus," Qi Chengyan replied.
The military compound was in Shijingshan District, which was quite far. Without a car, taking the bus was the most convenient option.
Before leaving, Cheng You glanced at Zhang Guihua.
Zhang Guihua became wary, "Why are you looking at me? I haven't taken anything from your house; we're just packing our own things."
Cheng You smiled faintly, "Auntie, don't be so agitated. I just feel a little guilty about kicking you out like this and was wondering how I could help you."
Her smile didn't look like one of guilt.
Zhang Guihua didn't believe her.
"Where will you live after you move out of here?" Cheng You inquired.
Yu Liang sneered, "A weasel paying a new year's visit to a chicken."
Cheng You blinked innocently, "I genuinely want to help you. If I find you a place to live, will you go?"
"Where?" Zhang Guihua was already worried about that very issue.
Cheng You smiled, "The military compound! You're so silly. You're Zhou Qi's aunt, and now you're homeless. You're family. What's wrong with staying at the military compound for a few days? I'm sure the kind Zhou Qi won't refuse."
Zhang Guihua hesitated. She hadn't even dared to think of such a thing.
Yu Liang, however, found it feasible. He had been eyeing it since yesterday.
The environment there was so good; it would surely be comfortable to live there.
"We're heading home for lunch anyway. Do you want to come along?" Cheng You asked kindly.
"Yes, let's go together! It'll be good to have some company on the way," Yu Liang readily agreed.
With Qi Chengyan there, they were sure to be able to get in.
Once their luggage was inside, and considering their connection to Zhou Qi, Madam Qi surely wouldn't escalate the situation and kick them out.
Regardless of Cheng You's intentions, as long as it helped them achieve their goal, that was all that mattered.
Zhang Guihua quickly pulled him aside, "Yu Liang, this isn't right. Let's discuss it with Ah Qi first."
"Discuss what nonsense!" Yu Liang spat, gritting his teeth. "Where was he yesterday when we were almost kicked out? He gave us a phone number, but no one answered. I don't think he's genuinely trying to help us! Mom, Dad died saving him; he has a responsibility to us!"
"But... we should at least tell him."
Yu Liang waved his hand, "I'll tell him once we're settled at the Qi family's place. I promise I'll tell him!"
He felt no pangs of conscience; this was what Zhou Qi should be doing!
He was determined to rely on the Qi family.
The cunning fox, having achieved her aim, chuckled, "So, are you leaving or not? If not, I'm going."
Yu Liang quickly said, "Let's go, let's go! We'll go with you; it's good to have company on the road."
Since her son had made up his mind, Zhang Guihua had no choice but to follow, despite her reluctance.
At worst, she would explain to Zhou Qi later. She was sure he would understand.